Abstract: In some embodiments, a conveyor may include one or more of the following features: (a) a plurality of driven roller assemblies mounted on said side walls in spaced relationship and at uniform height along the lengthwise direction of said pathway, each said driven roller assembly may include one or more of the following features: i) a center shaft mounted in the side wall so said center shaft is fixed against rotation and projects, perpendicularly inward from the inside surface of the side wall, ii) a driven pulley having an outer flange, an inner axial bore of a size permitting said driven pulley to slide axially over the center shaft, and iii) a roller carried on said driven pulley for rotation therewith to move articles resting on said roller down said pathway, said roller having a recess for engaging a catch on the driven pulley to hold the roller securely.

Abstract: The present invention uses laser diodes in conjunction with a holographic diffuser and lens assembly to generate and effectively disperse the radiation (infrared light) in a spectrum and pattern that is interpreted as heat by certain vision systems to effectively interfere with the electronic processing capability of the vision systems.

Abstract: A door opener for a roll-type door in a cargo van includes a shaft that is mounted for rotation within the cargo van body and is coupled with the door such that shaft rotation causes the door to move between opened and closed positions. The shaft is rotated by a motor that is mounted outside of the cargo van body and is coupled to the rotatable shaft by a drive system that extends through the cargo van body. This arrangement allows a relatively large conventional motor to be used without extending into the door opening or compromising the height of the door opening.

Abstract: A motor controller for a battery-powered electric motor automatically disables the motor when the battery voltage (1) remains below a first, higher level for a longer time when the motor is off, or (2) remains below a second, lower level for a longer time when the motor is on, or (3) falls below a low level less than about one quarter the nominal level of the voltage for a shorter time. The motor is automatically enabled when the battery voltage rises to a higher level for a preset time period, indicative of charging of the battery.

Abstract: An interface system between an end of a filament composite tube and a rigid interior end fitting. The system includes a plurality of traplocks having varying wall thicknesses at the bases thereof. The traplocks also have varying angles of the bearing faces thereof. A Y-shaped seal is disposed between an inboard end of the fitting and the inside of the composite tube.

Abstract: A time-division multiplexing system includes a control unit and multiple I/O units. The control unit generates timing signals that select one of the I/O units to be enabled at any time, and the timing signals include clock signals that index selected channels within the enabled I/O unit. The control unit stores both Boolean logical relationships among the channels of the multiplex system and functional names for the channels of the multiplex system in a reprogrammable memory. The control unit can be programmed with a programming system that uses a graphical user interface to make the programming operation simple and reliable.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a housing having walls extending continuously around a recess. A switch actuator is pivotally mounted in the housing in the recess and protected by the walls. First and second reed switches are mounted in the housing, and a magnet is mounted to the switch actuator and is pivotable between a first position, in which the magnet activates the first reed switch, and a second position, in which the magnet activates the second reed switch.

Abstract: A thermally responsive pressure relief system is provided for a receptacle such as a pressure vessel. The system includes a thermally responsive pressure relief device on the vessel at a given location in communication with the interior of the vessel for venting the vessel in response to the pressure relief device being subjected to a given excess temperature. A heat pipe has one end thermally coupled to the pressure relief device and extends therefrom to a location remote from the given location. The heat pipe rapidly transmits heat from the remote location to the pressure relief device for venting the vessel in response to an excess temperature at the remote location.

Abstract: Electromagnetic interference across a structural panel is minimized in a construction wherein a metal skin (24) is bonded to a metal frame (22) by an adhesive (40) by providing a series of peaks (36) and valleys (38) at the area of the intended joint between the skin (24) and the frame (22). The peaks (36) penetrate through the adhesive (40) to establish substantial electrical contact between the skin (24) and the frame (22) to provide shielding against electromagnetic interference while the adhesive (40) bonds the two together to provide a structurally sound panel.