Abstract: A tool rest has a plurality of tool storage locations for tools used at a work station. The tool rest is stationary relative to the work station. An automated robotic arm transports a tool between the tool rest and the work station. The arm movement is programmed to select a particular tool. The tools are releasably retained at their respective storage locations and are automatically released just prior to their transport to the work station, and are retentively held at their respective storage locations after return thereto.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating magnetic particles by enclosure within oil drops, mixing in an aqueous solution and dispersing the oil drops with the enclosed particles by application of an alternating magnetic field. The dispersed and oil covered particles are microencapsulated with at least one type of polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating magnetic particles by enclosure within oil drops, mixing in an aqueous solution and dispersing the oil drops with the enclosed particles by application of an alternating magnetic field. The dispersed and oil covered particles are microencapsulated with at least one type of polymer.

Abstract: To encode an analog to digital signal, a comparator compares an input analog signal with a reconstructed negative feedback analog signal and provides a comparison output digital bit for each comparison. A number of output digital bits is stored in a clocked shift register. A coincidence detector is coupled to the register and provides an output pulse when all the bits in the register are the same. A proportional coincidence integrator proportionally amplifies and integrates the coincidence detector output pulses. A slope polarity switch is coupled to the output of the integrator and to the first bit in the shift register and applies a polarity sign to the integrator output according to the bit value from the register. The output of the switch is integrated to form the reconstructed negative feedback analog signal which is coupled to the comparator for comparison with the input analog signal. The digital output is taken from the shift register first bit.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor for a distributorless ignition system is useable in an internal combustion engine. A Hall-effect device is spaced intermediate a pair of opposing permanent magnets for concurrently generating dual magnetic flux fields within respective air gap regions formed between each of the magnets and the device. Alternatively a magnet is placed between two Hall-effect devices to define the regions. A toothed disk rotatably connected to the crankshaft of the engine causes different teeth to shunt the fields in each of the regions in a predetermined sequence for generating pulses at the device output indicative of the firing order of the engine. Alternatively, a disk having outer and inner notched rims is used to shunt the fields in each of the regions. Further, an elongated channel shaped member has sides movable in the regions for detecting relative linear motion between two parts.

Abstract: A tripod supported platform has mounted thereon a plurality of arms, each being extensible against the force of a tension spring. The distal ends of the arms are releasably engageable with the rim of a pail or like container for holding the pail on the platform. The arms are removable and the depending brackets adjacent one end of a paint tray may be hooked under the edges of the platform with the other end of the tray overhanging the platform. A retainer is attachable slidably to the platform to permit seating of the tray on the platform and then slidable against the one end of the tray to force the brackets under the platform and securely support the tray on the platform, and to provide for securing different length trays on the platform. One of the tripod legs is pivotable under the platform for storage.

Abstract: A ferrous disk is rotatably driven by an internal combustion engine shaft. The disk has outer and inner circular rims projecting outwardly from one side thereof. The outer rim has two arcuate notches of predetermined arcuate length and position and the inner rim has three arcuate notches of predetermined arcuate length and position. A permanent magnet is mounted between and radially spaced from two Hall-effect sensor devices in fixed relation to the shaft axis such that the outer rim passes between one Hall-effect device and the magnet and the second rim passes between the second Hall-effect device and the magnet as the shaft is rotated. The notches are so positioned to provide four separate two digit binary outputs to a microcomputer that provides output signals to ignition coil drivers for the spark ignition devices of the engine and provides spark advancement and coil dwell time variation in accordance with shaft rotational speed and other engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A conventional lamp having a tubular yoke around the bulb that supports a lamp shade is converted into a security system by a simple physical electrical and mechanical coupling of two modules, eliminating wiring and installation tools. The first module, referred to as the bulb module, is screwed into the bulb socket and contains line voltage components and supports the light bulb; the second module, the probe module, contains low voltage circuitry, an audio alarm, a pigtail power connector, a light switch, and an extendable sensor probe. Upon sensing an abnormal condition, such as smoke, the bulb flashes on and off and a warning sound is provided by the audio alarm, giving both visual and audio alarm in one self-contained unit.

Abstract: An elongated handle has a head at one end and a base at the other end. A plurality of inserts, one adapted for aiming and guiding each type of missile, such as an arrow or ball, is removably insertable into the head end. Elastic cords are removbly insertable into head end bores through narrow slots when the cords are in a stretched condition. The handle has a longitudinal chamber for missile storage.

Abstract: A releasable clamp holds a stator with a closed end turn while a resilient plug, covered with a rigid smooth walled sleeve, is inserted through the central opening of the stator to spread the winding at the closed end turn. The sleeve is then withindrawn, the stator is unclamped, and the plug is compressed to further speed the windings at the closed end, after which the plug is removed.

Abstract: A primary load, such as a conventional household light bulb, is series connected to a power source. The conventional light switch is replaced by a series connected circuit to the source and lamp. The circuit has an energy storage capacitor and a diode. A secondary load, such as an alarm, is coupled across the capacitor through an SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier). A sensing circuit, such as a smoke detector, is also connected across the capacitor and triggers the SCR upon detection of an alarm condition. A timing circuit is coupled between the SCR output and the diode to intermittently control the light bulb operation at a predetermined frequency upon smoke detection or other alarm. A switch selectively places in the circuit a neon night light or dimmer circuit for the primary load. In an alternative circuit the primary load is operated at near full power during periods of non-alarm.

Abstract: A sensor alarm has a sensor for detecting heat, smoke, noxious gases, and the like and an alarm for warning of an alarm condition coupled to the sensor. The sensor alarm is attached to a support plate. An angled arm is formed at the upper edge of the plate to provide an inverted channel-shaped member fittable over a door top and having stiffly resilient pads for forcibly cocking the door top open, when the door is closed and latched, to provide a path for gaseous passage so that room occupants are provided with an early warning of an alarm condition.

Abstract: A plurality of arcuately spaced transceivers for emitting and receiving radiation waves are positioned in a plane transverse to a molten metal stream. Each transceiver emits a radiation wave which is directed toward and reflected from the stream and the reflections are received by the transceivers. The time elapsed between the emitting and receiving of the radiated waves is measured for each transceiver. The time elapsed information is fed to a binary counter for each transceiver and the binary counts are averaged and processed in a computer to calculate the stream area. The rate of change in area of the stream in the transverse plane is determined, or alternatively the velocity is determined by measuring the time elapsed for a particular stream area to traverse a predetermined distance and fed to a computer which computes stream velocity. The velocity and area measurements of the stream are used to determine the stream volume. A programmed pour rate is then compared with the stream volume.

Abstract: A standard dual timing integrated circuit contains two independent 555-type timers on a single monolithic chip, each timer section has a terminal pin for connection to external circuitry for supply voltage, control voltage, and has internal circuitry which has terminal pins for connection to external circuitry for reset, trigger, output, discharge, and threshold connections. A multiple resistance-capacitor circuit is connected to the discharge, threshold, trigger, and ground pins of the first timer section with the resistance values being manually selectable between three discrete resistance values, each corresponding to a predetermined sound mode, to provide three separate discharge rates of the capacitor and thus provide at the output pin of the first timer section a voltage waveform of one of three predetermined configurations corresponding to the selected sound mode. Thus, the first timer section acts as a modulator.

Abstract: A vehicle having four LDRs (light dependent resistors) on the upper surface thereof has a first motor for driving the vehicle in a forward or reverse direction and a second motor for turning the vehicle in a rightward or leftward direction. Selective light illumination on LDRs causes the vehicle to be propelled in a forward or reverse direction or to turn in a right or left direction. A selected LDR pair may be illuminated simultaneously to cause the vehicle to move forwardly and rightwardly; to move forwardly and leftwardly; to move rearwardly and rightwardly; and to move rearwardly and leftwardly. The LDRs may all be sensitive to the same radiation frequency range or may be responsive only to radiation frequencies in mutually exclusive ranges. A manually operated radiation frequency generator is used to illuminate the LDRs and control the car direction movement. The generator may have a single band of frequency ranges or may have specific limited and mutually exclusive radiation frequency bands.

Abstract: An array of interdigitally related elements are interstitially spaced from one another, with alternate elements in the array connected to a first conductor and the remaining elements in the array connected to a second conductor. A conductive member, such as a metallic ball, is freely movable in two dimensions over the area of the array, electrically coupling and decoupling adjacent elements in the array as it moves. A circuit is connected between the first and second conductors and detects the coupling of and/or decoupling of electrical contact between adjacent elements as the ball moves over the elements, with the frequency of the coupling and/or decoupling being detected to indicate a predetermined motion or absence of motion. The elements may take different configurations for different desired results.

Abstract: A first rigid elongated plate has first and second ends, a first end being hingedly attached to a first end of a rigid link to swing freely towards and away from one side of the link within a predetermined included first arc. A second rigid elongated plate, having first and second ends, is hingedly attached to the other end of the link to swing freely towards and away from the one link side within a predetermined included second arc. A flexible envelope encloses the first and second plates and the link to retain the plates and link in end to end hinged relation. Strap members transversely extend from the envelope and are wrappable around the user's hand, wrist, and forearm to hold the envelope, plates, and link in supporting relation thereto.

Abstract: A supporting or stabilizing device, especially for a moving vehicle, in which at least one rod is provided mounted on a support frame, such as the underneath side of a counter top, with the rod being movable axially from an idle position wherein it is disposed substantially entirely within, or beneath, the support frame to an extended position wherein it extends outwardly frm the support frame. When the rod is extended outwardly from the support frame, it serves as a supporting or stabilizing member for an individual positioned in front of the support frame. The rod may be associated with a second like rod spaced from the first rod so that when both rods are extended, an individual can take a position between the rods and be supported or stabilized thereby. The rod, or rods, are slidable in support brackets and a retaining device is provided for retaining each rod in axially adjusted positions in the supporting brackets.