Abstract: A paper handling apparatus 10 includes a plurality of paper receiving trays 12, 14, 16, 18 arranged vertically in close proximity to one another with a single paper feeding mechanism 20 provided to operate with all of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18. The paper feeding mechanism 20 moves vertically to selectively engage any selected one of the plurality of trays 12, 14, 16, 18. The vertical arrangement of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18 dictates that the trays are horizontally moveable between a first unselected position, where the trays are substantially vertically aligned with the one another, and a second selected position where the tray is horizontally moved to intersect the vertical path of the paper feeding mechanism 20. Horizontal movement of the trays 12, 14 16, 18 is effected by a single electric motor 28 rotatably attached to a shaft 30, which carries a series of gears 32, 34, 36, 38 that interact with a corresponding rack 40, 42, 44, 46 disposed on each of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18, respectively.

Abstract: A new and novel apparatus and method for remotely reading a meter, and more specifically a utility meter, is disclosed. In the present invention an apparatus is provided which can be used to remotely read a utility meter which is not affected by electro-magnetic interference (EMI) or radio-magnetic interference (RFI). In the present invention an apparatus for remotely reading a utility meter which is not susceptible to lightning strikes and voltage transients and surges is disclosed. The present invention employs a coherent-light fiber optic link operatively coupled between an image transmitter and an image receiver.

Abstract: Paper handling mechanisms for printers, copiers and the like typically have a separate paper feeding mechanism associated with each paper tray. The separate paper feeding mechanisms can only remove paper from the associated tray. Therefore, the paper handling mechanisms are redundant, space consuming, and inefficient to use. Disclosed herein is a paper handling mechanism that uses a single paper-feeding mechanism to remove paper from a plurality of trays. Since a separate paper-feeding mechanism is not required for each tray, more trays may be disposed in the same vertical space of prior printers or copiers. Advantageously, the single paper-feeding mechanism moves generally vertically, and the trays selectively move generally horizontally to intersect the paper-feeding mechanism. Preferably, a plurality of gears are disposed adjacent each horizontally moveable tray. The plurality of gears are adapted to engage a corresponding gear member on each of the respective trays.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for continuous measurement of water volume in oil or steam which overcomes many of the shortcomings. In the present invention may shortcomings encountered in the prior art devices are overcome by placing a dielectric capacity probe inside the main pipeline, to measure the average dielectric constant (E) of the flowing mixture. This `in situ` sampling, will account for the entire cross-sectional area of the pipe or duct and its contents. The `in-situ` probe will have a high intrinsic capacitance approaching that of air, which has a dielectric constant equal to "1". The probe placed within the pipeline shall offer a minimal impedance to flow of the crude oil or steam and the oil's normal impurities and sediments. The probe will automatically self-calibrate, `in-line`, at selected time intervals and shall be fully automated for the overall routine operation.

Abstract: A paper handling apparatus 10 includes a plurality of paper receiving trays 12, 14, 16, 18 arranged vertically in close proximity to one another with a single paper feeding mechanism 20 provided to operate with all of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18. The paper feeding mechanism 20 moves vertically to selectively engage any selected one of the plurality of trays 12, 14, 16, 18. The vertical arrangement of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18 dictates that the trays are horizontally moveable between a first unselected position, where the trays are substantially vertically aligned with the one another, and a second selected position where the tray is horizontally moved to intersect the vertical path of the paper feeding mechanism 20. Horizontal movement of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18 is effected by a single electric motor 28 rotatably attached to a shaft 30, which carries a series of gears 32, 34, 36, 38 that interact with a corresponding rack 40, 42, 44, 46 disposed on each of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18, respectively.

Abstract: A paper handling apparatus 10 for an electrophotographic printer and, in particular, a desktop laser printer includes a series of paper containing trays 12, 14, 16, 18, which are configured to receive a variety of different styles and sizes of sheets of paper. The trays 12, 14, 16, 18 are individually horizontally arranged and collectively configured in a vertically stacked arrangement. A single paper feeding mechanism 20 is configured for selective operation with each of the vertically stacked trays 12, 14, 16, 18 by employing a rolamite to provide controlled vertical movement of the paper feeding mechanism 20 adjacent the vertically stacked trays 12, 14, 16, 18. The trays 12, 14, 16, 18 are selectively horizontally moveable so as to intersect the vertical path of the paper feeding mechanism, so as to allow the single paper feeding mechanism 20 to selectively engage one of the plurality of trays 12, 14, 16, 18 and sequentially remove individual sheets of paper from the selected tray 12, 14, 16, 18.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuous measurement of water volume in oil in which a dielectric capacity probe is placed inside the main pipeline, to measure the average dielectric constant (E) of the flowing mixture. This `in situ` sampling, will account for the entire cross-sectional area of the pipe or duct and its contents. The `in situ` probe will have a high intrinsic capacitance approaching that of air, which has a dielectric constant equal to "1". The probe placed within the pipeline shall offer a minimal impedance to flow of the crude oil and the oil's normal impurities and sediments. The probe will automatically self-calibrate, `in-line`, at selected time intervals and shall be fully automated for the overall routine operation. Additionally the present invention to continuously corrects the measured capacitance as the temperature fluctuates throughout delivery.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a portable personal computer expansion unit provides a plurality of interlocking ribs on the mating surfaces of the portable personal computer and expansion unit, and a latch mechanism to releasably lock the mating surface of the computer expansion unit to the mating surface of the portable personal computer.

Abstract: A discontinuous, free-running flyback power supply with precise, predictable switching control is provided. An open collector comparator provides a digital signal to the control switching transistor for precise control of the switching action of the power switching transistor. This digital signal also provides a minimum hold-off time for the power switching transistor for power-up and low load conditions.