Abstract: The invention concerns a lockout/tagout system having a lockout device (100), a master device (200) and a slave device (300). The lockout device (100) and master device (200) are configured in mutual relationship for duplex communication, so that the lockout device (100) can unlock upon a request received from the master device (200), contingent upon an authentication protocol between the master device (200) and the lockout device (100). The master device (200) and the slave device (300) are configured in mutual relationship for duplex communication, such that the master device (200) receives a ‘clear’ request from the slave device (300), which is accepted by the master device (200) contingent upon an authentication protocol between the master device (200) and the slave device (300).

Abstract: An action corrections system includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive generic data and proprietary data. The processor is configured to determine a generic data entity; match the generic data entity to a proprietary data entity to form a joined entity; determine a response variable from the proprietary data; determine a need for action corrections in regards to the joined entity based at least in part on the response variable; and determine one or more action corrections in regards to the joined entity.

Abstract: An action corrections system includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive generic data and proprietary data. The processor is configured to determine a generic data entity; match the generic data entity to a proprietary data entity to form a joined entity; determine a response variable from the proprietary data; determine a need for action corrections in regards to the joined entity based at least in part on the response variable; and determine one or more action corrections in regards to the joined entity.

Abstract: A portable device is used to measure exposure to magnetic fields and/or exposure to changes of magnetic field. The device (10) includes a first sensor (14) for measuring instantaneous magnetic field strength, and a second sensor (15) which is located adjacent to, and orientated in the same direction as, the first sensor for providing an output indicative of the time rate of change of the magnetic field. An integrator (22) integrates the rate of change output from the second sensor (15) over time to derive relative changes in the magnetic field. A processor (20) is connected to the outputs of at least the first sensor and the integrator. The processor selectively provides an indication of field strength from the output of the first sensor if the output is within the normal operating range of the first sensor, or otherwise from the integrator. A memory (24) is connected to the output of the second sensor (15) to store cumulative exposure to changes in the magnetic field.

Abstract: A method of cutting a sheet of fiber-cement and cutting machine programmed to effect such a method is disclosed. The method includes aligning a cutting plane of the sheet with at least one blade of a first cutting station. The sheet is cut along the cutting plane to sever a strip from the sheet. A plank is formed either by the act of severing the strip from the sheet or by advancing the sheet along the path to align another cutting plane of the sheet and cutting the sheet along the cutting plane with the at least one cutting blade. The plank so formed is advanced along a path to a second cutting station.

Abstract: A portable device is used to measure exposure to magnetic fields and/or exposure to changes of magnetic field. The device (10) includes a first sensor (14) for measuring instantaneous magnetic field strength, and a second sensor (15) which is located adjacent to, and orientated in the same direction as, the first sensor for providing an output indicative of the time rate of change of the magnetic field. An integrator (22) integrates the rate of change output from the second sensor (15) over time to derive relative changes in the magnetic field. A processor (20) is connected to the outputs of at least the first sensor and the integrator. The processor selectively provides an indication of field strength from the output of the first sensor if the output is within the normal operating range of the first sensor, or otherwise from the integrator. A memory (24) is connected to the output of the second sensor (15) to store cumulative exposure to changes in the magnetic field.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for an improved handheld crimping tool for crimping a wire. The handheld crimping tool includes a head portion having a crimping device positioned adjacent a first end thereof. The crimping device may have an adjustable die cavity to facilitate crimping wires of various diameters. The crimping tool further includes a handle portion having a gripping portion suitably configured to be manually grasped. In one embodiment, the head portion is operable to be rotated relative to the handle portion to position the crimping device in a selected orientation and may be maintained in the selected orientation by a biasing mechanism. The crimping tool further includes a drive mechanism operable to actuate the crimping device. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism may be operable to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion that generates a linear crimping motion in the crimping device.

Abstract: A method of cutting a sheet of fiber-cement and cutting machine programmed to effect such a method is disclosed. The method includes aligning a cutting plane of the sheet with at least one blade of a first cutting station. The sheet is cut along the cutting plane to sever a strip from the sheet. A plank is formed either by the act of severing the strip from the sheet or by advancing the sheet along the path to align another cutting plane of the sheet and cutting the sheet along the cutting plane with the at least one cutting blade. The plank so formed is advanced along a path to a second cutting station.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for an improved handheld crimping tool for crimping a wire. The handheld crimping tool includes a head portion having a crimping device positioned adjacent a first end thereof. The crimping device may have an adjustable die cavity to facilitate crimping wires of various diameters. The crimping tool further includes a handle portion having a gripping portion suitably configured to be manually grasped. In one embodiment, the head portion is operable to be rotated relative to the handle portion to position the crimping device in a selected orientation and may be maintained in the selected orientation by a biasing mechanism. The crimping tool further includes a drive mechanism operable to actuate the crimping device. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism may be operable to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion that generates a linear crimping motion in the crimping device.