Abstract: A portable elevator system for transporting a cargo container between a container cell and a mouth of the container cell is disclosed. The elevator includes a frame which is crane transportable and mountable on the mouth of a container cell in an open hold of the ship. A plurality of hoists are mounted on the frame. The hoists are releasably engageable with at least one container so as to transfer the container in either vertical direction through a central opening in the frame between a first location at a mouth of the container cell and a second location in the container cell. The container further includes a plurality of supports, which are releasably engageable with a container in the first location in addition to the engagement of the hoists. Additionally, a connector for connecting two adjacent containers in a single cell is disclosed. The connector is adapted to be transported to one of the two containers on one of the hoists.

Abstract: A flexible thin film battery including a film layer and a porous cathode deposited on a portion of a film and a porous anode deposited on a portion of the film, with an electrolyte and separator layer positioned between the porous anode and the porous cathode. The electrolyte is preferably dried so the battery is activated when liquid contacts the electrolyte and separator layer. In a preferred embodiment, water swellable particles are included in the cell. The film layers are least partially sealed around the edges, confining the anode, cathode, and electrolyte and separator layer. The method of producing such a battery preferably includes printing various inks in a pattern on a polymeric film.

Abstract: An apparatus detects the presence and location of at least one object in a field. The apparatus comprises a rotating arm which spins around the field, a position sensor for detecting the angular displacement of the rotating arm relative to a fixed point, and a processor. The rotating arm includes a transmitter and an opposing receiver array mounted thereon and fixed relative to each other. The receiver array includes a plurality of receivers located horizontally coplanar with each other. The receivers are concentrated towards one side of the receiver array which is aligned with a center region of the dartboard. The transmitter outputs a detection beam that emanates from a single point, such as a divergent beam. The detection beam overlaps the field and is simultaneously received at all times by the plurality of receivers of the receiver array. The receivers detect changes which occur in the field as a result of an object being in the field, manifested by shadows on the field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive closure system. More specifically, this invention relates to an adhesive closure system with an abridged release liner. Initially, the abridged release liner allows partial exposure of the single adhesive layer to achieve a temporary bond. When desired, the release liner can be removed exposing the remainder of the adhesive to achieve a permanent bond. This type of closure system has numerous applications including the closure system for pipe insulation sleeves.

Abstract: A system for determining position and orientation of a stationary or moving object projects beams of electromagnetic waves, such as light, onto the object. The beams make lines on the object. A camera senses reflections of the lines. The reflections are converted into pixel data which are used to determine the position and orientation of the object relative to a predetermined coordinate system. The system can also maneuver a robot end effector to the object's position and orientation by interactively viewing representations of the object's position and orientation, and the end effector on a computer screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of at least one object in a field having at least one through-beam detection device with at least one transmitter and at least one opposing detector to create a detection beam that overlaps the field.

Abstract: Adhesive laminates and their preparation. According to one embodiment, an adhesive laminate comprising a foamed pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a release liner applied thereto is prepared by applying hot pressure sensitive adhesive material in layer form to a release coated surface of a release paper or other release liner. Moisture is transferred from the release liner to the hot molten adhesive layer, causing the latter to foam. According to a second embodiment, a coextrudate comprising a thermoplastic carrier with an adhesive coating on one or both sides thereof is formed by the coextrusion of the adhesive taking place with the carrier over at least a short distance and at a temperature of about 350.degree. F.