Abstract: A latent image is incorporated into an apparent solid-color background for representing a desired solid-color background having a target color. An underlying solid-color background is printed on a print medium using a first color composition that differs from the target color. Line-screen patterns embedding a latent image in a visually integrated setting are printed over the solid-color background using a second color composition that differs from both the first color composition and the target color. The visual characteristics of the line-screen patterns forming the latent image and the visually integrated setting are matched for rendering the latent image practically indistinguishable from the visually integrated setting without a visual aid. The print densities of the line-screen patterns and the first and second color compositions are interrelated so that the line-screen patterns in combination with the underlying solid-color background produce the apparent solid-color background in the target color.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of shutter blades activated by a solenoid to move the plurality of shutter blades between an open position and a closed position includes reducing an electrical signal applied to the solenoid while the plurality of shutter blades is in transit between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: An acid-gas absorbing tablet including in relatively sufficient proportions an adsorbent which may be activated carbon or silica gel or a mixture thereof, potassium carbonate, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, and potassium bicarbonate. A method of absorbing acid gases from a confined environment utilizing the above tablet by inserting it into the confined environment.

Abstract: A new, faster and more efficient process to replace heating walls and ceilings in coke oven batteries. Thus, when replaced, at least one heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large size modular cast modules from end to end and the ceiling adjacent the heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large modular cast blocks.

Abstract: A handheld target marker is provided, wherein the target marker includes a housing retaining a gas laser, a collimating or focusing lens, a driver and a power supply. The laser produces a thermal infrared beam which can be selectively directed to impinge upon a target. The impinging beam is viewable by a thermal imager. The handheld target marker operates at ambient temperatures and incorporates the driver and power supply necessary for operation of the laser, wherein the beam can be pulsed for enhancing imaging on the thermal imager.

Abstract: An autofocus system and method that includes a controllable light source having at least two selectively activated substantially monochromatic output wavelengths adapted for illuminating an object; a camera receiving light from said light source reflected from a portion of said object and generating output signals responsive to said received light; a controller connected to said camera and said controllable light source for positioning said camera and sequentially illuminating a first portion of the object with at least two selectively activated substantially monochromatic output wavelengths, moving the camera to a second position and sequentially illuminating a second portion of the object with at least two selectively activated substantially monochromatic output wavelengths; and a data processor connected to said camera and receiving said output signals and for each portion, comparing the output signals associated with each wavelength and determining a focus parameter from said comparison.

Abstract: A distance detecting arrangement employs at least two sensors having different ranges and resolutions of operation. Embodiments disclosed contemplate at least four modes of operation. In a first mode, only one sensor is employed. In a second mode, a longer range and lower resolution sensor is employed until a threshold value of distance is reached, at which point a shorter range and higher resolution sensor is employed. In a third mode, both the longer range and shorter range sensors are employed simultaneously. In a fourth mode, a low resolution profile is used to rescan the object with the high resolution sensor to provide a high resolution profile measurement. Embodiments facilitate the method disclosed by including a beam redirecting apparatus and preferably include a servo position system that can move the sensors and the object relative to each other.

Abstract: A combination model train sensor and signal includes a train proximity sensor, a signal such as red yellow and green signal lights, semaphores, wig-wag signals and the like together with a controller connected to the proximity sensor and the signal and the controller activates the signal appropriately when the proximity sensor indicates the absence of a train, and when the train proximity sensor indicates the presence of a train. A light source, preferably an infrared light source, and a light detector, preferably an infrared light detector, are arranged to reflect and detect from a passing train to indicate its presence. An output connected to the train proximity sensor for producing an output signal when the sensor indicates the presence of a train, which output can be used for controlling a remote signal. An input, responsive to a signal received from a remote sensor, controls the signal and synchronizes two signals.

Abstract: An illumination system using, in place of a more typical beam splitter, two right angle triangular prisms that are aligned to each other along their respective hypotenuses to form a cube, but without any reflective materials being used at their interface, and with the two halves separated by some distance so as to create an open/air gap between the two halves. When the upper/lower cube faces are normal to an optical axis of the illumination system, the cube structure reflects virtually all of the illumination from a transverse illumination source using total internal reflection so that said illumination is reflected out of the cube along the system's optical axis. However, rotating the cube structure past the critical angle eliminates total internal reflection and allows the cube to transmit almost all illumination entering the cube out of the cube parallel to the system's optical axis.

Abstract: An RFID reader and range indicating method for the RFID reader is provided. The RFID reader includes an RF antenna for communicating with one or more than one tag using RF signals, a module for operating on the tag, a module for analyzing a range of the RFID reader; and a module for indicating, based on the analysis, a potential area where the RFID reader is capable of implementing the operation on the tag.

Abstract: A manipulator for positioning a test head is provided with a positioning means by which the test head is three-dimensionally positionable and with a cradle to which the test head is securable and which is connected to the positioning means. The manipulator includes a compensator which can be loaded by the mass of the test head. The positioning means includes a column and at least one lead screw extending in the vertical direction. The compensator is connected to the cradle and can be moved by the lead screw in the vertical direction. The compensator includes a driver cooperating with the lead screw and is guided in the vertical direction on the column. The compensator has a spring element which is biased and supported by the driver.

Abstract: A sorbent canister having a hollow body and porous end caps fused to opposite ends of the hollow body includes beveled surfaces at the fused sites to aid in the dispensing of the canisters into product packaging.

Abstract: A magazine assembly presents a pressure cartridge to a compressed gas powered device, such as a gun, wherein the magazine assembly has a cartridge support biased with respect to a magazine to urge the pressure cartridge to a short (or seated) position, wherein an interlock plate is biased to engage the cartridge support. The bias on the interlock plate is overcome during insertion of the magazine assembly into a magazine chamber, at which point the cartridge support moves relative to the magazine in response to a seated length of the pressure cartridge. The bias on the interlock plate then controls the positioning of the interlock plate to engage the cartridge support and retain the pressure cartridge relative to the magazine assembly. A lever connected to the gun then engages the magazine assembly to translate the magazine assembly relative to the gun and pierce the pressure cartridge.

Abstract: A non-destructive tire testing device has at least one measuring head, a positioning means for moving the measuring head between a park position (I) and a measuring position (II), a pressure chamber in which the test object can be subjected to a prescribed pressure, and a sub-frame on which the test object can be mounted during the test. The sub-frame is supported on a first vibration reducing bearing element. The pressure chamber has a hood which is supported separately from the sub-frame on a second vibration reducing bearing.

Abstract: A clutch actuator for an electromechanical clutch having a solenoid actuating coil initially provides power to the solenoid at a high rate by using a high duty cycle pulse with a modulated controller. When the initial engagement of the clutch elements is sensed by a decrease in current, the duty cycle of the pulse with modulator is reduced and thereafter increased in a control fashion to accomplish a soft start.

Abstract: A laser sight is embedded in a mounting rail otherwise used for attaching accessories to small arms discharge devices such as pistols or rifles. The mounting rail has a transverse profile that extends along an axis of the mounting rail for engaging mating features of the accessories. The laser sight is located at least partly within the transverse profile of the mounting rail and has a sighting axis that extends substantially parallel to the axis of the mounting rail.

Abstract: A compact sweeping vehicle has steerable front wheels of variable track with a minimum track dimension for sweeping and a maximum track dimension for travel to and from the workplace. The front wheels are steerable and independently driven by hydraulic motors and are each supported on extendable parts of a telescopic axle beam which is supported on trailing arms supported by ball joints from the chassis of the vehicle. The extendable parts are extended and retracted by track change cylinders and steering is by a hydraulic cylinder extending between the axle beam and a steering arm of a bell crank lever for one of the wheels, which is connected by a forwardly extending drag link to a bell crank forming part of a steering relay mechanism which is connected by a cross link to a second bell crank lever, one arm of which is connected to a rearwardly extending drag link to a steering arm of the other wheel.

Abstract: A handheld target marker is provided, wherein the target marker includes a housing retaining a quantum cascade laser, a collimating or focusing lens, a driver and a power supply. The quantum cascade laser produces a thermal infrared beam which can be selectively directed to impinge upon a target. The impinging beam is viewable by a thermal imager. The handheld target marker operates at ambient temperatures and incorporates the driver and power supply necessary for operation of the quantum cascade laser.