Abstract: A portable electronic work slate unit includes a customizable array of data devices and input/output devices which are selectively integrated in a compact and highly ergonomic structure. Increased operator productivity is accomplished by use of several possible user interface media including a multi-function display and input/output unit including a digitizer, position sensitive screen, and video display panel. Selectively integratable user interface components include a bar code scanner, RF modulator for radio frequency communication, modem, audio input/output, as well as the multi-purpose display. All components are integrated by use of a handle unit which can house a battery as well as removable modules in a manner so as to minimize operator fatigue and discomfort, as well as enhance productivity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the construction of a classification model (for example a decision tree) from data in a large database. The database is stored in the form of data records on a storage medium for access by a computer. The computer executes a software component for building a classification model from the data in the database. The classification building component has a scheduler that directs the computer to sequentially access all records in the database one or more times as required for extracting the necessary sufficient statistics to construct the classification model. The method optimizes the construction of the classifier from the database by minimizing the number of database scans and making as much use of the computer's fast main memory (RAM) as possible. The method prescribes three different modes for scanning data and includes a scheduler component that decides which of these modes to employ and on what parts of the database.

Abstract: A low profile, two pole, plunger-type safety switch and connector assembly includes a switch housing and switch components are supported within the housing interior region. An actuator extends exteriorly though the housing opening and is moveable along a linear path of travel between two positions, one position of the actuator corresponding to an undepressed position and a second position of the actuator corresponding to a depressed position. Terminals of the switch assembly terminate in conductive male contacts extending through a side wall of the switch housing substantially perpendicular to the path of travel of the actuator. The connector assembly includes a connector housing supporting four female terminals sized to snugly receive respective different ones of the four male contacts when the connector housing engages the switch housing. Extending arms of a flexible, electrically conductive shorting member contact a center two of the female terminals.

Abstract: A tool (1) for spreading adhesive over a substrate has a blade edge (4) with a set of spaced large indentations (5) and at least one set of spaced smaller indentations (6) extending into the blade edge. The smaller indentations extend into the blade less than any one of the large indentations and are interspaced between the large indentations. The blade edge is slid over the substrate to which adhesive has been applied and the adhesive is spread such that the large indentations form large ridges (20) of adhesive projecting from the substrate. The smaller indentations form smaller ridges (21) of adhesive projecting from the substrate and the smaller ridges (21) are interspaced between the large ridges (20). When a tile (23) is pressed into the adhesive the larger ridges (20) are compressed first, thereby broadening the ridge and pushing adjacent ridges into the smaller ridges (21). In this any void between ridges is more readily filled and a more uniform spread of keyed in adhesive is achieved.

Abstract: An agricultural/viticultural sprayer including a pair of curved arms to partially encircle a row of crops such as vines to be sprayed. Each arm carries a plurality of fan spray heads, and each arm is mounted on a support arm rotatable about a vertical pivot, whereby each of the curved arms can be rotated from a transport position to a spread operating position while remaining symmetrical about a plane generally normal to the path of travel when in use.

Abstract: A process of forming dunnage is disclosed. A chain of interconnected plastic pouches are fed along a path of travel to a fill and seal station. The pouches are sequentially opened as each pouch is positioned in the fill station by directing a flow of air through a pouch fill opening to separate a face from a back of each such pouch and continuing the flow of air through each such opening to completely inflate each opened pouch. Each such inflated pouch is then sealed to create hermetically closed and inflated dunnage units. Novel web and dunnage units are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bath lift comprising a U shaped frame (14) locatable on the bath. Each side limb (15) of the frame (14) mounts a respective roller (32) between which a flexible band (38) extends. The rollers (32) are interconnected to simultaneously feed the band (38) out or in whereby to raise or lower a person sitting thereon into a bath.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a recloser assembly including three modular recloser units operating under the control of a controller. The recloser units are interchangeable and are suitable for use in a three phase power distribution system where three phase tripping is desired or each recloser unit may be operated independently as in a single phase power distribution system. For use in a three phase system, a gang rod mechanically couples pivoting actuation levers extending from a solenoid switching assembly of each of the recloser units. The gang rod insures that all three switching assemblies open and close in unison, thus, each power is transmitted by all three recloser units or power is not transmitted by any of the three recloser units. For single phase power distribution operation, the gang rod is removed and the recloser units operate independently. Each recloser unit includes a cube shaped base, a tapered cylindrical support affixed to an upper surface of the base.

Abstract: An illuminator for use in a refractometer having a body housing, a sample cover assembly, a prism assembly and measuring assembly for measuring the composition and density of a substance. The illuminator includes a light source, a power source for operating the light source and an operating means for selectively activating the light source. The illuminator is located in the refractometer housing such that the light source is in a position on or about the prism assembly to illuminate a fluid substance to be measured. Light from the light source is introduced at a grazing incidence to a measuring surface of the prism. Phosphorescent material in the sample cover provides reticle illumination.

Abstract: A pump for coating molten metal onto a substrate includes a base with an impeller chamber, at least one molten metal inlet opening to the base, at least one molten metal outlet opening from the base, and an impeller connected to one end of a motor driven shaft and rotatable in the impeller chamber, the base, shaft and impeller being made of refractory material. A conduit is in communication with the molten metal discharged from the molten metal outlet opening. The conduit is formed of refractory material and comprises an arcuate shaped portion in which molten metal outlet openings are disposed. An insulating region is located between the conduit and a motor support. The conduit has a shape and the conduit outlet openings are configured and arranged to discharge molten metal toward an interior of the conduit in upward and downward directions such that exterior surfaces of a workpiece passed therein are coated with molten metal.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly including a gear box portion having first and second inputs and an output; the first input is connectable to a pump portion of the torque converter, whereas the second output is selectively connectable to an impeller portion of said torque converter such that separate torque converter and direct drive paths are established from a prime mover to the transmission output. Clutches are used to selectively couple the first and second inputs with their associated driving elements. The gear box includes two countershafts having their axes arranged to be parallel and spaced apart from each other and parallel and spaced from an axis of an output shaft. The axes are arranged in a triangular relationship which enables a “straight through” version, a “short drop” version and a “long drop” version of the transmission to be easily manufactured using a commonality of components.

Abstract: A portable data collection device including an imaging assembly including a two dimensional (2D) photosensor array. The imaging assembly is selectively actuatable with a first trigger for reading a target dataform in the imaging assembly's target area and actuatable with a second trigger for capturing a image of the target object in the target area. The device also includes an illumination assembly including an circuit board assembly supporting illumination and targeting light emitting diodes and a lens array or panel positioned adjacent the circuit board assembly for focusing an even pattern of illumination on the target area and generating a crosshair illumination pattern for aiming the device at the target dataform. The device further includes an optic assembly for focusing reflected illumination from the target area onto the two dimensional photosensor array.

Abstract: A pipeline evacuating device includes a first relatively rigid portion and a second relatively deformable portion. The deformable portion is arranged to be compressable against the rigid portion when the device is forced through a pipeline by the reaction of the material in the pipeline against the force of movement of the device. The compression causes the second portion to deform to at least substantially slidingly seal against the inside of the pipeline. Efficient evacuation of the material from the pipeline is provided as the device is forced therealong.

Abstract: A system for fabricating muntin bars from sheet material. Sheet material in the form of thin ribbon stock is fed to a first forming station including a punching mechanism that punches the ribbon stock at a precisely predetermined location. The ribbon stock is delivered from the first forming station to a second forming station in the form of a rolling mill. The stock passes through a succession of forming rolls to produce a tube having a desired cross-sectional shape. The tube is delivered from the second forming station to a third forming station including a severing apparatus that severs the tube at a precisely predetermined location to produce a muntin bar. After severing, the muntin bar is engaged by a conveyor and moved to a desired location.