Abstract: A conveyor system having a plurality of conveyor modules which are secured together in an end-to-end relationship. Each conveyor module includes a frame and a plurality of drive rollers rotatably mounted along one side of the frame, and a motor mounted to the frame is drivingly connected to the drive rollers. A first upper guide is also mounted to the frame at a position spaced upwardly from the drive rollers. At least one work support includes a lower rail supported by the drive rollers and an upper follower slidably positioned within the upper guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery charger for cell phones which operates off the cigarette lighter receptacle of a vehicle. The battery charger includes a visual indication that is activated by electromagnetic induction from the ringing current that is generated when the cell phone receives an incoming call. An incoming call sensing circuit operates to receive the electromagnetic signal that includes the incoming call signal to the user's cell phone. The electromagnetic signal is filtered and rectified by a conditioning and activation circuit such that only an incoming call signal remains thereafter the incoming call signal is transmitted to a visual indicator circuit having at least one light source for causing the at least one light source to illuminate such that the user is alerted to the incoming call.

Abstract: A tissue adhesive sealant includes a cross-linkable protein in a solution that when combined with a cross-linking agent solution including an aldehyde and amino acid containing species reactive with the aldehyde cross-links to form a seal. The sealant is well suited for bonding tissue alone or in combination with a patch. The ratio between the aldehyde and the amino acid containing species is between 20:1 and 1:1 on an aldehyde moiety:amino acid or peptide subunit molar basis. Particularly strong seals are formed when the protein and cross-linking agent are present in a molar ratio of between 15:1 and 1:1.

Abstract: A shipping carrier having a frame with at least one elongated rectangular tube having an outer periphery. An elongated retainer has dunnage attached to it for supporting the intended load. The retainer is attached to the tube so that the retainer is positioned wholly around the outside of the outer periphery of the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of monitoring the welding operation in a stud welding process, wherein a part (19) to be welded is immersed into the melt by moving the part (5) towards a workpiece (17), with a physical quantity depending on the force required for moving the part (5) being measured at least during the phase of immersion of the part (19) to be welded into the melt and the measured gradient of the physical quantity plotted against time being compared with a predetermined set gradient. Furthermore, the invention relates to a stud welding device for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating avoidance of a vehicle collision with an object, comprises a vision sensor providing image data, and an image analyzer, operable to provide an estimated time to collision of the vehicle with the object. The estimated time to collision is determined from a rate of expansion of an image element corresponding to the object within the image data, and the apparatus provides a warning if the estimated time to collision is less than or approximately equal to a predetermined time.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring workpieces between successive die stations in a stamping press employing elongate bars with workpiece grippers mounted thereon. Two elongate support beams are mounted on vertical primary supports on opposite sides of the press. Two mounting heads are mounted on each beam and are horizontally movable thereon. Each head is independently movable and is connectible by one elongate bar to either the mounting head on the same beam or to an opposing mounting head mounted on the other beam, the choice dependent on the workpiece flow direction.

Abstract: A hemming machine having a nest adapted to support a part to be hemmed. A hold down is movable between a retracted position in which the hold down is spaced from the part and an extended position in which the part is sandwiched between the hold down and the nest and a guide surface is formed around the periphery of the hold down. A hemming head having a roller hemmer assembly and mounted to and manipulated by a robotic arm. The roller assembly includes a first roller which engages the guide surface during a roller prehemming operation of the part performed by the robotic arm and a second roller which prehems the part.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device of the type having planetary members in rolling contact with radially inner and outer races each comprising axially spaced relatively axially movable parts, and control means for determining the axial separation of the parts of one of the two races, in which the planets are connected for planetary motion to a planet carrier by connection means which allows the radial position of the planets to vary in response to variation in the axial separation of the parts of the said one of the two races while maintaining the circumferential connection.

Abstract: A communication and control system for use by the disabled and their caretakers. The system has at least two communication modules, each module having a processing unit which has a unique identification code. Each communication module also has a unique hierarchical address corresponding to the identification code, the address defining the physical location of the module. The hierarchical address represents at least two physical domains. Each commnunication module further includes a processing unit having coupled to it one or both of a signal receiver and a signal transmitter, and at least one transducer for detecting a physical parameter and for broadcasting packets of data indicative of the status of a module or for controlling a remote module.

Abstract: A bi-directional log splitter having at least two stationary splitting wedges and a moveable ram therebetween for splitting wood, said splitter being mounted on a trailer where the splitter exerts a substantially equal force for both the exertion and the retraction strokes to increase the production of split wood.

Abstract: A merchandising display assembly capable of being secured to an elevated surface, the assembly including a foldable and durable planar shaped and three-dimensional display element. Overlapping edges of the display element are adhesively secured together and to establish four interconnected sides with an open interior. A plurality of apertures are formed in aligning fashion through first and second selected and spaced apart sides of said display element and in order to secure display hangers supporting in turn pluralities of merchandise items. An advertising indicia placed upon at least one of said first and second selected and spaced apart sides and typically includes a multi-color graphics display imprinted upon a planar sheet of material in turn secured to the foldable board material. At least one fixed or adjustable elongated support extends from a selected location of the display element for securing said assembly.

Abstract: This is a cargo container overhead hoist operated by a highway truck to load or unload the container from the bed of the truck to an overhead hoist for holding the container. The hoist has parallel swing links that lift the container, and a latch to hold it lifted so the truck can be driven out from under, or released to be lowered onto the truck bed by movement of the truck.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate the replacement of a grinding wheel secured to a mounting plate. The apparatus includes a frame having two spaced-apart uprights. An elongated support bar extends between and is pivotally mounted to the uprights while a mounting plate of a grinding wheel is detachably secured to the support bar. A lift table is mounted to the frame between the uprights and movable between a raised position in which the lift table is positioned adjacent the support bar and a lowered position in which the lift table is spaced downwardly from the support bar. The lift table is dimensioned to support a grinding wheel. An actuator is mounted to the frame and selectively moves the lift table between its raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: An improved ceiling hanger system includes an anchor that is secured to a support structure. A hanger wire is mounted to the anchor. A spring clip is mounted to the hanger wire. A hanger hook is mounted to or integral with the spring clip and engages a support rail for a drop or suspended ceiling.

Abstract: A fixing element of plastic is provided which includes a foot part for insertion into an oblong hole of a carrier plate. The foot part includes of a head corresponding to the edge of the oblong hole and of a shaft adapted to the width of the oblong hole. The fixing element can be locked in the oblong hole after the insertion of the head by a quarter turn under elastic deformation of the shaft. The shaft includes a middle strut connecting the head to the fixing element. The strut has the width of the oblong hole. A shank is formed on each of the two edges of the middle strut at a right angle and in opposite directions. The shank is elastically bent towards the middle strut during the screwing in of the shaft through the edge of the oblong hole and after a quarter turn returns to its original position due to the elastic return force of the plastic and prevents a rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A merchandising display assembly including an elongated display member exhibiting a first face and a second face. A plurality of merchandising support hangers extends from the first and second faces. A substantially “U” shaped bracket secures to an end of the display member and such that the display member is pivotally adjustable relative to the bracket. The bracket mounts to a location of an existing support and in order to support the display member in an elevated and elongate extending fashion.

Abstract: A system for controlling gemstones employs RFID chips adhered to each stone. A display or storage area includes a radiator for generating activating emission for the RFID chips and an antenna for picking up the resultant RF signals including serial number. Both the radiator and antenna are connected to a computer supporting a database with an inventory of the chips and anti-collision circuitry for identifying the chips.