Abstract: In an ink concentration measuring circuit, a light emitting diode emits light toward an ink cell. A first photo diode receives reflected light from the ink cell and provides a reference signal and a second photo diode receives direct light through the ink cell and provides an ink signal. A ratio of the reference signal to the ink signal is then calculated and used to determine a concentration of ink in the ink cell. Since changes in the ink temperature affect the ink concentration, the ink temperature may be measured and the result used to modify the ratio, compensating for the changes in ink temperature. Also, ink pressure may be measured and used to modify the ratio, compensating for changes in the dimensions of the ink cell.

Abstract: An installable slide locking apparatus is installable on a press mechanism so as to lock a press slide of the press mechanism in any of a plurality of positions. The press mechanism includes a gear train means rotatably drivable so as to reciprocate the press slide. An installable slide locking mechanism, which includes a gear reducer and a locking gear, is mounted adjacent an opening made the gear train housing. The gear reducer meshes with an input gear of the gear train, thereby preventing rotation of the gear train when the locking gear is moved to a locking position with respect to the gear reducer.

Abstract: An x-ray tube rotor controller uses the main high voltage inverters for acceleration. The rotor controller includes a DC voltage source, and a rotary anode drive circuit including a rotary anode motor designed as an induction motor. A first inverter circuit has a full bridge arrangement for accelerating the anode using a first switch to connect the induction motor to the full bridge output, and also generates high voltage for the x-ray tube. Once the anode is up to operating speed, the first switch is disconnected from the rotor causing the rotor to coast. Alternatively, a second small inverter may be employed for maintaining the rotor at speed during x-ray exposure, rather than allowing the rotor to coast. In such an instance, the first switch is disconnected from the rotor when the motor reaches a rated anode speed, and a second switch then connects the motor to the second inverter to maintain the rated anode speed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the speed of an electric motor compares the actual speed of the motor with the desired speed of the motor. A digital comparison of the desired speed of the electric motor with the actual speed of the electric motor provides an error signal indicative of the error between the desired speed and the actual speed. A large timing current from a programmed timing control will cause an increase in the speed of the motor, while a smaller timing current from the programmed timing control will cause a decrease in the speed of the motor. In this manner, the programmed timing control affects the actual speed of the motor 12 to approach the desired speed. The programmed timing control can also provide a ramping acceleration or deceleration as the motor speed changes to approach the desired speed. The speed control system can also include a programmed stall detector which can cause the operation of the electric motor to be ceased when a stalled motor condition is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus accurately controls output water temperature of an instantaneous water heater to maintain a desired outlet temperature. A first electronic sensing device senses a flow of water through the heater, and an ignition sequence commences when flow has been detected. A second electronic sensing device senses an outlet water temperature of the heater, and a third electronic sensing device senses a midway water temperature of the heater. The burner output or outputs are controlled to maintain the desired outlet temperature, based on changes in water flow and incoming water temperature. With multiple burners, the burner outputs are staged to accurately control the output water temperature of the instantaneous water heater to maintain the desired outlet temperature.

Abstract: A bowling ball handling apparatus comprises a handle for a bowler to grip. A vacuum mechanism is attached to a first end of the handle for providing a vacuum to hold the bowling ball. A release mechanism is associated with a second end of the handle for releasing the vacuum when it is desired to release the bowling ball.

Abstract: An integral, removable walker seat is easily attachable and detachable by persons having limited dexterity, and can be folded and transported when not in use. The walker seat comprises a substantially rectangular sheet of flexible material on which the user can sit. The sheet is attachable to opposite horizontal frame members of the walker via two pairs of bars affixed to the narrow ends of the sheet. The sheet and the bars cooperate to form a seat when the sheet is suspended across and engaged to the opposite horizontal frame members of the walker.

Abstract: A switching power supply converts DC to DC voltages. The switching power supply has multiple phase time delayed voltage generating circuits and a single switching power supply regulator circuit. The multiple phase time delayed voltage generating circuits are then synchronized with a pulse period of the switching power supply regulator circuit to achieve the conversion.

Abstract: A method of installing a slide locking mechanism in a press mechanism so as to lock a press slide of the press mechanism in any of a plurality of positions. The press mechanism includes a gear train mounted in a housing. An installable slide locking mechanism, which includes a gear reducer and a locking gear, is mounted adjacent an opening made in the gear train housing. The gear reducer meshes with an input gear of the gear train, thereby preventing rotation of the gear train when the locking gear is moved to a locking position with respect to the gear reducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding earrings operates as a display case and a storage case. The apparatus includes one or more flexible sheets, each sheet having a plurality of typically symmetrically spaced apertures thereon. The apertures are for receiving the post of each earring, wherein the ornamental design of the earring is visible on the front side of the flexible sheet. The retainer is inserted onto the post on the rear side of the flexible sheet to hold the earrings to the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A fishing implement has a generally elongated, substantially cylindrical body with at least one substantially axial slot and at least one or a series of interconnecting substantially radial slots extending along its length. The slots generally alternate from axial to radial along the length of the body, with each slot extending approximately to the longitudinal axis of the body. The alternating axial and radial slots form a circuitous passageway for readily threading a fishing implement to a fishing line in a fixed position and easily removing it thereafter, while the terminus wall of the axial slot or slots form a central straight passageway through the implement so that the fishing sinker is also capable of free sliding movement along the fishing line.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly adapted for a reciprocable valve stem disposed within a valve guide can tolerate major variations in the guide height. The assembly includes a lower hollow cylindrical shell and an upper hollow cylindrical shell, both disposed about the valve guide. The upper hollow cylindrical shell is capable of being telescopically received within the lower hollow cylindrical shell in a slip-fit relationship. A seal member is secured to the upper hollow cylindrical shell, the seal member extending radially inwardly so as to engage the reciprocable valve stem and extending axially downwardly so as to engage the valve guide.