Abstract: A wireless hoist system including a first hoist device having a first motor and a first wireless transceiver and a second hoist device having a second motor and a second wireless transceiver. The wireless hoist system includes a controller in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless. The controller is configured to receive a user input and determine a first operation parameter and a second operation parameter based on the user input. The controller is also configured to provide, wirelessly, a first control signal indicative of the first operation parameter to the first hoist device and provide, wirelessly, a second control signal indicative of the second operation parameter to the second hoist device. The first hoist device operates based on the first control signal and the second hoist device operates based on the second control signal.

Abstract: A detector for detecting detonatable devices such as land mines has a a search head with a probe having a tip for placing beneath the surface of the ground. The probe tip ultrasonically provides an indication of the presence of a metal or plastic material. A force sensor coupled to the probe time provides an indication of force at the tip as it is placed beneath the ground surface. Therefore, before too much force is applied to the tip, a user is warned and accidental detonation may be prevented.

Abstract: A hand-held prodder capable of distinguishing inert rock from potentially hazardous landmines or other unknown objects. The prodder comprises a rod which is placed into contact with an unknown object. A high frequency acoustic wave is introduced into the rod and it is reflected back as an elastic wave. The wave is converted to a signal and is processed to determine values representative of the wave's phase shift, characteristic of the object. Different materials exhibit different acoustic characteristics and alter the wave's phase shift. The phase shift of the wave for an object contact is mixed with the phase shift of a wave for a non-contact for obtaining a solution which isolates the shift due to the object, less the rod's influence. By comparing the phase shift solution against pre-determined solution levels obtained from contact data for known materials, inert rocks are distinguishable from potentially hazardous plastic or metallic objects.

Abstract: A suction relief apparatus for relieving suction at a suction connection of a swimming pool or spa having a main valve member movable from an open to a closed position to relieve suction at the suction connection in the event of a blockage of the suction connection in the pool. The main valve remains closed until a reset valve is opened, at which time a spring returns the main valve to the open condition, enabling suction to resume at the suction connection of the pool. A switch responsive to increased suction indicative of an obstruction may be utilized to deactivate a suction pump motor. In an alternative embodiment, a frangible member may replace the main valve and reset valves to open a connection to ambient air atmosphere in the event of increased suction in the suction line resulting from an obstruction at the suction connection in the pool.

Abstract: A hand-held prodder capable of distinguishing inert rock from potentially hazardous landmines or other unknown objects. The prodder comprises a rod which is placed into contact with an object. A high frequency acoustic or incident wave is introduced into rod and travels along the rod to the object where it is reflected back towards the piezoelectric crystal. The piezoelectric crystal converts the reflected wave to an electric signal and a signal processor determines values representative of the frequency-time-amplitude characteristics of the object. Different materials exhibit different mechanical impedances and frequency damping characteristics. By comparing reflected wave characteristics to pre-determined characteristics for known materials, inert rocks and potentially hazardous plastic or metallic objects are distinguishable. Visual or audible signals inform the user whether rock (safe) or unidentified or known hazardous object were contacted.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus for conveying loose material into an elongated container such as a railroad car. An endless belt conveyor is mounted above and extends the full length of the container. A plurality of equally-spaced, individually, selectively operable discharge stations are disposed along the conveyor for discharging material off the sides of the conveyor into the elongated container, thereby providing for uniform loading of the car. Mechanism is provided for raising the conveyor above the container to permit pivotal side dumping of the container without engagement between the container and the conveyor.

Abstract: A detector for detecting detonatable devices such as land mines has a search head with a probe having a tip for placing beneath the surface of the ground. The probe tip ultrasonically provides an indication of the presence of a metal or plastic material. A force sensor coupled to the probe time provides an indication of force at the tip a it is placed beneath the ground surface. Therefore, before too much force is applied to the tip, a user is warned and accidental detonation may be prevented.