Abstract: An apparatus for handling a plurality of lids or other predominately flat articles having two discrete sides, such as a top and bottom, delivering them in a common orientation, which includes a conveyor system for carrying the articles along the apparatus from an inlet end to a final discharge end and an air jet nozzle which directs compressed air to engage at least some of the articles to change their orientation. The conveyor system may include a number of orienting surfaces with at least a single disjoined area to provide conditions for article orientation, or re-orientation in specialized cases. The appropriate arrangement of any two of these surfaces provides varying degrees of automated flipping. Various forces, such as, but not limited to, air, vacuum and gravity, either separately or in combination, may assist in the flipping process. Such forces are selectively enabled by the detection of an improperly oriented article.

Abstract: A light box includes a lower casing and an upper casing pivotally connected to the lower casing. A lighting element is pivotally mounted to the inner side of the lower casing. A plurality of pairs of spaced ridges are provided on both longitudinal sides of the inner periphery of the lower casing. A plate is pivotally received in the inner side of the upper casing at an upper side thereof. The lower side of the plate is selectively supported by one of the pairs of the ridges. A hologram is provided on one side of the plate which faces the lighting element. When the upper casing is opened to a pre-determined extent, the lighting element is switched on. Under adjustment of the inclination of the hologram plate and the lighting element, a viewer may appreciate various images contained in the hologram.

Abstract: A system for igniting a plasma in thin film processing is shown whereby matching network impedances are varied to effect voltage changes. Shunt and series capacitors vary around a limited range so as to achieve substantially all possibilities. A programmed routine of varying in phase, out of phase, and 90.degree. apart in phase is accomplished with a range +/-10% of full variation around some prior value likely to support ignition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preengineering a solvent bond is disclosed. It creates the possibility of preestablishing designs to self-optimize the characteristics of the resultant solvent bond. These characteristics can thus be chosen by the part designer with confidence that inherent variations in the assembly process will not unduly impact the resultant bond. Setting the volume of dissolved material with acting upon it in the dissolved state are included.

Abstract: A bypass filter system for use in low pressure, centrifugal type refrigeration equipment which allows complete isolation of a submicron filter element from the lubrication system through use of an inlet line shut-off and a return line shut-off. The filter system utilizes a variable regulator valve for balancing the operating parameters of the various systems involved to permit initial installation and set up, at which point thereafter the variable regulator may be replaced with a fixed regulator for continued operation of the system. Multiple devices for monitoring the filter element condition, verifying flow, detecting moisture, and displaying pressure readings may be used in conjunction with the basic device to enhance reliability and usefulness.

Abstract: A combination exerciser and baggage carrier having a rigid, main frame (11), force resistive pistons (17), force engaging plates (12a-b), handle portion (37), wheels (36), and a load supporting plate (32), is capable of selective engagement of either operational mode. The exerciser may be embodied as any number of cardiovascular workout devices, including stair stepping simulator (10), rowing machine simulator (40), walking/running simulator (50), and weight lifting machine (60). The baggage carrier is of the type used in areas catering to mass transportation travels, such as airports, and bus and train depots, and may similarly vary in embodiments, from standard two-wheeled carrier (30) to a multiple wheeled, horizontal push cart. The exerciser/baggage carrier is designed to tote one's baggage conveniently, then when such service is no longer required it is capable of space saving compaction, until when an opportunity arises, such as in a hotel room, office, park, etc.

Abstract: A combination exerciser and baggage carrier having a rigid, main frame (11), force resistive pistons (17), force engaging plates (12a-b), handle portion (37), wheels (36), and a load supporting plate (32), is capable of selective engagement of either operational mode. The exerciser may be embodied as any number of cardiovascular workout devices, including stair stepping simulator (10), rowing machine simulator (40), walking/running simulator (50), and weight lifting machine (60). The baggage carrier is of the type used in areas catering to mass transportation travels, such as airports, and bus and train depots, and may similarly vary in embodiments, from standard two-wheeled carrier (30) to a multiple wheeled, horizontal push cart. The exerciser/baggage carrier is designed to tote one's baggage conveniently, then when such service is no longer required it is capable of space saving compaction, until when an opportunity arises, such as in a hotel room, office, park, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a plurality of lids or other predominately flat articles having two discrete sides, such as a top and bottom, delivering them in a common orientation, which includes a conveyor system for carrying the articles along the apparatus from an inlet end to a final discharge end and an air jet nozzle which directs compressed air to engage at least some of the articles to change their orientation. The conveyor system may include a number of orienting surfaces with at least a single disjoined area to provide conditions for article orientation, or re-orientation in specialized cases. The appropriate arrangement of any two of these surfaces provides varying degrees of automated flipping. Various forces, such as, but not limited to, air, vacuum and gravity, either separately or in combination, may assist in the flipping process. Such forces are selectively enabled by the detection of an improperly oriented article.

Abstract: Disclosed are both methods and a circuit to achieve powers of many kilowatts in radio frequency amplification using a switch mode amplifier in a new class of operation. In operation the invention utilizes internal switch characteristics. Methods create a substantial voltage step at the end of a response time period which allows greater output power without increasing the maximum switch voltage, reduces the maximum switch voltage for the same power, and which permits reduction of the stress on the switch element. Utilization of internal varactor capacitance avoids undesirable circulating currents and avoids the effects of lead inductance. The design allows use of less expensive components and high voltage switches not manufactured for radio frequency applications by preferring a substantial internal capacitance to establish maximum power. Other components of the network circuitry are also coordinated with the internal varactor capacitance.

Abstract: A fitting is described for connecting an elastic hose (152) to a system through which a fluid is transmitted. The fitting, based on common barbed fittings, has an angled conical surface (8) which forms a smoothly curved line as the boundary between the surface and the base of the barb. As an integral way to resist rotation of hose (152), which engages hose (152) on its inner surface, one emboidment of the present device is designed with ribs (6) on conical surface (8), while another embodiment maintains such features (designated as 125) on stem (11) of the fitting. The anti-rotation feature is designed in such a way as to minimize any tendency of the anti-rotating feature to diminish the sealing properties of barb (2 or 121). Such a goal naturally is accomplished through physical parameters of the ribbed protrusions, such as height, shape, and length.

Abstract: An anti-rotational outdoor shelf (1) where an unobstructed surfaces (3) is supported from below. Multi-dimensional stability is provided by legs (4) angled with respect to a central axis (C--C) to transform load forces into stabilizing forces. Undesirable tipping, rotation, and revolution about a support member are addressed. A gap between surfaces (3) and the natural support, such as a tree, together with smooth legs (4) allows vertical sliding to avoid the need for tight attachment. The design compacts when not temporarily installed through slidable connections.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically testing an electrical coil through a surge tester. Comparison to a stored waveform through error area ratio computation is achieved by use of digital computer data processing techniques. A uniform threshold of acceptability is disclosed which is not dependent on voltage or type of coil tested. Statistical analysis may be programmed or hardwired into an embodiment to yield easily discernable manufacturing or field test information. Optimization of the entire process and the testing steps may also be achieved through an apparatus which may provide a variety of different output possibilities and which may be customized to the user's situation. Update and storage of test results is included as well as correlation with manufacturing data.

Abstract: A modular areaway system is disclosed having independent side wall members and independent step facings. The modular system allows quick and easy construction of units without the use of extra tools. The independent sections are detachably connectable to one another to form the final single unit assemblage. The means for detachably connecting is integral in part to each independent section of the areaway system. Male and female connectors are disposed on each section to make assembly of each unit by most any person simple and easy, as no tools are necessary. The modular system allows for replacement of sections rather than requiring replacement of entire units. In the event that any individual section is damaged or worn replacement of that section is easily replaced with a new section by detaching the damaged or worn section and reattaching the new section in its place.

Abstract: A portable, temporary roadway sign stand (10) with a single upright support (11), a first stabilizing means (12), and a horizontal stabilizing means (13), all of which are telescopically extensible to allow for a great range of adjustable features. Such features include, but are not limited to, improved stability, quick and easy assembly and disassembly, compaction, and variable sign display height. Other constituents of sign stand (10) provide essential wind rigidity, adjustment for various sign types and sizes, conformity to uneven, irregular and/or sloping terrains, and break-away joints for safety purposes. The present invention is also designed to conform to federal, state, and local regulations, as well as the "standards of operation and use" established by other groups.