Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for monitoring the spooling area of a rotatable reel for winding or unwinding an elongated material, for example, a cable. The monitoring system has a detector for sensing the presence and position of a cable surface or object or operator positioned between the detector and the reel. The detector can control rotation of the reel directly, or send a position signal to a computer where the position signal indicates the detected presence and/or position. The computer can have a memory and/or a processor for respectively storing and analyzing the position signal. The computer is operative to compare the position signal to previously received position signals to determine a condition, for example, the amount of cable on the reel, the presence of any object, and/or the existence of a safety-threatening condition. The computer can generate an output signal for use in, for example, controlling the reel speed and/or torque, or the application of brakes.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes and systems for the production of useful organic product from diverse lignocellulose-containing biomass having increased yield and efficiency over existing processes. In particular, the present invention integrates dilute acid hydrolysis and alkaline delignification techniques in processes that enhance the efficiency and yiel of lignocellulostic biomass processing and enable the economic production lignin-based biodegradable plastics and other useful organic products.

Abstract: The user of any of a plurality of personal computers linked over an analog or digital network is able to edit a file in one of the personal computers. This one personal computer is a personal computer capable of multi-tasking which effectively permits multi-user access to the file. The host personal computer effectively performs polling of the remote personal computers for input to be added to the file or functions to be performed on the file. In the analog configuration, the personal computers use high-speed modems and data compression/decompression techniques.

Abstract: A brake lining assembly for a wheel brake of a vehicle braking system includes a backing plate and a friction pad overlying the backing plate. An engagement panel is disposed between the backing plate and the friction pad for securing the friction pad to the backing plate. The engagement panel includes a plurality of engagement apertures to secure the friction material to the backing plate. The surface area of the panel is greater than the space defined by the engagement apertures. The panel thus forms a rigid frame for the friction pad, and provides structural support.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system includes a planetary gear arrangement that replaces the conventional clutch and range gear box. The planetary gear arrangement integrates the functions of a clutch and a range gear box while automating portions of the necessary operation of a manual transmission. The planetary gear arrangement preferably includes an automated actuator that selectively engages different portions of the planetary gear arrangement to provide at least two gear reduction ratios between an engine output member and the transmission main gear box. The automated actuator preferably moves the planetary gear arrangement between a first operative position for a first gear reduction ratio is provided, a second operative position where a second gear reduction ratio is provided and third operative position where the transmission input shaft, which preferably rotates in unison with a rotating engine output member, is uncoupled from the transmission output shaft.

Abstract: A palletizer assembly is comprised of a conveyor (14), a pattern-making apparatus (18) for arranging objects received from the conveyor into a pattern, a main hoist (26) for supporting a pallet in position to receive a layer of objects, a sweep apparatus (22) for moving a discrete number of objects from the pattern-making apparatus into a layer of objects on the pallet, and a separator sheet handler assembly (50) for delivering separator sheets to the main hoist for separating layers of objects on the pallet. The separator sheet handler assembly (50) includes a first stage handler (70) including a chute (86), for moving a single separator sheet into the chute. The separator sheet handle assembly (50) also includes a second stage handler (74) for moving the sheet from the chute (86) into position in the main hoist (26).

Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a space frame assembly which is mounted to a pair of longitudinal mainframes. The space frame assembly includes a multiple of interconnected supports, which are configured to support a plurality of vehicle components.

Abstract: An improved dry disc brake has its housing positioned radially inwardly of its rotating member. In this way, the interface between the pads and the rotor is sealed from the environment. Further, there are two braking surfaces on the rotating member at opposed ends of the housing. Since the braking heat is spread across two surfaces, the system is better able to take heat away from the braking operation. The use of external facing fins adds even more capacity to take heat away.

Abstract: The optical cable essentially comprises a core (2), containing at least one optical conductor (3), a non-combustible support element (4) surrounding the core (2) in the shape of a tube or cylinder, a fireproofing layer (6) arranged on the support element (4) and a sheath (8, 12) containing a thermal insulation layer (10). A material solidifying under the action of heat serves as fireproofing layer (6).

Abstract: A container handling system (10) comprises a first belt conveyor (14), an air bed conveyor (16) adjacent the outlet (34) of the first belt conveyor (14), a second belt conveyor (18) adjacent the outlet 54) of the air bed conveyor (16), a pattern forming apparatus (110) including first and second partitions (114) defining therebetween a lane (118), a top cover (154) slidably positionable over the air bed conveyor (16) and over a portion of the pattern forming apparatus (110), and an alignment mechanism (170). The lane (118) has an inlet (138) positioned over the air bed conveyor (16) and an outlet (142) positioned over the second belt conveyor (18). The top cover (154) is movable along the direction of flow of containers (C) between covered and uncovered positions. The top cover includes a solid portion (158), and a perforated portion (162) allowing air to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber and a strength member surrounding the optical fiber. The strength member can include a plurality of fibers disposed in a matrix such that the resulting strength member preferably has a modulus of elasticity of at least about 20 GPa and, more preferably, at least about 40 GPa. While the strength member can be an integral member, the strength member can be formed of at least two physically distinct portions in order to more precisely tailor the characteristics of the fiber optic cable. In this regard, the strength member can include a first strength member surrounding the optical fiber that includes a first matrix and a plurality of first fibers embedded within the first matrix, and a second strength member surrounding the first strength member that includes a second matrix and a plurality of second fibers embedded within the second matrix.

Abstract: A printer plate having an integral alignment target and a printing plate mounter having a vacuum cup with an alignment member thereon to permit visual alignment of the alignment target with the vacuum cup alignment member with the vacuum cup connectable to a vacuum source so that a vacuum can draw the printing plate alignment target and the alignment member on the vacuum cup from a state of state of misalignment, if any, into precise mechanical alignment for transfer to a printing cylinder while the vacuum cup supports the printing plate.

Abstract: A vehicle brake of the caliper type having electrically actuated active adjustment of the running clearance of a brake lining relative to a brake rotor, wherein, for brake operation, angular displacement of a rotatable component (14) of the brake by an external actuator causes axial displacement of a tappet arrangement (22, 24) within the brake whereby to transmit the actuator input load to the brake lining of the brake. The brake includes a switch for supplying a brake de-adjust signal when the brakes are to be opened for example for lining replacement. The switch is mounted on or in the body of the brake caliper and provides a non-contact switch arrangement actuated by a rotary movement provided by the rotatable component (14) of the brake in response to lining wear.

Abstract: A palletizer for stacking a series of items on a pallet, the palletizer including a pallet hoist for supporting a stack of pallets therein; a pallet lift mechanism mounted for vertical movement within the pallet hoist adjacent to and relative to the stack of pallets, the pallet lift assembly including a pair of spaced, opposed pallet support members mounted on the pallet lift assembly for movement between a retracted position wherein there is clearance between the pallet support member and the stack of pallets, and an extended position wherein the pallet support member is in an interference position relative to the stack of pallets; a top frame dispenser for supporting a supply of top frames; and a carriage for moving pallets and top frames from the pallet hoist and the top frame dispenser, respectively.

Abstract: A graphical user interface shop floor control system includes one or more of factory screens, shop floor screens, machine status screens, a material/parts container screens, machine login screens, new production screens, and machine maintenance screens. The factory screen graphically represents a factory. The shop floor screens represent different shop floors or other areas of the factory. These areas of the factory are represented by selectable icons, positioned within the factory screen at locations corresponding to the locations of the represented areas within the factory. Each shop floor screen depicts the general appearance of one of the areas of the factory and the factory elements of that area of the factory. Icons representing factory elements are positioned within the shop floor screens at locations corresponding to the locations of the represented factory elements within the corresponding shop floor.

Abstract: A sensing and notification system helps prevent vehicle rollover accidents, and/or, in the event of such an accident, notifies emergency rescue and/or medical personnel of the same. Vehicle sensors and an associated microprocessor and central controller cooperate to determine whether a potential or immediate rollover condition exists, and then appropriately communicate the existence of such condition to the vehicle operator or other vehicle occupants through local alarms and/or a remote call center through radio transmission of emergency signals. Should a potential rollover condition exists, the system provides local notification to the vehicle operator or occupants through an audible alarm and/or a visible alarm, and further provides a recommended steering correction.

Abstract: A system and method for tinnitus masking. Ultrasound noise is provided to a head of a patient as a vibration by way of a transducer, to thereby stimulate the auditory cortex. Once stimulated, the auditory cortex will suppress tinnitus. The ultrasound noise may be provided as an ultrasound frequency tone or as a range of frequencies that have been multiplied with an audio frequency. Pulsed ultrasound is utilized for ultrasound noise in the MHz range.

Abstract: The challenge of pulling an optical fiber having a connector at its terminal end without incurring damage to the fiber or connector due to excessive pulling or bending is met by introducing a breakaway feature that disconnects the connectorized fiber from the pulling mechanism upon detecting excessive force. The breakaway feature may be positioned at several locations along the pathway connecting the optical fiber and the pulling force. In one embodiment the breakaway feature is disposed on a cover over the connectorized front end of the optical fiber. In other embodiments the breakaway element is inserted along the cord connecting the connectorized optical fiber to the pulling force.