Abstract: Track and track/vehicle analyzers for determining geometric parameters of tracks, determining the relation of tracks to vehicles and trains, analyzing the parameters in real-time, and communicating corrective measures to various control mechanisms are provided. In one embodiment, the track analyzer includes a track detector and a computing device. In another embodiment, the track/vehicle analyzer includes a track detector, a vehicle detector, and a computing device. In other embodiments, the track/vehicle detector also includes a communications device for communicating with locomotive control computers in lead units, locomotive control computers in helper units, and a centralized control office. Additionally, methods for determining and communicating optimized control, lubrication, and steering strategies are provided. The analyzers improve operational safety and overall efficiency, including fuel efficiency, vehicle wheel wear, and track wear, in railroad systems.

Abstract: A clamp for a key cutting machine includes a base portion having opposing shoulders defining an accommodation. A pair of jaws is housed in the accommodation of the base portion for holding a key blank for cutting thereof. At least one of the jaws is movable relative to the other one of the jaws. An adjustable locator device is disposed on at least one of the base portion and the pair of jaws for bringing the key blank into a cutting position. Opposed plates close open ends of the accommodation. One of the plates includes a key insertion aperture for insertion of the key blank between the pair of jaws to identify the key blank as a correct match and prevent the key blank from tipping over.

Abstract: A chain guide, such as a fixed chain guide or a tensioner arm, includes a bracket adapted for being secured to an associated engine. The bracket includes a support surface, a leading end and a trailing end spaced from the leading end in a chain movement direction. A guide blade includes a leading end, a trailing end spaced from the leading end in the chain movement direction, a chain guide surface and an inner surface positioned adjacent the support surface of the bracket. The guide blade is selectively movable slidably on the support surface in the chain movement direction and an opposite direction between a first position where the blade is separable from the bracket and a second position where the blade is fixedly secured to the bracket.

Abstract: Several traveling wave grid systems are disclosed that may be used to concentrate and form highly localized regions of bio-agents or other charged species. In addition, specific detection systems are described that enable currently available detectors and sensors, including those to be developed in the future, to be used for measuring the presence and concentration of certain bio-agents or charged particles, which otherwise are present at concentrations too low to readily detect or measure.

Abstract: An XML query compilation processor (20) includes an execution compiler (42) that transforms an XML query into an executable XML query plan (22). A query rewrite processor (34) performs query transformations on the XML query. Said query transformations include transforming an expression input (60) received by an expression (62) conditional upon a set of items defined by an output (64) of the expression (62) being independent of grouping of items in the expression input (60).

Abstract: A wire feeder for an electric arc welder comprising a set of feed rolls driven by a DC motor with a commutator, first and second opposite polarity leads receiving power to drive the motor, and having a first brush at a given position on the commutator and connected to the first lead, a second brush circumferentially spaced from the first brush a first annular distance around the commutator and connectable to the second lead to cause the motor to rotate at a first speed to drive the rolls at a first speed, a third brush circumferentially spaced from the first brush a second annular distance around the commutator and connectable to the second lead to cause the motor to rotate at a second speed to drive the rolls at a second speed, and a switching circuit with an operative condition to connect the second lead to a selected one of the second and third brushes.

Abstract: A hook hanger for a cargo trailer includes a body defining (i) a mounting bracket conforming in shape to and slidably engageable with an associated sliding winch track of an associated cargo trailer; (ii) a hook anchor connected to the mounting bracket; and, (iii) a wall that cooperates with the hook anchor to define a channel between the wall and the hook anchor. The channel opens in a side of the body, and the wall limits vertical movement of an associated hook connected to the hook anchor to prevent inadvertent disengagement by vertical movement of the associated hook from the hook anchor. The associated hook is disengageable from the hook anchor only by sliding movement in the channel in a direction transverse to vertical. A retaining member is optionally connected to the body and movable to a locked position where it captures the associated hook in the channel.

Abstract: A medical accessory clamping system includes a table and an accessory clamp. The table has an upper surface and a lower surface, a first ridge positioned on the upper surface and a second ridge positioned on the lower surface of the table. The accessory clamp has a first clamping member and a second clamping member coupled to but separate from the first clamping member wherein the clamping members define a cavity for receiving a portion of the table. The first and second clamping members have recesses for receiving said first and second ridges of the table, respectively. A uniquely styled clamp and a table are also disclosed.

Abstract: A string light engine includes a plurality of LEDs, a plurality of IDC connectors, and an insulated flexible conductor. Each IDC connector is in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of LEDs and is operatively mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of LEDs. The IDC connectors attach to the conductor.

Abstract: A method for forming a gap (16) of a width (d) which meets selected tolerance limits includes forming sidewalls (80, 82) in a microstructure, the sidewalls defining a gap (16) therebetween. The gap has a width defined between the sidewalls. The width of the gap between the sidewalls is determined. Where the determined width of the gap is below the selected tolerance limits for the width of the gap, the sidewalls are consumed to form a gap which meets the selected tolerance limits. The gap may be incorporated in a waveguide device (10) of a microswitch (100) and selectively connect input and output waveguides (130, 132).

Abstract: A method of resizing a liquid crystal display connected to at least one flex board, wherein the liquid crystal display has multiple layers including a liquid crystal layer contained between a pair of glass substrates and a pair of polarizers on opposite sides of respective ones of the glass substrates. The method comprises applying pressure sensitive tape for protecting the polarizers, dicing through the layers, including the polarizers, using a dicing wheel with predetermined diamond particle size to a specified depth and width of groove, cutting through the flex board using a UV laser, breaking off unwanted portions of the liquid crystal display and flex board defined by the dicing and cutting operations, and sealing remaining portions of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: Using a document scanner or other image input device of an image or document processing system to periodically scan or image printed test images from a plurality of marking engines replaces internal sensors as a feedback means in image quality control. For example, image lightness (L*) is controlled by periodically printing mid-tone test patches, scanning the printed test patches with a main job document scanner and analyzing the scanned image to determine updated marking engine actuator set points. For instance, ROS exposure and/or scorotron grid voltages are adjusted to maintain image lightness consistency between marking engines.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for treating an effluent containing ammonia in which method and apparatus N2O concentration in the gas at the outlet of a catalyst tower does not rise to a high level even when the NH3 concentration in the effluent was reduced and the amount of hazardous substances formed is small; in the method and apparatus, an NH3-containing effluent A and a carrier gas (steam C and combustion gas F) are contacted in stripping tower 7 to transfer the NH3 from the NH3-containing effluent to a gas phase, the gas containing the generated NH3 is heated with pre-heater 19 and then contacted with catalyst layer 13 placed in catalyst tower 12 to decompose the NH3 into nitrogen and water; and at that time, the oxygen concentration in the gas to be introduced into catalyst tower 12 and the N2O concentration in the gas discharged from catalyst tower 12 are determined by measuring instruments 21 and 22, respectively, and the oxygen concentration in the gas to be introduced into catalyst tower 1

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel band laying vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless traction bands rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.]. A novel sprocket wheel having a plurality of radially extending and offset teeth cooperates with an endless traction band having a plurality of holes. Longitudinally consecutive holes define either meshing areas or clip areas. The meshing areas are adapted to be engaged by the sprocket wheel and the clip areas are adapted to support clips.

Abstract: A transport protector is provided for an inkjet cartridge wherein the inkjet cartridge includes a cartridge body, an inkwell extending from the cartridge body and a nozzle on the inkwell. The protector includes a protector body having a recess shaped to receive an inkwell of an inkjet cartridge and cover a nozzle of the inkjet cartridge. The protector further including a lid hingedly connected to the body. The lid pivots between an opened condition and a closed condition and engages the inkjet cartridge to evenly urge the cartridge into the recess when in the closed condition. The lid also includes a lid lock for releasably engaging the protector body to maintain the protector in the closed condition.

Abstract: Various traveling wave grids and electrophoretic systems, and electrode assemblies using such grids, are disclosed. A configuration in which a voltage potential is used to load a biomolecule sample against a grid is disclosed. A unique strategy of using multiple, reconfigurable grids in such systems is also described. The strategy involves initially conducting a broad protein separation and then selectively tailoring one or more grids, and conducting one or more secondary processing operations. Related strategies and specific methods are additionally disclosed for separating samples of biomolecules and components thereof using the noted systems, assemblies, and grids.

Abstract: A group machine time slot reservation and management system and process including (a) a machine time slot reservation subsystem having a storage device for storing time slot reservation information, calendar and time clock information, time slot status information, intended user ID code information, and machine control information, for a user operated group machine; (b) receiving and analyzing wares for receiving and analyzing machine operation information including order quantity information for the UOGM; (c) capability for checking a status of any time slot corresponding with a current clock time; (d) a first programmed application for operating the UOGM to run the received order quantity when the current clock time shows no reserved time slots for the UOGM; (e) user ID verifier for receiving and processing an actual user ID code against the intended user ID code, when the current clock time corresponds to a reserved time slot; and (f) a second programmed application for enabling operation of the UOGM to ru

Abstract: A flash vaporizer (34) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide or other antimicrobial compounds for rapidly sterilizing large enclosures (10), such as rooms or buildings. The vaporizer includes a heated block (50) which defines an interior bore or bores (70, 72, 74). The flowpath created by the bore or bores increases in cross sectional area as the hydrogen peroxide passes through the block to accommodate the increase in volume during the conversion from liquid to gas. The vapor is injected into dry air in a duct that circulates it to the large enclosure.