Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for guiding a gripping tool into a structure to be gripped. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a nubbin and a guide structure fixed to the nubbin. In a second aspect, the system comprises the apparatus and a target structure to be gripped by the gripping tool. In a third aspect, the method comprises coupling the nubbin to a target structure to be gripped by a gripping tool and moving a leading portion of the gripping tool through the apparatus and into the target structure. In a fourth aspect the apparatus comprises a guide structure configured to be fixed to a nubbin. In a fifth aspect the apparatus comprises coupling the nubbin to a target structure, coupling the guide structure to the nubbin and moving a leading portion of the gripping tool through the apparatus and into the target structure.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for guiding a gripping tool into a structure to be gripped. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a nubbin and a guide structure fixed to the nubbin. In a second aspect, the system comprises the apparatus and a target structure to be gripped by the gripping tool. In a third aspect, the method comprises coupling the nubbin to a target structure to be gripped by a gripping tool and moving a leading portion of the gripping tool through the apparatus and into the target structure.

Abstract: An on demand ink mixing system for a flexographic or similar printer utilizes a chambered doctor blade with a chamber divided by a flexible bladder to form ink chamber and a pressure chamber. Ink use is coordinated with print run length, and ink mixing and the collapse of the ink chamber to essentially zero volume are coordinated to coincide with the end of the run. The flexible bladder is also utilized in the operation of the ink cleaning system to move cleaning solution through all portions of the supply system and printer contaminated by ink mixed for the run.

Abstract: A continuously active artificial light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), is supported in a housing that also contains a photocell, and is directed at the operating detection surface of the photocell. A light-transmitting diffuser, such as made of translucent plastic, covers the detection surface of the photocell and allows ambient light to pass to the surface, which thereby detect a combination of external ambient light and light from the artificial source. The light source thereby biases the photocell, so that, in normal operation, the photocell produces an output voltage that does not exceed a predetermined value. The predetermined value is set at a level approximating the output voltage measured during total darkness outside the photocell housing. If an open-circuit condition occurs, the voltage of the photocell will exceed that predetermined value, thus permitting the checking circuit to recognize a faulty photocell.

Abstract: To suppress electromagnetic interference across a wide range of frequencies, in both magnetic and electrical fields, an emissive wire is surrounded by a ferrite core having an outer surface covered with a metal foil. The metal foil on the core or cores is grounded. If multiple cores are used in proximity, the foils of the several cores are electrically coupled together. In one embodiment, an omni-directional strobe light like the one shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,155,666 is shielded by placing pairs of foil-covered ferrite cores around the wires at each apex of the polygon formed by the interconnected flash tubes, grounding the cores to the nearest lamp reflector, and grounding the reflectors together.

Abstract: A harmonic distortion attenuator in an AC power supply for reducing electrical energy consumption through the suppression of transient voltages in power supply lines or the like connected to the circuitry wherein a threshold voltage clamp, responsive to a transient, closes an electrical path between the power supply lines. A triac or current responsive device is provided in parallel with the threshold voltage clamp to shunt the current flow from the clamp when the current through the clamp rises above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A solid-state switching system which produces one or more switching signals in response to a power circuit current's reaching a preset level or levels whereby remote control of associated apparatus may be effected without independent control circuits.