Abstract: Disclosed is an eye simulator device, wherein same is a medical training aid and includes: an eyepiece having a display configured to project at least one image onto or through a convex shaped front surface of a simulated eyeball of the eyepiece; a support configured to hold the eyepiece; a simulated eyelid pivotally attached to the support; and an actuator assembly having an actuator arm and an electromagnetic (EM) coil in connection with the actuator arm, so as to control a motion of the simulated eyelid, which allows to more realistically mimic the eye, and to more intuitively mimic a motion change of the eye, and it is illustratable to show a change process of the eye by projecting an eye condition, making it easier for a student to understand.

Abstract: A steam trap includes a replaceable condensate nozzle cartridge with a through passage forming a venturi nozzle in a straight-line working fluid flow path. The venturi through passage includes a venturi nozzle insert that reduces the pressure of the working fluid to cause the liquid water in the working fluid to flash and restrict the flow of steam through the passage. The condensate nozzle is located in a reduced pressure discharge chamber into which a nozzle outlet discharges water condensate extracted by the nozzle and emptied from a trap outlet. The reduced pressure discharge chamber has an access opening sealed by a removable cover to allow the nozzle cartridge to be removed and replaced if necessary, without removing the steam trap from the process line. Locating the removable nozzle cartridge in a lower pressure region of the steam trap overcomes rating limitations on prior steam traps with replaceable venturi nozzles.

Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a parts-handling device with respect to a computer vision camera includes the steps of moving a parts-handling device into contact with a touch-off block, and storing a value indicative of the position of the parts-handling device when it is in contact with the touch-off block. In addition, there may be two orthogonal surface on the touch-off block. By touching the parts-handling device against both surfaces, the parts-handling device can be calibrated for position offset in two orthogonal directions. For parts-handling devices that are rotatable, the parts-handling device may be rotated to a succession of predetermined angular positions and brought into contact with the touch-off block in each position. By combining the measured positions of the parts-handling device in each rotational position, the system can be calibrated to compensate for the offset from the camera to the parts-handling device as a function of rotational position as well.

Abstract: A goniometer includes a base, a compound member supported by the base, a light-directing element operably mounted on the compound member, optically connected to a coherent light source, and disposed toward an optical filter, a first actuator disposed along a first axis and operably coupled to the base for translating the light-directing element along a first arcuate path disposed in a first plane; and a second actuator disposed along a second axis and operably coupled to the compound member for translating the light-directing element along a second arcuate path disposed in a second plane, wherein the first plane is orthogonal to the second plane, and wherein the first and second axes are co-planar, for directing coherent light at an angle that is normal to the optical filter.

Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a parts-handling device with respect to a computer vision camera includes the steps of moving a parts-handling device into contact with a touch-off block, and storing a value indicative of the position of the parts-handling device when it is in contact with the touch-off block. In addition, there may be two orthogonal surface on the touch-off block. By touching the parts-handling device against both surfaces, the parts-handling device can be calibrated for position offset in two orthogonal directions. For parts-handling devices that are rotatable, the parts-handling device may be rotated to a succession of predetermined angular positions and brought into contact with the touch-off block in each position. By combining the measured positions of the parts-handling device in each rotational position, the system can be calibrated to compensate for the offset from the camera to the parts-handling device as a function of rotational position as well.

Abstract: A goniometer includes a base, a compound member supported by the base, a light-directing element operably mounted on the compound member, optically connected to a coherent light source, and disposed toward an optical filter, a first actuator disposed along a first axis and operably coupled to the base for translating the light-directing element along a first arcuate path disposed in a first plane; and a second actuator disposed along a second axis and operably coupled to the compound member for translating the light-directing element along a second arcuate path disposed in a second plane, wherein the first plane is orthogonal to the second plane, and wherein the first and second axes are co-planar, for directing coherent light at an angle that is normal to the optical filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing optical filters comprises a gantry system supported on a base or floor, including structure translatable in the X and Y directions relative to the base. The apparatus further includes a support mounted on the structure and a translatable platform disposed adjacent the structure. The support is translatable in the Z direction relative to the base. The apparatus further includes a flexure mounted on the platform, a probe assembly mounted on the support, and a light-directing element. The flexure is adapted to retain one of the optical filters. Translation of the platform causes the platform-mounted flexure to be translated from a first X, Y and Z position relative to the base to a second X, Y and Z position relative to the base. The probe assembly is adapted to pick up one of the optical filters from a third X, Y and Z position relative to the base and translate the picked-up optical filter to the first position for retention of the picked-up filter by the flexure.

Abstract: A flexure for holding small parts is integrally formed by EDM machining in the form of two adjacent four-bar linkages. The two four-bar linkages can be flexed apart and small parts such as electronic components or optical filters can be placed between them. When the linkages are released, they will spring back together and hold the parts in between.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for grinding the proper taper and all of the flutes with the correct number of spirals simultaneously in a single cycle of the grinding machine. This is accomplished by passing a rotating stock to produce the correct number of spirals under a grinding wheel that is dressed with three or four properly formed ribs depending on how many flutes are being manufactured. These ribs are spaced so as to exactly match the lead distance of the rotating stock during 120.degree. or 90.degree. of revolution, depending on whether a three or four fluted instrument is being manufactured. The height of each individual rib on the grinding wheel varies in relationship with each other to exactly match the correct taper being created by moving either the rotating stock portion of the machine or the grinding wheel portion of the machine so as to increase the distance therebetween.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for grinding the proper taper and all of the flutes with the correct number of spirals simultaneously in a single cycle of the grinding machine. This is accomplished by passing a rotating stock to produce the correct number of spirals under a grinding wheel that is dressed with three or four properly formed ribs depending on how many flutes are being manufactured. These ribs are spaced so as to exactly match the lead distance of the rotating stock during 120.degree. or 90.degree. of revolution, depending on whether a three or four fluted instrument is being manufactured. The height of each individual rib on the grinding wheel varies in relationship with each other to exactly match the correct taper being created by moving either the rotating stock portion of the machine or the grinding wheel portion of the machine so as to increase the distance therebetween.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprising a touch panel includes a flexible membrane having a series of parallel, electrically conductive strips formed thereon; and an opposed substrate layer having conductive strips thereon parallel and orthogonal to the membrane strips. A series of filament spacers, running parallel to the substrate layer strips, are positioned between the membrane and substrate layer to maintain the membrane strips and substrate strips in spaced-apart relation to each other. The filament spacers are secured to an associated boundary or frame. Finger or instrument pressure selectively applied to the membrane and directed toward the substrate, can establish contact between a chosen membrane strip and substrate strip to close the switch. The elastic deformation of the filament spacers enhances contact closure and contact life expectancy. The presence of insulative dust, which interferes with the current flow between the contacts, is eliminated.