Abstract: A system for sharpening a tool bit in a fixed geometry has a base with a support platform and guide rod attached to and extending from the platform; a fixture including a longitudinal extending body with a plurality of linear bore holes extending through a transverse width of the fixture; and a tool bit support assembly removeably connected to the fixture for receiving the tool bit. In operation, the system provides for a user to insert the guide rod through one of the bore holes in the plurality and to position the tool bit in a fixed orientation for sharpening a free end of the tool bit. By forming the fixture with a specific number of bore holes, each positioned at a precise angle within the fixture, the system provides for the sharpening of the tool bit in a fixed geometry in a way that is consistent, precise, and repeatable.

Abstract: A remote enclosure houses multiple subsystems. A first subsystem is coupled to a central office over a high-speed communication channel such as an OC-3 channel. The first subsystem extracts a downstream message from a first embedded operations channel included in the high-speed communication channel. The first subsystem also, when the downstream message is targeted to a first unit included in the first subsystem, forwards the message to a unit that processes the message for the first unit. When the message is not targeted to any unit included in the first subsystem, the first subsystem forwards the downstream message to another subsystem housed within the remote enclosure via a second embedded operations channel included in a second communication channel. The second subsystem is subtended from the first subsystem and is connected thereto by the second communication channel.

Abstract: A system for sharpening a tool bit in a fixed geometry has a base with a support platform and guide rod attached to and extending from the platform; a fixture including a longitudinal extending body with a plurality of linear bore holes extending through a transverse width of the fixture; and a tool bit support assembly removeably connected to the fixture for receiving the tool bit. In operation, the system provides for a user to insert the guide rod through one of the bore holes in the plurality and to position the tool bit in a fixed orientation for sharpening a free end of the tool bit. By forming the fixture with a specific number of bore holes, each positioned at a precise angle within the fixture, the system provides for the sharpening of the tool bit in a fixed geometry in a way that is consistent, precise, and repeatable.

Abstract: A control system for use in conjunction with a primary power system and operable to control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool broadly comprises an air delivery assembly operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a control assembly including an exhaust line from the primary power system and to the control assembly, a spool valve in fluid communication with the supply line and the exhaust line, and a control line in fluid communication with the spool valve and the hand-held tool; a tool assembly comprising the hand-held tool for performing delicate hand working operations; and a housing for at least partial storage of the air delivery assembly and the control assembly. The primary power system and the control system operate in conjunction with each other to both power and precisely control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool.

Abstract: A control system for use in conjunction with a primary power system and operable to control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool broadly comprises an air delivery assembly operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a control assembly including an exhaust line from the primary power system and to the control assembly, a spool valve in fluid communication with the supply line and the exhaust line, and a control line in fluid communication with the spool valve and the hand-held tool; a tool assembly comprising the hand-held tool for performing delicate hand working operations; and a housing for at least partial storage of the air delivery assembly and the control assembly. The primary power system and the control system operate in conjunction with each other to both power and precisely control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool.

Abstract: A control system for use in conjunction with a primary power system and operable to control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool broadly comprises an air delivery assembly operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a control assembly including an exhaust line from the primary power system and to the control assembly, a spool valve in fluid communication with the supply line and the exhaust line, and a control line in fluid communication with the spool valve and the hand-held tool; a tool assembly comprising the hand-held tool for performing delicate hand working operations; and a housing for at least partial storage of the air delivery assembly and the control assembly. The primary power system and the control system operate in conjunction with each other to both power and precisely control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool.

Abstract: A control system for use in conjunction with a primary power system and operable to control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool broadly comprises an air delivery assembly operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a control assembly including an exhaust line from the primary power system and to the control assembly, a spool valve in fluid communication with the supply line and the exhaust line, and a control line in fluid communication with the spool valve and the hand-held tool; a tool assembly comprising the hand-held tool for performing delicate hand working operations; and a housing for at least partial storage of the air delivery assembly and the control assembly. The primary power system and the control system operate in conjunction with each other to both power and precisely control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool.

Abstract: A control system for use in conjunction with a primary power system and operable to control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool broadly comprises an air delivery assembly operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a control assembly including an exhaust line from the primary power system and to the control assembly, a spool valve in fluid communication with the supply line and the exhaust line, and a control line in fluid communication with the spool valve and the hand-held tool; a tool assembly comprising the hand-held tool for performing delicate hand working operations; and a housing for at least partial storage of the air delivery assembly and the control assembly. The primary power system and the control system operate in conjunction with each other to both power and precisely control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool.

Abstract: An improved impact power tool for carving and engraving an article comprises an air delivery system operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a drive assembly operable to receive air from the pressurized air source via the air delivery system; a hand held device in driven communication with the drive assembly; and a housing for storage of the air delivery system and drive assembly. The tool includes an improved valve design, a throttle bias valve, and an air storage tank housed within the housing, and an improved housing construction. The improved valve design and air storage tank enable greater stroke speeds of a work tool over a wider power range while also improving the crispness and speed of the impact reaction time over the entire range. The throttle bias valve is in communication with an additional exhaust path, such that the bias valve allows improved control of the hand held device and improved operation over a wider range of air pressures.

Abstract: An improved impact power tool for carving and engraving an article comprises an air delivery system operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a drive assembly operable to receive air from the pressurized air source via the air delivery system; a hand held device in driven communication with the drive assembly; and a housing for storage of the air delivery system and drive assembly. The tool includes an improved valve design, a throttle bias valve, and an air storage tank housed within the housing, and an improved housing construction. The improved valve design and air storage tank enable greater stroke speeds of a work tool over a wider power range while also improving the crispness and speed of the impact reaction time over the entire range. The throttle bias valve is in communication with an additional exhaust path, such that the bias valve allows improved control of the hand held device and improved operation over a wider range of air pressures.

Abstract: A system and method for protection switching in a transmission network is described. A protection switching mechanism comprises a multiplexer, a transmission path for each output of the multiplexer and a remote circuit. The multiplexer has an input coupled to receive an input signal and a plurality of outputs to output a plurality of output signals. Each transmission path is coupled to receive an associated output signal from the multiplexer. The transmission paths further include one or more redundant transmission paths, wherein signals directed to a faulty transmission path are redirected to an associated redundant transmission path. The remote circuit is used to selectively switch a redundant transmission path for a faulty transmission path at a subscriber.

Abstract: An improved impact power tool for carving and engraving an article comprises an air delivery system operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a drive assembly operable to receive air from the pressurized air source via the air delivery system; a hand held device in driven communication with the drive assembly; and a housing for storage of the air delivery system and drive assembly. The tool includes an improved valve design, a throttle bias valve, and an air storage tank housed within the housing, and an improved housing construction. The improved valve design and air storage tank enable greater stroke speeds of a work tool over a wider power range while also improving the crispness and speed of the impact reaction time over the entire range. The throttle bias valve is in communication with an additional exhaust path, such that the bias valve allows improved control of the hand held device and improved operation over a wider range of air pressures.

Abstract: A workpiece holding system (10) is configured for holding a workpiece (R) for crafting thereof by a craftsman (C). The system (10) broadly includes a mounting assembly (12) removably coupled a support surface (B), an articulating frame assembly (14) coupled to the mounting assembly (12), a workpiece-supporting tool assembly (16) removably coupled to the frame assembly (14), and a mirrored ambidextrous handrest assembly (18) removably coupled to the mounting assembly (12). A fixture (36) spaced from a work zone (W) adjustably receives the tool assembly (16) so that the workpiece (R) held therein can be positioned substantially in the work zone (W) so that when the tool assembly (16) is maneuvered, thereby articulating the frame assembly (14), the workpiece (R) substantially remains in the work zone (W). The tool assembly (16) includes a connection assembly (80) configured to quickly and removably couple tools (78, 140, 152, 154, 172) into a clamp (76).

Abstract: A lockable mount (10) constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for mounting a jewelry crafting attachment (12) to a workbench (B). The illustrated lockable mount (10) broadly includes a mount plate (14) configured to be coupled to the support (B) to receive the attachment (12) and a locking assembly (16) associated with the mount plate (14) for selectively preventing the attachment (12) from moving relative to the mount plate (14). The illustrated mount plate (14) is configured to provide a universal mount wherein several attachments can be quickly and readily interchanged for secure support thereon and comprises a six sided body presenting a generally trapezoidal configuration. The illustrated locking assembly (16) includes a flexible locking plate (36), an entrapped pin (38), and an actuating screw (40). The flexible locking plate (36) is shiftable between a flush position and a locking position.

Abstract: 17A lockable mount (10) constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for mounting a jewelry crafting attachment (12) to a workbench (B). The illustrated lockable mount (10) broadly includes a mount plate (14) configured to be coupled to the support (B) to receive the attachment (12) and a locking assembly (16) associated with the mount plate (14) for selectively preventing the attachment (12) from moving relative to the mount plate (14). The illustrated mount plate (14) is configured to provide a universal mount wherein several attachments can be quickly and readily interchanged for secure support thereon and comprises a six sided body presenting a generally trapezoidal configuration. The illustrated locking assembly (16) includes a flexible locking plate (36), an entrapped pin (38), and an actuating screw (40). The flexible locking plate (36) is shiftable between a flush position and a locking position.

Abstract: A workpiece holding system (10) is configured for holding a workpiece (R) for crafting thereof by a craftsman (C). The system (10) broadly includes a mounting assembly (12) removably coupled to a support surface (B), an articulating frame assembly (14) coupled to the mounting assembly (12), a workpiece-supporting tool assembly (16) removably coupled to the frame assembly (14), and a mirrored ambidextrous handrest assembly (18) removably coupled to the mounting assembly (12). A fixture (36) spaced from a work zone (W) adjustably receives the tool assembly (16) so that the workpiece (R) held therein can be positioned substantially in the work zone (W) so that when the tool assembly (16) is maneuvered, thereby articulating the frame assembly (14), the workpiece (R) substantially remains in the work zone (W). The tool assembly (16) includes a connection assembly (80) configured to quickly and removably couple tools (78, 140, 152, 154, 172) into a clamp (76).

Abstract: A circuit card that includes a single ground plane connectable to a chassis-ground and a logic device having a ground pin connected to the single ground plane. The connection between the ground pin and the single ground plane provides a direct path between the logic device and the chassis-ground. A power supply is connected to an input pin of the logic device for providing a logic voltage to the logic device. The power supply is connectable to a battery.

Abstract: An electronic module having a chassis and a single backplane disposed within the chassis. A plurality of bridge circuit cards is disposed within the chassis and is electrically connected to the single backplane. Each of the plurality of bridge circuit cards is for converting between a local area network protocol and a wide area network protocol. A hub circuit card is disposed within the chassis and is electrically connected to the single backplane so that the hub circuit card is electrically connected to each of the plurality of bridge circuit cards. The single backplane is connectable to each of a plurality of remote units for respectively electrically connecting each of the plurality of remote units to each of the plurality of bridge circuit cards. The single backplane is connectable to a data network for electrically connecting the data network to the hub circuit card.

Abstract: An electronic module having a chassis and a single backplane disposed within the chassis. A plurality of bridge circuit cards is disposed within the chassis and is electrically connected to the single backplane. Each of the plurality of bridge circuit cards is for converting between a local area network protocol and a wide area network protocol. A hub circuit card is disposed within the chassis and is electrically connected to the single backplane so that the hub circuit card is electrically connected to each of the plurality of bridge circuit cards. The single backplane is connectable to each of a plurality of remote units for respectively electrically connecting each of the plurality of remote units to each of the plurality of bridge circuit cards. The single backplane is connectable to a data network for electrically connecting the data network to the hub circuit card.

Abstract: An electronic module having a circuit card with a power supply is provided. The electronic module has two independent battery-return paths. One of the two independent battery-return paths is connectable to a battery-return side of a primary battery, and another of the two independent battery-return paths is connectable to a battery-return side of a secondary battery that replaces the primary battery when the primary battery fails. The two independent battery-return paths are connected together at a battery-return pin of the power supply.