Abstract: A window processing system and method for use in fabricating window frames or sashes. The system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm. The system further includes a tool support fixture assembly coupled to an outermost member of the plurality of members, the tool support fixture assembly includes a plurality of tools for performing cleaning operations on a window frame or sash during use.

Abstract: A window processing system and method for use in fabricating window frames or sashes. The system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm. The system further includes a tool support fixture assembly coupled to an outermost member of the plurality of members, the tool support fixture assembly includes a plurality of tools for performing cleaning operations on a window frame or sash during use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a rod for use in the preparation of a smoking article are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a length of optical fiber by housing the length of optical fiber in a duct, the length of optical fiber being so coiled as to extend along the duct and the length of optical fiber being connected to a plurality of fiber-joining devices positioned along the duct. The fiber-joining devices are contained in modules which are removably attached to the outer periphery of the duct.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a length of optical fiber by housing the length of optical fiber in a duct, the length of optical fiber being so coiled as to extend along the duct and the length of optical fiber being connected to a plurality of fiber-joining devices positioned along the duct. The fiber-joining devices are contained in modules which are removably attached to the outer periphery of the duct.

Abstract: A portable vehicle lifting apparatus and method comprising a plurality of ramps having a lifting bar means pivotally connected between each ramp. The apparatus, via the lifting bar meas, raises and lowers a vehicle which has been loaded onto the ramps.

Abstract: A portable vehicle lifting apparatus and method comprising a plurality of ramps having a lifting bar means pivotally connected between each ramp. The apparatus, via the lifting bar meas, raises and lowers a vehicle which has been loaded onto the ramps.

Abstract: A portiable vehicle lifting method comprising a pair of ramps, with each ramp pivotly connected to a base unit and having a lifting bar pivotly connected between each ramp. Once a vehicle is loaded onto the ramps, they ramps are raised by way of the lifting bar.

Abstract: A portable vehicle lifting apparatus and method comprising a pair of ramps, with each ramp pivotly connected to a base unit and having a lifting bar pivotly connected between each ramp. Once a vehicle is loaded onto the ramps, the ramps are raised by way of the lifting bar.

Abstract: A polyphase boost inductor battery charger having a switching current spike limiter that employs a switching transistor, such as a bipolar, MOSFET, or IGBT transistors, for example. The switching current spike limiter includes a controller whose inputs are coupled to receive AC line voltage from a power source and battery voltage from a battery. A comparator is coupled to receive the AC line voltage and the battery voltage. Outputs from the controller and the comparator are coupled to an OR gate. An output of the OR gate is coupled through a switch driver to a series pass switch which comprises the switching transistor. The switching transistor is coupled to the inductor. A flyback diode is coupled across the output of the switching current spike limiter. The switching current spike limiter controls current spikes that flow when the AC line voltage (V.sub.AC) peak is greater than the battery voltage (V.sub.batt). To determine the condition V.sub.AC peak>V.sub.

Abstract: A battery balancing system for balancing charge among series connected batteries. The battery balancing system includes a series connected battery array having a predetermined number of series connected batteries. A predetermined number of bidirectional charge balancing modules are provided and each respective module is coupled across two consecutive batteries. A controller is connected to each of the batteries for sensing the state of charge of each of the batteries and for providing control output signals that turn on and off and control the current direction flow of the modules to balance charge among batteries. Each module includes first and second series connected switches coupled across two consecutive batteries. Each of the series connected switches have control inputs connected to control outputs of the controller. First and second diodes are respectively coupled across the first and second series connected switches.