Abstract: An apparatus, means and system are described for providing a load center container apparatus for use with a load center, in which a container is adapted to receive a load center, wherein the container has a plurality of sides, an open top and a closed bottom, and a cover adapted to cover said open top of the container, wherein the container apparatus has a removable load center protector that is adapted for mounting on a load center. A method is also described for providing a method for protecting a load center using a load center packaging assembly having a load center protector.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of forming one or more box blanks (20) from a generally-rectangular sheet of material, comprising the steps of: providing a frame (28) for supporting and guiding the sheet; placing a sheet of material on the frame; controllably moving the sheet in a longitudinal direction relative to the frame; providing at least one longitudinal score line (21) on the sheet as the sheet moves relative to the frame; punching a first hole in the sheet; cutting a first slot (23) in the sheet between one longitudinal edge thereof and the first hole; punching a second hole in the sheet at a position spaced transversely across from the first hole; cutting a second slot (23) in the sheet between the other longitudinal edge thereof and the second hole; providing a transverse score line (22) on the sheet between the first and second holes; punching longitudinal slots in the sheet to severe the flaps (24) from the glue tab (27); and cutting the sheet to the length required for the desired shap

Abstract: The potential for an unreliable indication of a tripped overload relay is eliminated in a trip mechanism for an overload relay that includes a housing, and armature mounted in the housing for movement between two contact opening or closing positions, fixed contacts in the housing and moveable contacts engageable by the armature to be moved thereby toward and away from the fixed contacts and. A moveable lever is associated with the armature and is operable to shift the armature from one of the contact opening or closing positions to the other of the contact opening or closing positions. An operator for the lever is moveable toward and away from the lever and carries a spring finger. The spring finger is engageable with the lever to cause the lever to shift the armature between the positions. The spring finger is moveable with the operator in a path from a first position disengaged from the lever to a second position engaged with the lever and then to a third position disengaged from the lever.

Abstract: The invention resides in an improved transport mechanism which utilizes a linkage having a plurality of end effectors disposed at one end thereof. Movement of a drive linkage in a first rotational direction causes opposite rotation at the end effectors so that the center of the articles carried by the end effectors are moved in a straight line path as between first and second locations.

Abstract: Problems with inaccuracies in selecting the relay trip current in an overload relay are eliminated in an overload relay employing a custom potentiometer having a resistance that varies at multiple rates to set the trip current value. The dial markings on the trip current adjustment dial are sufficiently spaced to allow for a more precise selection of the relay trip current at the higher ampere settings of the relay.

Abstract: A connection scheme for a Programmable Logic Controller is taught. Briefly stated, a printed circuit board having a plurality of electrically conductive traces therein and a plurality of electrically conductive fingers associated with the conductive traces is disclosed. The pitch and size of the conductive fingers coincide with that of a PLC I/O connector. One or more of a plurality of interconnective devices may be connected to the printed circuit board thereby minimizing adverse thermal effects from adjacent thermocouple wires or providing for use of various interconnection devices or signal conditioning such as switches, displays, discrete devices and the like.

Abstract: Method for operating a traversing sensor apparatus, wherein the properties of a paper web are measured through traversing such that a measuring head is moved during the measurement in the cross-machine direction. The movement of the measuring head in the cross-machine direction is stopped above the paper web and data is collected for a certain period through measurement from an area narrower than the width of the paper web, whereafter the movement of the measuring head in the cross-machine direction is continued. The data collected from an area narrower than the width of the paper web is used to calculate MD and CD values and to determine the effect of harmonic variations.

Abstract: Apparatus, means and method for injection molding of parts from thermoset molding material, especially, but not necessarily limited to, bulk molding compound. The apparatus, means and method employing a live mold runner for reducing the amount of scrap material resulting from the injection molding of parts.

Abstract: A multi-phased switch support base including a molded top cover and a molded bottom base each having interior and exterior walls which divide the interiors. When assembled together the base is divided into compartmentalized arc chambers which function to isolate each line contact and each load contact of each phase of the switch from each other as well as from each other line and each other load contact of each of the other phases of the switch. A multiplicity of unique snap-in arc chutes and baffles to help control and extinguish the arc generated during disconnect operations of the rotor from the stationary contacts are provided in each arc chamber.

Abstract: Problems associated with time consuming troubleshooting of an incorrectly wired delta motor system are eliminated in a motor controller that automatically detects when each of the three phase lines of a three phase power source have been connected to both ends of one of the three windings in a dead ended winding configuration.

Abstract: A tansport system for biospecimens includes a conveyor including a conveyor each divided into two or more lanes by lane dividers means. Specimen carriers, each carrying one biospecimen container, include a base which engages the conveyor to transport the biospecimen container and at least three retainer members which are biased together to accept and retain the biospecimen container on the carrier. A variety of traffic control devices, such as diverters and singulators, as well as other control mechanisms such as orientation rails and orientation rollers are combined into control stations to manage the transport of the biospecimens through the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically inserting valve stems of varying sizes into wheels of various sizes in which the appropriate valve stem size is selected by analyzing images of the wheel detected by a camera. The camera is used to determine the diameter, width, and color or contrast of the wheel as well as to determine when a valve stem opening in the wheel is in a proper position for insertion of a valve stem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring multi-phase alternating current signals and providing a signal representative of each phase current signal. Each alternating current signal is rectified by a direct current output rectifier to generate a signal representative of both the phase and magnitude of the alternating current signal. The method and apparatus also provides for using the output signal to operate a circuit breaker in a ground fault detection system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for accessing a sealed container, and in particular a sealed container which is at a pressure other than atmospheric and which generally contains blood or other bodily fluid. A piercer and a probe are provided which are mounted to an XYZ positioning mechanism and are controlled such that the piercer passes through a stopper of the container, forming a cut therein through which the probe may subsequently enter the container. A foot mechanism is provided which is held against the stopper or seal for the container during piercer or probe removal for stripping purposes and through which the probe and piercer pass, the size and shape of the foot being such that, for both piercing and probing operations, it is over only a single container. The piercer and probe are operated such that the one not being used is in each instance in a raised position relative to the one being used.

Abstract: An assembly suitable for preventing and/or effectively dampening the presence of backlash within a worm gear type drive is described. The assembly includes a drive gear adapted to be mounted on a shaft. The drive gear has an annular body with a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes an offsetable secondary gear mounted to the drive gear. The secondary gear has a complementary annular body with a plurality of teeth extending radially outwardly therefrom. The teeth on the drive gear are equal in number and pitch to the teeth on the secondary gear. The teeth on the drive gear and the secondary gear, together form an array of expandable teeth having a variable thickness. Operatively connected to the drive gear and to the secondary gear is a biasing means for expanding the variable thickness of each expandable tooth.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a support frame, a substrate transport chamber connected to the support frame, and a substrate transfer robot located at least partially in the substrate transport chamber. The support frame includes a first section directly connected to the substrate transport chamber, and a second section directly connected to the substrate transfer robot. The second section is separate from the first section and includes mounting arms having leveling points. The leveling points support the substrate transfer robot and align the robot relative to the transport chamber. Further, the substrate transport chamber includes a wall having an aperture. The substrate transfer robot is located in the aperture. A flexible coupling flange is mounted between the wall of the substrate transport chamber and the substrate transfer robot. The flexible coupling flange seals a portion of the aperture between the wall and the substrate transfer robot.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for sealing a corner of a fabric article. The invention includes a conveyor for maneuvering the fabric article along a predetermined path and has an air gun positioned adjacent to the path. The air gun has maneuvering means for motion about the path. The air gun blows air onto the corner of the fabric article as the article is maneuvered along the path adjacent to the air gun.

Abstract: An apparatus, means and system are described for providing a load center container apparatus for use with a load center, in which a container is adapted to receive a load center, wherein the container has a plurality of sides, an open top and a closed bottom, and a cover adapted to cover said open top of the container, wherein the container apparatus has a removable load center protector that is adapted for mounting on a load center. A method is also described for providing a method for protecting a load center using a load center packaging assembly having a load center protector.

Abstract: A communication network for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) wherein selected memory means of each PLC have at least two ports directly accessible by other PLCs and certain registers of the PLCs are identical to enable efficient, high-speed transfer of blocks of data between the PLCs.