Abstract: A reproducing apparatus and method for continuously reproducing data including a memory configured to store at least heading portions of respective data groups from one or more data groups recorded on a recording medium; a reproducing device configured to read at least the heading portions of one or more of the data groups from the recording medium; and a controller configured to control the memory and the reproducing device, and configured to execute a cross-fading operation, in which a portion of at least one of the data groups being reproduced from the memory are cross-faded with a portion of at least one of the data groups being reproduced from the recording medium by the reproducing device.

Abstract: A disk device of the present invention includes a switch 136 for detecting a disk inner peripheral position of a compact disk, a projecting piece 132 formed on a slide bar 131 to detect the displacement of a movable body 115, on which an optical pickup is provided, outside the outer periphery of the compact disk and the minidisk in cooperation with the switch 136, and a linkage mechanism such as a rotation member 141 which switches a clutch 120 in response to the displacement of the movable body 115 outside the outer periphery of the disk, which is detected from the abutment of the movable body 115 with the projecting piece 132.

Abstract: An MD 107 is feed to a fixed position in a device by a case-stored recording medium disk loading mechanism having a slit mechanism 125, an MD holder feeding arm 108 and the like. The disk 107 is loaded onto a turntable 131. A drive plate 101 is provided which is driven in a coupled manner and refuges a non case-stored recording medium disk loading mechanism, which has a CD clamp 104 and a CD adapter 106, to a position which does not interfere with the loading of the MD 107 onto the turntable 131.

Abstract: An optical system for an optical head employed in an optical disc drive, which uses a plurality of kinds of optical discs having different thickness cover layers, is provided with a light source, an objective lens and a light receiving unit. A plurality of diverging light beams having different wavelengths are emitted from a plurality of light emitting points, respectively. One of the light emitting points is used depending on a thickness of a cover layer of a currently loaded optical disc. The objective lens is capable of converging each diverging beam on a data recording surface of the optical disc. The light receiving unit receives a beam reflected by the optical disc and generates electronic signals representing the recorded data. In this optical system, an image magnification M of the objective lens satisfies a condition: −0.144<M<−0.099.

Abstract: A disk device of the present invention includes a switch 132 for mechanically detecting a displacement of an optical pickup 114, provided on a movable body 115, to a disk inner peripheral position and for switching its internal state. The switch 132 also detects the inner peripheral positions of a minidisk and a compact disk. The disk device also includes a movable member 131, which switches the internal state of the switch 132 when the movable body 115 is displaced to the disk inner peripheral position. The displacement of the optical pickup 114 to the inner peripheral position on a minidisk or a compact disk is detected based on the internal state of the switch 132 and the flow direction of current supplied to the motor 116 for driving the movable body 115.

Abstract: A bearing (4) is mounted on a base (1) to retain a portion of the shaft (6) ranging from near a lower end portion to near an upper end portion, and a rotor housing (10) is provided with a rotor base (11) disposed at a level lower than that of an optical pickup (13) with a magnet (9) being provided on an inner peripheral surface, and a rotor boss (12) formed separately from the rotor base (11). The rotor boss (12) has a smaller outer radius than the outer radius of the rotor base (11) and is fixed on the rotor base (11) so that a side face is opposite to a side face of the optical pickup (13). Thus, it is possible to prevent run-out of the shaft (6) and to downsize the device with a simple structure. Furthermore, it is possible to use components 1, 2, 5, 9, 11 and the like in common with thin motors used with other types of device and thus manufacturing costs are greatly reduced.

Abstract: An information recording medium having a spiral or concentric-shaped groove structure along a track formed on a disk-like substrate. The medium has the groove structure wobbled in a radius direction of the medium and the track is divided into a plurality of recording units in the track direction by at least one radial boundary line. At least two adjacent recording units in the radius direction of the medium comprise one zone, and the groove structure included in the respective recording units within one zone has at least one of substantially the same number of wobbling and the wobbling cycle.

Abstract: A priority auto-control method of signal routes in a No. 7 signaling network is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, it can improve usefulness and efficiency of the No. 7 signaling network by newly defining a MHT message and a MHA message in accordance with a MTP signal message standard form. It then performs a test of the all available signal routes from an originating point to a terminating point by using the MHT and MHA message. It thus automatically optimizes the priority of the signal routes in accordance with a state change of the signaling network, without requiring operator intervention.

Abstract: A method for testing continuity of an ISUP relay call in an ISUP network consisting of a proceeding switching system and a following switching system, in which, in setting up a call, a preceding switching system transmits a call set-up message, that is, an initial address message (IAM), for continuity testing to a following switching system and at the same time forms a communication path loop, and upon receipt of, the IAM, the following switching system transmits a testing sound to the communication loop to test continuity of the communication path.

Abstract: A communication connection merge method and a node to be employed in the same can merge parameter of LSP, such as request bandwidth or the like, upon performing merging. The communication connection merge method performs merge process for consolidating a plurality of communication connection of a connection-oriented network at a node on the way of transfer route into a common communication connection by making judgment of possibility to have a common transfer route from a node to merge to an egress node upon merging new communication connection on setting for existing communication connection, modifying collateral parameter of the existing communication connection which is judged to merge the new communication connection for enabling accommodation of the new communication connection in the existing communication connection, and performing merge after modification of parameter of the existing communication connection.

Abstract: A method for sharing a call record between a first controller and a second controller is disclosed. The method comprises the step generating the call record in the first controller. For one embodiment, the call record comprises call parameters operable to establish a call connection between the first controller and a remote controller. The method also comprises the step of transferring the call record to the second controller. For one embodiment, the second controller performs as a stand-by controller and is able to take over the operations of the first controller in the event of failure of the first controller.

Abstract: An exchange comprises a plurality of distributed nodes for processing calls from or to a first neighboring exchange, two or more of said nodes being arranged to be connected to the first neighboring exchange by separate trunk routes, and a signalling point code being assigned to the node-end of each trunk route, wherein the signalling point codes assigned to the node-ends of the separate trunk routes to the first neighboring exchange, differ from each other.

Abstract: An arbitration mechanism provides quality of service guarantees for time-sensitive signals sharing a local area computer network with non-time-sensitive traffic. Device adapters are placed at all access points to an Ethernet network. The device adapters limit admission rates and control the timing of all packets entering the network. By doing so, collisions are eliminated for time-sensitive traffic, thereby guaranteeing timely delivery. A common time reference is established for the device adapters. The time reference includes a frame with a plurality of phases. Each of the phases is assigned to a device adapter. Each device adapter is allowed to transmit packets of data onto the network only during the phase assigned thereto. The length of the phases may be modified in accordance with the number of packets to be transmitted by a particular device adapter. A master device adapter may be appointed to synchronize each of the device adapters.

Abstract: An arbitration mechanism provides quality of service guarantees for time-sensitive signals sharing a local area computer network with non-time-sensitive traffic. Device adapters are placed at all access points to an Ethernet network. The device adapters limit admission rates and control the timing of all packets entering the network. By doing so, collisions are eliminated for time-sensitive traffic, thereby guaranteeing timely delivery. A common time reference is established for the device adapters. The time reference includes a frame with a plurality of phases. Each of the phases is assigned to a device adapter. Each device adapter is allowed to transmit packets of data onto the network only during the phase assigned thereto. The length of the phases may be modified in accordance with the number of packets to be transmitted by a particular device adapter.

Abstract: A multi-services communications device provides internal control over communications, so that computer control input is not required. Communications performance is improved, especially for real time communications such as telephone conversations, because the multi-services communications device does not wait on late or failed control input from the computer. The multi-services communications device is comprised of a communications processing system connected to a network interface, telephone interface, video interface, and computer interface. The communications processing system controls: 1) the exchange of telephone signals with a telephone connection , 2) the exchange of video signals with a video connection, 3) the exchange of data with a computer connection, and 4) the exchange of the data, video signals, and voice signals with a network connection.

Abstract: A network hub for interconnecting a first network transceiving signals according to a SS7 protocol with a second network transceiving signals according to a TCP/IP protocol is disclosed. The network hub includes means for interconnecting the hub with each of the first and second networks. A processing means within the hub converts received signals between being carried by the SS7 and TCP/IP protocols. The conversions are assisted by a translation table including active mobile identification numbers and IP addresses within the second network and a second table listing all signal point codes for nodes within the first network.

Abstract: A system and associated method for the synchronization and control of multiplexed payloads over a telecommunications network wherein the asynchronous timing relationships between multiplexed payloads having varied points of origin are retained subsequent to signal processing of the payloads for further transmission to a destination point. System modules 22 include a network interface section 30, a synchronization, multiplexing and control (SMC) section 50, and a processing section 110. The SMC section 50 includes network interface bus circuitry, payload segmentation and re-assembly circuitry, control and management memory and related circuitry, payload re-assembly circuitry, and processor bus interface circuitry. The processing section of module 22 provides means for data compression, echo cancellation, error correction coding, or voice and data encryption/decryption. The module 22 is dynamically configured through a software management and control interface.

Abstract: A liner for an induction furnace is capable of being removed intact or rotated. Removal allows the liner to be refurbished or replaced with a different liner. Rotation allows asymmetrical wear on the liner to be evened out by periodic rotation. The liner is preferably made of a composite material of inductively transparent fibers and inductively transparent inorganic cements.

Abstract: A thermocouple lance for measuring temperatures in molten metals has a protective sheath of multi-layered structure that makes it possible to improve the life expectancy of repetitive measuring devices. The thermocouple lance comprises a protective sheath with one closed end and one opened end wherein porous heat-resisting ceramic filler is compacted. Embedded in the filler is a pair of W-Re alloy wires dissimilar in their composition from each other. The protective sheath has the layered structure made from the cermet layers each having a molybdenum matrix and other layers of at least one selected from the class consisting of C, MgO, CaO, Al2O3 and ZrO2, both of which layers overlap each other in alternate layers. At least the outermost shell layer of the protective sheath is made of a cermet layer composed of any one of Mo—ZrN, Mo—ZrB2, Mo—ZrO2, Mo—ZrC and composite thereof.

Abstract: Binary and Quadrature Feher's (F).-Modulation/Transmitter-Receiver (Transceiver) with reduced envelope fluctuations and peak radiation, increased efficiency delivered by baseband, intermediate frequency (IF) connected RF (radio frequency), Infrared (IR) and other devices. A subclass of these systems has a constant envelope. Power advantages, robust BER performance and linearly or nonlinearly amplified narrow spectrum without the pitfalls of conventional BPSK, DBPSK QPSK and pi/4 QPSK is attained. Feher's FBPSK improved efficiency transmitter is compatible with conventional BPSK receivers. FBPSK modems are based on using quadrature structure where Q channel data is inserted in quadrature with I channel data for certain applications. The Q channel data is “offset” from the changed data by an amount selectable between zero (0) and a specified time. Further improvement in the spectrum is attained using correlation between I and Q channels. FBPSK modem is shown to meet the IEEE 802.

Abstract: A spread spectrum receiver uses a comparison of the magnitude of the code correlation amplitudes at equal power at a one chip spacing to the magnitude at a central position there between to determine if multipath interference is present. The lead or lag error from constructive or destructive multipath interference may also be determined. Inaccuracies due to such interference may then be corrected or minimized by, for example, determining the residual code phase error and/or the prompt or accurate code phase delay.

Abstract: A digital data management and order delivery system is provided. The system includes a storage device for storing digital data and a searching engine for developing a subset of the digital data stored in the storage device in response to inputs received from a first user. The system is also provided with a job order developer responsive to inputs received from the first user for developing a job order which includes: a) at least one copy of the digital data contained in the subset and identified by the first user; and b) a file containing information developed by the first user outside the system. In addition, the system includes a router for electronically routing the job order compiled by the job order developer to a second user specified by the first user.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in selecting prediction parameters, particularly in relation to, but not exclusively to, selecting motion vectors in the compression of digital video signals.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus measure blood oxygenation in a subject. A first signal source applies a first input signal during a first time interval. A second signal source applies a second input signal during a second time interval. A detector detects a first parametric signal responsive to the first input signal passing through a portion of the subject having blood therein. The detector also detects a second parametric signal responsive to the second input signal passing through the portion of the subject. The detector generates a detector output signal responsive to the first and second parametric signals. A signal processor receives the detector output signal and demodulates the detector output signal by applying a first demodulation signal to a signal responsive to the detector output signal to generate a first output signal responsive to the first parametric signal.

Abstract: In a signal cancellation method and device which can cancel input signals quickly and reliably (stably).an input signal is split into a first and second signal. The second signal is split into mutually orthogonal first and second subsignals which are recombined after the respective amplitudes thereof have been adjusted, The first signal is canceled by the third signal thereby obtained. The orthogonal subsignals can undergo amplitude adjustment independently, and the third signal obtained by recombining the subsignals after adjustment can become a cancellation signal having a really selected phase and amplitude over the first through fourth quadrants of the vector plane.

Abstract: An X-ray tube 1 includes spacer 8 which is cylindrical so it does not block electrons 80 directed from a grid electrode 72 toward a focusing electrode 25, and which has one end 8b fixed to the grid electrode 72 and the other end 8c abutting against the focusing electrode 25. The distance between the grid electrode 72 and focusing electrode 25 is set to a predetermined distance by the spacer 8.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving a message using a caller ID is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, it includes an advertiser and an advertisement service company unit adapted to provide an advertisement. The advertisement service company unit includes an embedded device for inputting and modulating information. A cable/mobile communication company unit adapted to provide a communication network to the advertisement service company unit is also provided so that the advertisement service company can use the communication network. The cable/mobile communication company unit includes an embedded device to demodulate and transmit the information. An advertisement service subscriber unit, adapted to be provided with the advertisement from the advertisement service company unit through the cable/mobile communication company unit is also provided. The advertisement service subscriber unit includes a device to demodulate and identify the received information, and an embedded display unit.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and associated method for communicating information to a predetermined location. The system includes a transmitter disposed at a first location and configured to transmit a signal containing an instruction code that uniquely identifies an instruction to be carried out. The system further includes a transceiver disposed remotely from the transmitter and configured to receive the transmitted signal. The transceiver circuit includes a line interface circuit configured to interface with a telephone line that is part of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and initiate a phone call over the telephone line. Finally, the system includes a central station remotely located from said transceiver but being in communication with said transceiver via the PSTN The central station further include a decoder configured to decode the instruction code.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for preventing the loss of a portable telephone using a bluetooth communication and the control method thereof capable of preventing the loss of the portable telephone. According to the control method, the portable telephone periodically measures a power level of a radio frequency received from an earphone when a loss prevention mode is determined, and detects a calling state between the portable telephone and the earphone. The portable telephone transmits a warning signal data to the earphone if the power level of the radio frequency received from the earphone is below a predetermined level in a state that the calling state between the portable telephone and the earphone is detected. The earphone generates a warning sound if the warning sound signal is received from the portable telephone during a bluetooth radio communication with the portable telephone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data transmission apparatus which enhances the safety with respect to leakage of encoded transmitted data by raising the safety of transmission of an encoding key or a decoding key. It provides a large capacity transmission line 152 such as a satellite transmission line for transmitting a large amount of data and a small capacity transmission line 156 such as a public telephone line for transmitting an encoding key or decoding key or information for the generation of them. The encoding session key 107 is generated by using a work key and a destination address of a receiving apparatus of the destination. Further, the decoding session key 108 is generated using one's own address and the work key. The work key is preferably encoded and transmitted through the small capacity transmission line 156.

Abstract: A digital image is subtly changed to permit its subsequent identification, without essentially altering its human appearance. The changes affect only a minority of the image pixels. By checking for the presence of such changes in a suspect image, a suspect image can be matched with the original image.

Abstract: A system and method for generating bounded-loss color transformations employed in the compression and decompression of multi-spectral images is provided. The bounded-loss color space transformations provide transformations from a first color space to a second color space and back to the first color space with bounded loss or error. The bounded loss or error allows for the near lossless compression and reconstruction of multi-spectral images transformed from a first color space to a second color space and ultimately back to the first color space.

Abstract: A ruled line extracting apparatus obtains circumscribed rectangles of pixel concatenation regions included in an input pattern, and calculates the most frequent value of their heights. Additionally, the apparatus integrates segments by ignoring a wild card segment, and calculates the most frequent value of height/width of extracted straight lines and segments structuring the straight line. Next, it performs a process for integrating/deleting straight lines using each threshold value based on the highest frequency value. Then, it checks/deletes a straight line according to a distribution of black pixels around the straight line, and recognizes the remaining straight lines as ruled line candidates.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for generating a combined output image includes an image generating unit, and an image processing unit connected to the image generating unit. The image generating unit generates a plurality of input optical image data, each of which consists of an array of input image components and corresponds to an optical image of a scene taken at a respective focusing distance. The image processing unit processes the plurality of input optical image data to produce an output optical image data that consists of an array of output image components.

Abstract: Black inverted noises in a white background due to resolution correction are reduced by an image processing apparatus which carries out image modification processing to invert at least a portion of a binary converted signal obtained from binary conversion of an image signal. An image signal S1 is respectively input to resolution correction means 201 and 202 using different correction amounts. The signal is then input to selecting means 310 from the both resolution correction means. The signal output from the selecting means is input to binary conversion means 400 and a signal S2 output therefrom is input to image modification processing means 500. when image modification processing has been instructed, a control signal CNT1 is input to the selecting means 310 and the selecting means output a signal with weak resolution correction from the resolution correction means 202 using a small correction amount.

Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag includes a pouch and first and second extruded fastener members heat sealed or welded thereto. One of the fastener members is provided with a plurality of standoffs in a flange area providing spaces between it and the opposing flange of the opposing fastening member to permit heat sealing or welding of the fastener members to the respective sidewalls of the pouch without inadvertently heat sealing or welding the flanges of the opposing fastener members together.

Abstract: A multi-branching optical coupler outputs input light by branching the input light into multiple fibers. This multi-branching optical coupler has a center fiber positioned at the center of the multiple fibers and multiple surrounding fibers installed around the circumference of the center fiber such that the distance between any two adjacent surrounding fibers is substantially constant. The light input to the input end of the center fiber is branched into the output end of the center fiber and the surrounding fibers. The center fiber has a core that extends from the input end to the output end, and a clad formed around the core. The totality of fibers has a coupled region in which all of the surrounding fibers are fused to the center fiber. The center fiber and the surrounding fibers may be installed substantially parallel to each other and linearly. As an alternative, the surrounding fibers may be twisted co-axially about the center fiber.

Abstract: A multifiber connector is provided according to one embodiment which includes a multifiber ferrule, splice components and a crimp tube that defines a lengthwise extending passageway having a lateral cross-sectional shape that is generally oval for receiving and maintaining a plurality of optical fibers in a lateral side-by-side relationship. The crimp tube therefore provides the optical fibers to the splice components in an aligned and properly spaced manner for alignment and optical interconnection with respective optical fiber stubs. According to another embodiment, a fiber optic connector is provided that includes a ferrule, mechanical splice components, an associated cam member for actuating the mechanical splice components and means for controlling the position of the cam member relative to the mechanical splice components such that the cam member can be precisely moved from a first unactuated position to a second actuated position.

Abstract: An optical waveguide has first dielectric substance region which is formed on a surface of the crystalline silicon substrate, and has second dielectric substance region which is formed outside first dielectric substance region. First dielectric substance region is provided with a region in which a concentration of impurity elements for increasing and/or decreasing a refractive index in a direction of transmitting light is periodically increased and decreased, or provided with a corrugated structure, or wherein its width is periodically changed. Therefore, utilizing the property of thermal equilibrium, the optical waveguide has a grating which is thermally stable even at ordinary temperatures.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus having an editing function is arranged to, in response to an instruction for setting an editing program, generate a display image signal corresponding to the contents of the set editing program, to, in response to an instruction for execution of an action verification, generate a display image signal corresponding to contents of an action of a recording apparatus actually used as an external recording apparatus according to a remote operation control command transmitted to the actually used recording apparatus, and to, in response to an instruction for execution of an editing action, generate a display image signal corresponding to a status of progress of the set editing program. The arrangement enables the operator to clearly know how a verifying action is being executed for confirming whether or not the actually used recording apparatus can be remotely operated by the reproducing apparatus, how the editing work is progressing and how the reproducing apparatus is operating.

Abstract: A disc playback device reproduce either video disc or audio disc which is loaded, comprises: digest playback means for reproducing each track of the video disc for a predetermined time; scan playback means for reproducing each track on the audio disc for a predetermined time; special playback instructing means for instructing the disc playback device to reproduce each track of the disc which is loaded, for a predetermined time; disc type judging means for judging the type of disc to be reproduced; and special playback control means operating such that when the special playback instructing means issues an instruction to play back, if the result of judgement by the disc type judging means shows a video disc, the special playback control means drives the digest playback means, and if the result of judgement by the disc type judging means shows an audio disc, the special playback control means drives the scan playback means.

Abstract: The video signal recording and reproducing apparatus of the invention includes: a receiving section for receiving a television signal; an image compression section for compressing an amount of information per unit time of the received continuous video signal; a writing section for intermittently writing a compressed video signal, obtained as an output of the image compression section, onto a hard disk apparatus via a magnetic head; a reading section for intermittently reading out the written compressed video signal from the hard disk apparatus via the magnetic head; a decoding section for restoring the read compressed video signal into an original video signal; a display section for displaying the restored video signal; and a control section for controlling the writing section and the reading section such that writing the video signal onto the hard disk apparatus and reading an arbitrary video signal, which was previously written onto the hard disk apparatus, from the hard disk apparatus are performed apparen

Abstract: An image shake detecting device for detecting a shake of an image on an image sensing plane on the basis of a video signal output from an image sensor includes detection circuits arranged to detect image displacement in a plurality of areas set on the image sensing plane, and a control microcomputer which makes a discrimination, on the basis of information output from these detection circuits, between a movement of a camera and a solo movement of a photographed object. The device thus accurately makes compensation for an image shake by judging the state of the image on the basis of information output from these detection circuits. The image shake detecting device further includes a computing circuit arranged to compute a quantity of an image shake on the basis of a difference in detecting timing of a feature point of the image and a sensitivity control circuit arranged to change the detection sensitivity of the shake detection circuits.

Abstract: A drive mechanism using shape memory alloy which, even if used repeatedly, is free from the weakening or loss of the shape memorized by the driving member of the shape memory alloy and capable of driving driven members accurately for a long period of time, and an apparatus using this drive mechanism. The ambient temperature is measured by a temperature sensor and an electric current to be supplied to the driving member of the shape memory alloy is controlled according to the measured temperature. The driving member, when heated, is restored to its memorized shape, and moves the driven member to a determined position. When cooled, the driving member returns to its initial shape, and moves the driven member to its initial position.

Abstract: The brush (1) includes a core (2) formed from a metal wire bent into a U and the branches of which are twisted to trap radial bristles (3) between them, the core (2) being fixed to the end of a wand (6). The branches of the core are twisted, turning to the left, to form turns which turn in the clockwise direction about the axis (X) of the core when progressing from the wand towards the end of the brush, whereas the bristles (3) of the brush form helical layers (S) rising from left to right in the area located between the core and an observer who holds the brush substantially vertical in front of him/her with its tip pointing upwards.

Abstract: A toothbrush with multiple pumping systems including a head portion having three rows of a plurality of outlet ports formed therein. The head portion has a plurality of bristles secured thereto. An elongated handle portion removably couples with the head portion. The handle portion has a hollow interior in communication with the hollow interior of the head portion. Three manual pumps are slidably disposed within the handle portion. Three tubes are removably disposed within the head portion and the handle portion disposed between the outlet ports of the head portion and the three pumps. The three tubes hold quantities of liquid toothpaste, mouthwash, and antibacterial rinse.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for filling a groove in a pavement with a groove filling grout. The present invention is particularly useful for forming long-lasting pavement markings, such as lane striping.

Abstract: A system for displacing an elongate member relative to the ground. The system includes a drive rack, a support assembly, a vibratory assembly, and a drive assembly. The vibratory assembly comprises a vibratory housing defining a vibratory chamber and a vibratory axis and a vibratory system mounted within the vibratory chamber to generate a vibratory force along the vibratory axis. The drive assembly comprises a drive housing comprising a main portion defining a drive chamber and, in certain configurations, a sleeve portion defining a sleeve chamber, where a drive axis extends through the drive chamber and the sleeve chamber and a drive system mounted within the drive chamber and comprising a drive gear that rotates to generate a drive force along the drive axis. The vibratory housing is mounted onto the support assembly to reduce the transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory housing to the support assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for releasable holding a toolholder shank having a lockable surface and a releasable surface utilizing an actuating bolt. The actuating bolt is reciprocally movable along an axis to engage one side of the shank for locking the toolholder within the support member and an opposing side of the shank for releasing the toolholder from the tool support member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for forming a custom-made insole including the step of positioning a foot to be measured on a scanning station. The scanning station includes at least one laser unit which is passed along an undersurface of the foot. The undersurface of the foot is scanned by the at least one laser scanning unit which measures the detected surface coordinates of the undersurface. The measured surface coordinates are processed and transmitted to a computer. A milling station, in communication with the scanning station and computer, includes a milling assembly for forming the custom-made insole. The computer controls the operation of the milling assembly based upon the coordinates determined by the at least one laser scanning unit.