Abstract: A non-contact absolute encoder for determining the absolute position of a movable workpiece includes a movable transducer element adapted to be coupled to the workpiece, and a sensor positioned proximate the transducer element. The encoder may be of either the rotary or linear type. The transducer element includes a characteristic profile that varies substantially continuously as a function of the transducer position. The characteristic profile may be magnetic, optical, or some other characteristic that is measurable by a non-contact sensor and is representative of transducer position.

Abstract: A system for providing a support for mounting accessories to a generally cylindrical structure, such as a vertical cell tower structure. The system includes a support bracket having a facing surface located in engagement with a surface of the structure. A flexible member extends around the structure and is engaged with opposing ends of the support bracket for holding the support bracket in position on the structure. A first tensioning device is provided and detachably mounts to the support bracket to provide a first, pretension force to the flexible member. A second tensioning device is provided for providing a second force greater than the first force whereby a clamping force is provided to the flexible member to positively clamp the support bracket in position on the structure. The first tensioning device is removed from the support bracket and replaced with an accessory mounting bracket for supporting accessories on the structure at the support bracket.

Abstract: A mobile supply apparatus for supplying heated waterproofing composition to a remote work site and a method of operating the apparatus are disclosed. Heat exchange fluid from the motor vehicle's cooling system is used to heat the waterproofing composition in the reservoir of the supply apparatus and in a separate direct heat exchange unit provided in the reservoir. Heated waterproofing composition can be applied to the work site or recirculated through the waterproofing composition supply system so as to preheat applicator devices such as hoses and nozzles.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. These compositions comprise aqueous emulsions of film forming polymers in combination with microfibers. The preferred film forming polymers and the microfibers include functional groups capable of forming bonds, particularly hydrogen bonds, between these components. In another aspect of the invention, the compositions include a high temperature foam stabilizer, such as a high molecular weight fatty alcohols, having melting points greater than about 110° F.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise solid, waxy non-ionic lipophilic surfactants having low HLB values. These surfactants, upon foamed dispensing of the composition, provide stable support for bubbles formed from drying of a latex emulsion of a film forming polymer and a volatile liquid hydrocarbon propellant. In addition to use in caulking, sealant or insulation methods, the composition can be used to form artificial terrains and other hardenable structural surfaces as backgrounds or support means for hobbies, crafts, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser trimming a shaped plastic workpiece use a laser beam positioned and directed by a robotic arm traveling along a pre-programmed path to trim the edges of a workpiece held against a positioning block. Preferably, the positioning block includes a laser beam capturing channel comprising suction holes for removing smoke generated by the ablation and burning of the plastic so as to minimize the risk of smoke damage to the workpiece and to remove soot and vapors from the work area. At the same time, laser beams are inhibited form reflecting back off the block onto the workpiece by positioning the channel under the workpiece and along the predetermined cutting path.

Abstract: A biomaterial is provided which is suitable for use in surgery in a human patient. It comprises a coherent layer of non-human collagenous tissue which has been subjected to glutaraldehyde tanning so as to comprise cross-linked collagen fibrils, and a reinforcement of synthetic material embedded within the coherent layer. The synthetic material has structure features for promoting the embedding, the synthetic material having an average in situ more than 50 of the features per square centimeter. Improvements are also provided in a method of producing biomaterials by allowing collagenous tissue growth on mesh structures covering support surfaces implanted into host animals. In one aspect a tubular synthetic fibre mesh structure fits loosely over a support rod or tube, and in the other aspect a sheet support is used and the tissue growing around the sheet support is adapted to form a pocket, pouch or envelope of collagenous material.

Abstract: A liquid fuel lamp which may be easily converted from a conventional beverage container. The liquid fuel lamp includes a container having a cylindrical wall connected to opposing top and bottom walls. The top wall includes an opening defined by a pair of side edges. A wick assembly is removably received within the opening in the top wall. The wick assembly includes a tubular metal sleeve supporting a substantially planar wick. Liquid fuel is received within the container wherein a lower portion of the wick is received in adsorbing contact with the liquid fuel. A stand is provided for supporting the container in an elevated position.

Abstract: A device for protecting a windshield of a motor vehicle against adverse weather comprises a cover so dimensioned to at least substantially cover the windshield and a plurality of straps extending from the cover for securing the cover against the windshield. A plurality of fibriles extend from a front side of the cover facing the windshield. In a preferred form, a waterproof backing material is adjoined along a back side of the cover opposite the fibrous side to display an image visible from the exterior of the motor vehicle. The cover is secured to the motor vehicle by engaging the hook and loop fastening material on the free ends of the straps with complementary fastening material in the interior of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An agricultural implement trailer for supporting one of a plurality of implements for field usage and transport. The trailer includes a trailer frame supported by transport wheels, and a turntable supporting a hitch member for attachment to a conventional three-point hitch connection on an implement. The hitch member is connected to a horizontally extending arm of the turntable through a linkage assembly including upper and lower link structures defining a parallelogram structure for moving the hitch member from a lowered field-use position to a raised transport position. In the raised transport position, the arm of the turntable supports an implement in cantilever relationship to a pivot member supporting the arm for pivotal movement.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for measuring conductivity or resistivity compensates for series capacitance and parallel capacitance. A sine wave excitation potential is applied to the series combination of a reference resistance and a conductivity cell. The voltages across the reference resistance and the cell are sampled. To compensate for series capacitance, both sampled voltages are synchronously rectified with respect to the phase of the sampled reference resistance voltage. To compensate for parallel capacitance, both sampled voltages are synchronously rectified with respect to the phase of the sampled cell voltage. The rectified voltages are integrated and the cell conductivity or resistivity is calculated from the product of the reference resistance and the ratio of the integrated voltages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marine wet exhaust system and a method for treating the exhaust from a marine engine. The system comprises a first conduit for receiving an exhaust flow including gaseous, liquid and particulate solid components, a separator for separating the liquid and particulate components from gaseous component, and a second conduit for expelling the gaseous component. A third conduit is provided for receiving from the separator the liquid and particulate solid components, which then pass to a filter for separating the particulate solid component from the liquid component, and the liquid component is discharged via a fourth conduit.

Abstract: A method for waterproofing an architectural component comprises the steps of applying a waterproofing composition to the component above a grade line to form an non-swelling elastomeric membrane having a tacky exterior and pressing a flexible, non-porous polymeric sheet onto the tacky exterior of the elastomeric membrane. The polymeric sheet is preferably stronger than the elastomeric membrane so as to protect the elastomeric membrane from punctures or tears. Exemplary waterproofing compositions include solutions of thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene/butadiene block copolymer in volatile organic solvents. Exemplary polymeric sheets include two-ply cross laminated high density polyethylene sheets. Preferably, an upper edge of the polymeric sheet is secured to the architectural surface by means of mastic or fiberglass-backed adhesive tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying misfiring cylinders using crankshaft angular velocity measurements. The measured angular velocity is used in conjunction with a system model to estimate the indicated torque developed by each cylinder. The method and apparatus provides accurate results for engines with overlapping firing pulses, and also under conditions in which there is large torsional deflection in the crankshaft. The method and apparatus is suitable for implementation with on-board misfire diagnostics. Experimental validation is provided using a nineteen liter, six cylinder diesel engine. The experimental data demonstrates that accurate detection and identification of misfiring cylinders is possible over the full speed and load range of the engine.

Abstract: A guided cutting system including first and second blade cartridges which are used in association with templates. The blade cartridges each include a head portion and cover portion wherein the head portion includes a non-use end and a cutting end. The cutting end includes a pair of guide pegs and a cutting blade wherein the guide pegs are adapted to be received within a peripheral groove formed on a template. The cover portion is adapted to be attached to the non-use end of the head portion whereby the cover portion acts as a handle for guiding the head portion during a cutting operation. Alternatively, the head portion may be attached over the cutting end of the head portion to cover and prevent contact with the cutting blade. A different spacing is provided between the cutting blade and guide pegs for the first and second head portions whereby one head portion may be used for cropping a photograph and the other head portion may be used for cutting a corresponding backing mat for the photograph.

Abstract: A nozzle removal assembly including an outlet nozzle for centrifuge rotors and cooperating hand tool. The nozzle has an improved structure for facilitating the installation within and removal from a rotor wall. The centrifuge nozzle includes a body portion having inlet and outlet ends wherein the outlet end includes a placement channel. The placement channel defines a radially inwardly facing engagement surface supported externally to the rotor wall for engagement with a hand tool. The hand tool is adapted for engaging the radially inwardly facing engagement surface of the placement channel wherein both rotational and axial forces may be applied to assist in the removal of the nozzle from the rotor wall.

Abstract: A method for injection molding a plastic part having a coating which suppresses the appearance of colored interference fringes in fluorescent light including the steps of injection molding a plastic substrate; injection molding a light transmissive intermediate layer having an optical thickness of about 800-1,200 &mgr;m onto a show surface of the plastic substrate; and forming a light transmissive outer coating having an optical thickness of about 5.5-11.5 &mgr;m over the intermediate layer. The outer coating should be harder than the substrate such that the resulting part has a scratch resistance superior to that of the substrate alone.

Abstract: An examination table including a base member supporting a seat section and including a back section pivotally supported on the seat section. The back section includes an elongated pivot frame connected to the seat section at a pivot connection, and a sliding frame supported for longitudinal sliding movement along the pivot frame. A coupling member is supported on the pivot frame for rotational movement and includes telescoping members engaged with the sliding frame wherein the coupling member is rotated by a linkage during pivotal movement of the back section to cause the sliding frame to move longitudinally of the pivot frame to accommodate movement of a patient's back relative to the pivot frame as the pivot frame is pivoted.