Abstract: A keyboard for use with a standard personal computer includes an alphanumeric key array having a plurality of alphanumeric keys arranged in a generally orthogonal, concave array. A home row of keys defines a reference position for the fingers of the operator. A liner array of function keys is provided and positioned above the reference position and tilted toward the operator. A generally orthogonal array of auxiliary keys is also positioned above the reference position. The array of auxiliary keys is rotated with respect to the reference position to accommodate the natural angle of the thumb of the operator to the index finger. A palm rest is provided for receiving the palm of the operator while the operator is manipulating the plurality of alphanumeric keys. The palm rest is positioned above the reference position defined by the home row so that during operation of the alphanumeric keys, the fingers of the operator extend downward from the palm rest in a natural curved manner.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a standard personal computer includes an alphanumeric key array having a plurality of alphanumeric keys arranged in a generally orthogonal, concave array. A home row of keys defines a reference position for the fingers of the operator. A linear array of function keys is provided and positioned above the reference position and tilted toward the operator. A generally orthogonal array of auxiliary keys is also positioned above the reference position. The array of auxiliary keys is rotated with respect to the reference position to accommodate the natural angle of the thumb of the operator to the index finger. A palm rest is provided for receiving the palm of the operator while the operator is manipulating the plurality of alphanumeric keys. The palm rest is positioned above the reference position defined by the home row so that during operation of the alphanumeric keys, the fingers of the operator extend downward from the palm rest in a natural curved manner.

Abstract: A structure and method for transferring load, particularly bending load, from a blade to a blade hub, such as for use in a wind turbine device, is provided. In one embodiment, the structure includes two or more spaced-apart annular rings, respectively contacting the inner surface of a blade root end, and the outer surface of a hub spindle, with a web extending therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention eliminates the relay lens systems found in conventional helmet mounted displays (HMDs) by removing field distortions and aberrations with a contoured fiber optic faceplate placed in close proximity to a liquid crystal display (LCD) or cathode ray tube. The optical system typically consists of a spherical dielectric or holographically made collimator - combiner, a dielectric or holographically made fold mirror, and a contoured fiber optic faceplate. The fold mirror is flat, and the collimator - combiner is made by coating a spherical eye glass blank. The system is configured as a folded and tilted catadioptric projector with the novel feature being the contoured faceplate. There are no dispersive elements in the imaging assembly which means it can be completely polychromatic (full color) without the need for additional color correction optics as found in all refractive color systems.

Abstract: A product display system provides for ease of product facing in conjunction with or as a part of store shelving. The product support surface is coupled to a moveable push member and/or a moveable pull stick. When products are to be faced, the pull stick is drawn forward carrying any push member forward and repositioning a row of products preferably adjacent to the forward edge of the shelf.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Abstract: The present invention eliminates the relay lens systems found in conventional helmet mounted displays (HMDs) by removing field distortions and aberrations with a contoured fiber optic faceplate placed in close proximity to a liquid crystal display (LCD) or cathode ray tube. The optical system typically consists of a spherical dielectric or holographically made collimator-combiner, a dielectric or holographically made fold mirror, and a contoured fiber optic faceplate. The fold mirror is flat, and the collimator-combiner is made by coating a spherical eye glass blank. The system is configured as a folded and tilted catadioptric projector with the novel feature being the contoured faceplate. There are no dispersive elements in the imaging assembly which means it can be completely polychromatic (full color) without the need for additional color correction optics as found in all refractive color systems.

Abstract: A keyboard having an array of non-planar keys and a method for manufacturing such a keyboard is provided. In one embodiment, the non-planar array is a double-convex array. Electrical connection along the keys and/or from the keys to associated electronics is provided by way of a circuit board. The circuit board has a geometry and flexibility which permits the circuit board to conform to a shape which is non-planar along two non-parallel axes. In one embodiment, the circuit board can be configured in a double-concave shape. The circuit board includes one or more slots defining two or more projections. These projections can be placed in a configured non-coplanar configuration along a first axis and the circuit board can be flexed to a non-planar configuration along a second non-parallel axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming wire bundles from a plurality of wire or cable is provided. A plurality of wires are withdrawn from a rack and simultaneously measured by a linear counter, The wires are cut at various positions to provide a bundle having beginning and ending points for the bundle as desired, A driven pulling spool is used to guide the bundle along a desired path, The pulling rope is preferably attached to the bundle by an inflatable bladder. Rollers for guiding the cable include flared end flanges with diameters equal to the shaft diameter of the roller.

Abstract: A wine turbine with blades having a high lift-to-drag ratio is provided. A hydraulic or other control system is used to control cone angle, such as in response to flap moment. Pitch of blades is controlled, such as in relation to the blade flap angle. Teeter motion is controlled preferably as a function of teeter angular velocity.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. After sorting, the coins fall into a temporary holding area. At this point the transaction can either be canceled or accepted. If the transaction is canceled, the coins are returned. If the transaction is accepted, the coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of store coupons. Manufacturers' coupons are dispensed regardless of whether or not the transaction is accepted.

Abstract: A sourceless orientation sensor having an azimuthal sensor which determines the azimuthal orientation relative to a planetary magnetic field, and a tilt sensor which determines the direction and magnitude of the displacement from vertical using the planetary gravitational field. The tilt sensor includes a transparent gas and a transparent viscous fluid in a spherical shell, a light emitting diode (LED) mounted at the top of the shell, and four photodetectors mounted at the bottom of the shell. As the tilt sensor is rotated the path of the light cone emanating from the LED and refracting at the gas/fluid interface is altered, thereby altering the intensity of light incident on the photodetectors. The magnitude of the light incident on the photodetectors is processed to provide the tilt angles. A thin transparent disk floats at the gas/fluid interface to damp surface waves caused by reorientation of the device.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A solid-state ophthalmic surgical laser operating in the near and mid-infrared region (approximately 0.8 and 2.94 .mu.m) comprises a YAG laser including a trivalent erbium activator (Er:YAG) which is pumped by a semiconductor laser diode array. Either the pump wavelength (0.8 .mu.m) or the wavelength from the Er:YAG (2.94 .mu.m) can be alternately selected by the user for performing photocoagulation or photoablative surgical procedures on or within the eye. A single crystal sapphire fiberoptic delivery system transmits either wavelength to the surgical site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming wire bundles from a plurality of wire or cable is provided. A plurality of wires are withdrawn from a rack and simultaneously measured by a linear counter. The wires are cut at various positions to provide a bundle having beginning and ending points for the bundle as desired. A driven pulling spool is used to guide the bundle along a desired path. The pulling rope is preferably attached to the bundle by an inflatable bladder. Rollers for guiding the cable include flared end flanges with diameters equal to the shaft diameter of the roller.

Abstract: A standard and bracket support system is provided. The standard portion includes an elongated standard having opposed front and back walls. One or more brackets are coupled to the standard. An engagement member for engaging a shelf or other supportive item is coupled to the bracket. The shelf-engagement member includes a slot which receives a portion of a bracket. The shelf-engagement member is coupled to a shelf or other supported item. In one embodiment, engagement is by screwing, nailing or adhering a flat portion of the shelf-engagement member to the portion of the shelf, preferably a rear edge or bottom surface of a shelf. In another embodiment, the shelf-engagement member is an elongated member with a channel for receiving an edge of a shelf or other supported item.