Abstract: A method of using a photosensor as an encoder and a trigger in a production apparatus includes imaging natural surface features of a target, generating data frames of the surface features using the photosensor, processing the data frames to detect movement of the target, and triggering otherwise dormant production components once a movement of the target is detected.

Abstract: A method of using a photosensor as an encoder and a trigger in a production apparatus includes imaging natural surface features of a target, generating data frames of the surface features using the photosensor, processing the data frames to detect movement of the target, and triggering otherwise dormant production components once a movement of the target is detected.

Abstract: A carriage assembly embodying pre-recorded media such as tape or film, and typically a VHS or other standard reel-type video cassette, incorporate built-in self-contained control means. This includes a timer operable to define a pre-set user period, e.g. a hire period from a video library, during which normal replay and other operation of the assembly can take place, and inhibiting means, for example an electrically powered oscillator automatically activated at the end of the period to prevent or inhibit replay or other operation, in the case of the oscillator by emitting a signal picked up by the play back head of the user's equipment so that the image and/or sound is degraded and "jammed." In alternative constructions the inhibiting means act on mechanism of the assembly itself or its interfacing with the equipment to prevent further playback. A counter or other register or memory means may also be incorporated to record usage. The timer can only be reset by use of a code key device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of carburizing and carbonitriding steel parts in the work chamber of a vestibule furnace with a substantially reduced consumption of carbon sources by exposing such parts to a gaseous carbon source such as natural gas while supplying an inert gas to the vestibule at a sufficient rate to control the entry of atmospheric decarburizing agents into the work chamber and to maintain the oxygen content in the vestibule at safe levels, below a minimum level required for supporting combustion or for allowing local puffs and explosions. The vestibule furnace may be of the batch or continuous type. In addition, the carbon potential of the atmosphere within the work chamber of the furnace is preferably continuously sensed and in response to such sensed carbon potential, the flow of natural gas to the work chamber is controlled so as to maintain the carbon potential at a predetermined value.