Abstract: An apparatus is provided for feeding fabric workpieces one at a time from the top of a stack of like workpieces having a first rough side and a second smooth side, the workpieces being stacked with alternating sides up. A computer controlled picker is used to separate the top workpiece from the remaining workpieces in the stack, and for depositing the workpiece on a downstream conveyor. An ultrasonic face detector is mounted above the first conveyor for determining whether the side of the workpiece facing the face detector--the top surface--is relatively rough or relatively smooth. A pivoting feeder/inverter is provided at the end of the first conveyor. If the workpiece has the desired side up for subsequent sewing operations, the inverter/conveyor is placed in a first position so that the workpiece is directed into a sandwich belt type conveyor which will not change the orientation of the workpiece.

Abstract: A digital measuring device is provided for electronically determining measured distances, such as the dimensions of people or objects, as an integral part of a comprehensive system for manipulating and/or recording the measurement data. The digital measuring system of the present invention includes a digital tape measure for transforming measured distances into electrical signals or representations, and a control and display means for manipulating and recording the data received from the digital tape measure into a useful format. The digital tape measure includes a measuring tape with regularly-spaced markers and an electronic sensing means for detecting the passage of the markers. The control and display means can be incorporated into the digital tape measure itself, or alternatively it can be a separate unit.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes a pneumatic picker for picking the top sheet from a stack of sheets, and a flipper for inverting upside-down sheets. The picker has a row of suction cups, supplied with vacuum through hoses, for picking up the top sheet. The lip of each suction cup is inclined to the top surface of the stack at a fixed angle. If the angle is properly chosen, exactly one sheet will be picked up as the picker is moved onto and away from the stack. The inclined suction cups are for permeable materials such as cloth. The picked sheet may be inverted by a twisted-belt flipper if needed. The flipper has four rollers with axes in a rectangular configuration, and two twisted belts. Each belt is wrapped around a pair of rollers on opposite corners of the rectangle, and the belts run closely in between the far pairs. A sheet will be flipped as it travels through, held between the two belts. To select which sheets are to be flipped, a photocell and gate work to direct sheets into or around the flipper.

Abstract: An armored truck (10) utilizing an armored truck body (14) is provided. Fastening members (24, 26 and 28) are utilized to connect armor plates (22) to achieve the desired configuration and body size. Fastening members (24, 26 and 28) may include inwardly projecting members to allow for a truck body having interior walls (41) which are aligned and secured in a parallel relation with complementary armor plates (22). Fastening members (24, 26 and 28) may also incorporate as integral portions thereof an arcuate lip (62) for use as a rain gutter, a duct (36) for electrical wiring and a rub rail channel (50).

Abstract: The specification discloses a control module having circuitry for generating control and timing signals and for receiving digital data. A plurality of sensor modules are connected to the control module and each contains devices for sensing various physical characteristics, such as water level, rainfall or the like. In response to control signals generated by the control module, each of the sensor modules is operable to input digital data representative of the sensed physical characteristics to the control module. A recorder is connected to the control module and includes a removable recording cassette for recording the digital data transmitted from the sensor modules. The recorder also records the identification of the sensor module transmitting data, along with the calender day and the time of day that the data was transmitted.

Abstract: The specification discloses a control module having circuitry for generating control and timing signals and for receiving digital data. A plurality of sensor modules are connected to the control module and each contains devices for sensing various physical characteristics, such as water level, rainfall or the like. In response to control signals generated by the control module, each of the sensor modules is operable to input digital data representative of the sensed physical characteristics to the control module. A recorder is connected to the control module and includes a removable recording cassette for recording the digital data transmitted from the sensor modules. The recorder also records the identification of the sensor module transmitting data, along with the calendar day and the time of day that the data was transmitted.

Abstract: The specification discloses a digital method for measuring the volumetric flow rate of a flowing fluid, utilizing the change in electrical conductivity produced in a fluid by the introduction of a predetermined quantity of electrolyte. A temperature sensitive conductivity probe has an oscillator with an output signal frequency directly proportional to the conductivity of the fluid flowing between the electrodes of the probe. The conductivity probe is disposed in the fluid downstream from the point at which the electrolyte is introduced to alter the electrical conductivity of the fluid. The circuitry measures the increase in conductivity caused by the electrolyte during the period of time it takes the electrolyte to pass the conductivity probe and subtracts the integral of normal conductivity to determine the integral of conductivity produced by the electrolyte.