Abstract: An industrial platform for material handling, such as a plastic pallet, is constructed of three scuffed thermoplastic sheets, including exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces for resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. The pallet is reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Pallet members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. The pallet includes handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers and is readily adapted to receive a number of unitization accessories for enhancing material handling operations.

Abstract: A pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention includes a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container having a communications device are also provided.

Abstract: A pair of poles are positioned for pivotal connection adjacent the lateral edges of a skim board. A rider initially stands on the beach behind the board and grips the poles. The rider runs on the beach behind the board to forwardly propel the board on the low friction surface of the shallow water. The speed and direction of the board is controlled by the rider manipulating and pivoting the poles. When the board reaches a desired speed, the rider jumps with one foot onto the board while gripping the poles to control balance and direction of movement of the board. The rider places his other foot on the board as the board glides on the surface of the water. By continuing to grip and pivot the poles, the rider stabilizes his position on the board until the board completes the gliding movement and comes to a stop.

Abstract: A housing holds a microprocessor, a power management system, a pair of communication modules, multiple internal antennas, and a plurality of sensors and interfaces. The housing is connected to a mobile object. One of the communication modules connects to a GPS system through one of the antennas. The other communication module connects to a mobile cellular network or a radio or satellite system through the other antennas. The microprocessor uses the GPS system to determine the position of the object; frequency with which locational fixes are stored is user-determined. The microprocessor can be interactively reprogrammed via the mobile cellular network and creates a data structure for transmission of locational and other environmental data through the mobile cellular or other networks. The microprocessor has the ability to command the unit to separate from the object at an appropriate time to facilitate recovery.

Abstract: An industrial platform for material handling, such as a plastic pallet, is constructed of three scuffed thermoplastic sheets, including exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces for resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. The pallet is reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Pallet members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. The pallet includes handles for ergonomic manipulation by worker, and is readily adapted to receive a number of unitization accessories for enhancing material handling operations.

Abstract: A sensor measures the interaction of an applied magnetic field to an iron sample surface to determine whether the sample surface has been graphitized. The sensor measures the magnetic force resulting from the interaction or the magnetic flux density to determine the content of magnetic material in localized regions of the sample surface. The sensor includes a cantilever beam with a strain gauge for measuring magnetic force. Alternatively, the sensor includes a magnetic flux density sensor to measure magnetic flux density.

Abstract: A stationary frame is positioned in surrounding relation with the surface of a polyethylene conduit to be prepared for scraping preliminary to performing electrofusion on the conduit by a keyhole operation in an excavated underground location. A scraper tool is mounted on the frame in a fixed longitudinal position to rotate around the surface of the conduit. A cutting blade of the scraping tool extends longitudinally a preselected length on the conduit into contact with the surface of the conduit. Rotation of the scraper tool carries the cutting blade completely around the surface of the conduit to remove a uniform layer of material from the surface of the conduit. Any out of roundness existing in the conduit is removed before the scraping operation is commenced. Uniform compression is applied by split clamps surrounding the conduit. Compression of the clamps restores the conduit to a concentric configuration preliminary to the electrofusion operation.

Abstract: The inventions involve material handling apparatus developed to operate in radio frequency rich environments. Articles are provided having at least one large compartment capable of enclosing at least one electronic device or a package populated with a plurality of devices. RFID tags are also provided having three antenna arrays situated on three planes to improve electromagnetic and electrostatic coupling with an external distributed network of devices. Pallets are provided with cellular communications devices to provide track and trace functionality. Sensors and actuators are used in connection with the material handling apparatus.

Abstract: A shaft has a driving end and a driven end. A plurality of driving adaptors with various handles are releasably connected to the shaft driving end. A plurality of driven adaptors with various tools for performing operations within a limited space work area, such as an inaccessible space, a confined space, or keyhole excavation, are releasably connected to the shaft driven end. The driving adaptors are positioned outside of the limited space work area. The driven adaptors are positioned within the limited space work area. The handle is manipulated at the shaft driving end to transmit selected rotational and translational movements through the shaft to the tool to perform operations in the limited space work area.

Abstract: A glove body, a barrier, and an abrasive layer form a flexible sanding device that fits over the hand of user to perform complex sanding operations on intricate or detailed objects. The glove body includes a palm portion, a plurality of finger portions, and a thumb portion. The finger portions and the thumb portion extend from the palm portion to form a continuous inner surface. The inner surface is covered by the barrier and is coextensive with the abrasive layer. The barrier is permanently attached to the glove body on one surface. The abrasive layer is releasably attached to the opposite surface of the barrier. The barrier is permanently attached to the glove body with a permanent adhesive or through sewing. The abrasive layer is releasably attached to the barrier through a releasable adhesive or through a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: Articles constructed of a plurality of scuffed sheets have improved sheet-to-sheet bond strength and surfaces with high coefficients of friction. Articles constructed out of three scuffed sheets include exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. Articles include electronic apparatus sending an emergency 911 call to a remote monitoring station. Articles are advantageously reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. Articles include handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers. Articles include elements amenably receiving unitization accessories. The article improvements are demonstrated in the form of industrial platforms, particularly material handling pallets.

Abstract: The invention involves a material handling apparatus tracking system that uses cellular communications to send and receive information between the apparatus and a network. The cellular communication devices operate in radio frequency rich environments and contain additional communications capabilities. The apparatus compartments capable of enclosing electronic devices populated with a plurality of components to provide track and trace functionality and various levels of granularity. Sensors and actuators are used in connection with the material handling apparatus.

Abstract: A tab extending from a panel is inserted into a channel through an opening in a vertically aligned bracket supported by a pole. The bracket includes a pair of plates positioned in spaced overlying relation and connected by a brace to form the channel between the plates. The panel is first moved in a vertical direction until an upper tab is inserted through a slot formed by a stop positioned in the channel at a predetermined distance from the brace. The upper tab guides a notch in the panel to receive the stop until the stop contacts the bottom of the notch. Thereafter the panel is rotated in the channel until a lower tab is aligned with a second slot formed by a second stop at the opposite end of the channel. The panel is further moved until the second tab is positioned in the second slot to guide a second notch in the panel to receive the second stop and securely retain the panel in the bracket channel.

Abstract: A halogen free fire resistant RF transparent polymer pallet has attenuated electrical resistance. A pallet body has a fire resistant layer and a substrate supporting the fire resistant layer. The fire resistant layer includes fire retardant materials, such as Al(OH)3, Mg(OH)2, intercalated graphite, zinc borate, and antimony oxide. The substrate is substantially free of the fire retardant materials to reduce the density and the electrical resistance of the pallet body. The fire resistant layer is substantially thinner than the substrate to lower RF distortion effects on RF transponder communications from additives and the conductive materials within an RF tracking system.

Abstract: A boiler conveys an exhaust gas stream to a heat recovery device. The heat recovery device includes an air straightener, a heat recovery unit or feedwater heater, and a catalyst assembly positioned between the air straightener and the feedwater heater. The catalyst assembly has a catalyst drawer or bed that holds a quantity of catalyst materials for removing contaminants from the exhaust gas stream. The air straightener has a plurality of baffles that are arranged in a manner that optimizes the performance of the catalyst drawer or bed. The baffles also prevent condensation from leaking from the feedwater heater into the boiler. The feedwater heater recovers a quantity of heat from the exhaust gas stream.

Abstract: An apparatus has a communications device associated therewith. In another aspect of the present invention, a pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container, having a communications device, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus has a communications device associated therewith. In another aspect of the present invention, a pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container, having a communications device, are also provided.

Abstract: An industrial platform, specifically, a pallet or a container, for storing and transporting articles with attached RFID tags includes an electronic communications device having components that are tracked to identify the location and status of the platform. The device also includes components to communicate with the RFID tags attached to the articles, as well as RF tags located within the distribution environment. A microprocessor with memory manages and stores the information obtained from the multiple tags and components. A portable wireless device transmits data within distributed wireless networks. A power supply provides for mobility and autonomous operation. The device is part of a condition responsive indicating system that tracks the platform and monitors its contents in real time.

Abstract: Articles constructed of a plurality of scuffed sheets have improved sheet-to-sheet bond strength and surfaces with high coefficients of friction. Articles constructed out of three scuffed sheets include exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. Articles include electronic apparatus sending an emergency 911 call to a remote monitoring station. Articles are advantageously reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. Articles include handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers. Articles include elements amenably receiving unitization accessories. The article improvements are demonstrated in the form of industrial platforms, particularly material handling pallets.

Abstract: A sensor measures the interaction of an applied magnetic field to a sample surface that includes magnetic materials to determine whether the samples surface has been corroded. The sensor measures the magnetic force resulting from the interaction or the magnetic flux density to determine the content of magnetic material in localized regions of the sample surface. The sensor includes a cantilever beam with a strain gauge for measuring magnetic force. Alternatively, the sensor includes a magnetic flux density sensor to measure magnetic flux density.