Abstract: An improved surface characteristic measurement system for measuring a characteristic of a surface comprising a processor, a light source for providing a light beam on the surface to be measured, a position sensing device for sensing a position of a diffused light diffused by the surface, and a photodiode for sensing intensity of a reflected light reflected by the surface. The position sensing device, which may be a PIN diode, provides a position signal to the processor indicative of position of the diffused light while the photodiode provides a reflected light intensity signal to the processor indicative of reflected light intensity. The processor determines the surface characteristic based at least one of the position signal and the reflected light intensity signal.

Abstract: An improved collapsible, foldable table including at least two table top sections, at least one hinge connecting the table top sections, a plurality of table legs rotatably attached to the table top sections, and a set up and rigidifying mechanism including a pair of braces, a truss member that extends from at least one of the at least two table top sections, and a central cable adapted to cause the outswinging of the plurality of table legs into an operative position when the table top sections are unfolded. Each brace includes a v-brace member, a central brace member, and a pivoting member for pivotally connecting the v-brace member to the central brace member. Preferably, the central cable extends between pivoting members of the pair of braces, a midportion of the central cable being attached to an end of the truss member.

Abstract: A flow control valve having a controllable flow area which varies with the valve displacement. The flow control valve includes a poppet-type valve element mounted to reciprocate between a closed and open position in a valve cavity formed in a valve housing. The valve housing has an inlet and outlet passage to allow fluid to flow therethrough. A removable insert having a flow passage is positioned in the valve cavity adjacent the poppet-valve for controlling the flow rate of gaseous fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage while the poppet valve is in an open position. Movement of the poppet valve from a closed to an open position varies the effective cross-sectional flow area of the flow passage.