Abstract: A volumetric metering device for the metered delivery of granular and powdery materials, particularly for machines for distributing such materials. The device comprises a housing formed in one piece of plastic material, a metering member which is supported rotatably in the housing, can be handled individually, and includes a plurality of metering wheels mounted on a shaft and clamped in a group between two flanges, a selective drive-transmission interposed between the wheels and the shaft, a scraper for cleaning the wheels in motion and anchoring the idle wheels, and a feeler device which is held at a distance from the metering member with resilient preloading.

Abstract: A multi-level meshed security network. The network includes a first level having a plurality of base units, supporting relatively high power RF communications, and a controller function. The second level has a plurality of transponders, supporting relatively low power RF communications, and at least one sensor. Each of the components of the first level communicates with each other and with each of the components of the second level.

Abstract: A tripod for supporting apparatus in general and, in particular, for optical or photographic apparatus and the like. The tripod has a spider, a pillar arranged to be housed with a stem of the pillar in a through-hole formed through the spider, and a head arranged for receiving the apparatus and connected to a first end of the pillar. In the closed-up or fully retracted condition, that is, in the most compact condition of the tripod, the head is at least partially housed inside the through-hole.

Abstract: A bucket for crushing and screening stone and similar materials. The bucket has a scoop-shaped body defining an inlet opening for the stone to be crushed and an outlet opening for the crushed stone, between which a direction of flow of the stone is defined. The bucket further has a stone-crushing mechanism including a first jaw and a second jaw housed in the scoop-shaped body and movable relative to one another. The bucket still further has an element for moving the first jaw relative to the second jaw. The element imparts to the first jaw a combined rotational and translational movement relative to the second jaw in which a first component of the movement is away from and towards the second jaw and a second component of the movement is substantially parallel to the direction of flow.

Abstract: A clip for an RFID transponder used in a security network based on RFID techniques. The clip includes a flexible, semi-rigid body engaging the RFID transponder via a slip or snap-in placement. The clip also includes an electrical contact interconnecting with an electrical contact of the RFID transponder, a mechanical member pressing on a switch of the RFID transponder, or both when the RFID transponder is placed into engagement with the clip. Such interconnecting or pressing enables enrollment of the RFID transponder with a controller of the security network. A related method of enrolling the RFID transponder in the security network, using the clip, is also provided.

Abstract: A manhole access way security apparatus and method for using the security apparatus are disclosed. The security apparatus includes an insert, at least one locking pin and a locking mechanism each interconnected to allow users to easily and quickly install a security barrier under a manhole, handhole or vault, and thereby prevent authorized access through the manhole, handhole or vault. The apparatus uses an insert that may either sit on the existing manhole frame rim under the manhole cover, or if there is insufficient clearance on the manhole frame rim, brackets may be installed under the manhole frame upon which the insert rests. In either configuration, the insert is secured in place under the manhole cover by one or more locking pins that extend radially through the insert and are then locked to the insert.

Abstract: A modular exoskeletal device adapted to fit the lower extremities of a patient during rehabilitation. The device has only two actuators during the standing stage of rehabilitation. Two additional actuators can be added, as modules, during the walking stage of rehabilitation. The actuators are affixed to the patient and provide controlled motion to at least one of the joints of the patient. A stationary control unit is separated from the patient. The control unit communicates with and directs the actuators, and has a hybrid control algorithm, such that the actuator forces are adjusted as the patient regains control of some joint motions, which is based upon the sliding-mode control theory. A back brace is affixed to the patient and helps to keep the torso of the patient in a stable, substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A tool, particularly for milling operations, capable of being driven in rotation about its own main axis. The tool has a core provided with a plurality of abrasive elements extending from the core radially to the axis and spaced apart from each other angularly. Between at least one pair of abrasive elements adjacent to each other is provided at least one respective gap in the form of a cut extending radially in the core to a predefined distance from the axis.

Abstract: A method for enrolling devices in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The method prevents unauthorized devices from engaging in communications by and between the various devices in the security system. While the security system may have long RF range during normal operation, the RFID readers of the security system reduce their read range during an enrollment operation. A user must be physically proximate to an RFID reader to enroll any device. The controller has an associated master key RFID transponder containing at least one code necessary for enabling enrollment of an RFID reader. This master key RFID transponder can only be read during enrollment. RFID transponders and RFID readers also exchange at least one code during the enrollment of RFID transponders. The codes can enable encrypted communications during normal system operation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling communications in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The RFID reader of the security system can be provided with multiple modulation techniques, multiple antennas, and the capability to vary its power level and carrier frequency. The controller of the security system determines which RFID readers may transmit, at what times, and the parameters with which to transmit. The RFID transponders of the security system limit their transmissions to responses only, and only when information to transmit exists. The controller may vary the parameters used by the RFID reader based upon the RFID transponder that is being addressed. The RFID reader can detect interference or jamming, and respond.

Abstract: A communications architecture for a security network using low power and high power wireless communications. The low power and high power wireless communications will typically be operating in different frequency bands and at different transmit power levels. The security network contains base units and transponders. Base units may be in the form of cordless phone handsets or cordless phone base stations. Transmissions from a transponder may be received at more than one base unit. A base unit may forward communications from a transponder to another base unit. Transponder communications may contain identifying information and may further encrypt information sent in the communications. Base units may contain data used in determining whether to route communications to another base unit.

Abstract: An RFID transponder for use in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The RFID transponder may be connected to an intrusion sensor. Example intrusion sensors are magnetically sensitive relay or LED detectors. The RFID transponder may also be connected to a passive infrared sensor. The RFID transponder can contain a battery, and the battery can be recharged by receiving and converting RF energy transmitted by the RFID reader. The security system also supports RFID transponders that may be carried by persons or animals, of that may contain a button used to signal an event such as an emergency. The RFID transponder typically uses backscatter modulation for responses, and can accept various modulation techniques for inbound wireless communications. The RFID transponder only responds when permitted.

Abstract: A security network containing multiple controller functions that communicate using wireless communications. The controller functions are contained within base units. One controller function may be the master controller. Other controller functions may receive a copy of the configuration data contained within the master controller. If the master controller fails, another controller function may become the master controller. The controller functions may use encryption keys to encrypt and/or authenticate communications. Some base units may contain a telecommunications interface. Controller units may relay communications between themselves to reach a telecommunications interface. Controller functions located in different buildings may communicate. Controller functions may each receive wireless communications from a transponder and combine the received communications to reduce errors.

Abstract: An RFID reader for use in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The RFID reader can use power line carrier communications to communicate with the controllers in the security system. The RFID reader of the security system can be provided with multiple modulation techniques, multiple antennas, and the capability to vary its power level and carrier frequency. The controller of the security system determines which RFID readers may transmit, at what times, and the parameters with which to transmit. The RFID reader can detect interference or jamming, and respond. The RFID reader can transmit RF energy useful for detecting motion or for charging the batteries in RFID transponders. The RFID reader can receive wireless communications from active transmitters or from other RFID readers.

Abstract: A controller for use in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The controller can use power line carrier communications to communicate with other devices in the security system. The controller can use a modem or wireless module to connect to public networks. Multiple controllers can be used in a system, and the controllers can arbitrate to determine a master controller. The controller contains configuration data and tables that define the relationships between devices in the security system. The controller can receive communications from other devices in the system and can interface with legacy devices previously used with wired security systems. The controller can send messages based upon predetermined events, and can support a remote alerting function.

Abstract: An immersion heater device for aquariums and the like. The heater device has a casing which contains a heating element. The casing, at least in the region of a radiant zone of the heating element, includes a layered structure having at least one layer of metal material and one layer of plastic material. The layer of metal material is interposed between the heating element and the layer of plastic material.

Abstract: A method of joining workpieces using a solder alloy. The alloy contains either at least 1% or a maximum of about 10% by weight of an element or a mixture of elements selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, and tantalum; either at least 0.01% or 0.01–10% by weight of an element or a mixture of elements selected from the group of the lanthanides (rare earths); either at least 0.5% or 0.5–10% by weight of an element or a mixture of elements selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, and indium; optionally either at least 0.01% or 0.01–1% by weight of gallium; and a remainder consisting of tin, lead, or of a mixture of tin and lead.