Abstract: A method of creating a sand mold for rapid casting, including the steps of determining a mold shape, providing a generally uniform thickness layer of sand, curing at least a portion of the layer of sand, machining the cured portions of the layer of sand based on the desired mold shape, and repeating the layer-forming, curing and machining steps until the sand mold is complete. Another aspect includes a machine for creating the sand mold having a build envelope defined by side walls, a movable build platform and at least one movable tool assembly, the movable tool assembly having a single or plurality of tools chosen from the group consisting of a sand dispenser, a sand leveling device, a curing device, and a machining device.

Abstract: A method of forming a self-supported electronic device, including depositing a sacrificial layer on a first surface substrate, wherein the sacrificial layer is substantially soluble in a first solvent. At least one device layer is deposited in a desired pattern on top of the sacrificial layer. The at least one device layer is substantially insoluble in the at least one device layer. The sacrificial layer is at least partially dissolved in the first solvent to release at least a portion of the first device layer from the substrate. The at least one device layer removed from the substrate forms a self-supported electronic device, which is a thin film electronic device having at least a portion thereof that is not supported by a material carrier.

Abstract: A method of creating a sand mold for rapid casting, including the steps of determining a mold shape, providing a generally uniform thickness layer of sand, curing at least a portion of the layer of sand, machining the cured portions of the layer of sand based on the desired mold shape, and repeating the layer-forming, curing and machining steps until the sand mold is complete. Another aspect includes a machine for creating the sand mold having a build envelope defined by side walls, a movable build platform and at least one movable tool assembly, the movable tool assembly having a single or plurality of tools chosen from the group consisting of a sand dispenser, a sand leveling device, a curing device, and a machining device.

Abstract: An improved multipoint door lock system of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,077 additionally includes header and sill lock pins actuated by lost motion mechanisms for respective movement from a retracted position to an advanced deadbolt locking position engaged with respective header and sill keepers, in response to movement of one or more latch bolts from a normal latched position to a further extended deadbolt position. The latch bolts are further movable between the normal latched position engaged with associated strike sets on the adjacent door jamb for maintaining the door in a closed position, and a retracted position to permit swinging movement of the door to an open position. The lost motion mechanisms associated with the header and sill pins accommodate latch bolt movement between the latched and retracted positions, without displacing the header and sill pins.

Abstract: A latch and lock extension is provided for a round top door, for use in combination with a multipoint latch and lock mechanism of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,077. The extension comprises a curved channel for guiding an elongated auxiliary actuator drive bar along a curved path from one side edge of the door where it is coupled with a main drive bar as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,077, to at least one auxiliary latch cartridge disposed generally at the top of the round top door for engaging an associated keeper in the top of the door frame. The auxiliary actuator drive bar is constructed from an assembled plurality of articulating links and a plurality of relatively rigid bridge links to accommodate the size and curved shape of the curved channel.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the electrical conductivity of a conductive ink trace pattern provided on a substrate involves the printing of a conductive ink on a substrate to form a trace pattern thereon, fixing the trace pattern to the substrate and performing calendering on the substrate having the trace pattern fixed thereto.

Abstract: A door latch operator includes a hand grip actuator lever for retracting one or more latch bolts mounted at a free side edge of a door, such as an entry door for a residence or place of business. The actuator lever is pivotally mounted at an inboard side of a manually grasped handle for grasping and squeezing with the fingers against the door handle to operate a torque converter or cam module for indexing a rotary cam through a rotary step. The rotary cam is coupled to a latch bolt retractor mechanism for retracting the latch bolt or bolts and thereby permit opening of the door. In a preferred form, the latch bolt retractor mechanism operates multiple latch bolts mounted along the free side edge of the door.

Abstract: An improved multipoint door lock system of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,077 additionally includes header and sill lock pins actuated by lost motion mechanisms for respective movement from a retracted position to an advanced deadbolt locking position engaged with respective header and sill keepers, in response to movement of one or more latch bolts from a normal latched position to a further extended deadbolt position. The latch bolts are further movable between the normal latched position engaged with associated strike sets on the adjacent door jamb for maintaining the door in a closed position, and a retracted position to permit swinging movement of the door to an open position. The lost motion mechanisms associated with the header and sill pins accommodate latch bolt movement between the latched and retracted positions, without displacing the header and sill pins.

Abstract: An astragal boot provides a substantially weatherproof seal at a lower end of a vertically elongated astragal installed on the free side edge or stile of a semi-active door in a double door entry set or the like. The astragal boot includes at least one and preferably multiple compliant fins for engaging an underlying threshold, when the semi-active door is in a closed position, to provide an effective barrier against penetration of wind and water. In the preferred form, the astragal boot further supports and retains adjacent ends of complaint weatherstripping mounted on the astragal and/or the bottom edge of the door. The astragal boot may be provided in a non-handed configuration for reversible mounting on a left-hand or right-hand installed semi-active door.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for a pen includes a cartridge having a writing tip. An ink reservoir is contained within the ink cartridge and communicates with the writing tip for allowing ink transfer from the ink reservoir through the writing tip. A microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer sensor is mounted within the cartridge in a position for generating an acceleration signal indicative of movement of the writing tip. A transmitter is operatively connected to the microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer sensor and receives any acceleration signals generated from the microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer sensor and transmits any acceleration signals to a remote processor, such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a personal computer where any acceleration signals are processed for recreating handwritten signals and communications.

Abstract: An astragal boot provides a substantially weatherproof seal at a lower end of a vertically elongated astragal installed on the free side edge or stile of a semi-active door in a double door entry set or the like. The astragal boot includes at least one and preferably multiple compliant fins for engaging an underlying threshold, when the semi-active door is in a closed position, to provide an effective barrier against penetration of wind and water. In the preferred form, the astragal boot further supports and retains adjacent ends of complaint weatherstripping mounted on the astragal and/or the bottom edge of the door. The astragal boot may be provided in a non-handed configuration for reversible mounting on a left-hand or right-hand installed semi-active door.

Abstract: A slide bolt unit is provided for releasibly locking a door or window or the like, such as a semi-active door in a double door entry set. The slide bolt unit includes an elongated slide bolt carried by a channel-shaped housing adapted for recessed mounting into a side edge of a door or the like. An actuator tab on the slide bolt is exposed through a position control slot formed in the housing for fingertip actuation to displace the slide bolt between an advanced position engaging a keeper on an adjacent header or sill or the like to lock the door in a closed position, and a retracted position to permit door opening.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for a pen includes a cartridge having a writing tip. An ink reservoir is contained within the ink cartridge and communicates with the writing tip for allowing ink transfer from the ink reservoir through the writing tip. A microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer sensor is mounted within the cartridge in a position for generating an acceleration signal indicative of movement of the writing tip. A transmitter is operatively connected to the microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer sensor and receives any acceleration signals generated from the microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer sensor and transmits any acceleration signals to a remote processor, such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a personal computer where any acceleration signals are processed for recreating handwritten signals and communications.

Abstract: A multipoint lock assembly is provided for securing a sliding door in a tightly closed and locked condition. The multipoint lock assembly comprises a plurality of latch cartridges mounted at vertically spaced positions along a free side edge of a sliding door, wherein the latch cartridges each include a keyhole-shaped latch port and are movable together for engaging headed latch pins mounted on an adjacent door jamb. A main actuator cartridge is mounted on the door for moving the latch cartridges to an unlatched position to permit door movement to an open position in response to rotation of a door handle. A trigger assembly retains the latch cartridges in the unlatched position until the door is closed, at which time the trigger assembly releases the latch cartridges for spring-loaded movement to a latched position engaging the latch pins. A security deadbolt is also provided on the main actuator cartridge and can be thrown when the door is closed for positively locking the door.

Abstract: A door lock assembly is provided for secure multipoint locking of a door. The lock assembly comprises a main lock cartridge in combination with one or more remote secondary lock cartridges mounted at one side edge of a door, with the main lock cartridge having an actuator for manipulating a plurality of lock members. In one preferred form for use with a hinged or swinging door, the lock members comprise a plurality of latch bolts movable to a first extended position for normal door latching, or to a second and further extended position to function as multiple deadbolts. In an alternate preferred form for use with a sliding door, the lock members comprise headed latch pins for engaging keeper plates on the adjacent door jamb.

Abstract: A door lock assembly is provided for secure multipoint locking of a door. The lock assembly comprises a main lock cartridge in combination with one or more remote secondary lock cartridges mounted at one side edge of a door, with the main lock cartridge having an actuator for manipulating a plurality of lock members. In one preferred form for use with a hinged or swinging door, the lock members comprise a plurality of latch bolts movable to a first extended position for normal door latching, or to a second and further extended position to function as multiple deadbolts. In an alternate preferred form for use with a sliding door, the lock members comprise headed latch pins for engaging keeper plates on the adjacent door jamb.

Abstract: A door lock assembly is provided for secure multipoint locking of a door. The lock assembly comprises a main lock cartridge in combination with one or more remote secondary lock cartridges mounted at one side edge of a door, with the main lock cartridge having an actuator for manipulating a plurality of lock members. In one preferred form for use with a hinged or swinging door, the lock members comprise a plurality of latch bolts movable to a first extended position for normal door latching, or to a second and further extended position to function as multiple deadbolts. In an alternate preferred form for use with a sliding door, the lock members comprise headed latch pins for engaging .keeper plates on the adjacent door jamb.

Abstract: A door lock assembly is provided for secure multipoint locking of a door. The lock assembly comprises a main lock cartridge in combination with one or more remote secondary lock cartridges mounted at one side edge of a door, with the main lock cartridge having an actuator for manipulating a plurality of lock members. In one preferred form for use with a hinged or swinging door, the lock members comprise a plurality of latch bolts movable to a first extended position for normal door latching, or to a second and further extended position to function as multiple deadbolts. In an alternate preferred form for use with a sliding door, the lock members comprise headed latch pins for engaging keeper plates on the adjacent door jamb.

Abstract: An improved door handle and lock assembly is provided for use with sliding glass patio doors of the type used in residential dwellings and the like. The handle and lock assembly comprises inside and outside escutcheons for mounting onto the vertical stile at one side edge of a sliding door and carrying a respective pair of handles for use in manually sliding the door between open and closed positions. A lock mechanism mounted into the stile is operated by a keyed lock cylinder unit mounted on the outside escutcheon and by a manually pivoted latch lever mounted on the inside escutcheon. The handles and latch lever are adapted for reversible mounting onto their associated escutcheons to permit reconfiguration of the assembly for mounting onto the stile at the left or right side edge of the door.