Abstract: Disclosed herein are TV Camera based electro-optical sensors, providing affordable methods and apparatus for high speed determination of dimensions and other features of objects. Preferred embodiments utilize addressable line or pixel based cameras to effect triangulation based and other machine vision sensing of objects.

Abstract: A kneepad is formed of a shell and a detachable cushioning pad. The shell includes a knee area and a shin area. A non-flowable gel is provided in the cushioning pad. Preferably the gel is indented at the normal pressure point of contact of the patella. The outer surface of the shell is provided with a plurality of ribs surrounding a central inwardly recessed portion to direct the pressure and shocks from the ground to the outer portions of the knee. The shell may also be provided with a resilient material between the ribs and the inner surface of the shell.

Abstract: A range hood motor housing and fan assembly for exhausting gases generated above a cooking surface. The motor housing has top, bottom and side surfaces defining a substantially cylindrical chamber within which a motor and fan are housed. An air outlet is present in the top surface. Space between the top surface and the fan increases in the direction of rotation of the fan from one side of the air outlet to the other side of the air outlet. The fan has a plurality of arcuate fan blades having at least one trough declining to the outer radial edge of the fan blade to direct any grease draining on the blade in this direction. The motor housing may be equipped with an air exhaust chamber projecting from the motor housing and connected to the range hood body for recycling air from above the cooking surface back into the cooking environment.

Abstract: A range hood for exhausting gases generated above a cooking surface comprises an outer hood body within which a motor housing is mounted. The motor housing has top, bottom and perimeter side surfaces defining a substantially cylindrical chamber within which a motor and fan are housed. The motor housing has an air outlet and at least one air inlet, the air inlet being located about the perimeter of the housing so as to draw in air from below the range hood. A panel is connected to the bottom of the hood body. The range hood may also be equipped with an automatic cleaning system. A further air intake may also be located in the bottom of the motor housing aligned with the fan.

Abstract: A protective body guard (10) providing a full range of motion that closely tracks the biomechanical movement of a joint. The device provides protection against sharp objects, impact and limb movement into positions that may cause injury. The device (10) comprises successive segments (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) made of a hard, impact-resistant, light material and arranged in overlapping fashion and interconnected by means of a single pivot pin (28) or flexible strap in an arcuate slot (30) at each side of the segments. Cushioning pads (24, 26), detachably fixed to the segments (12, 22), provide protection from contact with the interior of the segments.

Abstract: A range hood with a motor housing having upper and lower sections joined together along their respective side edges. Cooperating projections with a gap therebetween extend from the side edge of one section of the motor housing. The side edge of the other section of the motor housing is adapted to be Inserted in the gap to be frictionally retained therein. Protrusions ensure proper joining of the upper and lower sections. Additional restraint in the form of a reinforcing assembly comprising a reinforcing strap plus fasteners ensures the upper and lower sections stay properly joined. The motor housing may be made of metal or plastic.

Abstract: A deflection sensing assembly comprises a square plate with attachment holes in each of the four corners for attachment to a structural element along which deflection is to be measured. The sensor is attached to the structural element such that only two opposed corners of the plate lie along the deflection axis. The sensor assembly is removably attachable and it has been found that there is a high degree of independence between deflections in the temperature compensation axis and deflections in the deflection axis.

Abstract: A range hood having a grease collecting motor housing and integrated grease tray and fan grill. The motor housing intake openings are defined by circular walls projecting vertically into the motor housing that act to prevent grease from passing back through the air intakes. Condensed liquids within the housing are directed to drain holes in the lower surface of the housing for transport out of the range hood. The tray (with attached grill) is releasable connectable to the housing through the air inlet in the range hood lower panel. The tray may be removed without removal of the lower panel of the range hood.

Abstract: A cleaning fluid heating reservoir and motor assembly for a range hood having a motor housing enclosure mounted within the enclosure defined by the hood body. The heating reservoir is shaped and dimensioned to be in abutment with the motor which in turn is mounted within the motor housing. The reservoir may occupy space between the top of the motor and the hood body, between the perimeter of the motor and a fan attached to the motor, or between both. Conduits connected to inlet and outlets to the heating reservoir pass through side of the motor housing to an intermediate reservoir located within the range hood body. Fluid from the intermediate reservoir is pumped to the heating reservoir and back to the intermediate reservoir thereby drawing heat energy from the motor when in operation. Cleaning fluid may also be pumped from the intermediate reservoir to areas requiring cleaning.

Abstract: An index system using single axis or multiple axes with single and multiple leaves turning around this axis (axes). All leaves or groups of leaves present an exposed marginal portion obtained by relative extension of leaves and/or partial removal of a portion of the marginal portion (s), which provides an overview of the content, which is indexed in groups and subgroups. Use is made of brief descriptions, capital letters, numbers, arrows and distinctive background color for facilitating the use of the index system.

Abstract: A totally implantable cochlear prosthesis is presented. An externally-activated subcutaneous switch controls functions of the prosthesis. A pliable bridge connecting two hermetically sealed housing sections, and corrugated conductor lines, provide for future dimensional changes due to head growth. An encapsulated microphone is positioned underneath the skin in the posterior wall of the external auditory canal. A modiolus-hugging electrode array is inserted into one of the cochlea scala. Periodic charging of the implanted battery is accomplished via an external mechanically held head-mounted device containing an external coil, said external coil inductively coupling electrical power to an implanted receiving coil. The external and implanted coils can also be used as a communication link to program the implanted electronics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are TV Camera based and other electro-optical sensors and systems, providing affordable methods and apparatus for high speed determination of dimensions and other features of objects. Particular embodiments capable of fast and reliable acquisition of features of moving objects such as boards and wood products are disclosed. Preferred embodiments utilize laser triangulation range detection with at least two cameras viewing the same laser spot or line projected on the object.

Abstract: A method for controlling a molten metal pouring operation is disclosed which works in the presence of unusual pouring conditions such as typically encountered in aluminum casting and utilizes a laser type sensor, for example a triangulation based light section device, to monitor differences between a reference surface and the molten metal in a mold.

Abstract: This application is concerned with laser triangulation sensors for object dimension and position determination, and in particular, more effective measurement of object shapes and/or thickness using laser triangulation sensors having multiple projected laser beams and at least two linear or matrix array cameras to view the images of light reflected from the object due to the beams impinging on the object surface. Besides disclosure of the basic operation of “multi-point” sensors of this type, novel methods and apparatus are also disclosed to assure function of the device even with objects, such as lumber, having pronounced protrusions and depressions in their surface.

Abstract: There is provided a combined pressure and thrust fan consisting of a solid circular disk with a plurality of radially spaced airfoil-shaped blades. The selective direction of airflow over an aft sector of the fan provides net thrust. The fan may be mounted in an air cushion vehicle with appropriate ducting or vanes to cause the major portion of the airflow to move radially through the aft sector. The fan according to the invention may also be used as an immersed propulsion system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for “Intelligent” control of production processes such as machining, casting, heat treating and welding are disclosed. The key enabler of such control is electro-optical or other suitable sensors, generally non contact, capable of rapidly and accurately acquiring data from parts and tools used to produce them in a production “in-process” environment. Systems are disclosed to control not only the instant operation, but those processes connected therewith, both upstream and downstream. Data bases are generated and knowledge bases are used. Application of the invention can improve quality and productivity, and allow the production of parts which have unusual or individual material characteristics.