Abstract: Systems and methods for recording and delivering personalized audio messages are provided. The system includes a central facility computer system (CF), a store front programming system (SFS), and a portable playback device (PPD). When a customer desires to send a personalized message to another person, the customer communicates via a telecommunications channel with the CF. Under control of a CF processor, a outgoing message module of the CF provides instructions to the customer, who enters required information and provides the personalized audio message. The personalized audio message is digitized by a CF voice digitizer and transmitted from the CF via a data interface to the SFS. The SFS receives the digitized personalized audio message data from the CF and uses its playback device programmer to program data representing the audio message onto the PPD. The PPD is an audio chip having a nonvolatile memory, an external switch, a battery and a speaker.

Abstract: A duct assembly for enclosing conduits therein comprising a base and a pair of opposing side walls extending substantially perpendicular thereto, and a cover having an intermediate portion with a pair of generally parallel end portions extending substantially perpendicular thereto. The side walls of the base each have a tapered rib extending outwardly therefrom for engaging a U-shaped groove in the end portions of the cover to snap-fit the cover to the base. The ribs and grooves cooperate to provide first and second coupled positions. When the duct assembly is in its first position, a recess is formed for inserting a coupling member therein to join a substantially identical duct assembly thereto in a side by side relation. When the duct assembly is in its second position, the ribs and grooves are secured together to provide a smooth outer surface between the cover and the base. The bottom of each base can be snap fitted to the top of an identical base.

Abstract: Flush mountable pulls, latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize a versatile housing together with other components of novel form mounted on the housing to provide a variety of desired features. Pull handles as well as latch and lock operating handles of a wide variety of types can be connected to the housing, as can a wide variety of latch bolt mechanisms that are configured to engage various types of strikers or keeper formations. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy pull, latch and lock assemblies that employ a small number of parts that can be assembled, installed and serviced with ease.

Abstract: Flush mountable latches and locks for industrial cabinets, tool carts, electrical equipment enclosures and the like utilize versatile housings of novel configuration together with a variety of types of handles that are movable relative to the housing to effect unlatching movements of spring-projected slide bolts. Locking mechanisms are mountable on the housings to selectively permit and prevent unlatching movements of the latch bolts. The resulting arrangement provides sturdy latch and lock assemblies that employs a small number of relatively movable parts that can be assembled and serviced with ease.

Abstract: This invention relates to a production tool adapted to be automated and more particularly to such a system having a single drive motor and a plurality of clutch and brake controlled gear systems that may be actuated to move the tool longitudinally from place to place, the tool means having a housing for enclosing the motor and its controls, the housing supporting a fully articulated, power driven load engaging and carrying means that may be controlled to precisely position the load engaging means that is operatively mounted on the end of such articulated means.

Abstract: A sanding block structure having storage means for an elongated strip of abrasive material and including a pusher for driving a portion of the abrasive strip over a work piece is shown wherein the storage means for the abrasive strip and the working surface for engaging the abrasive against the work are carried on a cassette structure that is readily separable as a unit from the pusher.

Abstract: An exciter is disclosed for applying a dynamic torsional force to a rotating structure, such as to the shaft of a turbine generator, the axle of a vehicle, or the like, during mechanical testing to determine the mechanical response characteristics, natural modes of vibration, fatigue life, etc., of the structure. The exciter includes a rotary hydraulic actuator having a housing secured to the structure to be tested and a driveshaft which is rotatable relative to the housing as well as an inertial mass mounted on the driveshaft.