Abstract: A method for tool calibration for a robotic tool includes providing a calibration device within a robot envelope. The calibration device includes a calibrating member positioned along a calibrating plane. The tool tip of the robotic tool is positioned to an initial position within the calibrating plane and position values of the robot face plate are obtained. The tool tip is rotated about the estimated or prior tool center point, the tool tip is again positioned within the calibrating plane, and further position values of the robot face plate are obtained. The actual tool center point is calculated from the obtained position values.

Abstract: An exemplary foot-warming system includes a device wherein a support assembly detachably mounts a battery pack on the upper surface of a boot to electrically power a heating element within the boot via an electrical cord that preferably passes through an opening in the boot beneath the mounted battery pack. The support assembly preferably includes a shallow retaining barrier, such as a frame-shaped sheet, for normally confining the battery pack to a predetermined position on the boot and a stretchable outer covering, such as an elastomeric panel, that forms a yieldable pocket within the barrier so that during a strong jolt to the battery pack or boot, the pocket can stretch to allow movement of the battery pack for reducing the level of shock forces transmitted and further can contract, after impact, to return the battery pack to its predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool center point calibration apparatus and method for accurately determining appropriate tool center points for a robot to allow for proper tool alignment and correction of robot programs. The calibration apparatus includes a calibration beam on a single line.

Abstract: An electric alarm clock is disclosed which operates from a conventional external AC power source but is able to continue timekeeping in the event power from the external source is interrupted. A dial illumination feature is also operable during a power failure.

Abstract: A ski pole grip has a timepiece sealingly and resiliently mounted within its upper end so that the rear surface of the timepiece is sealed by the chamber against exposure to moisture and the timepiece is resiliently movable with respect to the chamber in response to the selective application of force against the front surface of the timepiece. The rear surface of the timepiece includes selectively actuatable control elements for changing the time display in response to the resilient movement of the timepiece with respect to the chamber.

Abstract: An air filter element for removing odors from indoor air having a dry of a mixture of silica gel, activated carbon, and a zeolite. This dry mixture may also be impregnated with a liquid for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, the liquid being a fungicide/bacteriocide preservative and a polyhydric alcohol, or a grapefruit pulp/polyhydric alcohol reaction product. Also disclosed are novel air filters having these air filter elements and a material for removing particulate matter from indoor air.

Abstract: A timepiece including a mechanical movement is disclosed and a movable system for driving the movement. The movable system includes a balance wheel formed by a pair of plates and a magnetic member mounted on each plate. The magnetic members include a magnetic north and south pole arranged to provide a magnetic field. A coil is disposed in position so that its winding may be swept with the magnetic field which induces a voltage to which a circuit is responsive to develop a feedback signal to be applied across the winding to add energy to the movable system in replacement of energy losses of friction, and so forth. A feedback signal is developed if the movable system is sweeping the coil briskly. If movement of the movable system is not brisk, or the movable system has stopped, then a start pulse is developed for self-starting. The start pulse is normally prevented by the feedback signal which also serves as a reset signal to reset a start signal counter before completion of a counting operation.

Abstract: One or more switch apparatus for controlling a digital display of a changing function each include stationary and movable contacts and an actuator having a rest position and movable longitudinally in opposite directions to second and third positions. Cam structure is supported on each actuator to interact with a follower carried by each movable contact whereby different conditions of switch operation may be indicated by the position of the actuator relative to the movable contact. Biasing structure intercooperates between each actuator and a support for biasing the actuator toward the rest position from at least one of the second and third positions. A latch, also, intercooperates with each actuator to latch the actuator in one of the last-mentioned positions.

Abstract: A stepping motor (44) for use in and in combination with an elapsed time indicator (10) of the type including a plurality of indicator drums (102, 104, 106 and 108) and a drive train (FIG. 3) driven by the motor for driving the indicator drum (102). The motor includes a rotor (56) and a stator providing a pair of stator poles (50, 52) including a notch (94, 96) in respective poles faces. The notch creates a pair of pole faces, one of major length and the other of minor length in each stator pole. In a non-current condition, the rotor seeks a dwell or detent position rotationally toward the pole face of greater concentration of iron. When the winding (54) is pulsed, the rotor, within at least the second pulse, moves unidirectionally and between pulses locates a further dwell or detent position. An indicator (154) including a flag (156) is controlled in movement by the motor so that the flag is moved into and out of a viewing window (40) to indicate motor operation.

Abstract: A driving circuit for an electrochromic display cell wherein writing and erasing of a segment is effected by relatively high write and erase transition potentials. After a predetermined transition period, the written and erased segments are stabilized at a desired coloration or transparency by application of a maintaining write potential(s) and a maintaining erase potential(s) respectively. The write maintain potential is periodically adjusted to a level whereby a predetermined charge level is maintained on the written segments. In this manner, a maintain potential on the segments(s) is periodically adjusted to compensate for degradation of the electrochromic material and to thereby maintain the desired contrast ratio between the written and erased segments.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus is responsive to the relative velocity of a vehicle and an impacted object in a crash environment to provide an output when a predetermined pressure is developed in a sensing chamber resulting in deployment of an air bag within the vehicle compartment. The purpose of the air bag is to restrain movement of the occupant relative to the vehicle in the event of a "high speed" crash. The sensing apparatus utilizes in operation the characteristics of flow of a fluid through an orifice. The sensing apparatus includes a sealed chamber formed by a cylinder and an expandable reservoir for receiving the fluid and absorbing surges as the fluid flows through the orifice. A piston movable in the cylinder against a biasing force imparts movement to the fluid thereby to attain some velocity of flow.