Abstract: A feeder for dispensing flowable substances and a coupling which causes rotation of the feed screw of the feeder in response to the drive system of the feeder. The feed screw is removable from the feeder, with insertion and removal of the feed screw effected by only axial movement of the feed screw. A torque transmitting member, connected to the drive system, and a torque receiving member, from which the feed screw extends, have complementary non-circular mating surfaces through which the torque from the drive system is imparted to the feed screw. Unintended axial movement of the feed screw is prevented by a locking arrangement between the torque transmitting member and the torque receiving member. The torque transmitting member has a pilot portion which facilitates insertion of the feed screw in the feeder and provides guidance of the feed screw during operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the actuator in a vibratory weigh feeding system, to adjust the discharge rate. The vibratory weigh feeding system has a material containers an actuator for vibrating the container, weighing apparatus for sensing the weight of the material being discharged and apparatus for estimating the material discharge rate. A plurality of drive command values are established. A respective predicted discharge rate and a respective reliability factor are associated with each respective drive command value. The current discharge rate is estimated. A setpoint value is selected. A drive command value associated with the predicted discharge rate that is substantially equal to the setpoint discharge rate is selected. The selected drive command value is reduced according to the two respective reliability factors associated with the two predicted discharge rates closest to the setpoint. This forms a reduced drive command value.

Abstract: A feeder for controllably discharging a flowable substance and having a hemispherically shaped hopper for holding a flowable substance, a rotatable agitator for sweeping the hopper and agitating the substance, a trough for receiving the substance from the hopper, a rotatable feed screw for removing the substance from the hopper and controllably discharging the substance from the feeder, and a driving mechanism for driving the feed screw and agitator. The agitator is horizontally driven along an axis which is parallel to axis of the feed screw and is removable from the feeder.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: A volumetric feeder having a reversible motor, in which the feed screw is driven at a first speed when the motor rotates clockwise, and is driven at a second speed when the motor rotates counterclockwise. The feeder includes a first one-way clutch, having a driven inner race and an outer race which rotates freely counterclockwise relative to the inner race when the inner race is driven clockwise. The outer race of the first one-way clutch rotates with the inner race when the inner race is driven counterclockwise. A second one-way clutch has a driven outer race and an inner race which rotates freely clockwise relative to the outer race of the second one-way clutch when the outer race of the second one-way clutch is driven counterclockwise. The inner race of the second one-way clutch rotates with the outer race of the second one-way clutch when the outer race of the second one-way clutch is driven clockwise. The motor shaft is attached to the inner race of the first one-way clutch.

Abstract: A screw conveyor with a slowly rotating feed screw for precision metering by conveying very small amounts of loose material between screw threads, the same amount of loose material being discharged from the end of the conveyor with each turn of the screw. During the relatively short time interval of a single revolution, which can last one minute or even a multiple thereof as needed, the conveyor capacity itself fluctuates, since discrete amounts of the material being conveyed are always delimited by the individual threads of the feed screw. In order for a screw conveyor to be usable for precision metering of very small amounts to be conveyed; i.e. for conveying very small amounts with a high degree of constancy without the periodicity caused by the nature of the feed screw, the screw conveyor is provided with a rotatably mounted tube surrounding the discharge end of the fixed feed tube and which is driven at a rotational speed proportional to the rotational speed of screw.

Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture assembly that provides unidirectional lighting having an intensity which is comparable to that provided by incandescent bulbs within parabolic reflective housings. The light fixture assembly comprises a fluorescent bulb, having an axis of extension, which is connected to an adaptor and a socket member. The fluorescent bulb is situated within a parabolic reflective housing having a longitudinal axis. The reflective housing is affixed to the adaptor so that the axis of extension of the fluorescent bulb is conspicuously angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reflective housing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope device for scanning a patient's organ is constructed using a mobile ultrasonic transducer probe on a carriage housed in a distal and section of the device, within a guide channel formed by a plurality of axially aligned rigid guide links having hollow spaces opened to one side and pivotable by means of a tension wire running through the links. A flexible hose in conjunction with a balloon envelope surround the end section and serves as a water supply path. The device is especially useful for transeophaged echocardiographic scanning.

Abstract: A force transducer includes a force transmitting mechanism comprising a reference member which is stationary during measurement, a force input member and two holders adapted to hold a transducing element and to apply a force thereto at least approximately perpendicular to the force applied to the force input member. The force transmitting mechanism comprises two spaced, metallic plate members connected with each other at the holders by electrically insulating pins forming part of the holders. Eyelets of the electrically conducting transducing element are fixedly held by the holder pins.

Abstract: An adjustable bed and interchangeable drive unit therefor, which includes a bed frame, a plurality of separately adjustable bed sections pivotally secured to the frame, a corresponding plurality of controller shafts wherein each shaft controls one of the adjustable bed sections, a manual drive unit comprising a plurality of handcranks for individually driving each of the plurality of controller shafts, a powered drive unit comprising at least one electric motor operatively arranged for individually driving each of the controller shafts, and quick disconnect/connect means for interchanging the manual drive unit and the powered drive unit, wherein only one of the drive units is secured to the bed at any one time.

Abstract: A scatter shield attenuates off-axis illumination emanating from a light beam projector. The scatter shield comprises an elongate housing, usually cylindrical, having at least two baffles therein. The dimensions of the scatter shield are selected to assure that off-axis illumination exceeding a preselected angle of divergence is internally reflected within the shield at least three times. Such multiple reflections provide for highly efficient attenuation.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a low profile weight sensor for a weight sensing system for monitoring article input and removal from article storage apparatus comprises a plate or I-shaped bar support member having first and second sections, an integrally formed linkage system for connecting the first and second sections such that the sections are substantially coplanar in an unloaded state, and are relatively displaceable with respect to each other in response to a weight load applied to one of the sections; and a magnetic transducer mounted on surfaces extending in the thickness direction of the plate/bar member for producing an electrical output signal responsive to relative displacement of the first and second sections.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a vibratory feeder has two control loops, one for controlling displacement amplitude and one for controlling displacement frequency. The two loops operate independently of each other, and use different feedback signals. The displacement amplitude control loop updates the amplitude of a continuous feeder actuator drive signal at a first predetermined rate, and the displacement frequency control loop updates the frequency of the drive signal at a second predetermined rate substantially slower than the first rate.

Abstract: A part conveyor includes a series of slide bars of equal lengths. Each bar is movable in a pair of parallel rails and in transfer rails at the ends of the parallel rails. The slide bars have upwardly opening U-shaped members projecting from the rails. A push rod simultaneously moves the slide bars through the rails to advance the bars. A cross rod rests in an aligned member for movement of the crossbar and part with the slide bars. A transfer rail unit is provided at the ends of each run for moving of the slide bars from the rails. In an over/under line, transfer rails receive and move the slide bars. A U-shaped carriage is mounted on vertically movable tracks for movement between and end of the rail run and a load source. The parallel rails drop below the top of the carriage sides and drops the cross rod onto the carriage. The carriage moves to a load source and the tracks are lowered to unload the cross rod and receive another cross rod. The tracks are raised and returned.

Abstract: A low power consumption controller for weight based article input and removal monitoring apparatus comprises a continuously active weight monitoring section responsive to the weight sensor output(s) for producing a first control signal in response to predetermined changes in the sensed weight; and a signal analysis section switchable from an inactive mode to an active mode in response to the first control signal for analyzing the sensor output(s), and for controlling the operation of the weight monitoring section.

Abstract: A low profile weight sensor for a weight sensing system for monitoring article input and removal from article storage apparatus comprises a plate or I-shaped bar support member having first and second sections, an integrally formed linkage system for connecting the first and second sections such that the sections are substantially coplanar in an unloaded state, and are relatively displaceable with respect to each other in response to a weight load applied to one of the sections; and a magnetic transducer mounted on surfaces extending in the thickness direction of the plate/bar member for producing an electrical output signal responsive to relative displacement of the first and second sections.

Abstract: The feeding system comprises one or more material storage devices and a discharge device associated with each storage device. Each discharge device comprises a conveyor channel tilted upwardly and away from its inlet arranged to be connected with the outlet of the storage device. A chute is adapted to be loosenably suspended, rapidly and simply, on the lower longitudinal side of the conveyor channel in a working position, a sampling position or in an emptying position, as required. In its working position the chute is positioned parallel to the conveyor channel, while the upper outlet of the conveyor channel opens into the chute at the upper end of the latter. In its sampling position the chute is tilted downward and away from the upper end of the conveyor channel at a right angle to the latter. In its emptying position the chute is tilted downward and away from the lower end, i.e. from the start of the conveyor channel and at a right angle to the latter.

Abstract: A weigh feeding system using a stochastic controller wherein the weight of material and the position of a material discharge actuator are sensed, and an estimate of the mass flow state of the material being discharged is created by use of a Kalman filter process. Plant noise processes and measurement noise processes, which affect the measured weight and actuator position signal, are modeled as stochastic processes and are used, in combination with the sensed weight and actuator position signals, to calculate the estimated mass flow state. The noise models are modified to account for disturbances. The estimated mass flow state signal is used to calculate a motor feedback signal which, in turn, is used to control the speed of the discharge apparatus. In this manner, the mass flow of the material actually being discharged is driven to a desired mass flow with minimum error variance in the presence of unavoidable plant and measurement noise.

Abstract: A series of rigid I-beams are secured to the underside of a driven endless looped chain and supported by a leading trolley and a trailing fixed connector. The chain is supported in a track by trolleys. End hooks on the beam support a load crossbar. A drive and brake assembly includes a reciprocating drive unit having a rail with a drive member sliding therein. The rail is mounted adjacent the chain and includes an inverted U-shaped arm pivotally mounted with the rail at one end. The slide has coupling fingers spaced in accordance with the chain links. A cylinder is coupled to the rail support and pivots the rail and slide member to selectively engage the chain link. A brake member secured to the U-shaped arm opposite side of the rail and has locking fingers spaced corresponding to the chain links. Pivoting of the rail to engage the slide member disengages the brake member to move the chain unit.