Abstract: Systems and methods for a redundant wireless safety system that provides a second level of safety protocol when a worker is exposed to a more dangerous work environment. In an embodiment, such a machine may be configured to perform a specific manufacturing function wherein the machine may include first and second transceivers for maintaining enabling signals for functionality of the machine. The system may further include a base station (e.g., remote control) configured to operate in conjunction with the machine that in turn includes third and fourth transceivers also configured to maintain enabling signals for machine functionality. Machine functionality may be interrupted by an interrupt switch disposed in the machine. That is, the interrupt switch may be configured to enable functionality of the machine if and only if the first transceiver maintains periodic communication with the third transceiver and if the second transceiver maintains periodic communication with the fourth transceiver.

Abstract: A vertical raising safety rail. The safety rail includes lower linkage arm assemblies that are connected to a base and to a center rail assembly and configured to raise or lower the center rail assembly relative to the base when a rotational force is applied to the drive shaft. The safety rail also includes upper linkage arm assemblies that are connected to the center rail assembly and to a top rail. The upper linkage arm assemblies are connected to corresponding lower linkage assemblies and are configured to move the top rail relative to the center rail assembly. When the top rail is raised, one or more safety curtains are unfurled from a take-up roller inside the top rail to provide a safety curtain in the vertical plane of the safety rail.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A system and method for a locking mechanism that includes an ability to indicate proper engagement via a signal cable coupled through a harness. The locking mechanism may include electronic components including three magnetic actuators and corresponding electronic switches that signal change of state. Locking tabs and a leading edge of the insert respectively include the three magnetic actuators. The electronic switches, which may be magnetically activated reed switches, signal status change to an external controller and, optionally, an external computer. Further, status signals and power signals may be routed through a steel cable or woven nylon harness that coupled the locking mechanism to a local anchor point. Change of status notification may be important on critical safety worksites where lack of mechanical and electronic connection can be life threatening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of locking two devices to each other through a receiver base, a pair of pivoting locking tabs, each having first and second arms extending out from a pivot point, and an insert that is partially engaged within a cavity formed by the receiver base and locking tabs. The receiver base is configured to be engageable with a first device. The insert is configured to be engageable with a second device. An optional push button assembly that has a retractable lip is engageable with the receiver base to block rotational movement of the locking tabs unless the lip of the push button is retracted. The apparatus may also include magnetic actuators and corresponding electronic switches that provide two stage locking and, optionally, provide contact state signaling to an external controller and computer to verify locked/unlocked status of the insert relative to the receiver base cavity and locking tabs.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controllers housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A vertical raising safety rail having a moveable top rail, a base, a movable center rail assembly positioned above the base and below the top rail, a drive shaft, and a motor that provides rotational power to the drive shaft. The safety rail further includes a pair of spaced apart lower linkage arm assemblies that is operatively connected to the base and to the center rail assembly and configured to raise or lower the center rail assembly relative to the base when a rotational force is applied to the drive shaft. The safety rail also includes a pair of spaced apart upper linkage arm assemblies that is operably connected to the center rail assembly and to the top rail. The upper linkage arm assemblies are operably connected to corresponding lower linkage assemblies and are configured to move the upper rail relative to the center rail assembly. When the rotational force is reversed, the safety rail collapses into a compact footprint.

Abstract: A dynamical search engine for searching a database is also provided. The dynamical search engine includes an array of nonlinear dynamical elements. The nonlinear dynamical element information items in a manner that confines the state of each element on a fixed point and uniquely encodes the information items. The dynamical search engine also includes a controller for controlling electrical signals supplied to elements of the array in a predetermined sequence. One supplied signal increases a state value of each element of the array by a quantity defining a search key that corresponds to a searched-for information item. A subsequently supplied signal updates the state value of each element of the array by performing a nonlinear folding of each state value based on a predetermined pivot.

Abstract: A logic gate implements logical expressions. A least one logic gate input receives at least one input logic gate signal and at least one control signal. At least one output for produces a logic gate output signal. A nonlinear updater operates as a dynamically configurable element to produce a plurality of different logic gates as selected by the control signal. The nonlinear updater includes a nonlinear updater output. The nonlinear updater is configured to apply a nonlinear function to the input logic gate signal to produce the nonlinear updater output signal representing a logical expression being implemented by one of the plurality of different logic gates on the input logic gate signal. A comparator includes a comparator input that is adapted to receive a reference threshold value for producing the logical gate output signal based on a comparison of the nonlinear output signal to the reference threshold value.

Abstract: A logic gate is adapted to implement logical expressions. The logic gate includes at least one input that is adapted to receive an input signal and at least one control signal. At least one of the input signal and the control signal is a noise signal. At least one output is adapted to produce an output signal. A nonlinear updater operates as a dynamically configurable element and produces multiple different logic gates as selected by the control signal based at least in part on the noise signal. The nonlinear updater is electrically coupled to the input and is also electrically coupled to the output. The nonlinear updates is configured to apply a nonlinear function to the input signal in response to the control signal to produce the output signal representing a logical expression being implemented by one of the multiple different logic gates on the input signal.

Abstract: A logic gate implements logical expressions. A least one logic gate input receives at least one input logic gate signal and at least one control signal. At least one output for produces a logic gate output signal. A nonlinear updater operates as a dynamically configurable element to produce a plurality of different logic gates as selected by the control signal. The nonlinear updater includes a nonlinear updater output. The nonlinear updater is configured to apply a nonlinear function to the input logic gate signal to produce the nonlinear updater output signal representing a logical expression being implemented by one of the plurality of different logic gates on the input logic gate signal. A comparator includes a comparator input that is adapted to receive a reference threshold value for producing the logical gate output signal based on a comparison of the nonlinear output signal to the reference threshold value.

Abstract: A logic gate implements logical expressions. A least one logic gate input receives at least one input logic gate signal and at least one control signal. At least one output for produces a logic gate output signal. A nonlinear updater operates as a dynamically configurable element to produce a plurality of different logic gates as selected by the control signal. The nonlinear updater includes a nonlinear updater output. The nonlinear updater is configured to apply a nonlinear function to the input logic gate signal to produce the nonlinear updater output signal representing a logical expression being implemented by one of the plurality of different logic gates on the input logic gate signal. A comparator includes a comparator input that is adapted to receive a reference threshold value for producing the logical gate output signal based on a comparison of the nonlinear output signal to the reference threshold value.

Abstract: A dynamical search engine for searching a database is also provided. The dynamical search engine includes an array of nonlinear dynamical elements. The nonlinear dynamical element information items in a manner that confines the state of each element on a fixed point and uniquely encodes the information items. The dynamical search engine also includes a controller for controlling electrical signals supplied to elements of the array in a predetermined sequence. One supplied signal increases a state value of each element of the array by a quantity defining a search key that corresponds to a searched-for information item. A subsequently supplied signal updates the state value of each element of the array by performing a nonlinear folding of each state value based on a predetermined pivot.

Abstract: A logic gate implements logical expressions. A least one logic gate input receives at least one input logic gate signal and at least one control signal. At least one output for produces a logic gate output signal. A nonlinear updater operates as a dynamically configurable element to produce a plurality of different logic gates as selected by the control signal. The nonlinear updater includes a nonlinear updater output. The nonlinear updater is configured to apply a nonlinear function to the input logic gate signal to produce the nonlinear updater output signal representing a logical expression being implemented by one of the plurality of different logic gates on the input logic gate signal. A comparator includes a comparator input that is adapted to receive a reference threshold value for producing the logical gate output signal based on a comparison of the nonlinear output signal to the reference threshold value.

Abstract: A logic gate is adapted to implement logical expressions. The logic gate includes at least one input that is adapted to receive an input signal and at least one control signal. At least one of the input signal and the control signal is a noise signal. At least one output is adapted to produce an output signal. A nonlinear updater operates as a dynamically configurable element and produces multiple different logic gates as selected by the control signal based at least in part on the noise signal. The nonlinear updater is electrically coupled to the input and is also electrically coupled to the output. The nonlinear updates is configured to apply a nonlinear function to the input signal in response to the control signal to produce the output signal representing a logical expression being implemented by one of the multiple different logic gates on the input signal.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for gates and the like for readily latching a slide bar to a locking unit. The locking unit has a block with a front and back plate that are fixedly attached to each other about portions of peripheries of the front and back plates that define an opening with a side slot and at least one adjacent top or bottom slot. Positioned within at least one top or bottom slot is at least one pivoting release lever having a first leg and a second leg movable about a pivot. One of the legs has a portion configured to engage a portion of a slide bar when restraining movement of the slide bar relative to the block. The other leg abuts and aids in dislodging the slide from the block when a force is applied to the pivoting lever. The latch mechanism further includes a slide bar guide.

Abstract: A logic gate array for implementing logical expressions is provided. The array includes a dynamically configurable logic gate having a chaotic updater for causing the logic gate to alternately operate as one of a several different logic gate types, the dynamically configurable logic gate alternating from operating as one logic gate type to a different logic gate type in response to one or more reference signals. The array also includes one or more additional logic gates.

Abstract: A locking assembly for readily attaching and detaching a device to a surface such as a wall, non-planar surface, or a plurality of bars such as those found in a kennel. The locking assembly has a bracket assembly with a front and back plate that are fixedly attached to each other about portions of peripheries of the front and back plates defining an opening therebetween with a top slot and at least one side slot. The back plate is directly or indirectly fixedly attached to a surface. Positioned within at least one side slot is at least one pivoting release lever having an upper leg and lower leg movable about a pivot. The locking assembly further includes a yoke assembly having a yoke assembly plate of a size and shape to fit edgewise and be guided into the opening between the front and bottom plates via the top slot. The upper leg of the pivoting release lever and an exterior surface of the yoke assembly plate can be mateably restrained through a pair of interlocking notches.

Abstract: A locking assembly having a substantially joined bracket assembly with a front and back plate defining an opening therebetween with a top slot and a side slot. At least the back plate is directly or indirectly fixedly attached to a solid surface. Positioned within side slot is a pivoting release lever having an upper leg and lower leg movable about a pivot. The pivot is fixedly attached to the front and back plates such that the upper and lower legs are free to move within the opening between the front and back plates within a defined boundary about the pivot. The locking assembly further includes a collar assembly having a collar assembly plate of a size and shape to fit edgewise and be guided into the opening between the front and bottom plates via the top slot. A collar extending from the front surface of the collar assembly plate is attached to a device.