Abstract: A scissors lift includes a scissors arm assembly secured at one end to a base and coupled with a lift mechanism that expands and contracts the scissors arm assembly. A platform is supported at an opposite end of the scissors arm assembly via a plurality of load sensing pins that detect a vertical load on the platform. An interface module receives signals from the load sensing pins and communicates with the lift mechanism, wherein the interface module controls operation of lift functions and the lift mechanism according to the signals from the load sensing pins. Preferably, the load sensing pins are sized substantially the same as the conventional pins they replace. As a consequence, no redesign or additional structures are necessary to install the load sensing system and provide a safe operation of the scissors lift machine.

Abstract: A stability sensing and load monitoring system for wheeled vehicles, in particular for the construction and agricultural industries, is disclosed. The system is based on strain sensors mounted on each wheel such that the measured strain represents the load on this wheel. A power source and a local wheel controller are located near the strain sensors. The data from the strain sensors is processed by the local wheel controller and then wirelessly transmitted to a single central unit, located in the cabin. The central controller communicates with all four local wheel controllers, collects the data, and then processes it to calculate the total load on the vehicle, its center of gravity, and the stability status.

Abstract: A scissors lift includes a scissors arm assembly secured at one end to a base and coupled with a lift mechanism that expands and contracts the scissors arm assembly. A platform is supported at an opposite end of the scissors arm assembly via a plurality of load sensing pins that detect a vertical load on the platform. An interface module receives signals from the load sensing pins and communicates with the lift mechanism, wherein the interface module controls operation of lift functions and the lift mechanism according to the signals from the load sensing pins. Preferably, the load sensing pins are sized substantially the same as the conventional pins they replace. As a consequence, no redesign or additional structures are necessary to install the load sensing system and provide a safe operation of the scissors lift machine.

Abstract: A computer input device consists of a long and slender, pencil like, cylinder which is horizontally and rotatably disposed on two supports at both its ends. A finger touching the cylinder applies a force on it which is countered by reactions at the supports. These reactions are sensed by force sensors and the ratio between them is used to calculate the position of the finger along the cylinder. This position is the “X” input of the device. The same finger can rotate the cylinder around itself in both directions. The angular position of the cylinder is measured by a rotary sensor and is then used as the second, “Y”, input.

Abstract: A computer input device is capable of being integrated into a keyboard and comprises a horizontal cylinder (1) rotateably mounted on a shaft (2) which is supported on its two ends by two resilient vertical members (6, 7) being fitted with deflection sensors (12, 13). A computer input device further comprises a resilient horizontal member (3) connected to two vertical members and fitted with deflection sensors (8, 9). The cylinder itself is fitted with rotary angle sensors (26, 27). A user's finger is used to perform simultaneously two actions, rotating the cylinder, thereby providing an “x” input, and pushing the cylinder downward at a certain position, thereby providing a “y” input.

Abstract: A load cell for weighing purposes which incorporates viscous damping inside a chamber in the body of the load cell. Specifically, symmetrical load cells have a central member which is where the load or weight is applied. This member is deflected under load as is common to all load cells, creating a distance change between said member and the static or fixed part of the load cell and in which the fixed part is used for mounting on a base holding the load cell. A round cavity or a cylinder space built into the static part accepts a piston which in turn is rigidly connected to the deflected part. Thus, upon loading, the piston has a slight movement relative to the cylinder. If a viscous fluid is then placed in the cavity such that the piston is immersed in it, a viscous damping will be achieved; its intensity depending on the fluid's viscosity, the geometry of the piston and cylinder, and on the load cell characteristics.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a hospital bed to enable quick, easy weighing of bedridden patients, provided as a retrofit device for attachment to hospital beds which are not equipped with such devices as original equipment. The device contains a load cell in a housing, with the housing arranged for mounting to a cross-beam of the bed. A retractable support leg extends through the bottom of the housing, and when the bed is raised on the support leg, the load cell is deflected to provide a reading of the bed weight. By performing the weight measurement once without a patient, and keeping track of changes in bed sheets and linens, the value of a patient's weight can be quickly determined while the patient remains bedridden. The mechanism which raises the bed on the support leg can be provided in several embodiments, including an electric motor drive, hydraulic piston, or mechanical foot pedal.

Abstract: A weighing device which is dedicated for use on a rotary table of a rotary machine such as a rotary fluid filling machine. The weighing device includes a symmetrical load cell. The symmetry of the load cell when installed in place on the rotary table is such that it is symmetrical about a line which is perpendicular to a radius line emanating from the center of rotation. The load is applied directly or indirectly at the center point of the load cell. It is then understood that this load point is also on the line of symmetry.

Abstract: A weighing device which is dedicated for use on a rotary table of rotary machine such as a rotary fluid filling machine. The weighing device includes a pair of load cells arranged in reverse symmetry with respect to a radial line emanating from the center of rotation. Due to the reverse symmetry, the deflection of each of the load cells will produce errors resulting from the centrifugal forces that will cancel each other, providing accurate weighing.

Abstract: The present invention includes new types of one-way clutches that can gradually and smoothly engage the load. The novel design of the present invention permits a multiplicity of several embodiments which includes a hydraulic one-way clutch (H.O.W.C.) and a damped one-way clutch (D.O.W.C.). The H.O.W.C. has a general configuration similar to a fluid rotary actuator. It has two or more collapsible vanes which are made to rotate about a pivot between a radial driving position and a collapsed position, in which the collapsible vanes are either partly or fully pushed away from the driving position. A body of fluid is filled between a rotor's vane and the two collapsible vanes to provide the desired damping effect. The D.O.W.C. utilizes an additional ring which is an actuating ring and is placed on an external ring with a bearing between the actuating ring and the external ring so that it can rotate around the external ring.

Abstract: A storage container for a plurality of flat objects is disclosed. The container has apparatus for successively displaying a surface portion of each stored object so as to enable rapid visual scanning. The apparatus rotates successive objects from a first display position to a second position which displays the next successive object.

Abstract: The present invention is a viscous damping apparatus for damping mechanical shocks discharged on an object. It comprises a container having an inner chamber which has a flat bottom surface, a damping member having a flat lower surface, and means for suspending the damping member such that its flat lower surface is positioned parallel and very close to the flat bottom surface of the inner chamber of the container. The space between the flat lower surface of the damping member and the flat bottom surface of the inner chamber of the container is very narrow and is filled with a body of viscous fluid. When the damping member vibrates and causes its flat lower surface to move toward the flat bottom surface of the inner chamber of the container, the viscous fluid is compressed, which in turn creates an extremely strong resistance force on the damping member that effectively damps the vibration of the damping member.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive shower diverter valve and method for diverting shower water used between a source of shower water and a shower head to control the flow of water to the shower head. The diverter valve is positioned between the wall outlet pipe and the shower head. The valve has an inlet port connected to the outlet pipe, a first outlet port connected to the shower head, and a second outlet port for diverting the water to a wall or a corner of the shower. A temperature sensitive directing means directs the water entering the inlet port to the first outlet port when the temperature of the water is within a range between first and second temperatures for use by the bather and diverts the water to the second outlet port when the temperature of the water is outside of the range. The diverting valve automatically resets when water having a satisfactory temperature returns. An electrical embodiment uses a temperature sensor and a microprocessor to control a rotary valve.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the magnetic heads in flexible disk equipment or the like. The device includes a cleaning disk made of an absorbant and porous fibrous material having an area saturatable with a liquid cleaning solution. The cleaning disk is rotatably supported within an essentially flat shell made of plastic or other material, the shell being similar to the plastic shells often used to contain flexible magnetic disks used in such equipment. The shell includes on one side an opening enabling the cleaning disk to come into contact with a magnetic head. Opposite the opening on the other side of the cleaning disk is disposed a removable member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning cartridge for cleaning the magnetic heads and the scraper of computer tape drives that use tape cartridges and more particularly streamer and start-stop drives. This cleaning cartridge can be inserted into the tape drive and can simultaneously clean the heads and the scraper by rubbing a cleaning pad against the heads and the scraper in a direction that is perpendicular to the tape path. This pad is made from an absorbent material that can be saturated with a cleaning fluid, so the pad will collect foreign particles when it is rubbed against the heads. The cartridge can be manually operated or it can engage the drive mechanism of the tape drive.

Abstract: A container for storing floppy diskettes or similarly shaped objects which enables a selected stored floppy diskette to be located and retrieved rapidly and efficiently is described. The container comprises a box having parallel guideways on opposite sides, the guideways defining storage spaces for the floppy diskettes. A lifter tree comprising a hinged support arm corresponding to each floppy diskette and located within the space for each floppy diskette is swingable to raise the floppy diskette. A rotating camshaft extending the length of the storage container has cams corresponding to each support arm, the cams corresponding to adjacent support arms being located at different radial positions around the camshaft. The cams engage lever arms located on the support arms of the lifter tree.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a floppy disk with fluid is described. The system comprises a mechanism for grasping the floppy disk about its center and rotating it, fluid absorbing pads which are movable into and out of contact with the magnetic surfaces of the floppy disk through the read/write openings in the floppy disk envelope and a dispensing source for providing fluid to the pads. In a preferred embodiment, electrical signals control the sequence of operations whereby the floppy disk is grasped by a clutch and spindle mechansim and rotated, fluid is dispensed to the pads, and the pads are moved into contact with the surfaces of the floppy disk to treat the disk. Periodic treatment of a floppy disk with a fluid containing a lubricant enhances the reliability and increases the life of the floppy disk.

Abstract: A moistened fabric pad is supported in a container having a cover configured to engage a type element. The cover is fastened to the container so that the fabric pad and type element are brought into contact. Rotation of the type element against the surface of the moistened fabric pad removes dirt and ink from all areas of the type element.

Abstract: A storage container for storing planar packages, such a floppy disks, having a storage bin to which a front cover is pivotally attached so as to be rotatable outwardly and downwardly through an angle placing the front cover to the rear of the storage bin where it serves as a supporting base. Within the storage bin is disposed a wedge rotatably attached, and with an actuating lever, which, when rotated appropriately, causes planar packages stored in the storage bin to be raised into echelon display, enabling observation of information that may be present on the upper margins of the planar surfaces of the packages.