Abstract: A paint gun cleaner includes a spray unit mounted in an enclosure in spaced relation to an opening in the enclosure through which the paint gun to be cleaned is inserted. A ring shaped spray unit combines a solvent dispenser, which may be either a solvent knife generating a curtain of solvent in the central opening of the spray unit or a plurality of nozzles directing solvent onto the paint gun, with an air knife positioned between the solvent dispenser and the enclosure opening. The air knife directs air flow radially and axially inward to prevent escape of solvent, and to recirculate air mixed with solvent around the sides of the spray unit and through the space between the spray unit and enclosure opening to reduce the amount of ambient air which is drawn into and which must be separated from the solvent and dissolved paint before discharge.

Abstract: A sheet inducer carrying a uniformly distributed ac current induces a sheet eddy current generally parallel to a generally smooth surface of an electrically conductive object. A magnetometer, preferably a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, detects the component of a magnetic field generally perpendicular to the generally smooth surface resulting from disturbances in the sheet eddy current caused by a flaw. Through appropriate selection of the phase angle between the detector signal and the applied current, the response can be adjusted to suppress surface flaws and enhance detection of flaws below the surface. The sheet eddy current is induced in multiple directions to detect flaws of all orientations and at multiple frequencies to refine determination of the size, shape, and depth of a flaw.

Abstract: Inclusions such as encysted parasites and spoilage in food products such as fish fillets are detected by immersing the food products in a bath of an electrolyte, such as a saline solution, having substantially the same electrical conductivity as the uncontaminated food product. An electrical current passed through the electrolyte also passes through the food product. Perturbations in the resulting magnetic field produced by the discontinuities in conductivity at the boundaries of the inclusions or of the spoiled article which have substantially different conductivities from that of the electrolyte and unspoiled food products, provide an indication of the presence of the contamination. Production line inspection rates are achieved by conveying the food products through a container filled with electrolyte and past an array of stationary magnetometers.

Abstract: Each copy of software is assigned a unique identifying code pattern which is printed on all documents produced with that software by a high resolution printer. The unique identifying code pattern is a plurality of spaced apart marks having a size no greater than about 300 dpi, and is therefore, at best, barely noticeable to the human observer. The "invisible signature" is also reproduced on documents made by unauthorized copies of software which can therefore be traced. Preferably, the unique identifying code is replicated multiple times over the document using an error correcting code to assure that at least one replication will be clear of matter selected for printing by the software. A high resolution scanner extracts and identifies the code patterns printed on the document.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace for a joint includes a support mechanism attached to limb members on either side of the joint for providing support to the joint and for permitting a predetermined range of movement of the joint. The support mechanism defines a void space substantially surrounding the joint between the support mechanism and the joint. An inflatable air bag that preferably includes several air cells substantially surrounds the joint in the void space. At least one sensor attached to the support mechanism provides a trigger signal in response to a predetermined, potentially injurious condition, such as a severe force, stress, strain or acceleration. An inflation mechanism operatively connected to the air bag and the sensor inflates the air bag in response to the trigger signal, thereby providing additional support to the joint before the joint is injured.

Abstract: A gas cylinder valve with minimum wetted area has a one-piece valving assembly comprising a valve member, a non-perforated diaphragm member and a valve stem, the latter including a threaded stud and a stem shaft threaded on to the stud. The threaded stud, diaphragm member and valve member are fused together by a YAG laser weld applied through a central, blind bore in the valve member. Another through weld is applied around the peripheral edge of the threaded stud. A rim on the stem shaft clamps the diaphragm outside the peripheral weld through a pair of washers which absorb the torsional load. A helical compression spring bears on a valve stem shaft shoulder outside the wetted area to bias the valve open. A resilient bushing supported by a metal cup backs up the diaphragm member.