Abstract: A pneumatically operable fastener-driving tool and seal mechanism assembly, and a method of operating the same, comprises the use of a single, annular seal member, having a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configuration, disposed within an annularly recessed portion of the fastener-driving tool piston in such a manner that the open region of the V-shaped annular seal member is disposed toward the relatively high-pressure upstream end portion of the fastener-driving tool cylinder, while, conversely, the closed region of the V-shaped annular seal member is disposed toward the relatively low-pressure downstream end portion of the pneumatic tool cylinder Accordingly, the relatively high-pressure air acts upon the radially outwardly flared lip portion of the annular seal member during a power stroke, while relatively low-pressure air acts upon the radially outwardly flared lip portion of the annular seal member during a return stroke, whereby only a single V-shaped annular seal member is required to achieve

Abstract: A follower mechanism of the bypass type comprises a follower body which is normally spring-biased in the forward direction so as to, in turn, normally bias a strip supply of nail-type fasteners in the forward direction toward a discharge path along which the leading one of the nail-type fasteners will he driven and discharged out from the fastener-driving tool. A follower claw is normally spring-biased, around the pivotal axis of a pivot pin mounted upon the follower body, to a position at which the follower claw can engage the trailing one of the nail-type fasteners so as to bias the supply strip of nail-type fasteners in the forward direction. A latch-hook is integrally provided upon the follower claw for engaging an undercut region of the fastener-driving tool magazine end cap in order to retain the entire follower mechanism at a rearwardly retracted position within the magazine assembly of the fastener-driving machine.

Abstract: A pneumatically operable fastener-driving tool and seal mechanism assembly, and a method of operating the same, comprises the use of a single, annular seal member, having a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configuration, disposed within an annularly recessed portion of the fastener-driving tool piston in such a manner that the open region of the V-shaped annular seal member is disposed toward the relatively high-pressure upstream end portion of the fastener-driving tool cylinder, while, conversely, the closed region of the V-shaped annular seal member is disposed toward the relatively low-pressure downstream end portion of the pneumatic tool cylinder Accordingly, the relatively high-pressure air acts upon the radially outwardly flared lip portion of the annular seal member during a power stroke, while relatively low-pressure air acts upon the radially outwardly flared lip portion of the annular seal member during a return stroke, whereby only a single V-shaped annular seal member is required to achieve

Abstract: Attachments for a fastening tool are configured to position the fastening tool raceway for driving a fastener from the tool into a workpiece at a desired location. The attachments include work contact elements including a pair of surfaces for contact with two surfaces of the workpiece to properly position the tool raceway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring electromagnetic field power density are disclosed. The system includes a broadband antenna configured to convert a plurality of electromagnetic waves at a plurality of frequencies into a broadband signal. The system also includes a power adjustment system configured to passively selectively attenuate the broadband signal to provide a filtered output signal for a predetermined range of frequencies. The system further includes an output system configured provide an indicator to an end-user of the system if the filtered output signal exceeds a predetermined threshold level that characterizes a predetermined electromagnetic power density threshold.

Abstract: A radio-frequency (RF) transmitter power amplifier circuit provides for practically linear performance by predistorting the amplifier input signals to compensate for amplifier distortion at high power levels, and provides a fine degree of control of amplifier power needed to handle complex modulation schemes with widely and rapidly varying power requirements. A predistortion database (20) contains gain and phase corrections for various transmission types and a separate automatic gain control database (38) contains fine amplifier gain corrections. A real-time processor (26) combines the two types of corrections and applies them to the amplifier input signals, and a background processor (16) continually updates both databases in accordance with a programmable priority scheme. Integration of predistortion and amplifier power control is achieved in a manner that minimizes adverse effects of one type of control on the other.

Abstract: The invention involves a pressure fault device for indicating a threshold pressure or a threshold differential pressure. The present invention provides a cost effective way to determine where a pressure problem has occurred. The device includes a housing having at least one inlet aperture and an indicator aperture and having first and second bores in fluid communication respectively with one inlet aperture and the indicator aperture. The device further includes a magnetic piston which is biased in the first bore toward one inlet aperture and moveable a predetermined distance in another direction in the first bore in response to inlet threshold pressure. The device further includes a magnetic responder which is moveable toward the indicator aperture in the second bore in response to movement of the magnetic piston. The device further includes a latching plate in magnetic relationship to the magnetic responder when the piston moves the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A parallel-push brake assembly for bicycles that provides substantially translational motion of the brake pad using a mechanism that is relatively free of tolerance build-up or slop.

Abstract: A piston transducer having a central longitudinal axis and at least one piston member and an active transducer section displaced from one another along the longitudinal axis. Movement of the active transducer section is generally in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a series of lever arms couple the movement of the active transducer section into a corresponding axial movement of the piston member and which axial movement is with a uniform velocity across the radiating surface thereof. For two-sided radiation, another piston member and series of levers may be connected to the active transducer section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise originating in a flowing stream of gases in which the noise is progressively absorbed from the flowing stream to provide noise of reduced intensity relative to noise intensity at the upstream end of the stream, and the noise of reduced intensity actively attenuated with controlled sound energy. To facilitate the active attenuation of noise, the flowing stream is preferably divided into a plurality of smaller streams after a level of reduced intensities is attained and the active attenuation performed independently in each of the smaller streams. The apparatus is in the nature of a conduit (10) which defines a single duct extending from the inlet end (14) for a portion of the length of the conduit. Downstream, the single duct joins with a plurality of ducts (32,34) extending to the outlet end (16). An active noise attenuating device is preferably provided in each of the plurality of ducts.

Abstract: An electronic system for integrating a user's moving image into a computer-generated pictorial environment, and allowing the user to interact with the environment and objects therein. The environment is rendered on a screen display in a manner that simulates three dimensions, including respect for occlusion relationships among the user and objects in the environment. The resulting image, which changes as the user gestures and interacts with the environment, is projected onto a large screen that the user faces. The environment includes a series of mobile entities, or "agents," which respond to one or more of the user's changing position, gestures and voice, exhibiting context-dependent behavior that appears semi-intelligent.