Abstract: A note stacker for a currency validator includes a stationary punch and movable rails having slots therein adapted for receiving the currency tendered thereto. The stationary punch comprises a top plate surface of the housing maintaining drive motors and gears of the stacker itself. The top plate is curved to accommodate the natural deflection of the bill as it is being stacked, and is provided with a durable frictional material along lateral edges thereof to prevent the bill from sliding or otherwise moving upon the surface of the curved plate. A leading edge of the curved plate is provided with serrations or teeth which, in conjunction with a shutter fixed to the movable rails, serves to defeat strings or other retrieval elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding two cameras on a single mount for stereo graphic imaging with controls for: (a) the synchronous convergence of the optical line of focus of both cameras at a single point at a desired distance; (b) the adjustment of the position of the image focal plane in one camera with respect to the image focal plane in the other camera such that the two cameras are correctly focused on the same image; (c) the adjustment of the spacing between the two cameras such as to mimic the average distance between human eyes; and (d) adjustment of the two cameras such that the two cameras, while being converged, rotate around the same image (nodal) point.

Abstract: The combination of a portable device and a security system. The security system has a first holding portion and a second holding portion spaced from the first holding portion. The first and second holding portions are movable relative to each other to selectively change a spacing distance between the first and second holding portions. The first and second holding portions captively engage the portable device with the first and second holding portions in an engaged state and are movable relative to each other from the engaged state to a release state. A setting mechanism can be selectively placed in a secured state and an unsecured state. The setting mechanism in the secured state causes the first and second holding portions to be maintained relative to each other in the engaged state. The setting mechanism in the unsecured state allows the first and second holding elements to be moved relative to each other from the engaged state into the release state. An access assembly has first and second states.

Abstract: A device on a network having multiple units of programmable industrial equipment includes a control handle connected to a controller for a unit of the programmable equipment and a shared operating unit selectively connected to the control handle for controlling the unit of programmable industrial equipment through the controller. Further, the shared operating unit is adapted to connect to the network for communicating with each unit of programmable equipment on the network.

Abstract: A broadband telecommunication network (such as a cable television distribution system) includes a plurality of switching units (such as taps) controlling subscriber access to the network. The switching units are controlled from a central location (such as a head end) using minimal network transmission medium power. A repeating sequence of switching unit control messages is sent from the central location across the network. Each of the messages is addressed to an individual one of the switching units. Each switching unit is periodically powered up from a low power sleep state to a higher power operational wake state in synchronization with a corresponding one of the control messages being sent from the central location. After a switching unit's corresponding control message is processed, the switching unit is returned to the lower power sleep state.

Abstract: A material disposal system ideally suited for use in container filling operations and includes a cover member and a hopper having a lower door operable relative to the hopper by pneumatic or other actuating means for opening and closing the passage disposed above a drum or other container to be filled. The cover member and hopper are fixedly attached to each other. The cover member forms a seal around the inside of the container opening such that air and other gases escaping from the container by the filling or other material handling operation are directed through filter means which separate airborne particulates therefrom. The material disposal system is adaptable for covering and sealing a wide variety of containers. The filter means is adaptable for filtering a wide variety of materials and particulate sizes for removal of noxious gases, vapors and other airborne effluents.

Abstract: A lock with sensor comprises a housing defining a chamber and a latch mechanism located within the chamber of the housing. The latch mechanism is movable relative to the housing between a retracted position wherein the latch mechanism is substantially within the housing and an extended position wherein the latch mechanism extends at least partially outside of the housing. A sensor mechanism is provided and has a fixed switch portion located within the chamber and a movable switch activator portion, the switch activator portion being mounted so as to move with the latch mechanism and thereby activate and deactivate the switch portion respectively.

Abstract: A wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb and a sliding lock plate that is slidably engaged with the base plate. Both the base plate and the sliding lock plate have openings. Also included in the invention is a semi-cylindrical rotator that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic hand. The semi-cylindrical rotator has slots configured to receive the sliding lock plate and is coupled to the base plate in a manner that allows the sliding lock plate to lock into the slots.

Abstract: A fault detection system for detecting an unwanted electrical path between a reference potential and at least one of: a) a floating power source, b) a first power conductor coupled to a first terminal of the power source, and c) a second power conductor coupled to a second terminal of the power source. The system comprises an impedance network electrically coupled to the first and second power conductors and having an output terminal for providing a first voltage signal with respect to the reference potential, and an amplifier circuit responsive to the first voltage signal and to a reference voltage for generating an amplified signal indicative of the existence of the unwanted electrical path when the difference between the first voltage signal and the reference voltage exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus provides quick-connect coupling between a fluid source such as a condiment source and a pump. In specific embodiments, the coupling apparatus comprises a tube, and a fluid source connector coupled to an end of the tube and configured to releasably connect to the fluid source. A quick-connect coupler is coupled to another end of the tube and is configured to releasably connect to the pump inlet fitting of the pump. The quick-connect coupler includes a spring-loaded member being biased by a spring toward a locked position to lock the quick-connect coupler to the pump inlet fitting and being movable to a release position to release the quick-connect coupler from the pump inlet fitting. The quick-connect feature conveniently allows the pump to be easily and quickly disconnected from the dispensing system for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A self contained multiple dimming channel package includes a housing with a main power circuit board supported on its bottom wall and a control circuit board extending laterally and vertically to baffle air flow through the housing. A cross flow cooling fan forces air through an opening in the control board and across power switching modules and toroidal chokes mounted to the main board. Each power switching module includes a heat sink with fins parallel to the air flow, and the chokes are mounted in rows with their central openings aligned with the air flow. The power switching modules include circuits attached to the heat sinks with terminals releasably plugged into mating connectors on the main board. Circuit breaker switches are snapped into place in the housing. The front corners of the housing are provided with integral mounting bracket and handle members.

Abstract: A fire fighting fluid proportioning system and method including a fire fighting fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fire fighting fluid regulating valve and a venturi, the venturi in fluid communication with a valve source of fire fighting foam concentrate, and having a pilot valve connected directly or indirectly to the regulating valve and the concentrate source valve and adapted to adjust, directly or indirectly, the regulating valve and the source valve in response to a sensed indicia of fire fighting fluid pressure in the conduit.

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.