Abstract: The teleprompter described herein allows for rapid adjustment of the camera position and height, beam splitter mirror assembly height and angle, tripod mounting, as well as additional accessories including counter weights, shoulder pads, batteries and feedback monitors. Further, these adjustments do not require the use of tools. Additionally, the invention described herein provides a second, lower plane of contact for camera mounting which allows for the use of heavier cameras.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire hydrant locating system which includes a hydrant locator that facilitates the location of a hydrant by firefighters, particularly in an emergency vehicle such as a fire engine. The hydrant locator as secured to the hydrant cylinder has a low profile. The hydrant locating system includes a transmitter adapted to be located in the emergency vehicle. Upon actuation of a switch in the transmitter in the emergency vehicle a receiver-signal generator in the hydrant locator will be activated to set off strobe lights to alert firefighters of the hydrant location. The receiver-signal generator in the hydrant locator includes a strobe light structure. The transmitter can be set such that when actuated it will activate only those hydrant locators within a preselected range such as approximately 1500 feet.

Abstract: A desktop binder for converting a plurality of sheets of paper into book form using a flexible binding media, or binder-tape, to attach the book spine and covers. The binder-tape is pre-coated with a hot melt adhesive and includes indicia that the binder can decode. The binder can utilize binder-tape both in roll or sheet format where the width of said binder-tape is equal to the long bound edge of the book. The binder-tape is cut to the desired size automatically by a mechanism within the binder. A method is presented for preprinting a spine title on the sheet form of binder-tape. The book is gripped by a roller mechanism that shuttles the book through the various process stages. The completed book may be ejected either from the opening into which it was inserted or, alternatively, transferred through a secondary opening communicating with a book-stacking unit or conveyor.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect fluid coupling is provided that includes a spout assembly comprising a spout fitment having a first fluid opening and a spout valve member having a second fluid opening and capable of rotating from a first position to a second position to form a spout fluid path between the first and second fluid openings. The fluid coupling also includes a service-line connector comprising a line fitment member including a third fluid opening, and a connector valve member having a fourth fluid opening and capable of rotating from a third position to a fourth position to form a connector fluid path between the third and fourth fluid openings, whereby a spout-connector fluid path is formed between the second and fourth fluid openings upon attachment of the service-line connector to the spout assembly.

Abstract: An indicator mechanism symbolizing an operating condition of a valve. The indicator includes a body member attached to the valve and having a window opening. A guide is positioned in the body member to be visible through the window opening. A flower is also disposed within the body member and is movable between a first position retracted from and exposing the guide in the window opening, and a second position extending over and obscuring the guide from the window opening. The flower may be moved by a pressurized fluid acting directly or indirectly on the flower or by mechanical contact with another moving component such as a valve spool.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, a machine for filling containers, such flexible plastic bags, with fluid product, such a liquid food product, uses two container fill nozzles that each has a product supply system. While one of the nozzles is being used to fill containers that are being moved through the machine, the other nozzle and its product supply system is being cleaned. For the cleaning, at least one receptacle is provided to receive a nozzle being cleaned. Any product remaining in the delivery system and nozzle is flushed out through the receptacle in which the nozzle is inserted, and those portions cleaned. Fresh product is then loaded back into the delivery system and dispensed through the nozzle into the containers. This system and these operating techniques allow the product to be changed frequently without having to suffer a significant down time of the filling machine for cleaning.

Abstract: A machine for filling containers, such as flexible plastic bags, with fluid product, such as liquid food product, using two container fill nozzles that each having a product supply system. While one of the nozzles is being used to fill containers that are being moved through the machine, the other nozzle and its product supply system is being cleaned. For the cleaning, at least one receptacle is provided to receive a nozzle being cleaned. Any product remaining in the delivery system and nozzle is flushed out through the receptacle in which the nozzle is inserted, and those portions cleaned. Fresh product is then loaded back into the delivery system and dispensed through the nozzle into the containers. This system and these operating techniques allow the product to be changed frequently without having to suffer a significant down time of the filling machine for cleaning.

Abstract: A machine for automatically filling plastic bags with liquid or particulate material moves a continuous web of such bags through a number of serially positioned work stations. The bags are completely sealed when they enter the machine. As each bag passes through a slitting work station, a specially shaped opening is cut into the bag near an end of it which will become its top. When the bag proceeds to a filling work station, it is held vertically and a specially shaped fill nozzle is moved downward and rotated for entry into the bag through the slit opening. A valve is provided within the fill nozzle for controlling entry of the material into the bag. The valve and fill nozzle are cooperatively controlled by a single mechanism. The bags are transported through the various work stations by a positive toothed belt drive that preferably holds the bags flat until the filling station, wherein the belts are then moveable toward and away from each other in order to allow filling of the bag.

Abstract: A machine for automatically filling plastic bags with liquid or particulate material moves a continuous web of such bags through a number of serially positioned work stations. The bags are completely sealed when they enter the machine. As each bag passes through a slitting work station, a specially shaped opening is cut into the bag near an end of it which will become its top. When the bag proceeds to a filling work station, it is held vertically and a specially shaped fill nozzle is moved downward and rotated for entry into the bag through the slit opening. A valve is provided within the fill nozzle for controlling entry of the material into the bag. The valve and fill nozzle are cooperatively controlled by a single mechanism. The bags are transported through the various work stations by a positive toothed belt drive that preferably holds the bags flat until the filling station, wherein the belts are then moveable toward and away from each other in order to allow filling of the bag.

Abstract: A hand-held "Mouse" contains an optical system for detecting the number of patterns crossed by its movement across a periodic optical pattern. The optical system is limited to detecting the distance traveled by the mouse across the pattern, a mechanical displacement device within the mouse being utilized to detect the direction of movement. Signals from the optical distance detector and the mechanical direction detector are combined to drive the cursor in a controlled direction across a cathode ray tube or other display device.

Abstract: An automated liquid dispenser for dispensing reagents or diluting samples with reagent automatically with enhanced accuracy, precision and speed, which comprises a dispenser frame carrying demountable precision metering syringes that are reciprocated and a rotary valve for each syringe that is stepped in accord with a programmed local microprocessor or remote computer control to connect the syringe selectively in sequence to one of a sample probe, reagent reservoir, atmosphere or another syringe cylinder.

Abstract: A servo controlled actuator for an automated liquid dispenser for dispensing reagents or diluting samples with reagent automatically in accord with a programmed local microprocessor or remote computer control. The dispenser has at least one reciprocable syringe, valving for it and a syringe actuator driven by a hybrid servo control. The actuator includes a bi-directional variable speed motor and an encoder developing a pulse train which in number is representative of the position of the syringe piston and in repetition rate is representative of piston velocity. A microprocessor controls the piston stroke from the pulse train by comparison to a memory-stored count and controls piston velocity in predetermined relation to the terminal end of piston travel.

Abstract: A vortexer apparatus having a hold down plate detachably mounted to an upright cylindrical support, said support having a pair of splines formed thereon, the end of one spline being spaced from the near end of the other spline by a circumferential groove, said hold down plate being supported from an elongate sleeve axially engageable with said support, and having a key engageable with said pair of splines. A torque arm is provided for selectively locating the cylindrical support and hold down plate relative to a base and an agitated platform.

Abstract: Three embodiments of a hydraulic safety mechanism are adapted to adjust the speed setting for an engine upon a reduction of pressure in a chamber, due for example, to loss of lubricating pressure, overspeeding of the engine or overheating, for example. In each embodiment, a speed control element for the engine is maintained in a normal operating position by a piston and cylinder combination which hydraulically blocks the chamber from the fluid drain in a normal operating position, the piston responding to reduced pressure in the chamber by communicating the chamber with the drain the piston thereby being hydraulically unlatched and permitting the speed control element to be repositioned to a reduced speed setting. A restrictive orifice, preferably of variable size and self-cleaning construction, regulates communication between the hydraulic circuit and the chamber. In another embodiment the safety mechanism includes a solenoid and accumulator chamber to adapt it for remote operation.

Abstract: The end of a movable belt adjoins a supporting surface for removing a bottom sheet from a stack of sheets sitting on the supporting surface. A wall structure over the conveyor belt prevents those sheets other than the bottom sheet from being removed from the stack. The sheet supporting surface may be a transparent plate with a document reader located thereunder, thus allowing sheets containing information thereon to be placed face down on the glass plate and optically read automatically before removal by the movable belt.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system is described including a plurality of annunciators in which movable shuttle elements indicate normal and abnormal conditions. In the event an abnormal condition is sensed causing the shuttle element in any of the annunciators to move to the abnormal position, a bias pressure is applied to brake means in the annunciators to lock the position of the shuttle elements which have not moved. Thus, those of the annunciators which are not associated with an abnormal condition continue to indicate the normal condition.