Abstract: A vault inspection system is configured to obtain visual inspection data of an underground utility vault without disturbing the components within the vault. A support apparatus supports a pole that is used to advance an inspection structure into the vault. A mount frame can be configured to position the support apparatus over an access opening so that the pole will not contact components within the vault. The inspection structure can be a robot that is lowered to the floor of the vault. The inspection structure can also be an expandable vision system that can be compacted for advancement through the access opening, and expanded within the vault to provide greater perspective for obtaining inspection data.

Abstract: A helmet-used device capable to automatically adjusting positions of displayed information and a helmet thereof. The device includes an angle detection unit, an eyeball detection unit, a processing unit and a projector unit. The processing unit serves to receive a first detection signal to correct an image signal and receive a second detection signal to adjust output positions of multiple graphic and text data of the image signal. The projector unit serves to receive the image signal to generate and project an image. The graphic and text information contained in the projected image is automatically adjusted to a visible position corresponding to the eyes of the wearer for the wearer to conveniently watch the displayed information.

Abstract: A gantry robot system may include a gantry; a slide movably mounted on the gantry; an articulated arm mounted on the slide for performing a machining operation; a first workstation having a workpiece feeder for moving a first workpiece through the gantry; a second workstation adjacent the gantry for supporting a second workpiece; and a computer control connected to actuate the slide, the articulated arm, and the workpiece feeder in a coordinated manner to perform a first preselected machining operation on the first workpiece at the first workstation, and a second preselected machining operation on the second workpiece at the second workstation.

Abstract: The invention is a working vehicle that has high practicality and a high degree of freedom of a turning operation. A lawn mowing vehicle includes a lawn mowing unit that includes drum wheels driven so as to rotate about an axis Ax1 extending in a vehicle width direction as a rotational center, a frame that is connected to the lawn mowing unit, and a steering drive device that is provided in the frame. The steering drive device includes a pair of steered wheels that is disposed in the vehicle width direction, steering units that can independently steer the pair of steered wheels respectively, and wheel driving units that can rotationally drive the pair of steered wheels.

Abstract: There is provided a shock absorbing structure comprising a generally planar surface made of a flexible plastic material. A plurality of upstanding, hollow support members extends from the planar surface. The support members are made of flexible plastic material. There is also a plurality of openings in each of the support members, the openings define air passages within the shock absorbing structure to allow air to flow through the support members. The shock absorbing structure may be used in helmets, shin pads, kneepads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, chest protectors, gloves, pants and footwear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cooling material during continuous vacuum forming. The apparatus includes one or more cooling regions positioned adjacent one or more vacuum regions. A rotatable support belt including perforations therein supports a flexible patterned belt. The flexible patterned belt includes apertures spaced along the length and width thereof. The one or more cooling regions provide a cooling fluid to be drawn through the apertures in the flexible patterned belt to form an area of cooling fluid on the flexible patterned belt which contacts a bottom surface of a hot material received on the flexible patterned belt in order to cool the bottom surface of the material and the flexible patterned belt. The vacuum regions are in fluid flow communication with the perforations of the support belt and the apertures of the flexible patterned belt for drawing the material onto the flexible patterned belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method measure physical parameters using a plurality of low-cost sensors coupled in series is provided. These sensors can be thermal sensors for measuring the temperature of a heating pad. Different types of sensors to measure temperature, moisture, pressure, or state change of a switch may be employed. Such sensors may be distributed throughout a building to concurrently monitor multiple physical parameters at numerous locations. The sensors are easily manufactured, thus reducing sensor cost. Costs are further reduced by the use of two wires to connect the series of sensors. Moreover, the wires can be run easily through conduit or cable troughs.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method measure physical parameters using a plurality of low-cost sensors coupled in series is provided. These sensors can be thermal sensors for measuring the temperature of a heating pad. Different types of sensors to measure temperature, moisture, pressure, or state change of a switch may be employed. Such sensors may be distributed throughout a building to concurrently monitor multiple physical parameters at numerous locations. The sensors are easily manufactured, thus reducing sensor cost. Costs are further reduce by the user of two wires to connect the series of sensors. Moreover, the wires can be run easily through conduit or cable troughs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of engraving objects which circumvents the necessity of mechanically scrubbing the engraved surface to remove fillers. Specifically, in the method of the present invention, the fillers are applied directly to the resist stencil instead of being applied to the object to be engraved. Removal of the resist stencil simultaneously removes the filler from the engraved object.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system for removing dust and lint on the fly from blanket cylinders in offset printing presses. The cleaning system includes a relatively small brush mounted for rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the blanket cylinder. In operation, the brush can be reciprocally moved across the surface of the blanket cylinder and selectively moved into and out of contact with the blanket cylinder. The contact pressure of the brush is pneumatically controlled to maintain a predetermined, set pressure and the brush automatically retracts should the pressure source fail. The system can be operated to clean the entire width of the blanket cylinder or only the portion of it actually being used to print. A vacuum pickup is included with its separately mounted housing and the entire cleaning system is carried on a unitary support structure that is removably secured at its ends for quick and easy installation and removal.

Abstract: A roll conveyor includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart stationary beams and a plurality of elongate cylindrical rollers supported in parallel, side-by-side spaced apart relation for rotation relative to the beams. The rollers are supported and driven individually, each rotated with respect to a pair of non-rotating, coaxial and axially spaced apart first and second shafts. The first shaft is stationary and supports a motorized pulley. A cylindrical housing of the pulley is mounted concentrically and rotatably relative to the stationary shaft. An end plate integral with the housing is shaped to provide an interference fit with a flange secured to one end of the roller, to coaxially align the roller and motorized pulley. The opposite end of the roller includes an idler end region containing an axially inward portion of the second shaft. An axially outward portion of the second shaft is mounted slidably in the axial direction but prevented from rotating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container including a plastic bottle having a built in dispensing receptacle inserted into the top of the bottle, and a transfer duct for filling the dispensing receptacle. The transfer duct is separated from the main body of the container by a baffle, and the transfer duct can form a part of the handle of the container. The dispensing receptacle is filled by tipping the container with the transfer duct on the bottom. When the container is turned upright, the excess fluid not contained in the dispensing receptacle will drain back down the transfer duct. To dispense fluid, the closure is removed, container is held by the handle and tipped, and the fluid is poured from the dispensing receptacle, while the baffle prevents additional fluid from being dispensed.

Abstract: A adjustable clamping device for applying pressure to a puncture site of an artery. The clamping device has a radial arm movably supported on a column which extends from a base. A carrier movably mounted on the end of the arm supports a pressure pad. The radial arm extends in a parallel attitude over the base and may be adjusted vertically upwardly and downwardly in reference to the base and may also be pivoted in reference to the column. Lateral movement of the arm facilitates positioning the pressure pad over the puncture site. A releasable feed mechanism on the arm controls movement of the carrier and thus the pressure pad. With the feed mechanism engaged, rotation of the carrier provides a controlled feeding of the carrier relative to the arm. With the feed mechanism disengaged, the carrier may be rapidly advanced or retracted. Independent locking mechanisms are provided for clamping of the lateral movement of the arm separate from the vertical and pivotal movements.

Abstract: The cutting apparatus and method of the present invention involve feeding a newsprint wrapper or any other sheet of paper downwardly along a planar path between two rotating cutters. Each of the cutters includes a planar blade member with an outer, sawtoothed cutting portion. In operation, the blade members are rotated about respective axes to move their cutting portions downwardly along arcuate paths that preferably pass through the path of the downwardly fed sheet. The arcuate paths of the cutting portions overlap and one of the cutting portions of the blade members is spaced farther from its rotational axis than the other. It is also moved tangentially faster about its axis than the cutting portion of the other blade member. In this manner, a cutting action is produced which first punctures and then subsequently tears or shreds a horizontal cut across the downwardly fed sheet to cut it into smaller pieces or segments.

Abstract: An aerodynamic and hydromechanical hydroplaning disc with a solid unitary body comprised of aggregated material. The disc is heavier than the water it displaces and non-floating. A series of longitudinally oriented (i.e., meridionally oriented, or north-south) discontinuities are provided only on the extreme latitudinal periphery of the rim adjacent to the top and bottom surfaces of the disc. Said discontinuities: exert a greater interfering effect on the airflow and waterflow around the circumference than over the top and under the bottom surfaces; create a turbulent, separated and unseparated, peripheral boundary layer in air and water; reduce air resistance and water resistance; increase range, frequency of skips, and dynamic stability. Also, there is provided a granular texture on the bottom and circumferential surfaces of the disc which results in a more sure grip and improved hydroplaning stability (i.e., the ability of the disc to maintain a horizontal orientation while hydroplaning).