Abstract: An example of the present invention as disclosed herein provides an improved user interface input device that enables a person to slide his or her digit or other indicator over a surface between a neutral and a discrete touch sensor position. Sliding a digit such as a finger requires much less concentration and precision of movement as compared to lifting and lowering a finger when activating a conventional key, and thus is characterized by ease of operation. Motion and speed selection for the user interface starts only after the finger is moved over the discrete touch sensors, and hence the mental and muscular coordination strain felt by users of a conventional mouse or other user interface input device is minimized or greatly reduced.

Abstract: An actuator assembly comprising at least one prime mover, a shaft having a first end and a second end, the shaft being operatively connected to the prime mover for reciprocal movement, a frame, the shaft being reciprocably movable in the frame, and linkage attached to the frame and operatively connected to the shaft, the linkage being movable between a first position and a second position in response to reciprocal movement of the shaft and a selectively engageable stroke-limiting assembly operatively connected to the shaft for controlling movement of the shaft, either by preventing any movement of the shaft or limiting its stroke a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Cooking and simultaneously forming a tostada or taco product in a cooking oil bath by inserting a pliable tortilla between adjacent molds when opened in a clamshell action, then closing the molds and conveying them through an oil bath and then opening the molds and removing the product. While cooking, the product is captured in the space between adjacent molds and permitted to cook into the desired shape. An interchange of conveyor carried molds is disclosed whereby the cooking equipment may process different product sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Power for one or more luminaire accessories is extracted from a series of lamp operating pulses provided by a phase angle dimmer. A DC power supply is connected to the output of the dimmer to develop and store DC accessory power. A lamp controller is connected to the output of the dimmer to transfer power from the lamp operating pulses to the lamp. The lamp controller has a variable pulse transfer characteristic for providing lamp power without lamp performance degradation caused by accessory power variations. The variable pulse transfer characteristic can be implemented by a switching device that interrupts or blocks selected portions of the lamp operating pulses. The pulse transfer characteristic maintains constant apparent lamp brilliance independent of variations in accessory power requirements. In an off or in a preheat condition, power transfer to the lamp is reduced to prevent emission of a visible light beam.

Abstract: A speed reduction system for decreasing the speed of a moving craft has a craft engaging device, a control mechanism, and a hydraulic energy transfer system adapted to transmit energy from the craft engaging device to the control mechanism. The control mechanism is adapted to actively control release of energy from the hydraulic energy transfer system during the decrease of the speed of the craft. A method of controlling the operation of a valve includes adjusting the valve during the operation of the valve after comparing a condition to a desired condition determined by a profile. A hydraulic valve has a valve member defining passages arranged to balance the force of the fluid pressure acting on the valve member and an actuator connected to the valve member. A valve control system includes a controller and a driver arranged with the controller. The position of the valve is adjusted during a predetermined cycle to control the operation of the valve.

Abstract: The ladder system is disposed between two spaced storage shelves of the types found in crowded warehouse-type retail outlets. The ladder is mounted on an overhead track system and may be moved longitudinally along the shelves and laterally between the shelves. The ladder is pivotly connected on one side to the overhead track system whereby the ladder may be moved from a latched position to a folded position about the pivot means against one of the storage shelves to thereby minimize the ladder as an obstruction in the aisle between the storage shelves.

Abstract: A boring tool is moved through the ground in a region which includes at least one electrically conductive in-ground line and which is subject to static magnetic fields including the magnetic field of the earth.

Abstract: A method for fueling an automotive vehicle 26 on a conveyer line 28 is provided. The conveyer line 28 moves generally along a first axis 170 and the method utilizes a robotic arm 34 with an end effector 54 for fueling a fuel stem 90 of the vehicle 26. The method includes determining a first position of the fuel stem 90 along the first axis 170. The method further includes moving the robotic arm 34 to position the end effector 54 proximate to the first position. The method further includes determining a three-dimensional position of the fuel stem 90 utilizing a vision system 164. The method further includes moving the end effector 54 proximate to the three-dimensional position to enable the end effector 54 to mate with the fuel stem 90 and moving said robotic arm 34 relative to said first axis 170 at a speed substantially equal to a speed of said conveyer line 28. Finally, the method includes fueling the fuel stem 90 with the end effector 54.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, a system for producing a flow of a sauce to a dispenser comprises a rotating table configured to support and rotate the receiving surface thereon around an axis generally perpendicular to the receiving surface for receiving the sauce, and a sauce dispensing member having a dispensing outlet disposed above the rotating table to dispense the sauce on the receiving surface disposed on the rotating table. The sauce dispensing member is movable between an edge position above an outer edge of the receiving surface and a center position above a center of the receiving surface. A sauce pumping device is configured to deliver a flow of the sauce to the sauce dispensing member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a sauce on a receiving surface comprises a rotating table configured to support and rotate the receiving surface thereon around an axis generally perpendicular to the receiving surface for receiving the sauce. A sauce dispensing member has a dispensing outlet disposed above the rotating table to dispense the sauce on the receiving surface disposed on the rotating table. The sauce dispensing member is movable between an edge position above an outer edge of the receiving surface and a center position above a center of the receiving surface. A controller is coupled with the sauce dispensing member and configured to control a speed of movement of the sauce dispensing member between the edge position and the center position to form a layer of sauce on the receiving surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, an apparatus for producing a flow of a sauce to a dispenser comprises an accumulator including an accumulator chamber with an accumulator inlet to receive and store the sauce and a dispense member configured to dispense the sauce from the accumulator chamber out through an accumulator outlet, and a pump configured to pump the sauce through the accumulator inlet to the accumulator chamber. A diverter valve is coupled with the accumulator and being movable between a closed position to close the accumulator outlet and an open position to open the accumulator outlet. A control member is coupled with the pump, the diverter valve, and the accumulator.

Abstract: A laser diode (22) emits laser light which is collimated into parallel rays with a collimating lens (24). The collimated beams travel about 5 to 50 cm before being reflected back to an adjustable mirror (28), to a fixed mirror (30), and then on to a photoreceiver (34). The adjustable mirror (28) is pivoted by turning an adjusting screw (40). The adjustable mirror (28) has a toothed cam (48) on its backside that mate with the threads of the adjusting screw (40). When the adjusting screw (40) is turned, it forces the cam to move with it, thus changing the angle of the adjustable mirror (28). A ball lens (32) focuses the reflected light onto the photoreceiver (34). The photoreceiver (34) and laser diode (22) are synchronized so that the receiver (34) can only receive light during appropriate windows of time corresponding to when the laser light was emitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel control DNA constructs, and methods and kits for using and making the same, which provide comprehensive controls useful for quality assurance in the diagnostic detection of complex genetic diseases such as, but not limited to, cystic fibrosis, and for quality assurance in nucleic acid assays to detect components associated with an environmental condition or a biological organism.

Abstract: A method for refrigeration system control according to the invention includes identifying a lead circuit having a lowest temperature set point from a plurality of circuits, wherein each circuit includes at least one refrigeration case. The suction pressure set point for a compressor rack is initialized based upon the identified lead circuit, and a change in suction pressure set point is determined based on measured parameters from the lead circuit. The suction pressure set point is updated based upon the change in suction pressure set point. A first valve position for a first electronic evaporator pressure regulator associated with a first refrigeration circuit is determined based on the determined change in suction pressure set point, which is based upon the measured parameters from the lead circuit. A second valve position for a second electronic evaporation pressure regulator associated with a second refrigeration circuit is based upon a second measured parameter.

Abstract: A system for supplying air to first and second regions of a vehicle passenger compartment, has a first fan, a heater device, and first and second air conduits. The heater device has a first air inlet and outlet for air from the first fan and a second air inlet and outlet for recirculating air within the passenger compartment. The first and second outlets of the heater device supply air through the first and second air conduits to the first and second regions of the said vehicle. The second air conduit is connected to said second air outlet of said heater device via a second fan operable in use to selectively supply air through the second conduit to the second region of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for refrigeration system control according to the invention includes identifying a lead circuit having a lowest temperature set point from a plurality of circuits, wherein each circuit includes at least one refrigeration case. The suction pressure set point for a compressor rack is initialized based upon the identified lead circuit, and a change in suction pressure set point is determined based on measured parameters from the lead circuit. The suction pressure set point is updated based upon the change in suction pressure set point. A first valve position for a first electronic evaporator pressure regulator associated with a first refrigeration circuit is determined based on the determined change in suction pressure set point, which is based upon the measured parameters from the lead circuit. A second valve position for a second electronic evaporation pressure regulator associated with a second refrigeration circuit is based upon a second measured parameter.

Abstract: A backlit display apparatus illuminates a film for displaying one or more images. The film has a series of frames and at least one mark printed on it corresponding to each frame. The marks provide information representative of frame position relative to the film or otherwise identifying the image displayed by the frame when illuminated. A light source, positioned behind the film relative to an intended viewer in front of the film, illuminates the frames. A detector detects the marks printed on the film as the film is advanced by a motor. An encoder associated with the motor detects the position of the frames as a function of the angular position of the motor when each mark on the film is detected. In response, the encoder generates a position signal representative of the detected positions of the frames. A processor controls the motor in response to the position signal to advance the film so that a selected frame is within the desired viewing area for a predetermined interval of time.