Abstract: A programmable logic controller is provided which includes a function block processor for processing function block instructions and a bit processor for processing Boolean instructions. The bit processor decodes and identifies the OPCODE of each instruction command in a user program memory and returns control to the function block processor if at least one of the following two conditions occurs, namely, 1) there is power flow in the power flow register of the bit processor and 2) the function block is one which must be executed by the function block processor. The bit processor waits until the function block processor has retrieved the instruction pointer from the bit processor and then adjusts the instruction pointer to point to the next OPCODE in the user program memory.

Abstract: A color grading scale comprises a plurality of individual cast resin chips, each representative of a single color, with the chips attached one to another to form a continuous array of color chips. In a preferred form, the chips are incorporated into a linear slide which fits within a groove formed in a surface of a frame. The frame is formed of a plastic material having a bright white color for maximum white light reflection. Formed in the frame adjacent to and spaced from the groove is at least one shallow pocket having a depth substantially the same as the groove for receiving a gemstone to be color graded by comparison to the color chips of the slide. Plural pockets of different sizes may be provided to accommodate different size stones.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for roll-up type doors on a vehicle truck body in which a rotatable rod extends through the truck body adjacent a top edge of the doors and has flanges for engaging the doors. A first lever arm coupled to one end of the rod enables rotation of the rod, and a second lever arm coupled between the first lever arm and the latching mechanism controls the relative rotational position of the rod. The latching mechanism comprises a housing assembly for attachment to the truck body, a rotatable support mounted in the housing and a third lever arm attached to the support and extending from the latching mechanism. An end of the third lever arm is connected to the second lever arm for effecting its movement in response to rotation of the support. First and second stops limit rotation of the support while a tension spring urges the support against the stops.

Abstract: A method is provided by which a programmable logic controller checks each statement of an instruction list (IL) program to determine if any such statement or the order of statements violates one of a set of syntax rules which are stored in a memory in the controller. If a rule violation is found, an error indication is generated to signify that the particular IL program under test by the controller can not be accurately converted or translated into a relay ladder diagram. However, if no rule violation is found by the controller, then the controller accepts the IL program.

Abstract: A method is provided for configuring a smart module which is coupled to a programmable logic controller. The controller includes an initial configuration file which specifies an initial configuration for the smart module. After power up and initialization of the controller, the initial configuration file is transmitted from the controller to the smart module. The initial configuration file is now designated a current configuration file and the smart module assumes the configuration specified by the current configuration file. In accordance with the method of the invention, module specific information which is stored in the module is then displayed to aid a user in configuring the module. The user can then modify the current configuration file in response to the module specific information which was displayed. This method significantly simplifies the process of configuring smart modules for the user.

Abstract: A propeller hub assembly comprises a driven member having an outer cylindrical housing and an inner cylindrical housing. The inner cylindrical housing is coaxially fixedly coupled and radially spaced from the outer cylindrical housing, and includes a plurality of radially inwardly directed circumferentially spaced ribs oriented parallel to an axis of the inner cylindrical housing. The propeller hub assembly further includes a driving member which comprises a cylindrical member having an axis of rotation. An opening passes through the driving member coaxial with the axis of rotation and is adapted for receiving a drive shaft. The driving member further includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending ribs oriented parallel to the axis of rotation and terminating radially at a diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of the inner cylindrical housing.

Abstract: An earth surface surveying system uses an IR camera to obtain IR images of a selected area. A video camera operates in association with the IR camera to obtain video images in geographic and time sequence with images obtained by the IR camera. A processor allows split-screen viewing of the IR and video images so that areas of interest in the IR image can be identified from the video image. The system also includes apparatus for overlaying earth surface coordinates on the images from a global navigation system to enable identifying the location of areas in the images.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus is provided for recovering the clock signal and data signal from an encoded information signal. The encoded signal which is to be processed includes first symbols exhibiting a first frequency representing logical ones and second symbols exhibiting a second frequency representing logical zeros. A tapped delay line produces a first recovered clock signal exhibiting a frequency approximately twice that of the clock rate of the data signal. Circuitry is provided for recovering the data signal and a second recovered clock signal which exhibits a frequency approximately equal to the clock rate of the data signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking includes an apparatus convertible from a grill to a bake oven. The apparatus has a fire box positioned below a grill and incorporates a closed chamber supported on the fire box and enclosing the grill. A pivotable plate is mounted immediately below the grill and is pivotable between a vertical position and a horizontal position. In the horizontal position, the plate is latchable below the grill so as to separate the grill from the fire box. In this horizontal position, the closed grill chamber functions as an oven. When the pivotable plate is dropped into the vertical position, the grill is in direct communication with the fire box and can be used in a normal grill fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically watering and moderating the ambient temperature of a plurality of potted plants. Each plant is placed in an inner pot which is positioned within a larger outer pot. Each inner pot has an aperture in its bottom surface with a nozzle extending therethrough. Apparatus is placed in the bottom of each outer pot and cooperates with the nozzle to selectively prevent water flow into the inner pot when soil in the inner pot contains a preselected amount of moisture. Each outer pot is coupled to a water source through a respective water line. Water is admitted into the outer pots until the water level reaches a preselected level to regulate the amount of water admitted to the inner pot. For temperature moderation, controlled temperature water may be selectively admitted into and discharged from the water lines to the plants to maintain the temperature of water in the water lines at a preselected value.

Abstract: A rinser for a gravity feed can conveyor system includes a plurality of nozzles for directing high pressure water into the cans as they pass by the rinser. At least some of the nozzles are angular oriented with respect to the cans in the conveyor system so that some water impinges on side surfaces of the cans in such a manner as to urge the cans through the conveyor. A rotator following the rinser rotates the cans from a downward angle to a vertical position for filling in at least three succeeding sections of conveyor.

Abstract: An electronic processor based system is provided which is capable of receiving plug-in cards. The plug-in card includes a memory which contains a first error check word which is a function of seed data words which are also stored in that memory. The first error check word is related to the seed data words by a predetermined algorithm. When the card is inserted in the processor system, the system reads the first error check word and the seed data words stored in the memory on the card. In one form, the processor system then performs its own independent calculation of a second error check word by using the same predetermined algorithm to operate on the seed data words retrieved from the card. The processor system compares the second error check word with the retrieved first error check word. If the second error check word is found to be the same as the retrieved first error check word, then the card is permitted to continue operation together with the system.

Abstract: A rug cleaning apparatus comprises a housing having a front wall, a back wall, a top, and a pair of opposite end walls. An opening is formed in the top for allowing insertion of a rug into the apparatus, and a driven roller brush is mounted in the apparatus and extends from one to another of the pair of end walls. The roller brush has bristles extending therefrom for brushing against a rug inserted into the apparatus with at least a portion of the bristles being removed from the roller brush such that during a predetermined portion of rotation of the roller brush a portion of the rug is not in contact with brush bristles. Means attached to the apparatus and positioned adjacent the driven roller urge a rug into contact with the roller brush for brushing debris from the rug and for effecting vibration of the rug by repeated contact and lost of contact between the rug and bristles on the rug.

Abstract: A carrier detection circuit is provided for reliably detecting the presence of a carrier signal. The carrier detection circuit operates on a carrier signal which includes a first symbol exhibiting a first frequency representing a logic 1 and a second symbol exhibiting a second frequency representing a logic 0. A first carrier detect pulse exhibiting a first logic state is generated each time the carrier signal exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage. A plurality of consecutive first carrier detect pulses are checked to determine the logic state of each. A second carrier detect pulse is generated if it is determined that each of the plurality of consecutive first carrier detect pulses exhibit the first logic state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving imaging in an X-ray mammography machine having a controllable X-ray source incorporates apparatus for directing the X-ray beam in a preselected configuration onto at least a portion of a target area. The creation intensity of the beam is detected in each of a plurality of substantially equal segments of the target area and a first segment of lowest radiation intensity is identified. The X-ray source is adjusted to establish a predetermined radiation intensity in the identified first segment. Second segments are then identified each having a radiation intensity greater than a predetermined percentage of the radiation intensity in the identified first segment. The radiation intensity directed toward the identified second segments is then automatically attenuated by a control system responsive to the radiation intensity detected in the second segments.

Abstract: In combination, a baseball style cap has a crown portion, a bill portion, and a portion for mounting a high intensity lamp to the bill portion. The mounting portion comprises a relatively stiff steel support rod having a first end bent so as to be located in a plane parallel to the bill of the hat for attachment thereto. Another portion of the support extends in an upwardly angled direction from the first end, and a second end extends substantially normal to a plane defined by the first end. The portion of the support bent in an upwardly angled direction and the connection portion are attached to an outer surface of the lamp for receiving the second end of the lamp support. The connection portion comprises an outer non-resilient tube bonded to the lamp and an inner resilient tube inserted into the outer tube.

Abstract: An improved animal feeding dish prevents crawling insects such as ants from entering and contaminating pet food contained within the dish. The structure comprises a generally upright bowl-shaped container which includes an imperforate circular base and an imperforate wall extending upward from the base and circumscribing the base. The bowl-shaped container is designed to receive and contain a predetermined amount of pet food. A trough is formed integrally with and circumscribes the container for holding a liquid such as water for deterring crawling insects from the container. The dish may be provided with a protective removable flange which extends outwardly from an upper rim of the container. The flange covers the underlying trough to reduce evaporation of the contained liquid and to prevent food and an animal's ears from falling into the trough.

Abstract: A cover for preventing water from entering a golf bag while removing clubs therefrom comprises a tubular sleeve formed of a water impervious, flexible material. The sleeve has upper and lower openings with an elastic band extending around and integral with the lower opening, and an absorbent cloth collar fastened around the upper opening. The lower opening of the tubular sleeve is larger than the diameter of the golf bag. The elastic band of the lower opening effectively draws said lower opening into relatively tight contact with the outer surface of the golf bag. The length of the sleeve is such that at least a portion of said sleeve extends a sufficient distance from the golf bag to collapse the sleeve whereby the upper opening is positioned in substantially the same direction as the lower opening. The length of the sleeve is approximately the same as the golf bag.