Abstract: A water stream ground sweeping assembly includes a generally S-shaped tubular wand provided with an outlet nozzle at one end and connected at the other en across a control valve to a flexible water conveying hose with the length and the convolutions of the wand being selected to align the control valve with the suspended palm of an erect person. The arcs of the S-convolutions are further selected so that the nozzle raised above ground by a proximately located support post is pointing generally horizontally when the valve is grasped by the suspended palm. When, however, the palm of the person is raised the resulting increased weight of the unsupported hose increment unloads the post contact to create the perception of an impending loss of control in the palm, thus limiting the incidents of ground eroding nozzle alignments.

Abstract: End-effectors may be used to grasp microelectronic workpieces for handling by automated transport devices. One such end-effector includes a plurality of end-effectors and a detector adapted to detect engagement of the edge of the workpiece by at least one of the abutments. An alternative end-effector includes at least three abutments, at least one of which is resiliently connected to an actuator for movement between a retracted position and a deployed position wherein it engages a workpiece.

Abstract: A method for reducing the consequences and risks of failure in a hydrocarbon pipeline system includes identifying specific segments of pipelines the leakage of which could have an adverse impact on environment or safety, particularly in areas of high consequence, developing a baseline assessment plan for such segments by analyzing information including age, corrosion, and types of seams and joints and then establishing preventive and migitative measures including, where necessary, positioning emergency flow restricting devices in one or more pipeline segments.

Abstract: The subject invention comprises an area that is structured to hold one or more obstacles zones for the maneuvering of motor vehicles through an obstacle or series of obstacles, all requiring skill in the operation of a particular vehicle, with the obstacle zones having a plurality of contact members that are intended to be avoided by the vehicle operator while driving through a particular obstacle zone, which contact members are adapted to sense a vehicle impact that are capable of registering such contact or contacts in order that a score can be attributed to a given rider's relative skill in the drive through such obstacle course.