Abstract: A downhole measurement tool circuit and method to balance fault current in a protective inductor, which keeps an alternating current balanced in a protective choke during a phase-to-ground fault condition in a power cable or a downhole motor of an electrical submersible pump. The downhole measurement tool circuit and method cause a conducting of current during the negative polarity voltage portions of a phase-to-ground fault condition, but do not cause a conduction of negative polarity voltage during use of a negative polarity megger.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vacuum cup mount including the steps of providing a housing having a mount base and a generally upstanding wall extending from the mount base, providing a retainer having an aperture that extends from an upper side of the retainer to a lower side of the retainer and a plurality of recesses formed on the lower side of the retainer in communication with the aperture, placing the retainer on the mount base so that the lower side of the retainer faces the mount base, and bending at least a portion of the generally upstanding wall so that the bent portion of the generally upstanding wall engages the upper surface of the retainer to secure the retainer with respect to the mount base.

Abstract: A tooling apparatus for positioning end effector tooling for engagement with a workpiece to facilitate the performance of work operations on the workpiece. The apparatus includes an elongated rectangular tubular backbone member, a plurality of tubular collars positioned over and secured to the backbone member at predetermined longitudinally spaced locations along the backbone member, and a plurality of support structures secured to a side of one or more of the collars utilizing a plurality of fasteners engaging apertures in the collars and aligned apertures in the underlying backbone member.

Abstract: A system for measuring the height of bin content includes a transmitter for transmitting an acoustic pulse towards the upper surface of the content, a non-collinear receiver array for receiving an echo of the pulse and producing signals in response to the echo, and a processing apparatus for computing one or more directions of arrival of the signals from the upper surface to the array along with corresponding measured distances. Preferably, the receivers are transducers that also serve as transmitters. Two or more such measured distances constitute a map of the upper surface for estimating the quantity of the bin content. Preferably, the system includes a pulse shaper and repeater for optimizing the pulse shape relative to the signals.

Abstract: A reduced noise container carrier for an automated container filling machine has a container receptacle portion sized to receive a plurality of different sized containers; a side portion situated between the container receptacle portion and the bottom portion for engaging a plurality of mechanical devices of the machine; a substantially flat bottom portion for engaging a conveyor belt of the machine; an identification portion encoding an identification of the carrier; and, a noise reduction portion comprising a groove encircling the side portion of the carrier and a band disposed in the groove. The noise reduction portion is disposed to engage noise reduction portions of other carriers when the carriers collide on the conveyor belt and to avoid engaging portions of the machine other than the conveyor belt during a period of time when the machine is using the speed of the conveyor belt to calculate the position of the carrier.

Abstract: An article dispensing system is provided which can be customized to selectively store and dispense multiple desired articles to suitable containers. The system of the invention is particularly relevant for items which can be stored on hangers in a vertical format and dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: An assembly machine includes a support structure having a plurality of selectively moveable support members that facilitate manually manipulating a tool relative to a work piece. A controller continuously gathers position information regarding the support members to determine every position of the tool. The controller includes a teach mode that allows for storing selected tool activation positions in particular sequences for subsequent control of the tool according to necessary procedures for completing a variety of assembly processes. One example machine designed according to this invention includes selectively controlled biasing members that maintain a zero balance on the tool, provide an operator assist to moving the tool or both.

Abstract: An article dispensing system is provided which can be customized to selectively store and dispense multiple desired articles to suitable containers. The system of the invention is particularly relevant for items which can be stored on hangers in a vertical format and dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system utilizing modular work stations configured to provide asynchronous operations on a plurality of work pieces mounted on fixtures or pallets that are transported through the system by means of a conveyor or rail arrangement. The pallets are diverted from the track on which they are transported linearly to a desired machining module adjacent to, but removed from, the track, such that the machining is performed in a chamber isolated from the track. Each machining module may be utilized in more than one location on the track and the modules may be interchanged depending on the desired operation sequence and the tools available in each of the machining station modules.

Abstract: A method of forming a series of bags for bulky articles from rolled thermoplastic film and padding element includes arranging a linear, longitudinally traveling queue of layers of film and padding element according to a set of desired bag dimensions and characteristics and controlling the advancement of the queue to make padding element and seal cuts to form the bags. The invention also includes a system for fabricating bags substantially in the manner identified in the method of the present invention, as well as a method of forming seal cuts in which an envelope is first clamped, then sealed and cut by heat and pressure, then allowed to cool before being released.

Abstract: A method of forming a series of bags for bulky articles from rolled thermoplastic film and padding element includes arranging a linear, longitudinally traveling queue of layers of film and padding element according to a set of desired bag dimensions and characteristics and controlling the advancement of the queue to make padding element and seal cuts to form the bags. The invention also includes a system for fabricating bags substantially in the manner identified in the method of the present invention, as well as a method of forming seal cuts in which an envelope is first clamped, then sealed and cut by heat and pressure, then allowed to cool before being released.

Abstract: A method of forming a series of bags for bulky articles from rolled thermoplastic film and padding element includes arranging a linear, longitudinally traveling queue of layers of film and padding element according to a set of desired bag dimensions and characteristics and controlling the advancement of the queue to make padding element and seal cuts to form the bags. The invention also includes a system for fabricating bags substantially in the manner identified in the method of the present invention, as well as a method of forming seal cuts in which an envelope is first clamped, then sealed and cut by heat and pressure, then allowed to cool before being released.

Abstract: An assembly machine display has an image representative of a workpiece to be assembled using the machine. Multi-colored indicator lights mounted behind a display substrate are associated with areas on the workpiece image that require a process to be completed by a machine operator. The display substrate has translucent portions that allow the lights to be viewed by a machine operator from the front side of the display. The indicator lights change color to reflect the status of the corresponding area of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of forming a series of bags for bulky articles from rolled thermoplastic film and padding element includes arranging a linear, longitudinally traveling queue of layers of film and padding element according to a set of desired bag dimensions and characteristics and controlling the advancement of the queue to make padding element and seal cuts to form the bags. The invention also includes a system for fabricating bags substantially in the manner identified in the method of the present invention, as well as a method of forming seal cuts in which an envelope is first clamped, then sealed and cut by heat and pressure, then allowed to cool before being released.

Abstract: An assembly machine includes a support structure having a plurality of selectively moveable support members that facilitate manually manipulating a tool relative to a work piece. A controller continuously gathers position information regarding the support members to determine every position of the tool. The controller includes a teach mode that allows for storing selected tool activation positions in particular sequences for subsequent control of the tool according to necessary procedures for completing a variety of assembly processes. One example machine designed according to this invention includes selectively controlled biasing members that maintain a zero balance on the tool, provide an operator assist to moving the tool or both.

Abstract: A seat assembly machine includes an independently adjustable alignment mechanism. A seat holding mechanism secures a seat frame in place relative to a fabric cover that is supported on another portion of the machine. An independently moveable alignment mechanism includes support posts that are received through openings in the cover and into corresponding receiver portions of the seat frame to properly align those components. After proper alignment is verified, the seat frame is inserted into the cover. The adjustment mechanism is normally biased toward the seat frame holding mechanism and movement of the seat frame holding mechanism overcomes the bias on the alignment mechanism so that the alignment mechanism selectively moves with the seat holder mechanism during an assembly process. The independently positionable alignment mechanism facilitates assembling a variety of seat types using a single machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for communication for a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, the SCADA system comprising: an enterprise server; at least one intelligent electronic device (RTU), wherein the RTU measures a physical process and stores digital data representative of the measurement in a memory area for transmission; a configuration tool (AES) linking the SCADA server with the RTU; a connection device (TAC) for installing the SCADA system on related software program; a gel encapsulation layer (GEL), the method comprising the steps of: (1) communicating a command from the enterprise server to said RTU via the AES to configure said RTU; (2) permitting said RTU to receive data input and to store said data; and (3) transmitting said data back from the RTU to the enterprise server.

Abstract: An automated clinching apparatus for securing a decorative cover to a reaction plate, forming an air bag module, the reaction plate including a plurality of tabs received by the decorative cover and clinched to secure the decorative cover to the reaction plate. The automated clinching apparatus includes a clamp assembly configured to engage and hold the air bag module, and a tab clinch assembly positioned adjacent the clamp assembly for automatically clinching the tabs of the reaction plate.

Abstract: A folded air bag retaining apparatus for retaining a folded air bag coupled to a reaction plate in a folded configuration during the positioning of a cover. The apparatus including a holding fixture for supporting the reaction plate and the folded air bag coupled to the reaction plate, in a position to receive the enclosing cover, and a flexible band for retaining the folded air bag in a folded configuration until after the enclosing cover is positioned to enclose the folded air bag and the enclosing cover is coupled to the reaction plate.

Abstract: A machine and method of using same for cutting soft sheet material, such as textile fabric, which includes a cutting table having a support surface with openings distributed thereover. An endless conveyor of relatively high air permeability overlays and is movable relative to the support surface for moving sheet material. An endless micro-porous support belt having a relatively low air permeability overlays the conveyor for corresponding movement therewith. A vacuum source is connected to the cutting table and cooperates with the micro-porous support belt to retain the sheet material thereon in a relatively fixed position during transporting and cutting thereof and to retain the micro-porous support belt in engagement with the conveyor for uniform movement therewith. A cutting tool is supported on a cutting table for cutting the sheet material. The cutting tool has a washer positioned adjacent the cutting wheel to limit the penetration of the cutting wheel in the micro-porous support belt.