Abstract: An digital interface and receiver for time-of-flight level measurement and pulse-echo ranging systems. The level measurement device comprises a controller, a transducer, a transmitter stage, an interface, and a digital receive signal processing module. The transmitter is operatively coupled to the transducer and responsive to the controller for emitting energy pulses directed at the surface of a material contained in a vessel. The interface is operatively coupled to the transducer and includes an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the energy pulses reflected by the surface. The digital receive signal processing module comprises a plurality of program components for processing the digitized echo pulses and determining a level measurement for the material contained in the vessel.

Abstract: A rotating umbrella includes a canopy which serves a fan. The umbrella canopy is formed by a plurality of segmented petals extending radially outwardly in a fan-like fashion, and connected to a hub mounted on a shaft. The shaft includes a drive shaft member coupled to a second shaft member which connected to the hub at its upper end, wherein the drive shaft member is powered by a motor such that it rotates and operatively engages the second shaft member to rotate the hub and the petals of the canopy. The motor and the drive shaft both mounted on a base plate on the ground to stabilize the umbrella. A cooling breeze is produced when the petals are rotated to deter flying insects and to shield a person setting beneath the umbrella from the elements.

Abstract: A system of providing convenient filling and sealing of air cushions at the site of their intended use, such as at a packaging line. A concatenation of inflatable cushions is prepared with each cushion comprising two thin films of a thermoplastic, at least one of which films has a generally central opening. The films are fused together in discrete areas to define a plurality of inflatable chambers between the films disposed around the opening, with each of the chambers having an inlet passageway communicating with the opening. The cushions are shipped uninflated to the site where they are to be used, and are then inflated and sealed on a device which includes a nozzle for simultaneously directing air through the opening of the cushion and the inlet passageways to inflate the chambers, and a means for sealing together the films in a small area around the opening to close the inlet passageways to the chambers.