Abstract: Bricklaying equipment includes a guideway extending along brick masonry being erected. A bricklaying machine displaces along the guideway. It has a robotic arm with an upper arm and a forearm. The upper arm pivots about a shoulder joint, and the forearm pivots relative to the upper arm at an elbow joint. A wrist joint permits a tool assembly, including a mortar-dispensing mechanism and a brick-gripping mechanism, to pivot relative to the forearm. The mortar-dispensing mechanism includes a form that receives and shapes a mortar charge, and a sliding gate mechanism that discharges the shaped charge. The arm is operated with a single motor that pivots the upper arm. Linkage constrains the tool assembly to move along a horizontal axis as the upper arm pivots and to remain in a fixed angular orientation relative to vertical. The arm is operated in response to sensors that detect vertical and horizontal distances to a mason's line.

Abstract: A device anchors a tubing string within a stationary well casing against rotation in a predetermined angular direction. A housing is installed in-line in the tubing string. Anchoring mechanisms are spaced circumferentially about the housing. Each anchoring mechanism includes a recess and an anchoring member free-floating within the recess. The anchoring member has a fulcrum portion and a bite portion external to the recess. Retaining rings partially overlaying the recess prevent the anchoring member from escaping. A spring urges the anchoring member against the retaining rings and urges the bite portion to contact the well casing such that rotation of the tubing string displaces the anchoring member. Rotation of the tubing string in the predetermined direction seats the fulcrum portion in a seating structure within the recess and causes the bite portion to bite into the well casing, locking against further rotation.

Abstract: Spaced-apart communication controllers connected to a cable-based network place a portable device in communication with the network for transfer of data packets. Each controller communicates with the portable device with packet transmissions through air, and requires registration of the portable device before offering packet transferring services. The registration process involves transmitting a packet from the portable unit requesting a response from controllers, transmitting a response packet from each controller receiving the request, selecting one of the responding controllers at the portable unit according to criteria that enhance data transfer, and transmitting from the portable unit a packet identifying the selected controller to complete registration. The selected controller transmits to other controllers via the network cable a packet confirming the registration.

Abstract: A gas-powered gun fires a projectile at a settable velocity unaffected by substantial increases in the operating pressure of a gas cartridge. The gun has a compartment for accumulating a charge of gas. The compartment includes a chamber whose inlet is controlled by a valve member normally in a closed state. A biasing spring urges a piston assembly within the chamber to deflect the valve member to an open state, allowing pressurized gas flow from the cartridge to the chamber. The pressure of the accumulating gas charge urges the piston assembly away from the valve member. The gas accumulated in the compartment attains only a predetermined threshold when the valve member returns to its closed state. A trigger-controlled discharge valve releases the accumulated gas charge at the threshold pressure into the barrel to fire the projectile.

Abstract: A regenerative hydraulic cylinder has a piston dividing its interior into a pair of chambers. A rod extends from the piston through a cylinder end wall. Several axial passages in the piston extend between opposite piston faces. A valve member is mounted over one piston face and has a sleeve that slides axially in a recess formed in the one piston face. Springs urge the valve member to a flow-impeding orientation against the piston face. A hydraulic pilot line in the rod, accessible at an external rod end, permits the valve member to be displaced away from the piston face to a flow-enabling orientation. The valve state is controlled to permit fluid flow directly between chambers during extension or contraction of the cylinder.

Abstract: A pill container has a lower part with eight compartments, and an upper part that rotates on the lower part. The compartments are side-by-side in a circular arrangement, and each normally contains a daily allotment of pills. The upper part carries a door, and a detent mechanism ensures that the door locates successively over each compartments. A button can be depressed to release a locking mechanism normally securing the door. A mechanical linkage simultaneously transforms axial displacement of the button into an indexing of a numbered plate relative to an indicator, effectively counting the number of times the door has been opened to remove pills. This provides an indication of the number of pills consumed. Manual rotation of the upper part to locate over a new compartment automatically resets the count. Alternatively, an electronic counter and display with appropriate switches may be used.

Abstract: A lighting circuit for a vehicle illuminates a back-up lighting element when a primary lighting element fails. Both lighting elements may be installed in a single housing, such as a headlight assembly. A dashboard switch places the primary lighting element in circuit with the vehicle power supply. In preferred form, a low-resistance coil is series connected with the primary lighting element. The coil is magnetically coupled to switching elements in a low-current flow path between power supply terminals. Switching elements in the low-current flow path control a low-power mechanical switch that places the back-up lighting element in circuit with the power supply. If the primary element fails, the absence of current through the coil triggers the switching elements to close the mechanical switch and to illuminate the back-up element. The dashboard carries a graphic representation of the vehicle. A light emitting diode on the representation is illuminated when the primary element fails to .pi.

Abstract: In a wireless local area network in which data packets are spread spectrum encoded, method and apparatus are provided for determining phase values that synchronize noise codes at network stations with received data packets. A synchronizing packet is first transmitted from a source station to various network stations. Each network station performs a wide-range search for a phase value that synchronizes the noise code of the station with the synchronizing packet. Thereafter, each network station performs narrow-range searches for phase values synchronizing the noise code of the station with subsequently received network packets. The stations switch to the wide-range search mode whenever a synchronizing phase angle has not been detected for predetermined period of time and switch to a narrow-range search mode whenever a synchronizing phase angle is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a carriage suspended with wheels from an overhead track. A suspension mechanism supports a passenger or cargo car from the carriage. The suspension mechanism includes horizontal pivot joint that allows the car to swing about a horizontal axis when traversing bends. A sliding connection between the car and the pivot joint permits the car to displace horizontally relative to the pivot axis. A motor rotates a screw thread mechanism to produce such displacement. A sensor detects inclination of the car relative to vertical in response to uneven weight distribution or wind forces, but is not responsive to centrifugal forces and normal swinging of the car at bends. The sensed inclination of the car may be displayed on a monitor, and controls permit the motor to be actuated to displace the car in a direction in which gravity applies a torque to the car that reduces undesired inclination.

Abstract: A receptacle holds a wide range of refuse bags in an open state and also functions as a footstool. The receptacle has an inner container that receives the bag. An upper part of the bag is folded over a resilient upper shoulder of the inner container. An outer container receives the inner container through an open bottom and has an upper opening to permit trash to be deposited into the bag. An internal portion of the outer container has an inclined camming surface and a vertical cylindrical surface that deflect and retain the shoulder to grip the bag thereby maintaining the bag in an open state. A cap fits over the opening of the outer container and provides a flat surface for standing. The cap and sidewall are structured to withstand an axial load of at least 300 pounds. A lower flange on the inner container seats against a horizontal floor surface and also seats the outer container contemporaneously with the gripping of the bag.

Abstract: A compact case for retaining a pair of skis and a pair of ski poles has two internal open-ended pockets which retain skis in side-by-side reversed orientations with their bindings nested. Mechanisms are secured to the case between the pockets to engage the bindings of the skis to prevent displacement along the pockets, and structures bear on the skis when the case is closed to press the skis into the pockets. Sets of clips retain the poles in spaced-apart planes located between the skis. The poles are oriented in a compressed X configuration (in side view) crossing over proximate to the bindings of the skis with their basket-bearing ends directed inwardly into the space between the skis and with the handle of each pole inset longitudinally from both the handle and the basket of the other pole. The exterior of the case is molded with forward and rear sets of parallel alternating grooves and ribs.

Abstract: Press platens are maintained parallel in critical central regions proximate to a mold between the platens. Leveling cylinders acting between the platens to resist downward action of a central ram on a movable platen. Data identifying expected local platen deflection in response to various operating pressures of the leveling cylinders are recorded. For each leveling cylinder, the current operating pressure is determined and the relative spacing of the platens proximate to the leveling cylinder is sensed. The operating pressures of the cylinders are controlled in response to the sensed relative spacing of the platens and in response to the expected local platen deflection for each leveling cylinder at its current operating pressure to maintain a substantially parallel relationship between the platens proximate to the mold.

Abstract: A plank for use on a scaffold. The principal component is a hollow integral aluminum extrusion with an elongate rectangular shape transverse to its length. The extrusion has a top wall, a pair of spaced-apart opposing sidewalls extending downwardly from the top wall, and a longitudinal locking structure located between the sidewalls. A complementary fastening assembly cooperates with the locking structure to secure the extrusion to a horizontal cross-member of the scaffold. Sheet material containing mineral particulates is adhered to the upper surface of the extrusion to provide a non-slip walking surface. After use in an environment containing dangerous contaminants, such as radioactive materials, the sheet material may be stripped for disposal and the extrusion cleaned with an appropriate solvent before re-application of fresh sheet material.

Abstract: A knock-down swing stage base includes a pair of extruded aluminum beams with generally C-shaped cross-sections. The beams are oriented parallel to one another and joined by identical aluminum cross-members. Each cross-member is integrally extruded with paired ribs defining a set of screw-receiving passages in a predetermined spacing arrangement. Sets of apertures are formed in the webs of the beams at regular intervals, each set observing the spacing arrangement characteristic of the set of screw-receiving passages. Each cross-member is located with its set of screw-receiving passages simultaneously registered with a set of apertures in one beam and a corresponding set in the other beam. Screws are used to releasably secured the cross-members to the beams. A combination of left-hand and right-hand screws are used to enhance resistance of the base to twisting. Brackets are shaped to receive and slide along an upper flange extruded with each beam.

Abstract: A foot-actuated lifting mechanism for a toilet seat requires no modification of the toilet or surrounding structure. The lifting mechanism has a hollow vertical housing, an upper transverse bracket for attachment to a toilet seat bolt, and a lower transverse bracket for attachment to a toilet base bolt. A spacing adjustment mechanism permits the vertical spacing between the brackets to be adjusted to accommodate different toilet dimensions. A pivoting arm locates under the toilet seat, and a floating connection permits pivoting of the toilet seat lid with the arm and simultaneous translation relative to the arm to accommodate differences in rotational axes. A pedal is free-standing on the floor surrounding the toilet and pivots on a fulcrum. A linkage mechanism couples the pedal to the arm so that depression of the pedal raises the toilet seat. The linkage can be extended or retracted to ensure that the pedal rests on the floor regardless of any spacing adjustment.

Abstract: A damaged hydrant casing which has an integral barrel extending below ground level is repaired without excavation. A support structure defining a horizontal work surface is clamped to the hydrant barrel. A powered groove-forming tool is supported from the work surface with a mechanical spacer and moved about the barrel to form a circumferential groove. A powered cutting tool is then supported from the work surface with another mechanical spacer and moved about the barrel to cut the barrel circumferentially above the groove. An upper defective portion of the hydrant casing is removed and only a stub portion of the barrel remains above ground. A split flange with a frangible inner lip is secured to the stub portion of the barrel with the lip seated in the circumferential groove. Another hydrant casing having a lower complementary flange is then seated on the split flange, and the two flanges are secured to one another with bolts. The support member is then released and removed.

Abstract: A wireless packet communication system is operable in a frequency band occupied by other transmission sources. The system includes a base station and several remote stations. Each remote station has a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data packets on electromagnetic carriers. The carrier frequency of the transceiver is selected in a pseudorandom manner from a predetermined set of carrier frequencies prior to transmission of each packet or in response to detection of transmission errors. Each carrier frequency may be associated with a unique pseudorandom noise code used to spread spectrum encode packets. The base station has a number of transceivers which operate simultaneously at the different carrier frequencies and which generate different noise codes for spread spectrum encoding and decoding. The base station records data for each remote station identifying the transceiver which last received a data packet and transmits packets addressed to each remote station with the identified transceiver.

Abstract: A landfill site is adapted to collect leachate seeping from landfill. A liner impedes passage of liquids between the landfill and a subjacent stratum. A leachate collection layer formed of drainage material is located between the liner and the landfill. Apertured conduits embedded within the drainage material convey the leachate to a pair of subsurface gallery extending along opposite sides of the site and accessible from the surface. Each collection conduit has a discharge end extending through the gallery sidewall where leachate flows can be inspected and obstructions in the conduit can be removed. A groundwater gallery is constructed below the liner in the subjacent stratum and is also accessible from the surface. Blind-ended slots in the upper surface of the stratum are filled with drainage material. Apertured groundwater collection conduits in the slots convey groundwater into the interior of the gallery.

Abstract: In a press having a lower stationary platen, an upper movable platen, a hydraulic ram that travels with the upper platen, light-duty cylinders that position the upper platen, and a gate mechanism that closes above the ram to permit the ram to drive the upper platen during compression phases of operation, method and apparatus for adjusting the clearance between the upper and lower platens. A number of cylindrical spacers can be distributed, as desired, between an upper end of the ram and a spacer retaining mechanism located above the gate mechanism. The spacers are shaped to vertically interlock to form a stable stack atop the ram. The retaining mechanism extends downwardly from an upper cross-head of the press and is received in the interior of the stack of spacers. The retaining mechanism has spring-biased locking members that can locate below an internal lip of any spacer.