Abstract: A multi-purpose routing jig comprised of a set of box type truss members which can be made of plywood or the like and may be assembled with butt joints, glue, and screws or bolts, which members can be quickly assembled or disassembled without use of other tools. The structure of the jig comprises the series of truss members which when fastened together in its primary bench-type configuration holds the router internally, in inverted position, with the bit positioned for easy and accurate access to various workpieces. The jig can fasten together in different configurations to make a) a router table and fence, b) a freehand router table, c) a joint maker or horizontal router, c) an overhead router, d) a dado and rabbet cutter, e) an edge guide, and f) an extended portable router base.

Abstract: A truck is fitted with an unloading conveyor for carrying packages of material, e.g. roofing shingles, from a transfer station on the truck bed, preferably at its rear. This conveyor can swing in an arc about its mounting adjacent the transfer station, and its azimuth can be adjusted to reach a wide variety of delivery sites. The truck bed can carry multiple rows of stacked packages such as pallettized loads of roofing shingles, and is fitted with a bed conveyor system to move an entire row of loads to the transfer station. Upper flights of the bed conveyor move toward a lift platform designed to receive a few of the palletized loads as these are carried to the transfer station. An operator removes the packages from the loads and places them onto the discharge conveyor. As the loads are emptied, the lift platform can rise so the operator only shifts the packages onto the discharge conveyor with minimal lifting.

Abstract: A generalized minimum variance type of control operates on combined optimal and self-tuning control theorems, and is applicable to the design of active, semi-active, and hybrid vibration control systems. The system operates in a multiple-input/multiple- output manner, so when both noise and vibration are important, e.g. interior of a vehicle, the resulting nulling signal will be based on diminishing both vibrations and noise. The system operates by directly nulling primary vibrations in an active mode, and/or by developing a variable bandwidth mechanical filter, in a semi-active mode, and applying nulling signals accordingly to the vibration source. Artificial intelligence is incorporated into the system to learn on-line the dynamics of the system, e.g. vehicle modal parameters, without reprogramming or tuning the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying/identifying a person based on contour of the knuckles of at least one hand, e.g. a digitized waveform unique to each individual. At an Enrollment Station a microcomputer is connected to a video camera (with CCD array). A candidate user grasps and turns a grip handle on the apparatus, thus positioning a fist before a viewing window and activating the camera to scan the fist and generate a contour of the user's knuckle profile. User's data comprises a knuckle profile of fist(s), an assigned PIN, and optionally, information such as user's name, bank ID number, Social Security Number, and access restrictions. User's data may be stored as an electronic waveform profile (template) in an ID card, and simultaneously in a master database containing data of all authorized users in a guarded system (factory, retail store, bank customers, computer data files). Similar apparatus is installed at each Guarded Station (a door, turnstile, gate, ATM, etc.).

Abstract: A passive/adaptive vibration control system is provided wherein various elements of the system may be adapted on-line in response to sensed vibrations. A spring/mass vibration absorber is attached to a vibrating body to absorb energy generated by that body, to minimize the transmission of vibrations to a structure in mechanical communication with the vibrating body. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mass of the vibration absorber may be adjusted, on-line, to compensate for sensed vibrations. A vibration sensor is connected to either the vibrating body or the attached structure so as to sense the level of vibration above a desired level and to send a signal representative of that vibration to an electronic controller. The electronic controller is designed to instruct the actuator to adapt the mass to compensate for the sensed vibration.

Abstract: An end bracket is provided which can be infinitely adjustably fitted (within a given range) to a novel modular coated wire shelf, having tubular front rails, to compensate for slight deviations in closet wall spacing widths. The end bracket attaches telescopically to the tubular upper and lower front shelf rails, and is locked in position so movement of the rails relative to the bracket is prevented once the bracket is seated against one of the side walls between which the shelf extends. The bracket includes rods which can fit into holes provided in the walls to form the necessary support for the front of the shelf.

Abstract: A multi-purpose router baseplate accessory is configured to perform eight different woodworking tasks. The accessory includes a rectangular rigid transparent plate with a pair of handles, at least one of which is readily removable, and two separate mounting locations for a router.

Abstract: An aerobic sewage treatment method and system includes a tank divided by a baffle into at least a treatment chamber and a settling chamber. A return flow pipe at the normal liquid level, from the settling chamber into the aerating chamber, has on its treatment chamber side a tee fitting aimed to the side of the treatment chamber, along the baffle separating it from the settling chamber. Floating particles near the settling chamber discharge thus flow back into the treatment chamber for further aeration and reduction. Flow through such return pipe is induced by a stream from the aerating unit directed against the surface of the turned end of the return pipe, whereby some of that flow moves along the pipe and draws a return flow into the aerating chamber. The stream for causing this return flow is obtained from the discharge of an improved aerating unit which discharges a few directed streams, as opposed to an annular stream of greater velocity but lesser total mass flow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the lateral displacement and changes in the lateral dimension of thin long objects, particularly filament materials such as wire or various fibers. The material may move quasi-statically or at a high rate of speed. The simplest embodiment of this invention utilizes a light source such as an incandescent lamp, a laser, a light emitting diode, etc., to produce a collimated beam of light. The light traverses the sample region and impinges on a detector including least two precisely separated photosensors arranged at a predetermined angle to the object to monitor and/or measure changes in lateral dimension and displacement detection. Displacement information which can be derived from the method and apparatus can be utilized to determine the vibration and also the tension in a monitored filament or the like. A beam splitter can be used to produce multiple output beams directed to separate detectors.

Abstract: A generalized minimum variance type of control operates on combined optimal and self-tuning control theorems, and is applicable to the design of active, semi-active, and hybrid vibration control systems. The system operates in a multiple-input/multiple-output manner, so when both noise and vibration are important, e.g. interior of a vehicle, the resulting nulling signal will be based on diminishing both vibrations and noise. The system operates by directly nulling primary vibrations, in an active mode, and/or by developing a variable bandwidth mechanical filter, in a semi-active mode, and applying nulling signals accordingly to the vibration source. Artificial intelligence is incorporated into the system to learn on-line the dynamics of the system, e.g. vehicle modal parameters. This intelligence is used to modify decision making in the system, based on results of past performance, without reprogramming or tuning of the system.

Abstract: A miniature electronic element is provided formed of and within a single crystal of semiconductor material on which are formed top and bottom surface layers of an oxide of the semiconductor material, and including at least one isolated island of semiconductor material formed in the remaining material between the top and bottom surface layers. Contact members may be attached in predetermined spatial relation to at least one of the top and bottom surface layers and extend through the one surface to the island of material connecting thereto in spaced relation, whereby the material of the island between the contact members provides an electrical path of predetermined value between the contact members. An isolating chamber (or chambers) is formed between the surface layers around the isolated island of material to provide thermal isolation to the island of material.

Abstract: A fuel hose is provided which can be cured into a predetermined shape and which contains a layer of material which, in the final form of the hose, provides a continuous barrier to permeation of fuel through the walls of the hose. A method of making such a hose is disclosed which includes steps added to known hose manufacturing methods, using a thin fuel impermeable tape, which may include a continuous metallic layers and which is wound helically about an inner uncured tubular rubber extrusion with the edges of the tape overlapping. The tape has a heat activated adhesive thereon which will function, when an outer uncured rubber layer is added and the composite uncured hose is placed in an autoclave for vulcanization, to form a continuous impermeable intermediate layer in the hose.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system incorporates a depressed park mechanism that stores a wiper blade in a depressed, park position. Actuation of the motor in one direction moves the blade out of its park position and into an operative position where it reciprocates through a predetermined wipe pattern. De-actuation of the wipe system then repositions the blade in its depressed park position by simply reversing rotation of the motor and altering the effective length of the drive link assembly.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an improved lithographic dampening solution comprising a diluted dampening solution concentrate having mixed therein a micro-emulsion formulation which spontaneously emulsifies upon mixing with the diluted dampening solution concentrate, the micro-emulsion formulation comprising a mono-, di-, or tripropylene glycol or other glycol having at least 3 carbons; a partially water soluble mono-, di-, or tripropylene glycol C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl ether; and, a wholly or partially water soluble polymer having an acid value of from about 5 to about 50. The subject invention further relates to a micro-emulsion formulation as previously stated or as stated hereinabove which further contains a nonionic surfactant of HLB 2-10 and a water soluble thickener. The invention further relates to a method for preparing the above-defined improved lithographic dampening solution.

Abstract: An auxiliary support device for table saws, includes an auxiliary table extending rearward and coplanar of the saw main table. An adjustable guide and support member is mounted at one side of the auxiliary table and can be moved toward and away from the one side. Legs maintain the guide and support member parallel to the tops of the tables. The guide and support member includes a slide extensible in a forward direction, parallel to the main table. The auxiliary table and the sideways movable guide and support member provide extended support beyond the main table for large pieces being trimmed to a smaller width. Extending the slide forward provides outboard support over a space beyond the side of the main saw table, opposite from the saw's fence, where the operator can move into this space during completion of a cut, thereby giving him enhanced control over a large panel or piece of stock.

Abstract: The invention, relating to an easy-open metal container end, places a portion of the metal of the tear panel, in the region where a score stop otherwise would be located, under compression by forming a short coined depression or bead in the tear panel, preferably in the public side, close to the score line at least at the end of the vent region opposite from the inner hook, which is located at the radially inward end of the tear panel score line. During initial opening or venting action, as the rivet is lifted by initial tab motion, separation proceeds along the score line, beneath the nose of the tab. The metal adjacent and in this coined depression tends to move partially underneath the metal on the opposite side of the score line from the coined vent bead. This action provides sufficient disruption or retarding of the score line separation or rupture, during venting, to confine such separation to the vent region until internal pressure is vented.

Abstract: An improved golf club retaining device holds the clubs in place within a generally circular frame, while avoiding any bending stress transverse to the length of the club handle. The central disc of the club frame carries a band or ring of resilient material, e.g. a large O-ring, in a groove around the periphery of the disc. In locations where the club shafts pass this disc, the disc periphery has scallop-like recesses leaving the band without rearward support in those locations. Transverse force against the club shafts is derived only from the tension in the band or O-ring, to hold clubs securely in the frame. The transverse force on the club shafts is insufficient to induce any deformation in those shafts. An integral multiple cup member is provided as the bottom member of the frame, and has outer walls about its periphery which are higher that their inner counterparts. Forces against the butt of a club shaft handle are distributed over a greater part of the handle end.

Abstract: The principal object of the invention is to provide a novel system for assembling green tires according to the two-stage process, together with a programmable control which allows the system to perform most of its functions automatically. The system assembles a first stage tire carcass essentially automatically, then removes and transfers completed carcasses automatically to a unique tire assembly drum, onto which the carcasses are automatically loaded. The assembly drum then acts to form each carcass into the desired toroidal shape. Second stage belt-tread stock assemblies are, in the meantime, completed and then automatically transferred into position surrounding the shaped carcasses, joined thereto, and the joined first and second stage assemblies are stitched together forming a green tire. The completed green tires are then taken automatically from the tire assembly drum and launched onto a unique discharge chute device.

Abstract: A thread cutting mechanism is added to a chainstitch sewing machine, including a trimming plate, fitted on the machine in alignment with the needle and looper and associated mechanism. A guideway in the bottom of the plate, extends along a path crossing the loops of the upper and lower threads. A slide moves in the guideway, and has an arm with a pointed free end extendable from the slide to move in and out of the guideway. Pockets formed along a side of the arm capture portions of the upper and lower threads in the sewing head, preparatory to forming a stitch. The slide is reciprocated when a stitching operation ends, extending the arm out of the guideway, pushing aside the upper thread and adjacent lower thread. The arm at its forward extension aligns the pockets with the upper and lower threads, so they engage within the pockets. When the slide retracts the arm draws the threads between the plate and arm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a housing for a rotatable shaft, particularly one used in the drive mechanism of a windscreen wiper assembly. The housing comprises a body portion having first and second ends disposed oppositely to and axially remote from each other, the body portion being provided with an integrally formed retaining member adapted to maintain the axial positioning of the rotatable shaft. Another embodiment of the invention provides on the second end of housing means for biasingthe body portion in the axial direction.