Abstract: A delivery system for carbon dioxide absorption material includes a container for the storage of carbon dioxide absorption material, and a receptacle capable of receiving carbon dioxide absorption materials. The receptacle has a contact limiting membrane that substantially prohibits the passage of particulate matter from the carbon dioxide absorption material and allows the passage of gases therethrough.

Abstract: A wire guidance system for a materials handling vehicle, such as a turret stockpicker, detects an alternating signal carried by a buried wire. Two sets of four sensors each are carried at either end of the vehicle. These sensors define regions, and a procedure is provided to determine in which region the wire is located. The distance and angle of the vehicle is determined by reference to the distance measurements of each sensor set, as calculated by a microcomputer. A self testing circuit is provided to insure proper operation of the sensors and associated circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring torque characteristics of devices (20, 73) includes a first shaft (19) having torque applied thereto by a first device (20) and a second shaft (41) having torque applied thereto by a second device (73). Sensing elements (31) are provided which detect the forces generated by the torque of the first and second shafts (19, 41) and produce electrical signals proportional to the forces detected. A first coupling device (25) transfers the forces generated by the torque from the first and second shafts (19, 41) to the sensing elements (31). A suspension mechanism (57) permits the second device (73) to move laterally independent in two spatial dimensions with respect to the first device (20) so as to minimize any effects from mechanical misalignment and the structural support frame (10). The apparatus can be adapted to measure frictional characteristics of devices (20, 73) by providing an actuator (93) for applying a torque to a third shaft (92).

Abstract: There is disclosed a control channel interface circuit for interfacing a port processor of a distributed multiprocessor communication system to a common time division multiplexed bus. The detection, extraction and synchronization of control messages passed between a central processor and port processor via a TDM bus are handled by the interface unit thereby relieving a port processor of this burden. A group of control time slots within a system frame are dedicated for the transfer of control messages between port processors and a central processor. The interface unit also monitors the operability of a respective port processor and automatically disables a faulty processor.