Abstract: A hard surface preparation device for use in the removal of membranes, paving materials, flooring, tiles, roofing materials, and other materials from relatively hard surfaces such as concrete. The device includes two frames; a base frame and a second frame pivotally mounted to the base frame. The base frame is coupled to a small tractor by means of mounting brackets. The mounting brackets are bolted or otherwise secured to a moveable, powered mounting plate which is coupled to the hydraulically powered arms of the tractor, thereby permitting the device to be raised or lowered like any other front-end implement used with such a tractor. A motor or power take off from the tractor drives an eccentric shaft mounted on the base frame. A sleeve fits over the eccentric shaft and transforms the elliptical movement of the shaft into a back and forth motion. A blade mounted to the second frame is also coupled to the sleeve and, therefore oscillates when the motor is turned on.

Abstract: A PTFE dental floss, filled with wax, and having no wax coating, which provides reduced likelihood of fraying and superior lubricity.

Abstract: A powered lawn mower having a frame, an engine mounted to the frame, a set of front wheels and rear wheels connected to the frame, a drive for transmitting rotational power from the engine to the rear wheels, and grass cutting blades associated with the frame, and powered by the engine. A platform is positioned behind the rear wheels, and is capable of supporting an operator while the lawn mower is operating. The platform and the other parts are connected to the frame in such a way and positioned so that the addition of the operator in a stand-up or riding position moves the center of gravity by no more than twenty-five percent of the wheelbase of the mower. The rear wheel set may be positioned up or down but is not swingable.

Abstract: A face mask for use in a cold weather hood which may be worn to protect a wearer from the effects of a cold weather environment. The face mask is placed in an opening of the cold weather hood which has predetermined dimensions. The face mask is of multiple-layer construction and, in the preferred embodiment, includes a layer of moldable material sandwiched between two layers of relatively soft material. The layer of moldable material is molded or otherwise formed to substantially conform to the contours of the wearer's face.

Abstract: A measuring and dispensing system capable of repeatedly dispensing discrete amounts of fluid having a mass of about 10 g or less and even amounts as small as 1 g. The system includes a pressurized tank for holding a fluid medium such as a liquid pharmaceutical. The tank is coupled in fluid communication to a mass flow sensor. The mass flow sensor is designed to have fluid from the tank flow through it, and measures the mass of the flowing fluid. A controller is coupled in data transmission relation to the mass flow sensor and records each measurement made by the mass flow sensor. A dispenser, such as a flexible tube, is coupled in fluid flowing relation to the mass flow sensor. A valve, such as a pinch valve, is positioned so as to be able to stop flow out of the dispenser. The valve is coupled in data transmission relation to the controller which controls opening and closing of the valve, automatically adjusting the amount of fluid permitted to flow out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A bag filling station including a main body having a loading bay with a bottom, a first end, and a second end. The bottom of the loading bay may be movable in a horizontal direction. At the first end of the loading bay is a loading ram or actuator having a pusher arm which is also movable in a horizontal direction. Adjacent to the loading bay, at its second end, are two spreader plates, each of which is coupled to the main body and movable between a rearward position and a forward position. Each spreader plate is also moveable along a linear path, between a first, open position and a second, closed position. The bag filling station also includes a platform which is located near and above the second end of the loading bay and has a centrally positioned opening. A stack of bags is placed on the platform over the opening. Under the platform, near the second end of the loading bay, is a vertically oriented, linear actuator or rod.

Abstract: A screw or tap for forming or cutting threads in a workpiece. The screw includes a cylindrical shank directed along a longitudinal axis. The shank includes a work holding portion having a plurality of helical threads of a constant crest diameter, a constant root diameter, a constant pitch diameter, and circular cross-section. The shank also has a lead portion having at least a portion of a helical thread. Intermediate the work holding portion and the lead portion is a forming portion. The forming portion has at least one full thread located thereon having a crest diameter which is greater than the crest diameter of the plurality of helical threads on the holding portion, a root diameter which is larger than the root diameter of the plurality of helical threads on the holding portion, and a pitch diameter which is proportionally greater than the pitch diameter of the holding portion.

Abstract: An operating unit for a programmable industrial robot. The operating unit includes a body and a display screen mounted on the body. The display screen is operable to present graphical information items, is capable of producing a display screen output, and an operator may make selections of the items presented on the display screen. A joystick ball is mounted on the body for controlling the robot during a programming phase during which the robot is taught to follow an operating path. The joystick ball has a joystick mounting means and is capable of producing a joystick ball output. A pointing device is removably mounted to the joystick mounting means and is capable of being used to make selections on the display screen. The display screen and the joystick ball are both capable of being coupled in data transmission relation to a processing unit wherein the screen output, the joystick ball output, or both the screen output and joystick output may be processed.

Abstract: A roller comprises: a support shaft bearing at either opposite end a bush supporting an external tubular element containing the shaft and destined to be a support element of a cover fixed thereto by one end; a motor to recall the roller by setting the tubular element in rotation about the shaft in an opposite direction to that followed during an unwinding of the cover, and constituted by at least two helix springs, separate but cooperating, which are coaxially keyed on the shaft; the ends of each spring being stably fixed on corresponding seats exhibited by a first support keyed on the shaft and a second support, axially fixed and rotatably mounted on the shaft, and solid to the tubular element.

Abstract: A harness assembly including a first spiral conduit wound in a helical shape and a conduit guide. The harness assembly is designed for use with an industrial robot which has a arm and a wrist, where the arm is capable of having an end effector mounted on or connected to it. The first end of the spiral conduit is capable of being coupled to a first signal transmission point positioned on the robot arm, and the second end of the first spiral conduit is capable of being coupled to the end effector when the end effector is mounted on the robot wrist. The conduit guide is mounted on the wrist and includes a core and a first disk. In operation, the spiral conduit is capable of being arranged so that a portion of it is positioned on the first disk and wrapped around a portion of the core.

Abstract: A robot control system that includes a controller that is capable of controlling the current supplied to a current-controlled tool mounted on the robot. The controller is capable of accepting operator inputs and the robot is coupled in data communication to the controller. A tool which is controlled in at least one manner by electric current is mounted on the arm of the robot. The controller is coupled in data communication to a current source and is programmed to control the current supplied to the tool. The controller is also capable of receiving inputs from an operator and is capable of ramping the current supplied to the tool from an initial current level to an operator selected current level over an operator defined and inputted selected time. The controller can also ramp the current supplied to the tool from the selected current level to a third current level over a second operator selected and inputted time period.

Abstract: A compliant end effector particularly suited for use with a robotic arm for accurately cutting and trimming the edges of a hot molded sheet of flexible plastic. The compliant end effector includes a mount secured to the robotic arm, an adjustment assembly pivotally attached to the mount, a guide that engages the plastic sheet near the area to be cut and trimmed, a tool for cutting and trimming the flexible sheet, and a pneumatic cylinder that biases the guide into engagement with the flexible sheet and presses the sheet against a rigid surface. The pneumatic cylinder moves the guide and tool through a range of positions as the robotic arm moves along a single path of travel down the length of the flexible sheet. The guide remains in contact with the flexible sheet despite warping or other imperfections in the stabilizing surface. The tool is fixed a predetermined distance from the guide to ensure that the plastic sheet is cut and trimmed within specific tolerances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reliably placing the spring retainer and keys on a valve stem, to lock the valve spring in place. The apparatus includes a linear actuator, having an extended position and a retracted position, and a connector for connecting the linear actuator to a carrying member, such as a robotic arm. A gripper is attached to the linear actuator, adapted to grip the spring retainer. The keys reside in a retainer-key kit, held therein by gravity, and are presented to the gripper in a predetermined position by a positioning device. As the linear actuator is extended from its retracted position to its extended position, the gripper engages the retainer-key kit. The retainer-key kit is then withdrawn from the positioning device by retracting the linear actuator. The gripper and retainer-key kit are then transported to the cylinder head so that the retainer-key kit is substantially positioned for application to the valve stem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for altering a person's perception of a confined or open space by administering an odorant substance to the person.