Abstract: A performance monitor determines a performance characteristic of a plurality of dispensers receiving fluid from a reservoir. Each of the plurality of dispensers has an actuator that, when actuated, causes the each of the dispensers to generate a droplet of the fluid. A driver generates a drive command to the actuator to adjust a physical attribute of the droplet based on the performance characteristic to satisfy a performance criteria.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided for cleaning of dirty, clogged sandpaper, particularly large, industrial size sandpaper belts (190) used in furniture making operations. The apparatus (10) includes a drum (58) adapted to support a belt (190), together with blasting means (16) adjacent the drum (58) for creating a stream of particulates directed toward a portion of the belt (190) for cleaning purposes. Positioning means (18) is also provided for selectively changing the relative orientation of the blasting means (16) and the belt (190) in order successively clean different portions of the belt (190). Preferably, a laterally reciprocal nozzle (108) is employed for creating the particulate stream, and the belt (190) is intermittently shifted via a pneumatic mechanism (158) to present successive portions of the belt (190) for cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A stronger screwdriver blade is disclosed which is particularly effective for driving round-headed screws. The screwdriver blade has an elongate shank with a tapered end extending from the shank and terminating in a tip. The tip has a straight edge perpendicular to the shank and has a predetermined length and thickness, with side edges extending back toward the shank from ends of the end edge. The tip has substantially parallel, planar sides extending back toward the shank from the end edge to inner edges which, at the side edges, are spaced a distance from the end edge which is approximately equal to the thickness of the end edge. The inner edges are curved with the planar sides being from one and one-half to three and one-half times as wide at central portions as at end portions. From the inner edges, opposite side surfaces of the tapered end extend abruptly outwardly in a direction toward the shank so that the blade tip is thicker at high stress areas thereof.

Abstract: A screwdriver blade is provided which has greater resistance to failure. The screwdriver blade includes an elongate shank with a tapered end extending from the shank and terminating in a tip. The tip has a straight edge perpendicular to the shank and is of a predetermined thickness, with parallel, planar sides extending back from the edge a distance which is approximately equal to the thickness of the edge. Opposite surfaces of the blade end then extend abruptly outwardly in a direction toward the shank, each at an angle of approximately fifteen degrees to an axis of the blade. An analysis has indicated that the greatest stress in a screwdriver blade occurs at a predetermined distance back from the straight edge of the blade. The new blade is thicker and stronger at the areas where the greatest stress occurs.

Abstract: A debris collector for wide belt sanders and the like including an upper assembly. A plurality of posts include upper ends connected to the upper assembly and lower ends connected to a lower assembly. A bag assembly extends between the upper and lower assemblies and is shaped to receive debris.

Abstract: A device for cleaning abrasive surfaces used in wood sanding operations includes a frame attached to the frame of a belt sanding machine. A retainer assembly is carried by the frame and receives a block of natural or synthetic rubber cleaning material. The retainer assembly and associated block are selectively moved into position whereby abrasive contact of the block with a running belt for cleaning is achieved. The movement of the cartridge assembly is controlled by a fluid cylinder arrangement. Hydraulic withdrawal cylinders at either end of the frame are set to lift the cartridge assembly and block in an upward direction out of a contact position with the sanding belt. A central fluid projection cylinder is used to overcome the upward force of the two outer cylinders, for forcing the block into operative contact with the belt when desired. Controls are provided for regulating contact time with the belt depending on operating conditions.