Abstract: An output metering pulse signal is developed by measuring impedances at input terminals which are connected through lead wires to a metering unit shifted between low impedance and high impedance states while output malfunction signals are developed in response to open and shorted conditions of the lead wires, each open or shorted condition malfunction signal being developed by sensing the magnitude of the voltage at an input terminal during periodic brief applications of a strobe voltage to the input terminal through an impedance. Such output metering pulse and malfunction signals are developed in each of a plurality of automatic meter readers and are stored in the automatic meter for subsequent transmission over telephone lines to a utility control center.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which has two concentric transfer tubes: an outer tube and an inner tube. One tube is used for aspiration of fluid, the other for infusion of fluid. The concentric tubing section has proximal and distal ends, the distal end being tapered and having openings for simultaneous aspiration and infusion eye fluid. On the proximal end, the inner transfer tube extends a proximal length greater than the outer transfer tube. The concentric inner and outer transfer tubes are both connected to independent supply tubes. The proximal end of the inner transfer tube, being longer than the outer transfer tube, pierces and protrudes through the wall of the flexible fluid tube connected to the proximal end of the outer tube. This protrusion provides a place on the inner transfer tube for its own independent connection to a supply tube. The tubing assembly is contained within and supported by an elongated, generally tubular housing.

Abstract: A luggage cart adapted to remain attached to the luggage during stowage includes a wheeled support structure and a pair of bracket members set apart by the length of a piece of luggage. The bracket members are conformed to the shape of the cross-sectional contour of the rim of the piece of luggage to be transported and are clamped in position between two halves of the luggage to connect the luggage to the cart.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data entry terminal is encased by an elongate housing of substantially rectangular dimensions. The housing includes upper and lower housing shells which are assembled into a water tight housing. The upper housing shell supports on an upper surface a display and a keyboard with typically alphanumberic keys. The area taken up by the display and keyboard defines an overall width of the data terminal which may exceed the width of a readily hand fitting grip. The terminal consequently includes in a central portion of its lower housing shell a grip conforming portion of an inwardly displaced lower wall bounded by inwardly converging angled sidewalls. The depression in the center portion of the housing adjacent opposite end portions is spanned by a resilient strap disposed longitudinally across the grip conforming portion. A user may insert a hand into a space defined between the strap and the inwardly displaced surface.

Abstract: In accordance with one illustrated embodiment herein, a personal computer system such as that known as the PC/AT is adaptable by means of its expansion slots so as to provide a multichannel communications capability, with a plug-in communications board providing interrupt vectors to the mother board of the personal computer. A communications distribution configuration for the communications channels does not enlarge the footprint of the system or detract from its appearance. As many as eight communications lines are connectable with the illustrated distribution configuration in a neat and orderly fashion.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a hand-held bar code reader has an elongated hand grip portion and a reader head portion which may be substantially spaced from a bar code data carrier during a reading operation. Light energy is directed outwardly through a window so as to illuminate a bar code sensing region in front of the window having a depth dimension of at least about ten millimeters. An optical system may focus bar code patterns in the sensing region onto an image photodetector in the reader unit with a resolution so as to read e.g. a bar code format with minimum bar or space width of about 0.0075 inch, or even less. Preferably the lens system provides a depth of focus for such bar code patterns of at least ten millimeters, so that a bar code pattern of marked curvature can be read in its entirety by means of an instant reading operation. Preferably the light source is of an electronically triggered essentially instant response type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for writing and reading multiplexed data in a plurality of data storage systems, including skewed XOR data for improving data retrieval integrity with minimal write time.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel injector installation and removal tool for use on internal combustion engines can be used to precisely locate the fuel injector during installation. The installation tool provides an alignment guide, as well as the mechanical impulse necessary to fully seat the fuel injector in the base cavity. The alignment guide forms a location skirt with projected ears around the perimeter of the fuel injector during the installation procedure and thus provides a means to assure sufficient clearance between the fuel injector and surrounding components without need for visual alignment.

Abstract: A fastener driving device of pneumatic type comprises a piston (20) within a cylinder (49), and a driver (21), connected to the piston (20) and movable through a fastener driving throat (26) formed by the housing of the device. A chamber (52) is provided within the housing to function as an air pressure reservoir. First and second valves (15) provide an appreciably lower pressurized air to the underside of the piston (20). The valves (15) are so arranged that when they are in a first position they allow a flow of pressurized air from the reservoir (18) to the underside of the piston (20) and after the pressurized air under the piston (20) increases to a reduced predetermined ratio to that in the reservoir (18), the valves (15) shift to a second position blocking the flow. The valves (15) are capable of shifting to a third position allowing communication of the air pressure under the piston (20) with atmosphere while continuing to block communication with the reservoir.

Abstract: A bag for collecting and transporting loose debris such as leaves, twigs, grass cuttings and the like in which the bag mouth is held open and positioned to receive the debris by a person, with the top of the bag mouth hung behind the person by a shoulder harness attached thereto and the bottom of the bag mouth being moved along the ground by the person's feet, engaged in stirrups which are secured to the bottom of the bags. The bag is fabricated of an inexpensive plastic material which is conveniently disposed when filled with debris.

Abstract: In a preferred arrangement, a lens system having circular symmetry in the hand-held reader focuses the entire width of area information onto an area photosensor array with a single flash of a ring-type xenon flash tube which surrounds the lens system and is symmetrically disposed relative to the axis of the lens system. In this way, the area information image can be disposed at any angle relative to the photosensor array, and the sensed information as stored in digital form can be rotated to a desired orientation prior to decoding.

Abstract: A traylike member is provided for use with a removable cover to form a container in which is accommodated a product. The traylike member includes a surface which subtends and supportingly engages the product. A marginal section extends from the periphery of the surface and is spaced outwardly from the product when the latter is engaging the surface. The surface is provided with a plurality of relatively spaced locating elements which are independently adjustable between operative and inoperative modes. When in an operative mode, the locating elements project upwardly from the surface and coact with one another to restrain relative lateral movement of the supported product with respect to the surface. When in the inoperative mode, the locating elements assume non-upwardly projecting positions relative to the surface.

Abstract: A support rail which may be used as a clothes support rail is provided, comprising an elongate support member and a plurality of means for receiving a hanger stem. The receiving means are mounted equidistantly along the length of the support member and enable an object, such as an article of clothing suspended from a clothes hook, to be supported therefrom. The receiving means each comprise a receptacle mounted to said elongate support member such that they are each movable between a first open position and a second closed position.Placing the hanger stem of a hanging device within the receptacle causes the receptacle to move from its normal first open position to its second closed position. When in its said second closed position, no additional hanger stems can be placed in said receptacle.

Abstract: A container package includes a series of similarly configured containers maintained in adjacent relation by a series of interconnected rings formed from a resilient deformable material each surrounding one of the containers of the container package. The rings may have one or more weakened portions that rupture in response to stress applied by a link connecting the ring to the container as the container is removed. The link may be an adhesive that attaches the ring to the container at a point adjacent a weakened portion or alternatively may be a bracket straddling the ring. Alternatively, a bracket having an inner cutting edge may straddle the ring. The cutting edge severs the ring as the container is removed from the package. The rupture of the ring in each of these embodiments prevents wildlife from becoming entangled in unruptured rings of plastic carriers once the package is discarded.

Abstract: A system is provided for receiving R, G and B data in digital form, such as produced by an artist using a "paint" program on a monitor screen, and converting such data to CMYB data for printing. The system independently determines tone correction values for grey balance control and color values and combines such values to produce a highly accurate reproduction of what is viewed on a screen. Calibration procedures are provided which rapidly converge and which allow quick and accurate adjustment, such as may be required to match a particular monitor and printing inks.

Abstract: A protective helmet employs an inflatable bladder on the interior of the helmet. The inflatable bladder has cells that extend to the lower rear octants of the wearers head and also to either the crown or upper front octants of the wearers head. The cells are inflatable through a single valve and properly secure the helmet to the wearers head during use. In the preferred embodiment, the helmet is fully lined with resilient material interposed between the bladder and the wearer's head.