Abstract: A novel vertical drive assembly for a storage and retrieval vehicle wherein a cable drive motor is horizontally juxtaposed between a lift cable winding and unwinding drum. The vertical drive assembly is modularly assembled on a frame and is attachable and detachable from the vehicle as a unit. The vertical drive assembly comprises, in seriatim, the motor, a belt drive sprocket wheel, a drive belt, a belt driven sprocket wheel, and, juxtaposed and on the same axis as the driven sprocket wheel, an input adapter, a speed reducer, and the drum. The motor is attached to the frame by jacks used to raise and lower the motor to adjust tension in the belt. To stay within the width of the vehicle, the input adapter and speed reducer are at least partly disposed within the core of the drum with the speed reducer providing a bearing for the drum. To reduce starting inertia, sprocket wheels are fabricated from lightweight material.

Abstract: A long useful life, light permeable cover of pigmented, injection-molded silicone rubber for elastic manual placement over and self-retention on a light source enclosure. The cover, due to memory, is self-biasing and self-retaining upon the light source enclosure against inadvertent removal and may be used in large multicolor, automatically programmable, electrically changeable, broad spectrum displays, such as scoreboards.

Abstract: The present application discloses an invention which addresses and resolves long standing lid size reduction problems in the beverage-canning industry and comprises diametrally reduced adapter nozzles, and related methods, used as replacements only for the nonaccommodating distal discharge nozzle structure of a commercially existing fill valve, which is preferably removed by conventional machining techniques. The adapter nozzles preferably comprise a single die cast stainless steel article.

Abstract: A novel device and related methods which provide manually adjustable standards and controls for quality inspection systems for filling and sealing equipment. The device provides an adjustable product height simulator which is used to calibrate and quality assurance test the performance of quality inspection systems on a filling and sealing line. The height simulation level is detectable without changing sensitivity of the quality inspection system's product level sensor. The device is readjustable for a plurality of uses, rugged for repeated multiple use, and does not degrade over time. Base and top (capping) characteristics provide further adjustable simulation comprising entrapped gas phase between the product and container cap, missing caps, and simulated container forms.

Abstract: Apparatus for respiratory therapy, which is particularly useful in a neonatal context, and related methods, the apparatus comprising an adaptor for connection to the exposed fitting of an indwelling endotracheal tube of any one of several types to an aspirating apparatus which may include ventilating capacity. The adaptor includes an appendage by which a lavage solution can be selectively introduced into the lungs of a patient through the indwelling endotracheal tube to loosen secretions without necessarily interrupting the ventilation cycle or requiring that the ventilating circuit be broken. The apparatus also comprises a fitting at one end of an aspirating/ventilating apparatus which has low dead space, alleviating the incidence of inadvertent disconnection and trauma induced by unintended displacement of the end fitting and accommodating not only aspiration and ventilation but also monitoring of certain vital indicators to allow prompt medical response to contraindications.

Abstract: A water heater support system, and related methods, which protects the water heater from sustaining earthquake damage, which in turn might further cause damage to the building in which it is located and/or nearby people.

Abstract: A novel carrier for darts and dart parts. Each carrier comprises storage for a plurality of darts plus compartments for safely storing replacement feathers, tips, and weights. Protection is provided for both the user and each dart as darts are stored tip first into a blind bore in the carrier. Compression springs in the blind end of the bore provide, first, protection for the tip and, second, controlled ejection force whereby each dart is partially ejected when a holding cover is removed such that darts can be removed from the carrier without damage to feathers at the rear of each dart. Grooves and recesses are provided to protect each dart feather while in the carrier. The carrier comprises storage compartments whereby dart parts are stored separately to minimize damage to fragile parts, such as the feathers. Part and dart containing covers are easily emplaced and provide containment surfaces whereby the contents of the carrier are stored and transported without fear of damage or loss.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting an automatic guided vehicle's longitudinal position and to enable positioning of the vehicle at a load pickup/delivery terminal or other place. In one arrangement a mat having a passive short-circuited loop of wire embedded in it is positioned on the floor. On the vehicle an oscillator and a transmitting antenna provide a primary magnetic field that excites the loop in the mat, inducing current in the loop. The loop current produces a secondary magnetic field. Magnetic receiving antennas on the vehicle detect the secondary magnetic field that is caused by portions of the loop that cross the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Onboard electronic apparatus ascertains and can control the longitudinal position of the vehicle relative to the mat. The same on-board apparatus enables the vehicle to detect a directly energized (connected to a power source) guidewire in the floor that lies across the vehicle's path between terminals and at terminals.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for an efficient, low cost silver recovery apparatus for recovering silver from a silver-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a replaceable silver recovery subassembly, stackable container, lid, lock ring which is locked or sealed to make the container tamperproof, and an L-shaped connector by which an anodic silver reducing, hollow core metal coil in the replacement subassembly is releasibly connected to an effluent port of the recovery apparatus. The silver recovery subassembly comprises a mesh bag which is a carrier of the metal coil and containment filter for influent sludge and particulates produced during silver reduction. The mesh bag, with support by the container and lid provides a capturing net for incoming sludge as well as particulates which form during the silver reduction process.

Abstract: A novel trailer towing apparatus for an AGV whereby downwardly applied, vertically oriented towing loads are substantially, directly imposed upon the drive wheels of the AGV, thereby increasing wheel to ground frictional forces and resulting towed load capacity. The towing apparatus is attached to the top of the AGV thereby allowing the AGV to turn through a 360.degree. radius without moving the trailer.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determing whether or not a hole card is a member of a blackjack pair without direct observation of the hole card. The cards are separably marked in groups of aces and of face cards and tens. Each mark is detectable by a card mark sensor. The card mark sensor is used to differentially determine whether or not the hole card is a member of predetermined group when a card is placed face down therein. Thus, when the dealer receives a face-up member of a blackjack pair, the hole card is inserted into the sensor and determined to be or not to be the other member of the blackjack pair immediately and without observation of the face of the hole card. If the hole card is the other member of the blackjack pair play is stopped, and the next hand is thereby more quickly started. If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues without knowledge by either player or dealer of the actual value of the hole card.

Abstract: Apparatus for respiratory therapy, which is particularly useful in a neonatal context, and related methods, the apparatus comprising an adaptor for connection to the exposed fitting of an indwelling endotracheal tube of any one of several types to an aspirating apparatus which may include ventilating capacity. The adaptor includes an appendage by which a lavage solution can be selectively introduced into the lungs of a patient through the indwelling endotracheal tube to loosen secretions without necessarily interrupting the ventilation cycle or requiring that the ventilating circuit be broken. The apparatus also comprises a fitting at one end of an aspirating/ventilating apparatus which has low dead space, alleviating the incidence of inadvertent disconnection and trauma induced by unintended displacement of the end fitting and accommodating not only aspiration and ventilation but also monitoring of certain vital indicators to allow prompt medical response to contraindications.

Abstract: A filter useful in tubular organs of the human body, intended primarily for endovascular use during surgical procedures for removal of plaque and other treatment of stenoses in arteries, in order to entrap particles of plaque or other materials freed from the interior wall of an artery while permitting continued flow of blood through the artery during the procedure of treating the stenosis. Several filter elements are fastened in apart-spaced relationship with one another along a flexible elongate member and are large enough to require the entire flow of blood through the artery to pass through the filter elements. An open-mouthed tubular stocking of porous filter material encloses the filter elements and supports the periphery of each filter element. Successive filter elements, progressing in the direction of blood flow, pass only progressively smaller particles.

Abstract: A novel mechanism and related processes for joining naturally grown and artificially produced parts to create aesthetically appealing, naturally appearing, large artificial plants, such as trees. A novel joint mechanism provides the appearance of naturally occurring outgrowth of branches and the like from proximally disposed trunks and stems. A method for bending and forming artificial foliage provides a more airy, naturally appearing leaf pattern around the crown of a plant.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive, mechanically coupled automatic guidance system for tractors comprising a ground line sensor which is directly coupled to a steering system comprising limited, partial, spatial disengagement or play about a narrow steering angle within which the automatic guidance system provides steering control, unencumbered by the forces of the primary steering system, especially the steering forces of a power-steered-tractor. The play in the steering system provides spatial relief of steering forces which could not otherwise be overridden by a purely mechanical system. The ground line sensor comprises three degrees of freedom permitting adjustable variation to the shape, breadth, and attitude of the sensor to conformably match a previously prepared ground line. At least two movement degrees of freedom allow the sensor to horizontally and vertically follow ground line and tractor path anomalies while providing feedback to the automatic guidance system.

Abstract: A continuously operable fluidized bed vessel system and method for incinerating and disposing of materials which produce high tramp residue. The system is particularly effective in combusting shredded tires and disposing of large amounts of wire tramp without requiring down-time for cleaning. Emission of undesirable gases is controlled by a sensing and controlling system which provides for automatic injection of combustion by-product-modifying gases and solids. Further control of undesirable gas emission is controlled by employing sealed combustible material input and solid waste output ports. Fluidizable bed material which is entrapped and discharged with the other residue is separated from magnetic tramp and larger grain sized non-magnetic tramp and recycled to continuously replenish the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A water heater support system, and related methods, which protects the water heater from sustaining earthquake damage, which in turn might furhter cause damage to the building in which it is located and/or nearby people.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing reading skills whereby readers can improve both reading speed and comprehension. This novel teaching method and system associatively combines input to visual, tactile, auditory senses. The reader is trained to conceptualize the meaning of words directly from symbols rather than from symbols and related sounds by causing the eyes to scan text more rapidly than both symbols and related sounds can be assimilated. The eyes are prompted to follow a rapidly moving finger induced to rhythmically move back-and-forth across the text at rapidly driven rates by an auditory beat. Different auditory inputs are provided to each ear, such that each hemisphere of the brain predominately receives signals which are related to its primary function. Rhythmic beats to induce higher reading rates are addressed to the left hemisphere of the brain which governs spatial relations, time, rhythm, and reading the written word.