Abstract: A vise jaw accessory that attaches to a conventional vise having a unique means of mounting above the vise, using a set of accessory jaw brackets, front and rear, with special mounting provisions for each, capable of supporting and positioning a set of accessory jaws that hold and stabilize a wide variety of irregularly shaped objects by means of opposing arrays of spring-loaded pins capable of individual deflection. The jaws are designed to be interchangeable to accommodate work types ranging from delicate to heavy-duty, as well as flat faces or other jaw face types.

Abstract: A vise jaw accessory that attaches to a conventional vise having a unique means of mounting above the vise, using a set of accessory jaw brackets, front and rear, with special mounting provisions for each, capable of supporting and positioning a set of accessory jaws that hold and stabilize a wide variety of irregularly shaped objects by means of opposing arrays of spring-loaded pins capable of individual deflection. The jaws are designed to be interchangeable to accommodate work types ranging from delicate to heavy-duty, as well as flat faces or other jaw face types.

Abstract: A plurality of scanner bars is arranged in precisely located holes in the frame of a media handling device to detect the passage of the lead and trail edge of media. The multiplicity of scanner bars, arranged linearly at a right angle to the direction of motion of the media, is sampled at some frequency. The scanner bars give not only arrival and departure time of the media from each scanner bar location, but also making some assumptions about the shape of the media, information about the orientation of the media relative to the direction of motion. This information can be used to diagnose improper media handling mechanisms upstream of the sensor or provide information to downstream corrective mechanisms. Preprinted test media, such as, ladder charts, etc., can be used to extract velocity profiles and other paper path dynamic characteristics.

Abstract: A portable printing system and method comprising a temporary framework set up to support a number of scanning, printing and finishing operations, all precisely controlled by a computing device which combines a stored representation of the desired image with the specific requirements of the target area to produce a final image upon the target surface such as a wall or ceiling or other large area. The system contains a number of extendable structural elements, a specially adapted printing head and drive system with suitable ink capacity and range of motion for the application of large images, one or more distance sensors and the required software programs needed to combine these elements into the formation of a finished image upon the target surface. Base primers, profiling of the target surface and finishing operations to improve durability and surface finish can be used to improve the quality of the finished product.

Abstract: A multi-purpose clamping device that stabilizes and holds a wide variety of irregularly shaped objects through the use of a stationary and a movable jaw, a linear ratchet and a rotary power cam; both used to engage the work piece, a pair of conformable jaw faces consisting of an array of spring-loaded pins to grasp the work piece, and a base with retractable stabilizing outriggers that ground and stabilize the work. The device is configured in such a way that it will lay flush on one side so that it can be used as a vise in an alternate orientation to allow access from both the top and the side. The base is also configured to allow the clamp portion to detach from the base in order to be used separately as a clamp.

Abstract: A self-learning diagnostic system provides diagnostics capabilities which may be applied to a population of networked machines or components and assemblies in a product. The self-learning diagnostic system uses both the components' own historical data and the data for an entire population of networked machines of a given product in the field as the training set to adjust critical threshold parameters for detection and diagnosis. The system includes a nominal diagnostic threshold setting module which sets initial thresholds and an adjustment module, which adjusts thresholds continuously based on machine performance data. A service records evaluation module checks service records periodically for correlations and an adjustment module adjust service strategies based on correlation data.

Abstract: A vise used for holding and stabilizing a wide variety of work object shapes by means of conformable spring action jaw faces. The jaw faces are designed to be interchangeable to accommodate delicate or heavy-duty work. Dual ratchet mechanisms and a cam-driven piston provide both a quick and convenient method of closure that maintains precise and significant levels of clamping force. If desired, lockout features are included that defeat the spring action of the jaws and allows the vise to act more like a traditional vise. In addition, interchangeable smooth faced jaws allow the vise to function as a traditional vise.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a stepper motor automated self-test routine that gives an approximation of the state of the degradation of the stepper motor and/or its driven load. The test includes artificially increasing the starting frequency above normal and/or reducing the operation current below normal by a known and controllable amount to the stepper motor and tracking the level at which the motor is just able to start operating. By examining the magnitude and/or change in these levels, the remaining life and reliability of the motor can be predicted. Alternatively, the self-test routine could be used in conjunction with paper path sensors to determine the start time for a stepper motor. The start times are stored for trend analysis.

Abstract: During the operation of an electronic system, such as a document processing system, machine and job data of the electronic system are collected by a diagnostic system for automated diagnosis or prognosis. Optionally, machine data and population based data are acquired from a database or server. According to one embodiment, the data is analyzed to determine an initial diagnosis of the electronic system. Based on the initial diagnosis, a determination is made whether a remote transmission is needed. If so, the data is sent via a distributed network to a remote diagnostic system for analysis. At least part of the collected machine data may be a signature waveform of a part of the electronic system. In such a case, at least the analysis by the remote diagnostic system includes signature analysis of the waveform. Based on the analysis of the data by the remote diagnostic system, a communication is sent.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a stepper motor automated self-test routine that gives an approximation of the state of the degradation of the stepper motor and/or its driven load. The test includes artificially increasing the starting frequency above normal and/or reducing the operation current below normal by a known and controllable amount to the stepper motor and tracking the level at which the motor is just able to start operating. By examining the magnitude and/or change in these levels, the remaining life and reliability of the motor can be predicted. Alternatively, the self-test routine could be used in conjunction with paper path sensors to determine the start time for a stepper motor. The start times are stored for trend analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying usage or weighting factors to static cycle counts or “clicks” as tallied in a document processing system. The application of weighting factors to a system cycle count when suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear to a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life for a replaceable element in that system. As such the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.

Abstract: A self-learning diagnostic system provides diagnostics capabilities which may be applied to a population of networked machines or components and assemblies in a product. The self-learning diagnostic system uses both the components own historical data and the data for an entire population of networked machines of a given product in the field as the training set to adjust critical threshold parameters for detection and diagnosis. The system includes a nominal diagnostic threshold setting module which sets initial thresholds and an adjustment module, which adjusts thresholds continuously based on machine performance data. A service records evaluation module checks service records periodically for correlations and an adjustment module adjust service strategies based on correlation data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing supplemental counts or “clicks” to account for recovery conditions in a document processing system. The application of recovery counts combined with the system cycle count when suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear for a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life of a replaceable element in that system. In this manner the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing supplemental counts or “clicks” to account for recovery conditions in a document processing system. Furthermore, these recovery condition “clicks” will be further modified depending upon the type of recovery condition encountered. The application of recovery counts thus modified when combined with the system cycle count and suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear for a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life of a replaceable element in that system. In this manner, the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing supplemental counts or “clicks” to account for recovery conditions in a document processing system. Furthermore, these recovery condition “clicks” will be further modified depending upon the type of recovery condition encountered. The application of recovery counts thus modified when combined with the system cycle count and suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear for a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life of a replaceable element in that system. In this manner, the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applying usage or weighting factors to static cycle counts or “clicks” as tallied in a document processing system. The application of weighting factors to a system cycle count when suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear to a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life for a replaceable element in that system. As such the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing supplemental counts or “clicks” to account for recovery conditions in a document processing system. The application of recovery counts combined with the system cycle count when suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear for a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life of a replaceable element in that system. In this manner the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.

Abstract: An intelligent power tool system for a manufacturing process using one or more sensors that provide information for controlling, monitoring and/or evaluating the process. The one or more sensors may sense a vibratory signature and/or electrical current during the process and supply information, such as a data signal, to a software program or other processor for processing. For example, using a database of stored data regarding vibratory signatures and/or electrical currents for one or more power tool devices used in the manufacturing process, the information may be compared and analyzed to determine if it is within a specified range. Results of such analysis may be transmitted to an operator and/or graphically displayed. The results and/or display may instruct the operator to continue with the manufacturing process or inspect the process step just completed for possible error.

Abstract: An intelligent assembly system for a manufacturing process using one or more sensors that provide information for controlling, monitoring and/or evaluating the process. One or more sensors may be mounted on a module assembly and/or on a powered tool device. The one or more sensors may sense a vibratory signature and/or electrical current during the process and supply information, such as a data signal, to a software program or other processor for processing. For example, using a database of stored data regarding vibratory signatures and/or electrical currents for one or more power tool devices used in the manufacturing process, the information may be compared and analyzed to determine if it is within a specified range. Results of such analysis may be transmitted to an operator and/or graphically displayed. The results and/or display may instruct the operator to continue with the manufacturing process or inspect the process step just completed for possible error.

Abstract: An intelligent assembly system for a manufacturing process using one or more sensors that provide information for controlling, monitoring and/or evaluating the process. One or more sensors may be mounted on a module assembly and/or on a powered tool device. The one or more sensors may sense a vibratory signature and/or electrical current during the process and supply information, such as a data signal, to a software program or other processor for processing. For example, using a database of stored data regarding vibratory signatures and/or electrical currents for one or more power tool devices used in the manufacturing process, the information may be compared and analyzed to determine if it is within a specified range. Results of such analysis may be transmitted to an operator and/or graphically displayed. The results and/or display may instruct the operator to continue with the manufacturing process or inspect the process step just completed for possible error.