Abstract: A multi-layered composite comprising a protective layer, a retaining layer, a conductive layer and a filler layer intermediate the retainer and conductive layers. The filler layer is impregnated with liquid absorbent particles. A protective layer having specific characteristic for protection against extreme temperatures, physical impacts and the like is specifically disclosed for use in combination with the retainer, filler and conductive layers. The protective layer provides additional protection of the person from catastrophic events such as exposure of a person to fire and/or severe impact such as may be caused by gunfire.

Abstract: A foot throttle for boats wherein an eccentric is rotated by operation of a foot pedal and wherein the eccentric is biased directly against an adjustable limiter thus eliminating imprecise positioning of the throttle caused by loose tolerances in the pedal mechanism which actuates the eccentric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabrication of unitary foam panels wherein frames members are fabricated by forming metal stock into a crossectional channel configuration, cutting and swedging the channel into predetermined lengths. The frame members are swedged to provide frictional interconnection at the corners thereof upon assembly of said frame members into a rectangular frame configuration. Assembly of the frame is accomplished in a shuttle having two assembly jigs. Upon assembly, each frame is moved by the shuttle into a molding press wherein a panel of foam is molded within the frame. The shuttle moves back and forth through the molding press in a manner which provides for removal of a completed panel and assembly of an additional frame from one jig of the shuttle while the molding operation is accomplished within the molding press upon a frame retained within the other jig of the shuttle.

Abstract: A longitudinally extending construction panel is adapted to interconnect with a like panel to form a waterproof connection. A leverage arrangement including a fulcrum adjacent mating surfaces of the panels is utilized to seat the mating surfaces. Rotation of a panel about the fulcrum permits the mating surfaces to be pressed together with a force sufficient to deform the contact surfaces together to provide a watertight seal therebetween. The width of the rotated panel provides a lever arm to aid in application sufficient force to accomplish the sealing effect. The fulcrum in cooperation with a support leg and a base plate, forms a water tight drain channel below the sealed contacting surfaces. Control of the dimensions of the panel permits lateral movement between assembled panels.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, having a compact eccentric crankshaft which permits a straight passage to be formed along the center of rotation of the crankshaft. When applied to a two cylinder engine the crankshaft design permits longitudinal alignment of opposing cylinders. The eccentric crankshaft is closely fitted within a compact crankcase to minimize crankcase volume.

Abstract: A translucent longitudinally extending gas chamber housing having two sections, each of which includes a facial surface configured to congruently match the facial surface of the other. The sections are hermetically joined to one another at the facial surfaces thereof to form a chamber for the retention of an illuminating gas therein. Electrodes are provided where desirable within the chamber for ignition of the gas. The sections are configured for mass production typically by use of molding processes. Typically the sections include transitions from a raised portion to a flattened portion or vice versa to provide the configuration necessary for forming alphanumeric or other types illuminated of displays.

Abstract: A system for controlling adjustment of the outboard drive unit of a boat by operation of switches mounted on the steering wheel of the boat. The system provides an "up switch, a "down" switch and a transmitter, each of which is adapted for attachment adjacent the gripping portion of the steering wheel. The transmitter provides wireless command signals to a receiver which is adapted for mounting behind the dashboard of the boat. The receiver in response to reception of the signals actuates an relay interface which in turn actuates a selected "up" or "down" trim relay which is a standard component on boats for which the kit is intended. The actuated trim relay provides electrical power to a conventional boat trim drive mechanism which in accordance with the switch command adjusts the position of the drive unit of the boat.

Abstract: A machine for strengthening the leg muscles and for testing the strength of the leg muscles. The machine includes a platform having an actuator end and a weight support end. The platform is pivotally supported by a base. Weights are placed upon the weight support end of the platform. One foot of a standing user is placed upon the actuator end of the platform so as to pivot the platform on the base by the application of pressure by the leg of the user. A pneumatic control system is attached between the base and the platform to provide an adjustable resistance to the pivotal movement of the platform, and for recording the force applied to the platform by the user. An optional stabilizer attachment may be attached to the base for griping by the user to prevent the user from being lifted during applications of extreme force. Alternatively, additional resistance to pivoting of the platform may be provided by use of an elastic cord attachment which is attached to the actuator end of platform and griped by the user.

Abstract: A system and method in which the user is provided the option of automatic recall of selected numbers which have been previously called. The computer based system which is controlled by operation of a conventional push-button telephone repeatedly places selected calls and plays a selected prerecorded message whenever a call is answered. Processors provide the capability of recognizing the results of each call as to whether the call has reached a number which is busy or is answered, and also as to whether the call is answered by a person or by an answering machine. In response to recognition signals, the system, at the appropriate time, plays a selected message. When a call has been successfully completed the called number will be removed from a numbers queue within the system, and the system will record the time and date of the completion. Numbers remaining in the queue will be recalled until successfully completed.

Abstract: The invention is a torque monitor which attaches to the crank arm of a bicycle pedaling mechanism. A drive link is pivotally attached at one end thereof to a mounting assembly which is rigidly attached to the bicycle crank arm. The end of the drive link opposite the attached end is adapted to receive a bicycle pedal, and is free to move a limited distance relative to the bicycle crank arm. As a positive torque is maintained during a pedaling cycle the free end of the drive link is forced toward the bicycle crank arm. If a negative torque is created, the free end of the drive link is force away from the bicycle crank arm and against a movement limiter. As the torque applied to the drive link changes, the movement of the free end provides both an audible and a tactile feedback to make a rider aware that an improper negative torque is being applied during the pedaling cycle. Drive links of varied lengths may be utilized to change the effective length of the bicycle crank arm.

Abstract: A module assembly mechanism 10 includes a platform 12 which supports all other members of the system. The platform 12 is constructed of four angular side connectors 14 which are attached at the ends 16 thereof so as to form a rectangular base 18. A support column 22 is rigidly attached to each corner of the base 18. Each of the support columns 22 includes an inner angle 24 and an outer angle 26 which angles are attached to one another by a weld bead 28 at the corners thereof. A stanchion 40 is rigidly attached to the outer angle 26 of each of the columns 22. Each stanchion 40 extends upwardly from the column 22 for connection to a roof module, and extends downwardly for contact with the ground or whatever foundation is provided for placement of the playground equipment.

Abstract: Electrical pulses are provided to the system as each piston of an automotive engine reaches its top dead center position during a compression stroke. The system measures and stores the time TP which is equivalent to the elapsed between a first and second pulse. The system then measures the current cycle time, TC which is the time accumulating after the second pulse. To this time TC the system instantly adds a predetermined and constant (but adjustable) time advance period, TA. The time TP is fed to a comparator for comparison to the total of the time TA plus the accumulating time TC. When the total of time TA plus the accumulating time TC reaches the value of the time TP, the comparator generates a pulse to fire an automotive ignition coil. When a third pulse arrives the system stores the new value reached by TC as the new TP for the following cycle. Thus, the result of this addition of TA to TC is continuously compared with the stored value of TP, and when the two values coincide ignition is again triggered.

Abstract: The present invention is a wireless alarm system having a transmitter which operates in conjunction with existing intruder detection devices to provide an electromagnetic signal in response to detection of an intruder. The transmitter is attached to, and is pulsed by the detection device. In response to the pulse, a signal is emitted by the transmitter, and is sent to a receiver unit which is electrically connected to a power source remote from the transmitter. The receiver is provided with an electrical switching mechanism and an alarm selection device. When a signal from the transmitter is received by the receiver, the power from the power source is switched by the receiver so as to actuate one or more of selected alarms or electrical components which may be an integral part of or be attached directly to the receiver, or may be located remotely therefrom.

Abstract: A system utilizing an array of high speed video cameras with image processors coupled to data microprocessors, data memory devices, video monitors, control terminals, printout devices, and related hardware and software. The system functions to identify, track, display and record all or selected portions of the path of one or more golf balls from the time each ball is struck, or after it is in flight, until it reaches its final point of rest. The recorded tracking information may be displayed in selected forms such as video or audio replays of the actual golf shot or selected portions thereof, or by printed data in character or graphic form. The tracking information may be reviewed for detailed study of all or portions of the track of the golf shot as well as the final resting place of the ball with respect to the intended target of the shot.

Abstract: A flame detector unit contains a silicon photodiode that is sensitive to UV light waves and two lead selenide photoresistors that are sensitive to IR light waves. The electromagnetic bandwidth of each sensor element is restricted by an optical wave filter to pass photons of certain wavelengths characteristic of hydrocarbon flames and to discriminate against photons of other wavelengths. Signals generated by the IR sensors are in the form of variations in electrical resistance of the sensor elements, which together with a resistor network comprise a bridge circuit which combines the two IR signals so as to discriminate against blackbody radiation sources and provide a signal which is fed through an amplifier. Amplified UV and IR signals are fed to a common analog to digital converter (ADC). Output from the ADC is fed to a digital processor through a notch filter, a cluster of weighted-moving-average filters, and into a threshold comparator/tester.

Abstract: The invention is a Weld Analysis and Control System developed for active weld system control through real time weld data acquisition. Closed-loop control is based on analysis of weld system parameters and weld geometry. The system is adapted for use with automated welding apparatus having a weld controller which is capable of active electronic control of all aspects of a welding operation. Enhanced graphics and data displays are provided for post-weld analysis.The system provides parameter acquisition, including seam location which is acquired for active torch cross-seam positioning. Torch stand-off is also monitored for control. Weld bead and parent surface geometrical parameters are acquired as an indication of weld quality. These parameters include mismatch, peaking, undercut, underfill, crown height, weld width, puddle diameter, and other measurable information about the weld puddle regions, such as puddle symmetry, etc.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a control system for the systematic testing, calibration, and operation of weighting apparatus having multiple inputs. The invention also provides a fault alarm.The system utilizes a summing network of resistors and switches to isolate and test or calibrate selected load cells controlled by the system Additionally, the summing network and the isolation switches of the control system provide a means for continued operation of defective scales having substantially equal load inputs. This is accomplished by electrically isolating those load cells which have become defective.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor for measuring the profile of a weld seam or weld bead along a line perpendicular to the seam or bead. The sensor illuminates a workpiece with a pulsed and shaped laser beam which is flattened in one dimension and fan shaped in a second dimension. An image of the workpiece is transmitted optically to a CCD camera the electronic shutter of which is synchronized with the pulses of the illuminating laser beam. A signal providing data relating to the profile of the workpiece is transmitted by the CCD camera to an automated welding device for response to the data. The sensor is intended to be a part of a highly automated welding system, in which it will be used in automatic tracking of the seam or automatic profiling of the weld bead for immediate evaluation and assurance of quality during the welding process. The sensor is also used as a quality control tool in reviewing the profile of a weld after it has been formed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for mounting and removal of one or more electronic load cells (or similarly configured spacers) of the type used in heavy capacity industrial weight scales. In addition to the mounting of the load cells the system provides a means for the selective application or removal of weight normally applied to the load cells (or similarly configured spacers) through a scale apparatus. The system thus facilitates the testing, calibration, or replacement of the load cells.

Abstract: This integral regenerative system is particularly well suited for retrofitting to standard hydraulic systems which did not originally employ regeneration circuitry. To reduce the amount of external plumbing and valving normally associated with retrofitting, the invention utilizes the integration of uniquely directed flow paths and specially configured valves into its housing components. The valves provide fluid flow control within the system and automatically prevent undesirable drainage of fluid from the system.