Abstract: A light beam is emitted to an optical disc from an optical pickup. The optical pickup is moved over the optical disc so that a light spot of the light beam crosses tracks formed on the optical disc. Detected are tracking error signals carried by a light beam reflected from the optical disc. Each tracking error signal is detected when the light spot crosses a corresponding track among the tracks formed on the optical disc. Track crossing pulses are generated based on the tracking error signals. Each track crossing pulse is generated for the corresponding track. Measured next is a half period of each track crossing pulse. It is determined whether a defect occurs to each track crossing pulse, based on a latest half period measured at present and an anterior half period measured one half-period before the latest half period. Generated when determined that no defect occurs is an average half period of the latest and the anterior half periods.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a cover pivotally secured to a backplate to move between an open position, at which the dispenser can be refilled, and a closed position, at which the dispenser may be actuated. The cover includes a latch that engages a catch held on the backplate. An elongate bar secured to the backplate is provided to engage the latch and remove it from the catch to permit the cover to be moved to the open position. The elongate bar includes a yoke extending to left and right terminal ends that are accessible outside of a dispensing zone of the dispenser. This invention is particularly applicable to dispensers that employ sensors to sense the presence of a hand at a dispensing zone.

Abstract: A cable tensioner (20) for a sectional overhead door (D) having a motor-driven counterbalance system (30) including, a spring-loaded axle (31), cable drums (24) carried by the axle, cables (C) attached to and interconnecting the cable drums and the door and forming and releasing cable wraps (29) on the cable drums upon raising and lowering of the door, the cable tensioner having, a tension spring (31) adapted to be mounted on the sectional door having a first end (34) and a second end (35), the first end being adapted to engage the door and the second end being adapted to slidingly engage the cable, wherein the tension spring urges the second end to take up any slack in the cable.

Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal in an operate mode. The operator and the mobile transmitter both include transceivers to allow two-way communication therebetween during a learn mode. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.

Abstract: A cutter for cutting elongate material into sections, the cutter including a motor coupled to a blade shaft, wherein said motor selectively rotates said blade shaft, a blade mounted on said blade shaft and rotatable therewith, and an actuator adapted to drive said blade along a drive axis toward the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ratchet block with a block body 10 having a pair of side cheeks 11,12 and a sheave assembly 15 therebetween, which comprises a hub 16 supporting an annular sheave 17 for rotation about a principal axis. The ratchet block also includes a ratchet mechanism comprising ratchet teeth 19 on the sheave and a pawl 20 mounted on the hub 16 or a side cheek 11,12 for movement between an engaged setting, where the ratchet mechanism is active, and a free setting where the ratchet mechanism allows free rotation of the sheave. An actuator 25 is also mounted on the hub 16 or said side cheek 11,12 and linked to the pawl 20 to effect movement thereof between its engaged and free settings. Means are provided for pivoting the hub between loaded and unloaded limiting positions about an axis parallel to but spaced from the hub's principal axis. Spring means 33 are provided for biasing the hub 16 to said unloaded limiting position.

Abstract: A currency sorter has: take-in means (106) for taking currency notes in sorter one by one; discriminating means (105) for discriminating the currency notes; stacking means (111 to 115) for stacking the currency notes according to the discrimination result obtained by said discriminating means; bundling means (200) for bundling a predetermined number of the currency notes; a money returning unit at which an odd currency note which is a fraction of the predetermined number of the currency notes is returned, first conveyer means for conveying the predetermined number of the currency notes from all deposited in said stacking means with grabbing them to the bundling means; and second conveyer means for conveying the odd currency notes left in the stacking means with grabbing them to said money returning unit.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow comprising a body (100) provided with a fluid passageway having an inlet (10) an outlet (90), a valve member for inhibiting fluid flow through the passageway, and means for moving the valve member (40, 50) so as to provide for controlled flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the valve member is in the form of a blade, one end of which is mounted at a location (41, 51) remote from the passageway; and wherein the means (60) of moving the valve member is arranged to act on the other end of the blade whereby to control fluid flow through the passageway.

Abstract: A system (30) for cocking a crossbow (10) includes two connectors (33) each having a hook (35) adapted to engage a bow string (24) on each side of the stock (11) of the crossbow (10). Each connector (33) includes a pulley (38) which receives a rope (31) therethrough, and also includes at least one laterally extending shoulder (40) which rides against the stock (11) when the crossbow (10) is being cocked. The shoulders (40) thus space the hook (35) and pulley (38) of each connector (33) from the stock (11) so that the trigger safety (20) is not accidentally engaged. A support block (24) is attached to the stock (11) and is provided with a track (49) to receive the rope (31) so that the rope (31) is maintained generally in the same plane as the bow string (24).

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

Abstract: An optical disc with a first recording layer has first data pits that include 14T data pits formed thereon in compliance with DVD-ROM specifications. A first reflective film is formed on the first recording layer, whereby the first reflective film has the relationship of 2.3?Pw/Tf?14 between the 14T pit width and the first reflective film thickness. The disc also includes a second recording layer having a first surface and an opposed second surface, whereupon second data pits are formed on the first surface in compliance with BD-ROM specifications. A second semi-transparent reflective film is formed on the second recording layer, while a transparent layer having opposed third and fourth surfaces is formed over the second reflective film at the third surface, such that the fourth surface allows a laser beam to pass therethrough in reproduction from either the first or second data pits.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing a fluid includes a container adapted to carry a supply of fluid, and a valve connected to the container, wherein actuation of the valve dispenses the fluid. An apparatus position indicator is associated with the container and an object sensor is positioned near the valve. The object sensor monitors an area below where the valve dispenses when open and upon detection of an object opens the valve. Initial positioning of the apparatus triggers the apparatus position indicator to generate an appropriate signal until the object sensor is properly positioned and permanently secured. A control circuit in cooperation with a hidden switch allows programming of lighting indicators, dispense cycle size, and dispense quantities. The control circuit also provides for overload protection, motor braking and RF shielding. And an anti-vandal feature prevents excessive use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the surface of a sample under test is provided and the method comprises the steps of: illuminating the surface with light (20) polarised in a first direction; viewing light reflected from the surface through a polarising filter (27) arranged at 90° to the first direction, wherein the surface of the sample under test is provided with a marked area where diffuse reflection of the incident polarised light will occur in order to improve the contrast between the marked area and the surface of the sample under text.

Abstract: An operator for use in connection with a door system including an axle having an operator framework supporting an operator motor, the operator framework defining a clearance adapted to insertably receive the axle therein, a gear assembly defining a bore in which the axle is received and including a removable gear segment adapted to selectively medially open the bore to receive the axle, wherein the motor is interconnected with the gear assembly to cause rotation thereof.

Abstract: A hydraulic caliper brake includes a housing formed by two halves. A pair of bores are provided in each housing half, and a piston is positioned in each bore. An end cap closes off each bore and is sealed by an O-ring positioned around the periphery of each end cap. A ring retains each end cap within each bore. Each housing half has a pair of holes aligned with the holes of the other half. A pair of recessed areas are located on opposing ends of the housing, one of the recessed areas being positioned adjacent to one housing half and the other being positioned adjacent to the other housing half. A pair of stator plates each have a first ear with an outer shape having a flattened area positioned within one of said recessed areas in said housing, and a second ear with a continuously curved outer shape. Each ear has a hole therethrough aligned with the holes of the housing halves, and a pin is positioned in the aligned holes. An easily bleedable fluid network supplies fluid to the pistons.

Abstract: A tire lubricating system including an applicator assembly having plural applicators movable along a vertical axis to enter the bore of a tire and extensible in a radial direction to contact the beads of the tire and apply a lubricant thereto.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus for practicing a golf swing. In one embodiment, the training apparatus includes a sensor unit including a sensor outputting a sensor beam in a substantially horizontal direction, the sensor unit further including a microcontroller in operable communication with the sensor, the microcontroller configured to detect a break in the sensor beam, the sensor unit further including one or more visual indicators, wherein the one or more visual indicators are in operable communication with the microcontroller, and wherein the one or more visual indicators are activated in response to the break in the sensor beam; and a frame coupled to the sensor unit, the frame including a reflector configured to reflect the sensor beam. In another embodiment, a section of the frame may be moved between a first position used to practice driving and a second position used to practice pitching and chipping.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for a vehicle clutch, that operates in both a manual and an automatic mode. The invention provides a way of switching between operating modes not only when the clutch is engaged, but at any time while the vehicle is operating, smoothly and without shock, using a system that contains only one hydraulic circuit and reservoir.