Abstract: A control system is provided for automatically moving at least one machine along a desired path.

Abstract: A control system is provided for automatically moving at least one machine along a desired path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a machine having at least one drive wheel along a desired path includes detecting and storing data including a plurality of GPS locations linked to particular points along an entire desired path of travel of the machine during operation of the machine in a manual learn mode to traverse the entire desired path to be followed by the machine during subsequent operation in a robotic mode. The method and apparatus then operates the machine in the robotic mode by controlling the at least one drive wheel to move the machine along the desired path. In one embodiment, a fee is charged based on an amount of time the machine is operated.

Abstract: A control system is provided for automatically moving a machine along a desired path. The machine uses a “learn and follow” system in which the machine is first operated in a manual mode along a desired path. The control system learns the desired path and then operates the machine in a robotic mode to follow the desired path without operator control. If the machine moves away from the desired path when in the robotic mode, the location of the machine is corrected using GPS location signals.

Abstract: A control system is provided for automatically moving a machine along a desired path.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus is provided for securing a plurality of modules to a frame.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus and method is provided for securing a plurality of modules to a frame.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus is provided for securing a plurality of modules to a frame.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus is provided for securing a plurality of modules to a frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a plurality of modules to a frame to form a box spring includes a base for supporting the frame and the modules, a support, and a drive mechanism coupled to the support and the base. The drive mechanism is configured to provide relative movement between the support and the base. The apparatus also includes a camera coupled to the support. The camera provides an image signal indicative of an actual position of the modules relative to the frame upon relative movement of the support and the base. The apparatus further includes a tool coupled to the support for securing each of the modules to the frame using the image signal from the camera.

Abstract: A tension control system for maintaining a substantially constant predetermined tension on material being unwound from or wound onto a roll of material. The control system includes a shaft for holding the roll of material and a motor coupled to the shaft for rotating the shaft at a predetermined speed to maintain the material at a substantially constant predetermined tension. The motor is mounted in a predetermined initial position and remains there when the material is at the predetermined tension. The shaft and motor are mounted to permit limited rotational movement of the motor relative to the frame in response to the tension on the material deviating from the predetermined tension. The system includes a displacement detector for detecting movement of the motor away from its initial preset position in response to the tension deviating from the predetermined tension.

Abstract: An apparatus for "hands off" control of a Voice Mail System over a telephone line by a user to allow the user to simultaneously perform other functions such as manually processing the "oral mail" to take notes, do data entry or the like. The apparatus includes a foot pedal that is wired with switches. The foot pedal switches are connected through an interface circuit to a DTMF tone generator or a generator of digital signals corresponding to VMS functions. The interconnection is such that depending upon the pedal activated a different tone or digital signal will be generated. The user can readily reconnect the interface to vary the signal to pedal correspondence for changes in Voice Mail Systems or to implement other Voice Mail System commands. The DTMF tone generator is connected in series between the hand set and base set of a telephone so that system can be readily connected to an existing telephone and so that the tones can be sent over the phone line to a Voice Mail System.

Abstract: A computer system has a system bus with several sockets or slots therein which receive memory modules. Each module can be used to implement at least one of a variety of functions. The functions include operating system programs, application programs, and random access memories (RAM). Each slot has a module select line coupled to it at the same location. A module select circuit is provided which enables the module select lines to select the appropriate module or modules. Modules implementing the same type of function, or different functions, can be plugged into the slots in any order. Each module implementing the same type of function is allocated the same address block and starts at the same address. In the cases of operating system modules and application program modules, the module which is enabled by the module select line acts as the program memory for the processor so that the program is instantaneously in memory from the time the module is selected.