Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying/identifying a person based on contour of the knuckles of at least one hand, e.g. a digitized waveform unique to each individual. At an Enrollment Station a microcomputer is connected to a video camera (with CCD array). A candidate user grasps and turns a grip handle on the apparatus, thus positioning a fist before a viewing window and activating the camera to scan the fist and generate a contour of the user's knuckle profile. User's data comprises a knuckle profile of fist(s), an assigned PIN, and optionally, information such as user's name, bank ID number, Social Security Number, and access restrictions. User's data may be stored as an electronic waveform profile (template) in an ID card, and simultaneously in a master database containing data of all authorized users in a guarded system (factory, retail store, bank customers, computer data files). Similar apparatus is installed at each Guarded Station (a door, turnstile, gate, ATM, etc.).

Abstract: A method for measuring the permeability of a gas through a material, wherein the steps include exposing the material to the gas to be measured and measuring the outgassing characteristics of the material over increments of time to develop exponential expressions representative of the measured amounts and solving the exponential expressions for the diffusion coefficient D and the solubility coefficient S; and then calculating the permeability of the material by forming the product of the diffusion coefficient D and the solubility coefficient S.

Abstract: A control mechanism is provided for operating a control valve in a water conditioning system. The control mechanism includes a timing mechanism for regulating the regeneration cycle and service cycle of the water conditioning system and a control valve positioning mechanism for operating the control valve of the water conditioning system. The control valve positioning mechanism and the timing mechanism are driven by a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a timing drive gear which is in driving engagement with the timing mechanism and a control valve drive gear which is in driving engagement with the control valve positioning mechanism. A clutch selectively couples the control valve drive gear to the timing drive gear to provide selective conjoint rotation of the control valve drive gear with the timing drive gear. The clutch includes a coupling member having a first end wrapped around a stem of the timing drive gear and a second end wrapped around the stem of the control valve drive gear.

Abstract: A mechanical control device for the air flowing through air conditioning outlets. A control assembly with a lever that can be adjusted in two or more predetermined positions for different settings of air flow direction and volume. The lever lodges in two or more respective bays in a plate that locks the lever firmly in one of the preselected positions. The control assembly is mounted typically at a readily accessible position on a wall. A shielded cable assembly is controlled by the control assembly at one end and the other end is connected to the adjustable fins found in conventional air conditioning outlets. The shielded cable is hidden and routed from the wall mounted control assembly to the outlet protruding from the ceiling. The fins are commonly connected and spring biased to a preset position.

Abstract: Dual zone cooking process and apparatus are provided for cooking a wide variety of different snack food products in a continuous manner, the apparatus being arranged in modular form for conversion from one cooking process to another. Products are cooked either in two tandem but separated cook zones or in a final cook zone at cook times and temperatures applicable for the particular products. Oil volumes are variable in the cooking apparatus.

Abstract: A pump control and protection system comprised of an analog module and a digital module. The analog module includes a synchronous phase detector, a pressure transducer and an over voltage/under voltage circuit. The synchronous phase detector determines the phase angle between a current signal supplied to a water pump and a voltage signal supplied to the pump. The output of the phase detector is directed to a programmable array logic device in the digital module and used to activate a solid state relay that controls the power supplied to the pump. The water pressure in the system is displayed on a digital display.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a cable to a support. The anchoring system has a fitting for attachment to a cable to be anchored and a receiver for the fitting. Structure is provided for connecting the receiver to a support. Structure cooperates between the fitting and receiver for maintaining the fitting in an anchored state on the receiver. The structure for connecting the receiver to a support includes an anchor element having an operating portion that is manipulatable to selectively a) effect connection of the receiver to a support in an operative position and b) release the receiver from the operative position. The structure cooperating between the fitting and receiver blocks access to the operating portion of the anchor element with the fitting in the anchored state on the receiver to prevent release of the receiver from the operative position.

Abstract: Windings for an electric motor are formed by depositing successive layers of conductive material and etching into the conductive material with a precisely-controlled high-energy beam. A computer stores information on the exact structure of the monolith of windings to be built, in the form of a series of successive planar cross-sections of the monolith. In making the monolith, one deposits a layer of conductive material onto a workpiece, bonds the conductive material to the workpiece, and cuts a pattern into the layer, using a high-energy beam in the presence of an oxidizing atmosphere. The beam causes the formation of electrically-insulating oxides which separate the layer into distinct conductive regions, according to a pattern defined by one of the stored cross-sections. In an alternative, one can also inject additional insulating material into the cuts formed by the beam. The monolith is thus built up, layer by layer, in a series of iterations.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing flammable and combustible liquid tank fires using foam comprising empirically determining a footprint for a plurality of nozzles and configuring and aiming nozzles with respect to a tank such that predicted footprint and foam run would cover a tank surface with foam.

Abstract: A nonadjustable shock absorber that can accommodate for variations in weight, and propelling force, and to provide a specific deceleration or reaction force. The shock absorber provides dual function metering that combines soft contact dampening with the self compensating ability to decelerate a wide range of weights. The shock absorber includes a low pressure zone, a hydraulic cylinder having a high pressure zone chamber, a piston in said cylinder for movement under a shock load through a predetermined stroke length, a fluid pathway metering control means, having four fluid metering pathways of which the first three fluid metering pathways are approximately linear spaced apart, for controlling high pressure fluid escaping from the high pressure zone chamber into the lower pressure zone, ahead of the piston as the piston moves from an initial position in response to a shock load through a total stroke to a final position, to create five control zones during the compression of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A security apparatus for attachment to an article to be monitored. The security apparatus has a body, first structure for maintaining the body operatively connected to an article to be monitored, and second structure on the body for at least one of a) mechanically connecting the body to a support and b) changing from a first state with the body operatively connected to an article to be monitored into a second state with the body at least partially separated from an article to be monitored. The body has at least a part that is conformable to a surface on an article to which the security apparatus is attached.

Abstract: A compact disc (CD) is inserted into a sleeve as the sleeve is continuously advanced past a load position at which the CD is removed from a vertical spindle by a pivotally mounted lift arm and inserted into an open edge of the sleeve with the arm moving at the same linear speed as the sleeve. Each of the sleeves is supplied from a magazine by timing belts to a conveyor belt. The pivotally mounted arm picks up the CD through an arcuate groove on its bottom surface having a vacuum applied thereto. The arm also has a pressurized air hole for insuring that the open edge of the sleeve is sufficiently open to receive the CD. After the CD is inserted into the sleeve, two linearly spaced push-in units complete full insertion of the CD into the sleeve. If the sleeve does not have a CD inserted, it is automatically removed from the conveyor belt after passing the first push-in unit. The sleeve is held on the conveyor belt by a vacuum and is held by the vacuum against a straight surface of a guide edge.

Abstract: A photodetection system and related circuitry designed to sense the intrusion of an opaque object in a light plane. Upon sensing the intrusion, the system quickly initiates a machine-stopping sequence prior to the opaque object coming into contact with the machine while that machine is operating. The system comprises a SYSTEM microcontroller and a WATCHDOG microcontroller, both of which operate an output control device of the light curtain switch of the invention, wherein the output control device comprises a plurality of electromechanical relays. Both microcontrollers also perform system hardware and software integrity checks. Furthermore, the WATCHDOG microcontroller evaluates the performance of the SYSTEM microcontroller by transmitting a false intrusion signal to a photosource, determining whether the false signal has been detected, and then verifying that the SYSTEM microcontroller has initiated the machine-stopping sequence.

Abstract: A fluid injector assembly for drawing a first fluid into the flow of a second fluid. The injector assembly includes an eductor including an inlet having a plurality of openings, a first outlet port, and a first fluid passage extending between the inlet and the first outlet port. The openings are generally disposed tangentially to the first fluid passage. The inlet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the second fluid such that the second fluid flows through the first fluid passage from the inlet to the first outlet port. The fluid injector assembly also includes a throat having an inlet port, a second outlet port and a second fluid passage extending between the inlet port and the second outlet port. The inlet port of the throat is spaced apart from the first outlet port of the eductor forming a gap therebetween. The gap is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the first fluid.

Abstract: A self-contained, self-sufficient system and method for purifying non-potable water to make the water potable is disclosed. The system comprises (a) means for oxidizing which treats the non-potable water by oxidizing organic substances, disinfecting the non-potable water by destroying parasites, bacteria and viruses, and causing coagulation of colloids, (b) means for filtering the treated non-potable water wherein oxidized organic substances, destroyed parasites, bacteria and viruses, and colloids are removed to provide potable water, and (c) means for optionally generating a biocide from dissolved salts when dissolved salts are present in the non-potable water. The system can also include means for contacting potable water generated by the system with a biocide. The system is self-contained and self-sufficient, requiring no external resources for the continuous operation thereof.

Abstract: An ozone generator is disclosed. The ozone generator includes a housing forming a tubular-shaped shell. A tubular ceramic electrode is suspended within the tubular-shaped shell of the housing. An end of the electrode protrudes from the tubular-shaped shell of the housing. The electrode, as suspended, forms a annular space of uniform width between the shell and the electrode, which space serves as the discharge gap. A Teflon.TM. retainer grips the end of the electrode protruding from the tubular-shaped shell of the housing. The retainer connects with the housing to maintain the electrode fixed in position within the tubular-shaped shell.

Abstract: An electronic sensor and fill controller for use with a refillable liquid gas container is disclosed. The present invention in broadest terms comprises a valve body for the container, a shaft extending from the valve body into the container, an electronic sensor disposed on the shaft, and a controller adapted to initiate, terminate or alter an electrical signal once the sensor senses contact with the liquified gas.

Abstract: A process for eradicating termite infestations in a structure and preventing the reinfestation thereof includes the steps of identifying infested wood members, impregnating the infested wood members with a borate solution, and injecting an amorphous silica gel dust into structural voids adjacent to the exterior of the structure. The borate solution, which is applied to surfaces of the infested wood members, kills existing infestations of kaloterme. The amorphous silica gel dust is electrostatically charged as it is injected into the structural voids so as to cling to the surfaces of exposed wood members. This forms a shield against future infestations. Termite barricades impregnated with the borate solution are also inserted into selected wood members of the structure.