Abstract: Formed Laser Sources (FLS) using pulsed laser light for generation of ultrasonic stress waves are combined with air-coupled detection of ultrasound to provide for the hybrid non-contact, dynamic and remote ultrasonic testing of structural materials, especially railroad tracks. Using this hybrid technique, multimode and controlled frequency and wavefront surface acoustic waves, plate waves, guided waves, and bulk waves are generated to propagate on and within the rail tracks. The non-contact, remote nature of this methodology enables high-speed, fill access inspections of rail tracks. The flexibility and remote nature of this methodology makes possible the detection of critical cracks that are not easy, or impossible to detect, with current inspection techniques available to the railroad industry.

Abstract: Formed Laser Sources (FLS) using pulsed laser light for generation of ultrasonic stress waves are combined with air-coupled detection of ultrasound to provide for the hybrid non-contact, dynamic and remote ultrasonic testing of structural materials, especially railroad tracks. Using this hybrid technique, multimode and controlled frequency and wavefront surface acoustic waves, plate waves, guided waves, and bulk waves are generated to propagate on and within the rail tracks. The non-contact, remote nature of this methodology enables high-speed, full access inspections of rail tracks. The flexibility and remote nature of this methodology makes possible the detection of critical cracks that are not easy, or impossible to detect, with current inspection techniques available to the railroad industry. For purpose of field testing, the equipment of the present invention can be located above the top surface of the rail.

Abstract: We describe a system for displaying buried utilities to the operator of an excavator. The display is based on 3D images of the subsurface obtained from advanced locating methods. As the excavator moves, the display changes so that it remains centered on the region near the bucket where the buried pipes are in danger of being broken.

Abstract: A hoist is collapsible into a storage box which is preferably mounted in place of a rear bumper on a pickup truck. The hoist has a tubular base which houses the swing arm of the hoist in the collapsed mode. The base of the storage box is reinforced to support the forces of the hoist and allow it to rotate 360 degrees.

Abstract: The invention is a pitching system with a pitching mechanism. A control panel allows a user to separately control ball speed and tilt angle. The control panel also displays an estimated height at which the ball will cross the plate for the selected ball speed and tilt angle. In the preferred embodiment, a vertical row of lamps shows the estimated ball height. The control panel can include symbology to indicate strike zones for batters of different heights. To operate the batting cage, the batter selects the desired ball speed. The control panel displays an estimated ball height based on the selected ball speed and current tilt angle. The batter then adjusts the tilt angle of the pitching mechanism until a desired ball height is reached. The batter then starts the machine. In this manner, the batter avoids wasting balls selecting a preferred choice of ball speed and height. The batter can also change ball speed and tilt angle during a pitching sequence, to alter the strike zone through which balls are pitched.

Abstract: A microwave utensil for heating two different foods having different microwave absorbing properties allows the foods to be heated simultaneously without overheating one of the foods. The utensil includes a lower vessel to receive a first food and a second vessel which is nested within the first vessel to displace a portion of the first food item. A second food item is placed in the second vessel such that the first food item shields the sides of the second food.

Abstract: A hose guide arranged for permitting reorientation and guidance of a fluid in a pneumatic hose is provided to include a central support post mounting an abutment disc at its upper end, and rotatably mounting roller guide discs below the abutment guide disc to permit orientation and alignment of hoses along the guide discs relative to and below the abutment disc.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooking in a microwave oven individual cuts of meat such as rib steaks and prime rib. The implement comprises a base of generally rectangular configuration which is formed of a thermoplastic sheet, such as plexiglass, and is provided adjacent each corner thereof with an upstanding post. The implement also includes a generally rectangular floating member formed of plexiglass having apertures adjacent each corner thereof which are adapted to slideably receive therein the aforementioned posts which are provided on the base of the implement. The individual cut of meat is disposed on the base of the implement and the floating member receives in the apertures thereof, the posts, and floats downwardly on the posts until it is in contact with and resting on the cut of beef to be cooked. The floating member, when in operative position resting upon the cut of beef, permits cooking of the cut of beef around the outer edges thereof leaving the center warm but rarer than the outer edges thereof.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer providing an output for a signal with respect to an on-off mode which depends on a signal having a step function, the signal source is fed to a transistor or suitable amplifier having its base connected to a capacitance sensing means. Resistors are provided for appropriate biasing, current limiting and drain functions as well as capacitors for capacitance balancing purposes. The capacitance sensing means can comprise a touch switch which when touched has its capacitance increased causing the device to function. The change in capacitance can be registered with respect to the rise time or the fall time of the signal, or the leading or trailing edge of the wave. The transistor or amplifier is connected to a load so that when a change of capacitance is sensed, the change will be registered. Other embodiments can incorporate differential amplification means and means to drive the active components with the voltage of the signal source or the clock voltage.

Abstract: An electronic device incorporating a circuit for providing a signal with respect to an on or off mode dependent upon the degree of capacitance. The invention comprises a first and basic embodiment utilizing a signal source having a slope of a step function or specifically one having a fast rise time initiated for example by a clock element. The operative signal criteria demands that the length and slope thereof respectively have an effective amplitude and an effective frequency compatible with the circuit components.The signal source is fed to a transistor or suitable amplifier having its base connected to a capacitance sensing means. Resistors are provided for appropriate biasing, current limiting and drain functions as well as capacitors for capacitance balancing purposes. The capacitance sensing means can comprise a touch switch which when touched has its capacitance increased causing the device to function.