Abstract: A high precision positioning device includes an end effector and a platen spaced therebelow for receiving a workpiece. One of the end effector and the platen is moveable in the X-Y plane. One of the end effector and the platen is moveable in the Z direction. The device includes senors for sensing the position of the end effector in the X, Y and Z directions relative to the platen. The apparatus includes a control system for controlling the movement of the end effector relative to the platen and adjusting the position of the end effector relative to the X. Y and Z position as sensed by the sensors. Preferably the platen is generally parallel to the X-Y plane and the Z direction is normal to the platen. Preferably the control system uses a position, velocity and acceleration control system for controlling the movement in the X and Y direction and an impedance control system for controlling the movement in the Z direction.

Abstract: A correction method for use with a pen based computer system includes the steps of receiving a insertion point coordinate; receiving an initial pen down coordinate corresponding to an initial pen down; receiving a present pen down coordinate corresponding to a present position of a pen; receiving a pen up coordinate corresponding to a pen up; defining an ordered set of points between and including the initial pen down coordinate and the pen up coordinate; determining a first time interval between the pen up and the initial pen down; determining a second time interval between the initial pen down and the present pen down; determining if the relative position of at least two of the initial pen down coordinate, the present pen down coordinate, the pen up coordinate, the first time interval, the second time interval and the ordered set of points corresponds to a set of pre-selected parameters which correspond to activation of one or a plurality of modes; and activating the mode.

Abstract: A three-dimensional metal structural assembly includes at least one composite strip having at least one transverse bend therein. The composite strip includes a web having a pair of longitudinal edges and a pair of edge pieces attached to the longitudinal edges. Alternatively a plurality of straight composite strips may be attached together to form a structural element. The composite strip may be used in an almost limitless number of configurations to form such things as pallets, shelves and floor grates. In addition, straight composite strips may be used to form such structural elements as H-shaped beams or C-shaped beams.

Abstract: A soap dispenser is used in association with a pump operated bottle of liquid soap. The soap dispenser includes a back plate, a cover, a pump mechanism and an outer shell. The cover is releasably attached to the back plate. The cover and the back plate define a volute therebetween. The pump operated bottle is positioned in the volute and the pump mechanism is operably connected to the bottle. There is a means to operate the pump mechanism to dispense soap. The outer shell extends over a portion of the cover and is releasably attached thereto. The outer shell can be interchanged with a plurality of similar outer shells. There is a seal between the outer shell and the cover. The outer shell may have a window formed therein and a printed sheet or advertising sheet may be positioned behind the window. Alternatively, the outer shell may have a logo or other design thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated grading process and apparatus for grading an animal carcass. The process includes the steps of generating and receiving signals; determining the location of the ribs in the carcass therefrom; determining a predetermined reference point on the carcass; determining a probing location; and probing the carcass. As an example the predetermined reference point may be the first rib and the probe location may be between the third and fourth ribs. The present invention also includes a method for determining the location of the ribs and a method for determining the first rib. The apparatus includes a base, a clamping sub-system for positioning the carcass and a sensing-probing subsystem.

Abstract: A stretch blow molding process and apparatus for the manufacturing of plastic containers includes the step of preheating the preform. In particular the preheating step includes directly heating the inside of the preform. This is particularly important during the processing of polypropylene. The method for heating plastic preforms for the stretch blow molding thereof comprises the steps of heating the outside of the preforms with at least one infrared radiation lamp and directly heating the inside of the preforms. Preferably the heating of the outside and the heating of the inside is performed concurrently. The apparatus for use in the preheat step of a preform during a stretch blow molding process includes a channel; a plurality of chucks and a method of directly heating the inside of the preforms. The plurality of chucks are movably connected to the channel and each chuck is adapted to receive a preform. The inside of the preform is heated as the chuck moves along the channel.

Abstract: A spade drill bit for use in association with a drill having a direction of rotation includes an elongate shank, a spade portion and a center spur. The elongate shank portion has a central longitudinal axis and one end adapted to engage the drill. The spade portion extends longitudinally from the other end of the elongate shank. The spade portion has opposed spaced apart planar faces and each planar face has a leading shoulder edge and a trailing shoulder edge. Each planar face has a leading face portion and a trailing face portion proximate to the respective leading shoulder edge and trailing shoulder edge that are twisted in the direction of rotation. The center spur extends outwardly from the spade portion along the central longitudinal axis. Preferably the center spur has an elongate flute that has a volume that increases toward the spade portion. Preferably a dimple is formed proximate to a corner leading edge which is between the leading shoulder edge and the leading longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A stopper for use with an individual beverage container is disclosed. The stopper has a generally tubular side wall with an upper edge and a lower edge. The side wall is dimensioned to fit snugly in the neck of the beverage container with a pressure fit. A bottom extends inwardly from the side wall. A flat upper portion is integrally attached to the bottom and is spaced upwardly from the bottom. An aperture is formed in the bottom or the flat upper portion. In addition, a vent hole is formed in the bottom or the flat upper portion. Preferably the flat upper portion is spaced from the side walls thereby forming a trough therebetween. Preferably the aperture is formed in the bottom and dimensioned to receive a straw snugly therethrough. Preferably the flat upper portion is divided into a first and second upper portion with a channel therebetween, with the channel being contiguous with the aperture and dimensioned to receive an upper portion of the straw when in a stored position.

Abstract: The fish feeding game of the present invention includes a floating game device which defines the boundaries of the game and a floating fish feeding device. Movement of the floating fish feeding device within the boundaries of the game defines play of the game. The game could be a field type game like soccer or a game of chance like roulette. The fish feeding device of the present invention is for use in association with a plurality of resilient fish-food pieces. The fish-food pieces may be fish-food pellets, fish-food morsels or a combination thereof. The fish feeding device includes a floating portion having an outer surface, a central hollow portion and an aperture formed in the floating portion between the hollow portion and the outer surface. The hollow portion is for receiving the plurality of fish-food pieces. The aperture is dimensioned such that one of the plurality of resilient fish-food pieces will obstruct the aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically treating foodstuffs flowing through a treatment chamber with low energy, high voltage electrical pulses for non-thermal pasteurization and/or sterilization. Instant-charge-reversal electrical pulses are applied to a foodstuff located between two electrodes in a treatment chamber, each electrical pulse having a pulse width in a range from about 1 to 5 .mu.s with vertically rising voltage to a peak followed immediately with a decreasing voltage through zero volts and continuing to a voltage peak of opposite polarity and rising vertically back to zero volts. The electrical pulses are very low energy (0.1-25 Joules/pulse) and the field strengths are in the range 15 kVolts/cm to 120 kVolts/cm. This instant-charge-reversal electrical pulse is shown to have a much greater microbial killing power compared to other pulse waveforms used to treat foodstuff.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reconfigurable modular drive joint that can be used as the basis for building and configuring robotic and automated systems as an interconnected network of individual nodes, with each node representing a single modular joint. Each modular joint can be quickly set up in either a roll, pitch or yaw configuration. A large number of different robot structures can be built using a small number of the modular joints in any of these three configurations. The modules are equipped with quick-connect mechanisms so that a new robot structure can be assembled in a few minutes. A robot or other automated system assembled from such modular joints is a true reconfigurable and modular system. The control system is decentralized. Each modular joint is provided with its own built-in control system and electronics. The modular joints each include a motor and associated sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells and electrochemical systems using a one piece or unitary electrode plate hereinafter also referred to as a double electrode plate (DEP) which serves to electrically connect two adjacent cell compartments and wherein the current flow in the electrodes is parallel to the working face of the electrode. In the cell designs disclosed herein the cells are assembled as a contiguous stack of cells (cell stack) appearing similar to a filter press where the electrical connections between adjacent cells are made using the double electrode plate. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a mono-polar multiple stack electrolyser (MSE) using double electrode plates wherein the planar double electrode plates connect cells in adjacent cell stacks. The mono-polar characteristics of the cell are maintained by the presence of an air gap isolating each adjacent stack of cells connected by each double electrode plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for distinguishing a boundary of an object, and the object itself, from its background. In the method electromagnetic radiation is detected from at least one field of view substantially spanning the boundary of the object and background adjacent to the boundary and superimposed or overlaid as images onto a detector. The method includes correlating spatial transitions in intensity of the overlaid images on the detector with a boundary of the object. When used for determining the attitude of a satellite with respect to the earth, the detector is a thermal infrared detector thereby providing a sharp contrast between the thermal emission of the earth and cold space. The invention provides a simple, effective method and device for determining satellite orientation and/or attitude with respect to a thermal infrared-emitting target body.

Abstract: A protective head gear includes a generally open head portion and a collar portion. The protective head gear is for use in contact sports by an athlete wearing a helmet. The head portion is generally open and has a crown segment and a pair of opposed side segments. The crown segment has a crown base and each side segment has a side base. The head portion is spaced upwardly and outwardly from the helmet. The crown segment and each side segment are contoured to and spaced from the shape of the helmet. The collar portion is hingeably connected to the crown base. The collar portion having a generally rigid layer adapted to be positioned around the athlete's neck and to transmit the force from a hit on the head portion to the collar portion. In use, the collar portion is attached to the athlete.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for in situ measuring thicknesses of ice buildup on airfoil. The method and device uses a probe including a radioactive .sup.241 Am gamma ray source producing 60 keV gamma ray photons which penetrate through the airfoil substrate and a photodetector mounted behind the source for detection of backscattered gamma rays. The probe is mounted on the interior of the airfoil and secondary radiation is backscattered within the ice layer and back through the airfoil substrate to the photodetector. The shape and density of the source holder in addition to the geometrical arrangement of the source and detector with respect to the airfoil substrate are used to block a substantial fraction of gamma rays backscattered in the airfoil substrate thereby favoring scattering in the ice layer over that in the airfoil material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. In one aspect the device includes a motor driven crankshaft to which are attached several longitudinal beams. The beams mounted on the crankshafts are offset with respect to each other in such a way as to produce a phase shift between the beams. Each beam is provided with several links pivotally attached at one end to each beam and the links are spaced apart along each beam by a distance equal to the desired wavelength of the wave being produced. The other ends of each link is attached to a flexible membrane which forms a support surface of the bed or chair. The links from the different beams are interleaved at equal phase intervals so as to produce a travelling wave in the flexible membrane so that a complete wave passes during each full rotation of the crankshaft assembly.

Abstract: An auger bit for forming bores having a circular cross section in a workpiece is disclosed. The bit has an elongate auger portion, a shank, a lead screw, a chisel blade, a spur blade, and a shearing blade. The elongate auger portion has an elongate shaft with a elongate helical land formed therein defining a flute between adjacent turns on the elongate helical land. The helical land has a lead edge and following portion. The shank is integrally connected to one end of the elongate auger portion and is adapted to engage a drill. The lead screw is integrally connected to the other end of the elongate auger portion and is for engaging the workpiece. The chisel blade extends outwardly from the leading edge of the elongate helical land and is for chipping material from the workpiece. The spur blade extends longitudinally from the elongate helical land in the direction of the lead screw. A cutting edge extends longitudinally from the following portion of the elongate helical land proximate to the leading edge.

Abstract: A blow-molded container has a container portion, and an integrally molded pour spout and an integrally molded collar. The integrally molded pour spout extends outwardly from the container and has an open end portion. The integrally molded collar extends outwardly from the pour spout and is spaced from the container portion.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon materials is disclosed. The hydrocarbon materials are heated to a temperature above 400.degree. C. thereby producing a gas stream. A gaseous plasma is generated. The gas stream is passed through the gaseous plasma thereby producing a heated gas stream. The heated gas stream is saturated with a hydroxide ion to produce a saturated gas stream. The saturated gas stream is cooled to standard temperature and pressure and is condensed to produce liquid hydrocarbons and waste gases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for the continuous production of a thermoplastic product having biaxially oriented components. Preferably the thermoplastic compound includes filler. The process may be used to manufacture hollow profiles or sheets. The product is made by a continuous extrusion process which biaxially orients the components by forcing a molten thermoplastic compound through a contoured die with a contoured mandrel therein and then cooling the compound to preserve the imparted orientation. With respect to the sheets a biaxially oriented hollow profile is formed, then cut along the axial direction and then flattened into a sheet.