Abstract: A system and method of the present invention randomly mixes and palletizes various containers received from a conveyor. A control system received an order in advance to cooperate with an automatic storage and retrieval system to pick the containers, ordered by various customers, and to place them on a second conveyor. A robotic device, such as a robotic arm or a gantry system, selectively picks the containers from the second conveyor and places the containers on a pallet in a mixed fashion. The pallets are delivered to the respective customers.

Abstract: A system and method for performing non-binary comparison of biological sequences includes a new measure ?0, which is a non-binary counting measure that is used in a stand alone module called VaSSA-1. This measure obtains substantially more information about sequences and comparisons between them than is gathered by conventional bioinformatics techniques.

Abstract: A multi-modal container handling system includes a tool presentation platform mounted to a multi-axis robot. The platform has a number of mechanically locking collets for handling either empty or full containers, and a number of multi-jawed grippers telescopically mounted to the platform for handling empty containers. Both the collets and grippers may be used for moving empty containers, with the collets being used exclusively for inserting full containers into a shipping rack.

Abstract: An air-powered vacuum tool for handling multiple workpieces includes vacuum ports formed in a vacuum manifold body and associated air-powered vacuum generators operatively connected with the vacuum manifold body such that each of the vacuum ports is provided with vacuum. Groups of pickup orifices associated with the vacuum ports engage multiple workpieces. Each of the pickup orifices is operatively connected with at least one of the vacuum ports.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process capable of precision slicing substrates with a dimension in the linear direction of at least I meter, comprising the following steps: (I) affixing the work piece to a stage; (11) providing multiple essentially parallel, essentially straight wires having a diameter in the range from about 100 ?m to about 600 ?m, and allowing the multiple wires to contact the surface of the work piece; (III) allowing the multiple wires to travel in linear directions, optionally with cutting slurry dispensed thereon; and (IV) allowing the multiple wires to move in the slicing directions relative to the work piece; wherein in step (IV), the multiple wires maintain essentially straight and essentially parallel to each other. The process can be used for slicing silica glass substrates having a diameter large than 2 meters in producing slices thereof with a high surface flatness and a low thickness variation.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly for a vehicle that includes an anchor portion having an anchor bolt adapted to attach to a vehicle. A seat belt web is associated with the anchor portion. A sheath member is coupled to the anchor portion with the sheath member having opposing top and bottom surfaces and opposing side surfaces. The opposing top and bottom surfaces and opposing side surfaces define an interior cavity. The sheath member includes a plurality of detents formed on the opposing side surfaces. An extension plate having opposing proximal and distal ends as well as opposing top and bottom surfaces bounded by opposing lateral edges is slidingly disposed within the interior cavity of the sheath member. The extension plate includes a pair of arms formed on the opposing lateral edges. An extension arm formed about the extension plate includes first and second ends with the first end coupled to the proximal end of the extension plate. The second end of the extension arm includes a web guide formed on an end.

Abstract: A system and method for performing non-binary comparison of biological sequences includes a new measure ?0, which is a non-binary counting measure that is used in a stand alone module called VaSSA-1. This measure obtains substantially more information about sequences and comparisons between them than is gathered by conventional bioinformatics techniques.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-modal package handling tool. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the inventive tool includes a tool platform mounted to the end of a robotic arm. The tool further includes a plurality of package attachment systems mounted to the tool platform wherein each of the plurality of package attachment systems is configured to attach a package to the end of the robotic arm. The inventive tool is responsive to a controller that is operative to select at least one of the package attachment systems to be presented to the package for attaching the package to the end of the robotic arm.

Abstract: A traffic crossing warning device is provided. The device includes a beam transmitter for transmitting a beam such as an IR beam, and a beam sensor in electrical communication with a signal processor for sensing the IR beam. In addition, the device includes a multimedia warning beacon, and a mounting device for supporting the beacon adjacent a roadway intersection. The warning beacon is activated when the beam sensor senses that the beam is not being received for a predetermined period of time. In one aspect, the warning beacon has a warning light, a speaker for delivering an audible signal, and a display for providing a written warning. A method for warning motorists of the presence of an oncoming locomotive object such as a train using the warning device is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-modal package handling tool and system uses a robot carrying an end of arm tool incorporating several package handling devices such as vacuum carrying units, extensible package grippers, and a slideably deployable package platform. Each these package handling devices may be used singly, or in combination with each other.

Abstract: A control unit for a safety restraint device includes a main printed circuit board that supports lateral and vertical acceleration sensors and an auxiliary printed circuit board that supports rollover sensors. The main and auxiliary printed circuit boards are spaced apart from and are positioned in an overlapping relationship to each other within a housing. A pin connection provides electrical connection between the main and auxiliary printed circuit boards to permit signal transfers between the main and auxiliary printed circuit boards. A common fastener is used to connect both the main and auxiliary printed circuit boards to the housing. A cover is used to enclose the main and auxiliary printed circuit boards within the housing. The fastener extends through the cover, through both the main and auxiliary printed circuit boards, and finally into the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for performing non-binary comparison of biological sequences includes a new measure ?0, which is a non-binary counting measure that is used in a stand alone module called VaSSA-1. This measure obtains substantially more information about sequences and comparisons between them than is gathered by conventional bioinformatics techniques.

Abstract: A self-contained merchandising container display comprises a plurality of stacked containers and a base. Each of the containers includes a continuous body portion, a rim and a feature. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion. The base is adapted to hold and contain the plurality of stacked containers in a generally upright position such that at least a portion of the feature of one of the plurality of stacked containers is exposed to the consumer. The base is made of a generally rigid material. The base includes information calling attention to the feature.

Abstract: A multi-modal container handling system includes a tool presentation platform mounted to a multi-axis robot. The platform has a number of mechanically locking collets for handling either empty or full containers, and a number of multi-jawed grippers telescopically mounted to the platform for handling empty containers. Both the collets and grippers may be used for moving empty containers, with the collets being used exclusively for inserting full containers into a shipping rack.

Abstract: A multi-modal package handling tool and system uses a robot carrying an end of arm tool incorporating several package handling devices such as vacuum carrying units, extensible package grippers, and a slideably deployable package platform. Each these package handling devices may be used singly, or in combination with each other.

Abstract: A workpiece handling system has a geostationary ejection function in which a carrier slidingly engages and lifts workpieces. The carrier is equipped with an ejector which is moved at a velocity opposite to movement of the carrier when the carrier is being unloaded, such that workpieces being unloaded from the carrier are maintained in a geostationary position during unloading or disengagement of the workpieces from the carrier.

Abstract: An air-powered vacuum tool for handling multiple workpieces includes vacuum ports formed in a vacuum manifold body and associated air-powered vacuum generators operatively connected with the vacuum manifold body such that each of the vacuum ports is provided with vacuum. Groups of pickup orifices associated with the vacuum ports engage multiple workpieces. Each of the pickup orifices is operatively connected with at least one of the vacuum ports.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions incorporate compounds that are capable of affecting nicotinic cholinergic receptors. A wide variety of conditions and disorders, and particularly conditions and disorders associated with dysfunction of the central and autonomic nervous systems can be treated using pharmaceutical compositions incorporating compounds in which an aromatic ring is bridged with an ethylenic or acetylenic unit to an azabicyclic moiety.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for establishing network connectivity by a data computing device in order to download and store a catalog. The catalog includes information identifying consumables available for purchase within a marketplace. The storage of the catalog within memory of the data computing device enables subsequent review of the marketplace without continued network connectivity.

Abstract: An occupant restraint assembly and for a motor vehicle operates to sense the tension forces on a seat belt to detect the presence of a human occupant or a child restraint seat. A sensor attached to the seat belt measures tension forces. The sensor is mounted in line with the seat belt. A strain gauge senses tension on the seat belt. An additional embodiment of the sensor includes three prongs attached to a common beam that allow the sensor to be slipped onto the seat belt without modification to the seat belt. A middle prong includes the strain gauge to sense movement relative to outside prongs. The seat belt threads over the outside prongs and under the middle prong such that tension on the seat belt forces the middle prong transversely to tension exerted on the seat belt.