Abstract: An adjustable hole cutter for cutting a hole with a predetermined diameter in sheet or panel material includes a blade holder that moves along a track or slot to alter a diameter of the cut hole; a blade arc adjuster coupled to the blade holder; and one or more replaceable blade segments coupled to the blade holder.

Abstract: An adjustable hole cutter for cutting a hole with a predetermined diameter in sheet or panel material includes a blade holder that moves along a track or slot to alter a diameter of the cut hole; a blade arc adjuster coupled to the blade holder; and one or more replaceable blade segments coupled to the blade holder.

Abstract: A method is set forth for automatically adjusting screen and keypad brightness on a mobile electronic device having a light sensor, display screen and keypad, for optimum legibility under varying lighting conditions, with minimal eye strain and distraction. The method includes obtaining light level samples from the light sensor, and independently adjusting backlight intensity of the display screen and keypad responsive to the light level samples. Preferably, correct screen and keypad adjustments are made responsive to pulling the handheld device out of its holster notwithstanding non-optimal ambient light detection while the device is being removed from the holster. According to another aspect, the described method allows for ambient light detection in a handheld device where the light sensor and a message notification indicator share a common light pipe.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to enhance functionality of a power drill, comprising: providing a shaft having one or more threaded sections with different diameters, wherein a pilot bit is inserted into one threaded section; and selectably converting the power drill into either: an adjustable hole cutter by inserting a bar through the shaft, wherein the bar comprises one or more holders to receive cutting blades; or a fixed size hole cutter or hole saw by converting the adjustable hole cutter for use as a hole saw or a hole cutter arbor.

Abstract: A method is set forth for automatically adjusting screen and keypad brightness on a mobile electronic device having a light sensor, display screen and keypad, for optimum legibility under varying lighting conditions, with minimal eye strain and distraction. The method includes obtaining light level samples from the light sensor, and independently adjusting backlight intensity of the display screen and keypad responsive to the light level samples. Preferably, correct screen and keypad adjustments are made responsive to pulling the handheld device out of its holster notwithstanding non-optimal ambient light detection while the device is being removed from the holster. According to another aspect, the described method allows for ambient light detection in a handheld device where the light sensor and a message notification indicator share a common light pipe.

Abstract: A method is set forth for automatically adjusting screen and keypad brightness on a mobile electronic device having a light sensor, display screen and keypad, for optimum legibility under varying lighting conditions, with minimal eye strain and distraction to the user. The method includes obtaining light level samples from the light sensor, and independently adjusting backlight intensity of the display screen and keypad responsive to the light level samples. Preferably, correct screen and keypad adjustments are made responsive to the user pulling his or her handheld device out of its holster notwithstanding non-optimal ambient light detection while the device is being removed from the holster. According to another aspect, the described method allows for ambient light detection in a handheld device where the light sensor and a message notification indicator share a common light pipe.

Abstract: A fetal heart rate monitoring system includes an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting a signal to a patient and for receiving a reflected heart beat monitoring signal. A monitoring system coupled to the ultrasonic transducer processes the heart beat monitoring signal and produces heart beat information representative of the monitored heart rate. A mechanical or electronic steering system coupled to the ultrasonic transducer controls the location of the signal transmitted to the patent and/or the location of the received heart beat monitoring signal. A control system coupled to the monitor and steering system controls the steering system as a function of the heart beat monitoring signal to optimize the quality of the heart beat information in the received heart beat monitoring signals.

Abstract: A method is set forth for automatically adjusting screen and keypad brightness on a mobile electronic device having a light sensor, display screen and keypad, for optimum legibility under varying lighting conditions, with minimal eye strain and distraction to the user. The method includes obtaining light level samples from the light sensor, and independently adjusting backlight intensity of the display screen and keypad responsive to the light level samples. Preferably, correct screen and keypad adjustments are made responsive to the user pulling his or her handheld device out of its holster notwithstanding non-optimal ambient light detection while the device is being removed from the holster. According to another aspect, the described method allows for ambient light detection in a handheld device where the light sensor and a message notification indicator share a common light pipe.

Abstract: A dock leveler comprising a ramp movable between a lowered position and a raised position, an inflatable member positioned to move the ramp to its raised position upon inflation of the inflatable member, and an inflating device operatively connected with the internal cavity. The inflatable member includes upper and lower portions at least partially defining an internal cavity. An insert member is positioned in the internal cavity for maintaining a volume of gas between the upper and lower portions. Preferably, the insert member functions to maintain the inflatable member in engagement with a downwardly facing surface of the ramp, thereby inhibiting the presence of debris between the inflatable member and the ramp, and further expediting inflation of the inflatable member.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a ramp is movable to a raised position by inflation of an inflatable member, such as an air bag assembly. One or more filler members are located within an internal cavity defined by the air bag assembly, to occupy void volume therein. The filler members expedite inflation of the bag assembly when an inflating device is operated to introduce air under pressure into the bag assembly. The filler members also function to maintain the bag assembly in an engaged condition with the underside of the ramp, and to prevent the air bag assembly from fully collapsing in order to prolong bag life.

Abstract: A unitized nozzle and top plate assembly for use in a slide gate valve is disclosed which comprises a nozzle having porous, gas permeable walls, a top plate having an opening through its thickness for regulating a flow of molten metal, such as steel, and a recess circumscribing the opening for receiving and securing the discharge end of the nozzle to the top plate. The depth of the recess is at least 50%, and preferably 70-80% of the thickness of the top plate in order to minimize the contact between molten metal and the surface of the top plate opening, which in turn reduces the amount of flow-obstructing alumina deposits which accumulate in this area of the slide gate valve. To prevent leaks from occurring in the system supplying pressurized argon through the porous nozzle walls, the gas coupling that is normally welded directly to the steel can surrounding the nozzle is instead mounted on the end of a steel pipe connected to the can.

Abstract: The configuration of a thickened tube holder which flares outwardly at its downstream portion leaving an undercut which is engaged by a rocker arm spring loaded assembly. The pour tube is provided with a collar at its upstream portion, and an undercut mount immediately beneath the collar. Means are provided to induce a vertical force component on the undercut mount in the form of a clamping member which secures the pour tube holder to a depending pour tube mount. In all of the embodiments, compression is induced in the pour tube holder and at the interface between the pour tube and the pour tube holder to inhibit aspiration. Quick disconnect is also provided, and quick makeup for changing pour tubes and pour tube holders.