Abstract: This invention concerns an operating system with relevant actuation plant for automatically detecting the loading position of a clothing item previously identified and loaded at random at any of the loading stations of a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A retrofitted personal computer ("PC") has an access control module attached to the rear wall of the PC. A secondary switch within the access control module is connected in series between the main switch of the PC and the power supply. An authorized user remotely controls the powering of the PC by turning "ON"-"OFF" of the secondary switch through the "ON"-"OFF" radio pre-coded transmitter. The disk drive of the PC is protected by a disk drive lock, which is interconnected with the access control module and the PC by a cable.

Abstract: A liposome or microsphere containing guaiac or other reagent is used in an immunoassay to detect an antigen or antibody. The guaiac or other reagent reacts with hemoglobin or other blood constituent to produce color indicating a positive result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for testing eyes. This method is objective in nature and can be performed by a technician, only requiring specialized personal to interpret the final prescription. The method comprises: Obtaining autorefractor, corrected autorefractor, and autolensometer results; Calculating sphere; Performing a Red-Green test; Calculating cylinder and axis; Determining minimum cylinder power; Determining final sphere; and Recording all data, wherein the steps of calculating sphere and calculating cylinder and axis do not rely upon subjective interpretation of responses made by the subject in order to complete the method. Furthermore, this method is capable of being fully processed by a computer so that a printout is produced that is suitable for interpretation by a refractionist.

Abstract: A hand tool having a pawl with a flange formed on the bottom surface. A bore is formed axially in the pawl. A reversing lever is connected to the pawl. The pawl is received in an opening which has an annular shoulder, the flange on the pawl abutting the annular shoulder.

Abstract: A tool is provided with a handle extension, including inner and outer telescoping members. The inner member is press-fitted to the handle of the tool, and the outer member is configured to provide a comfortable grip for the user of the tool. A spring-loaded detent means between the inner and outer members provides two alternate positions, constituting a normal position in which the outer member is disposed radially of the inner member (and of the handle of the tool) and an extended position in which the outer member is disposed rearwardly of the handle of the tool for providing increased manual leverage in using the tool. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is a ratchet wrench and the telescoping members are molded of a suitable plastic.

Abstract: A plurality of circumferentially-spaced driving lugs are formed on the improved square-drive tang of a wrench, such as a ratchet wrench; and these driving lugs cooperate with a corresponding plurality of recesses or pockets formed in the top portion of an improved interchangeable square-drive socket, thereby providing for improved torque transmission which is supplemental to, and not a substitute for, the square drive. The improved wrench is compatible with conventional sockets, and the improved socket is compatible with conventional wrenches.

Abstract: A low-pollutant system for waste materials treatment includes a process chamber for converting organic components of the waste materials into a flammable gas and a two-stage vortex burning chamber for complete combustion of the flammable gas. The vortex burning chamber includes a first substantially-horizontal combustion chamber and a second substantially-vertical combustion chamber disposed at a right angle to each other and communicating therebetween. The first combustion chamber has an inlet portion for receiving the flammable combustion gas from the gas generator means for injecting primary air into the first combustion chamber, thereby forming a mixture of air and the flammable gas and thereby igniting the mixture for partial oxidation thereof.

Abstract: A socket to be received in the opening in the head of a low profile ratchet wrench. The ratchet wrench has an annular lip formed partially circumferentially about the opening in the head. The socket has a first axial portion and an integral second axial portion. An opening which has surfaces to engage a fastener is formed in the first axial portion. An opening is formed in the second axial portion which communicates with the opening in the first axial portion. A ratchet gear is formed externally on the second axial portion. The socket is resiliently retained in the opening and is manually insertable and removable from the ratchet wrench. A set of sockets is provided, each having a ratchet gear of the same cross section and each having an opening in the first axial portion which is of a different size to engage a fastener of a predetermined size. An adapter is provided to permit the use of ratchet wrench with conventional sockets and accessories.

Abstract: An elevator controller/solid state drive interface allows an existing relay logic passenger elevator controller to be retrofitted with either a DC or AC solid state drive replacing the motor generator set for DC hoist motors or the two-speed starter in AC systems. This interface can also allow systems utilizing a motor generator set and DC hoist motor to be retrofitted with an AC solid state drive and AC hoist motor while retaining the existing controller. The controller/solid state drive interface includes selectable dropping resistors to adapt to various control VDC from an existing elevator controller to a 24 VDC relay bank. An electrical circuit coupled to the relay bank (containing additional relays and timers) provides control signals to the solid state drive, which in turn provides the drive power to the hoist motor. Sequencing of specific control signals and creation of the functions necessary for proper operation of the solid state drive are provided within the controller/solid state drive interface.

Abstract: A composition to prevent dehydration, supply energy and prevent cramps contains electrolytes, carbohydrates and quinine and/or quinine salts and a method of preventing cramping caused by strenuous bodily activity. Palatability of the composition is improved by the effective use of carbohydrate, pH adjustment, flavoring and carbonation.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having a vertical bore in the handle. The vertical bore has a resilient member disposed therein. The resilient member has an enlarged central section. When the pawl of the ratchet wrench is moved from one alternate position to another, the enlarged central section is distorted.

Abstract: A hexagonal head wrench having a body, six sides and six corners. A protuberance is formed on each corner. Each protuberance has two oppositely oriented flank members angled at a predetermined angle outwardly and away from each corner. Engagement of the wrench with a fastener occurs on a portion of each respective flank member distal from the corner. Continued application of torque progressively radially engages each flank member with the fastener.

Abstract: A semi-automatic tool cuts pizzas into pieces of the same size. A platform has a supporting column provided with a cantilever arm terminating with a sleeve and a slidable rod is within the sleeve. The rod has a base with a series of radial blades on its lower face and a control lever on its upper face by means of which said rod is pressed downwards against the force of a return spring mounted on the rod.

Abstract: A handle system for a tool to fit the fingers of a hand of a user. At least two individual segments disposed adjacent to one another along a center sleeve. Projections and cooperating counterbores are formed on the edges of the respective segments such that the segments nest on the handle. The segments are axially slidable with respect to one another to accommodate the fingers of the hand. The segments may have grooves to receive the respective fingers. In a possible alternate embodiment, a center ridge is formed on each segment to be received between the fingers of the user's hand. In a system alternate embodiment, a removable handle system for a tool has individual axially slidable keyed or unkeyed segments on a center member. The center member engages the handle of the tool.

Abstract: A pawl for a ratchet wrench to be engaged with a ratchet gear. The pawl has a slot formed on each side of the pawl. The slot extends between the top and the bottom of the pawl near the teeth on the front of the pawl. The pawl flexes to compress the slot when torque is applied to the wrench and engagement between the teeth on the pawl and teeth on the ratchet gear is improved.

Abstract: A system for resupplying power to self-contained mobile equipment, including a fixed station having an external power source and consisting of a high-frequency generator and an induction coil as well as, on or in the equipment, a pick-up coil, a current filtering and rectifying device, a rechargeable battery pack, and a microcomputer-controlled tracking system. The microcomputer is connected to the drive control system of the equipment and applies a drive algorithm to the fixed station when the battery charge level drops below a predetermined level, the algorithm being based on a measurement of the high-frequency generator signal reception strength gradient.

Abstract: A resonant DC link converter which is specifically adapted for driving a switched reluctance motor (SRM) using low power (VA) rated switches, includes an input circuit providing a DC supply voltage, a resonating inductance (connected to the switched input circuit) for generating a resonating DC link current, and an output converter circuit synthesizing a multi-phase AC output signal to power a respective phase winding of the SRM. A controller switches the switch devices of the input circuit and output converter circuits in a predetermined sequence.