Abstract: A method of intelligent dynamic frequency reuse includes transmitting a first signal on a selected frequency with a first one of a plurality of fixed stations, the signal being directed to a first one of a plurality of mobile cellular phone users, receiving a second signal for transmission to a second one of the plurality of mobile cellular phone system users at a second one of the fixed stations, transmissions from the second fixed station on the selected frequency being capable of interfering with reception of transmissions from the first fixed station by the first one of the plurality of mobile cellular phone users, determining whether transmission of the second signal on the selected frequency from the second fixed location would interfere with reception of the first first signal by the first one of the plurality of mobile cellular phone users, and transmitting the second signal from the second one of the fixed stations on the selected frequency when the transmission will not interfere with simultaneous r

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electronic device therein for use in an underground boring machine includes an elongated housing having an elongated, lengthwise central cavity opening at one end thereof, a cartridge containing a sonde therein, which cartridge fits in the cavity; and a keying mechanism for securing the cartridge and sonde in a predetermined orientation relative to the housing when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity through the opening. One or more lengthwise fluid passages isolated from the cavity extend through the housing. A sonde housing of the invention may be used with a drill string and bit assembly in directional boring.

Abstract: A hold-and-release singulator includes a conveyor having a transport mechanism for carrying a group of items such as parcels, packages, containers or the like from an entry end towards an exit end of the singulator, a hold and release system that can hold items that have entered the singulator on the conveyor so that such items are not transported by the conveyor while causing one item to be transported by the conveyor, and a control system that controls operation of the conveyor and the hold-and-release system in a manner effective to remove the group of items from the exit end of the conveyor one at a time according to a removal scheme, preferably with a predetermined minimum spacing.

Abstract: A bit for directional boring according to the invention includes a bit body having a frontwardly facing sloped face effective for steering the bit in dirt. The sloped face defines a steering plane that defines an acute included angle relative to a lengthwise axis of rotation of the bit. A connection is provided at the rear of the bit body permitting the bit to be removably mounted at the lead end of a drill string, and one or more internal passages are provided in the bit body for carrying a drilling fluid to a front end of the bit body. A first cutting tooth is mounted on the bit body and extends frontwardly from the bit body at a first angle that causes the first tooth to cut along a first circular path as the bit rotates.

Abstract: A drill head for an apparatus for directional boring according to the invention includes a bit, a holder for a device for detecting angular orientation of the bit, and a hammer including a striker for delivering impacts to the bit, wherein the bit assembly, holder and hammer are connected head to tail with the bit at a front end. The bit of the invention has a frontwardly facing main cutting surface having a plurality of main cutting teeth disposed thereon and a gage tower extending radially outwardly from the main cutting surface, which gage tower has at least one frontwardly facing gage cutting tooth thereon suitable for cutting over an angle defined by less than a full rotation of the bit. The device for detecting angular orientation is in a predetermined alignment with the gage tower so that it determines the orientation of the gage tower relative to the axis of rotation of the drill head.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an article sorting system includes successive coarse and fine singulators and a recirculating loop for processing a disordered stream of items including three-dimensional non-flat articles. A coarse singulator includes cascaded ramped conveyors, preferably operating at progressively greater speeds. A detection system, such as a vision system, for monitoring the stream of articles and identifying and/or tracking individual items passing through the system is used in conjunction with a fine singulator such as a chevron, hold-and-release or strip conveyor downstream from the coarse singulator. A control system is utilized in connection with the vision system to regulate the flow of articles through the system by, for example, diverting doubles or clusters for separations.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A trolley car for conveying articles along a monorail having arcuate portions includes a rigid frame having a longitudinal axis and opposed ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the weight of a moving object is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a platform for supporting the moving object to be weighed, means for permitting the object to move smoothly over the platform, a weight sensor for measuring a force applied to the platform by the moving object and generating a weight sample that reflects the measured force value, a detection sensor that generates a signal upon detecting the moving object on the platform, a processor having a memory, which processor receives samples from the weight sensor and stores weight values based on the samples; and means for calculating the weight of the object using a succession of the stored values when the detection sensor generates its signal.