Abstract: A humanoid mannequin with jointed, positionable, and realistic reactive limbs. The mannequin is used in connection with sparring, self-defense, law enforcement, and combat sports training. The mannequin is constructed with a jointed endoskeleton frame that permits the mannequin limbs to be positioned in various training postures, and to realistically hold such positions against external forces exerted by a combatant. The mannequin skeleton also includes a series of elastic elements that allow the skeleton to be forced from its preset posture, and to recover that posture once the disturbing force is removed. The mannequin skeleton is covered by a durable flexible elastomer skin filled with a resilient supporting foam. This housing material provides the external anatomical features of a human body as well as the padding required to protect combatant users from the internal rigid skeletal components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a control node in a programmable architecture, is disclosed. The node includes a plurality of user-programmable, microprocessor-based modules connected together. The modules are connected to create a parallel-processing environment with a selected functionality. Hot-swapping of the modules can be determined in the node. Power is distributed throughout the modules in the node. The modules may be automatically programmed to accommodate a target independent device.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller or programmable automation controller assembly that can be used in harsh environments. A plurality of user-configurable housings are used to accommodate a customer's desired functionality design. A two-board design is featured to enable electronics in the controller assembly. The two-board design includes an active board that houses a majority of electrical components in the controller assembly, and a wiring hub that is used for wiring terminations. A mechanism is provided for a field-removable labeling system that withstands harsh environmental conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing a batch of remittance transactions in the form of an invoice and an accompanying check. A feeder receives a stacked batch of transactional pairs of documents and serially feeds the documents along a selected path of movement. Scanning cameras scan the front and back of each document to provide front and back images of the documents. A magnetic imager is employed for reading the magnetic markings of each check to detect the orientation of each check. From the magnetic imager, the documents are fed to a document-reordering device that functions to selectively change the sequential order of selected pairs of documents along the path of movement. A document orientor is also provided for selectively changing the orientation of any selected document along the path of movement. The document orientor includes a document reverser for reversing the orientation of selected documents from back to front along the path of movement.