Abstract: The present invention may provide an automatic oil-change system for an engine comprising: a first oil container, a second oil container and means for switching between the first oil container and the second oil container. The switching means may provide the engine with oil from the first oil container until a predetermined time and once a predetermined time is reached, the switching means may provide the engine with oil from the second oil container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rule-based method for effective distributed adaptive signal control of traffic networks, and an apparatus using the method. Queue estimates and sets of rules are used to determine the signal state at each intersection in the network. The queue estimation uses real-time data from detectors upstream from an intersection to estimate the number of vehicles approaching the intersection and the vehicles in queue. Each detected vehicle is treated as a group of “partial” vehicles corresponding to approved movements that the vehicle might make. The queue estimation and control logic that determine the signal state can be implemented as a distributed system. The signal control logic consists of a set of rules for uncongested control and a process that creates a fixed time plan for congested control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rule-based method for effective distributed adaptive signal control of traffic networks, and an apparatus using the method. Queue estimates and sets of rules are used to determine the signal state at each intersection in the network. The queue estimation uses real-time data from detectors upstream from an intersection to estimate the number of vehicles approaching the intersection and the vehicles in queue. Each detected vehicle is treated as a group of “partial” vehicles corresponding to approved movements that the vehicle might make. The queue estimation and control logic that determine the signal state can be implemented as a distributed system. The signal control logic consists of a set of rules for uncongested control and a process that creates a fixed time plan for congested control.

Abstract: A quill drive comprising a housing adapted for mounting on machine tools. A quill is slidably mounted in a longitudinal bore in the housing, and is longitudinally positioned by a ball screw. The ball screw is driven for longitudinal positioning of the quill by a variable speed, reversible motor. The quill rotatably supports a spindle for driving various cutting tools. The spindle is advanced longitudinally by the quill and is rotatably driven by a second motor. The quill drive can be used singly or in a multiple arrangment on transfer machines or other automatic equipment. The unique design has fewer parts resulting in a simple reliable, relatively inexpensive device which is compact and easy to use. A relatively simple modification of the gear box converts the quill drive into a drive for tapping threaded holes.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating floating pollutants from a body of water. A vessel has an opening in at least one side to define an inlet for the pollutant and the top water layer. There are means within the vessel to impart a whirlpool motion to the admitted pollutant and water in which the pollutant forms a thickened upper layer. A nozzle is positioned at about the center of the means to impart whirlpool motion. The nozzle projects upwardly. A separator is positioned beneath the nozzle whereby floating pollutants can be removed from the top of the separator and water from the bottom of the separator.

Abstract: A quill drive comprising a housing adapted for mounting on machine tools. A quill is slidably mounted in a longitudinal bore in the housing, and is longitudinally positioned by a ball screw. The ball screw is driven for longitudinal positioning of the quill by a variable speed, reversible motor. The quill rotatably supports a spindle for driving various cutting tools. The spindle is advanced longitudinally by the quill and is rotatably driven by a second motor. The quill drive can be used singly or in a multiple arrangement on transfer machines or other automatic equipment. The unique design has fewer parts resulting in a simple reliable, relatively inexpensive device which is compact and easy to use. A relatively simple modification of the gear box converts the quill drive into a drive for tapping threaded holes.