Abstract: An apparatus for force monitoring and control of a multi-axis router. The spindle assembly has a mounting plate that is attached to a base plate in the router assembly through three equally spaced load cells. The load cells are maintained in tension because the spindle assembly is suspended below the base plate. The center of gravity of the spindle assembly is in the center of the three load cells. Forces on the cutting tool are measured by the load cells, which are monitored by a controller that determines the load on the cutting tool. The feed rate of the cutting tool is adjusted based on the calculated cutting tool force. Abnormal conditions, such as an unbalanced or dull tool, are determined from the measured forces.

Abstract: A draw back valve for fluid applicators for controlling the dripping or deposit of fluid at the nozzle orifice. The invention features a poppet within a stem which serves as a "piston". In the open position, the poppet is disposed within a chamber that has sufficient clearance to permit unrestricted fluid flow. Once it is desired to shut off fluid flow, the poppet slides in the reverse direction and is disposed within a cylinder bore such that the poppet now functions as a "piston" causing the flow to reverse. The reverse flow creates a partial vacuum at the valve "nozzle" thus causing the fluid that was being dispensed to be drawn back into the nozzle, thus, eliminating drips or dried fluid at the tip. The invention is particularly well suited for use in hand-held hot melt glue guns, however, has application to other fields as well such as paint spraying.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an edible sandwich having a cavity with uniform thickness of bread surrounding the cavity. Edible filler material is injected into the cavity that has a self-sealing entrance. The apparatus forms the sandwich by first making a keyhole shape slit in the bread casing. Then an expandable mandrel is inserted into the slit and expanded by filling it with air. As the mandrel expands, it compresses the bread in the casing to form a cavity having walls of substantially uniform thickness throughout. An edible filling is then inserted into this cavity via the slit previously formed.