Abstract: A system for monitoring movement in a subsurface environment, which may be used to determine flow dynamics within a fluid mass such as an ore body, or track subsurface persons or moving assets. A plurality of underground positioning system (UPS) elements in the subsurface environment transmit characteristic signals to a plurality of antennas, which transmit the signals to a data processing apparatus. The system thus determines changes in the positions of the UPS elements to derive an indication of the motion of the fluid mass or the locations and movement of subsurface persons or assets.

Abstract: An underwater optical communications system and method particularly suitable for use in communications with automated equipment. A series of light beacons are dispersed throughout a communications zone. The light beacons are each provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements and light receiving elements which are positioned so that each beacon within the communications zone emits light in a plurality of directions and receives light from a plurality of directions. A submersible craft is similarly provided with light emitting elements and light receiving elements. The submersible craft is thus always in optical communication with one or more beacons when in the communications zone, regardless of the orientation of the craft and regardless of the position of the craft within the communications zone.

Abstract: A system for monitoring movement in a subsurface environment, which may be used to determine flow dynamics within a fluid mass such as an ore body, or track subsurface persons or moving assets. A plurality of underground positioning system (UPS) elements in the subsurface environment transmit characteristic signals to a plurality of antennas, which transmit the signals to a data processing apparatus. The system thus determines changes in the positions of the UPS elements to derive an indication of the motion of the fluid mass or the locations and movement of subsurface persons or assets.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.

Abstract: An underwater optical communications system and method particularly suitable for use in communications with automated equipment. A series of light beacons are dispersed throughout a communications zone. The light beacons are each provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements and light receiving elements which are positioned so that each beacon within the communications zone emits light in a plurality of directions and receives light from a plurality of directions. A submersible craft is similarly provided with light emitting elements and light receiving elements. The submersible craft is thus always in optical communication with one or more beacons when in the communications zone, regardless of the orientation of the craft and regardless of the position of the craft within the communications zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of material handling or logistic equipment in particular, relates to turntables, which can be used especially for automation of production line, assembly assistance, linefeeading and synchronous manufacturing. A high precision positioning powered turntable and its controlling method are disclosed herewithin, based on slewing ring bearing having an integral gear on the inner ring, and positively driven by a gear motor. A plurality of sensors and sensor flags are installed for monitoring position of the turntable top structure for controlling acceleration, deceleration and stopping. A controller, such as a programmable logic controller, is used for monitoring the position of the turntable top structure tlirough the plurality of sensors, and decides how it operates a motor drive, such as variable frequency drive, of the gearmotor for controlling the acceleration, deceleration and stopping of the turntable.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of material handling or logistic equipment, in particular, relates to turntables, which can be used especially for automation of production line, assembly assistance, linefeeding and synchronous manufacturing. A high precision positioning powered turntable and its controlling method are disclosed herewithin, based on slewing ring bearing having an integral gear on the inner ring, and positively driven by a gear motor. A plurality of sensors and sensor flags are installed for monitoring position of the turntable top structure for controlling acceleration, deceleration and stopping. A controller, such as a programmable logic controller, is used for monitoring the position of the turntable top structure through the plurality of sensors, and decides how it operates a motor drive, such as variable frequency drive, of the gearmotor for controlling the acceleration, deceleration and stopping of the turntable.

Abstract: A water pit transponder assembly includes a housing with multiple sections including top, main and bottom sections snap latched together connected to a water meter. A circuit board transponder in the housing includes a controller, a transmitter, a receiver and tamper detection software connected to antennas. An encoder is connected to the water meter, and batteries provide power to operate the assembly. The transponder sends and receives at different frequencies through different antennas and is protected from environmental corrosion by being encapsulated in a get inside the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a fabric substrate comprising a housing frame, a continuous moving conveyor moving along a generally circular path and mounted to the housing frame; a plurality of vertically oriented mandrels removably mounted on the conveyor for receiving an article to be coated; a fixed coating station adjacent the path for applying a quantity of a coating to at least a portion of the article to be coated, the coating station including a solenoid for controlling the amount and pattern of the coating substance onto the article to be coated; a pivotable arm for gripping and removing the article to be coated after the coating station, the pivotable arm including a pair of cooperating gripping members for gripping the article to be coated. The coating is a non-sticky, high coefficient of friction polymer with additional components.

Abstract: An interactive kiosk that permits the user to create custom postcards composed of photographs taken with the user's own digital camera. The postcards will be printed instantly by reading the memory (via camera's memory card or by wire transfer or infrared transfer of images) of the user's digital still or video camera. The kiosk contains a programmed computer that guides the user through the transfer and postcard creation process. The photograph/s will be printed in high quality color or black and white on one side with various options for borders and text messages. The back of the postcard will resemble a traditional postcard with space for a message to the recipient and the recipient's address.

Abstract: Pressurized gas turbine engine with efficiency enhanced by an electrothermodynamic power convertor. The turbine has peripheral nozzles which are supplied with pressurized gas or pressurized liquid by internal nozzle gas ways. Pressurized liquid is flashed by the nozzles. The electrothermodynamic power convertor has a collector plate which envelopes the turbine engine expansion chamber and a charged screen which is positioned radially between the gas nozzles and the collector plate. Collector plate insulation is affixed between the collector plate and the walls of the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A pressurized gas turbine engine is disclosed which utilizes a new turbine design. Pressurized gas is supplied by nozzle gas ways in the turbine to gas nozzles affixed to the perimeter of the turbine. The gas nozzles may be recessed in the turbine perimeter or extend from the turbine perimeter. The gas nozzles may be equipped with gas exit cones to enhance the efficiency of the nozzles. The axis of the nozzles have an oblique angle with the direction of rotation of the turbine. Pressurized gas is supplied to the nozzle gas ways through one or more shaft gas ways in the turbine shaft, or is supplied through engine gas ports in the front wall of the turbine engine to gas supply zones which are hydraulically separated by seal rings on the front face of the turbine, each gas supply zone being hydraulically connected to one or more nozzle gas ways.

Abstract: A device for sensing and digitizing a fingerprint from a subject finger comprising a prism, a pixilated LED array affixed to the bottom surface of the prism and providing for the internal illumination, with a plurality of sub-beams, of the contact surface where the finger of the subject is pressed on the top surface of the prism, and a photoelectric sensor to detect the sub-beam radiation reflected from the fingerprint valley points. A sensor lens may also used for focusing the sub-beam radiation on the sensor. A lens wafer may be affixed between the prism and the LED array for focusing the radiation from each LED on its corresponding illumination point on the contact surface. The fingerprint ridge contact points do not reflect incident sub-beam radiation.

Abstract: A tagging apparatus for placing tags into a container includes a support surface for holding at least one container, a tag insert assembly frame, a tag holder, and a tag handler mounted to the tag insert assembly frame. The tag handler includes an arm and a guide. The arm is configured for reciprocal movement between a first position in which the arm is positioned for grabbing a tag from the tag holder and a second position in which the arm is positioned for inserting the tag into a container supported on the support surface. The guide provides lateral support to the arm when the arm is moved between its first and second positions and, further, defines a path of movement for the arm between its first and second positions. The tagging apparatus also includes a driver for moving the arm between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A device for sensing and digitizing a fingerprint from a subject finger comprising a prism, a pixilated illuminating radiation source such as a surface-emitting laser or a radiation source and a LCD affixed to the bottom surface of the prism and providing for the internal illumination, with a plurality of sub-beams, of the contact surface where the finger of the subject is pressed on the top surface of the prism, a photoelectric sensor to detect the sub-beam radiation reflected from the fingerprint valley points, and a lens for focusing the sub-beam radiation on the sensor. The fingerprint ridge contact points do not reflect incident sub-beam radiation. A computer can provide for sequential emission of the sub-beams so that a single cell photoelectric sensor can be used to detect the reflected sub-beams or a multiple cell photoelectric sensor can be used, with each cell corresponding to a particular sub-beam. Reflected sub-beam radiation corresponds to a fingerprint valley point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating multiple frequency information signals. This invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a communications signal, which is comprised of multiple component information waves of distinct frequencies, into its component waves for demodulation. The extraction of the component information waves is accomplished by determining the mid-cycle zero crossing points of the component information waves by reference to a reference wave, determining the amplitude of the combined wave at these zero crossing points and generating amplitude equations for each of these zero crossing points. These amplitude equations are solved to determine the amplitude coefficients of the component information waves, thereby extracting the transmitted information.

Abstract: A device for sensing and digitizing a fingerprint from a subject finger comprising a prism, a pixilated illuminating radiation source such as a surface-emitting laser or a radiation source and a LCD affixed to the bottom surface of the prism and providing for the internal illumination, with a plurality of sub-beams, of the contact surface where the finger of the subject is pressed and the top surface of the prism, and a photoelectric sensor to detect the sub-beam radiation reflected from the fingerprint valley points. The fingerprint ridge contact points do not reflect incident sub-beam radiation. A computer can provide for sequential emission of the sub-beams so that a single cell photoelectric sensor can be used to detect the reflected sub-beams or a multiple cell photoelectric sensor can be used, with each cell corresponding to a particular sub-beam. Reflected sub-beam radiation corresponds to a fingerprint valley point. Non-reflected sub-beam radiation corresponds to a fingerprint ridge point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiple frequency, multiple channel digital information transfer through time slot allocation. The apparatus consists of one or more transmitting devices and one or more receiving devices. Multiple source signals are each allocated a time slot and a frequency. A continuous synchronizing wave defines the time slots and provides for time slot tracking. Digital signals from each source are allocated a time slot and assigned one of the information wave frequencies in that time slot. The information waves are combined with the synchronizing wave and transmitted to one or more receivers as one signal in each time slot. The manner in which the waves are combined allows the components to be extracted by the receivers largely through the use of curve fitting techniques rather than through the use of filters.

Abstract: An automated checkout station is provided which allows a single cashier to monitor and assist multiple customers simultaneously without the requirement for a video surveillance system. The automated checkout station includes all of the features necessary for a customer to complete a transaction, such as a scanner, a bagging assembly, a customer display, a printer and an electronic payment system. However, the height of the station and the layout of plural stations allows a single cashier to easily interact with customers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for single signal, multiple channel digital information transfer through pulses with time slot allocation. The apparatus consists of one or more transmitting devices and one or more receiving devices. Multiple source signals are each allocated a unique time slot between successive synchronization pulses. Digital signals from each source are converted to analog information pulses synthesized from a combination of a fundamental frequency wave and a finite number of its harmonics. The total signal, which consists of successive synchronization pulses interspersed with information pulses for each signal source, each within its allocated time slot, is transmitted to the receivers. Each receiving device extracts the fundamental frequency and harmonic components through the use of narrow bandpass, high Q filters for each information pulse in its time slot and uses the known algorithm to reproduce the input digital signals.