Abstract: A system and method for fitting footwear and footwear inserts provides a removable insert which measures the foot by thermal imaging. The insert is provided with a thermally sensitive layer, for example a thermochromic material having a color transition interval within the range between room temperature and body temperature, that thus reacts to the heat transferred from portions of the foot in contact with the insert and temporarily changes color. The insert retains an image of the footprint for a short interval after contact with the foot, and can be removed from the footwear to examine the position and size of the foot relative to the footwear insole (and thus relative to the footwear) when the footwear is actually worn. For inserts which are purchased separately for cushioning, odor-reduction etc., the footprint image can be used as a guide to cut the footwear insert to follow the shape of an individual's foot.

Abstract: A guard rail system fabricated from standard-sized components, preferably extruded, comprises balusters fastened to a lower rail and to an upper retainer at fixed intervals. The balusters are provided with central bores for receiving fasteners such as screws through predrilled holes in the upper retainer and lower rail. A hand rail is slip-fitted over the upper retainer in locking relation, to provide integrated guard rail sections. Guard rail sections so assembled are fastened to end posts, preferably using mounting brackets having a flanged arm which nests in grooves or recesses in the upper retainer and lower rail to provide a safe, secure and aesthetically appealing guard rail.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting system and a mounting base for mounting lights at adjustable angles in order to direct the light at the intended target and compensate for changes in the center of gravity of the system as light accessories are added, removed or the light fixture itself is adjusted. The system comprises a mounting base, which has first and second pedestals and a cylindrical crosspiece disposed between the pedestals, a yoke which may be pivotably engaged to a light, and a releasable clamp fixed to the yoke which is pivotably engageable to the crosspiece of the mounting base. The mounting system thus has two pivotable engagement points, both of which may be adjusted independently in mounting a light to the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of coatings in a vacuum comprising a plasma duct surrounded by a magnetic deflecting system communicating with a first plasma source and a coating chamber in which a substrate holder is arranged off of an optical axis of the plasma source, has at least one deflecting electrode mounted on one or more walls of the plasma duct. In one embodiment an isolated repelling or repelling electrode is positioned in the plasma duct downstream of the deflecting electrode where the tangential component of a deflecting magnetic field is strongest, connected to the positive pole of a current source which allows the isolated electrode current to be varied independently and increased above the level of the anode current. The deflecting electrode may serve as a getter pump to improve pumping efficiency and divert metal ions from the plasma flow.

Abstract: The invention provides an arc coating apparatus having a steering magnetic field source comprising steering conductors disposed along the short sides of a rectangular target behind the target, and a magnetic focusing system disposed along the long sides of the target in front of the target which confines the flow of plasma between magnetic fields generated on opposite long sides of the target. The plasma focusing system can be used to deflect the plasma flow off of the working axis of the cathode. Each steering conductor can be controlled independently. In a further embodiment, electrically independent steering conductors are disposed along opposite long sides of the cathode plate, and by selectively varying a current through one conductor, the path of the arc spot shifts to widen an erosion corridor. The invention also provides a plurality of internal anodes, and optionally a surrounding anode for deflecting the plasma flow and preserving a high ionization level of the plasma.

Abstract: A mechanical system that separates bundles of paper and presents the separated paper on a conveyor in a single layer fashion, for further processing. The paper is accumulated in a hopper and fed into the mechanical separating mechanism in a batch mode. When sufficient volume has been admitted to the container, the inflow port is closed and the mechanical separating impeller are activated to rotate in the same direction, imparting bidirectional forces on compacted bundles of sheets or shreds, causing them to deaggregate. Upon completion of the separation cycle, the separated sheets are expelled through an outlet port and conveyed to a drop chute for further singulation, from which the singulated sheets may be deposited onto one or more conveyor belts for sorting.

Abstract: An automatic gain control circuit for an optical receiver couples the low level signal produced by an optical detector to a signal amplifier, preferably a double-ended differential amplifier with the optical detector output fed into the high input and the low input coupled to ground, the gain of which is controlled by a negative feedback circuit. The feedback circuit comprises a signal level detection circuit coupled to the amplifier output, such as high-speed Schottky diodes acting in conjunction with an operational amplifier. The Schottky diodes are coupled to ground through AC coupling capacitors, and oriented in opposite directions, so when the amplified signal exceeds a conduction threshold of the Schottky diodes the capacitors are respectively charged and drained, establishing a voltage difference between the input terminals of the operational amplifier.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a non-toxic environmentally friendly target comprising petroleum pitch and filler includes the steps of pre-heating the petroleum pitch binder to at least 450° F., mixing the petroleum pitch binder with limestone filler so that toxins in the petroleum pitch binder are neutralized, and setting the mixture into target molds. The petroleum pitch binder and filler are preferably mixed for at least 2 hours at a temperature of at least 400° F.

Abstract: An actuator for a press comprises a piston disposed through a small bore diameter high speed actuating cylinder, having a piston head disposed within the actuating cylinder and another piston head disposed within a larger bore diameter hydraulic clamping cylinder to apply the required clamping force to the press.

Abstract: A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video and data signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user's premises over conductors, preferably existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user's premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user's premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for installation for supplying superior closeup images of an individuals face and provide a height measurement device for witnesses for the purpose of identification with the steps of; utilizing sunlight to illuminate a subject's face for better exposure, always being directed towards the path of an individual arriving or exiting a building or structure, placed at eye level to avoid physical obstructions and a multiple axis mounting system to enable fine position adjustments. Preferred embodiments include a machine that is installed on a door frame or wall, facing into a building structure no less than ninety degrees from an existing outdoor light source, facing towards the suspects path of exit, a machine that is covert in it's operation and provides a height scale for witnesses to identify a subjects height as they leave through the door.