Abstract: A portable wireless andon communication system and method for use in manufacturing, assembly and other industrial settings. A transmitter station and receiver station are set up for immediate use by simply connecting each to a standard power source. A user needing assistance manually activates a switch at the transmitter station, thus turning on a light and transmitting a corresponding signal to the receiver station. The receiver station receives the signal and turns on a corresponding light and tone generator. The tone generator and light alert indicate to the proper parties the request for a response. A responding party scans transmitter stations for the corresponding light and provides assistance. The switch may be a sensor activated by a change in state indicating that assistance is required. The portable system is easily reconfigured if necessitated by layout changes in a manufacturing line.

Abstract: A window position detection and anti-pinch system and method for detecting the presence of an obstruction between a window and window frame of a door assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes at least one sensing device disposed adjacent the window detecting the position of the window in the window frame and generating an output representative of the detected position of the window. A controller responsive to the output generated by the at least one sensing device compares the window position signal output against predetermined values to determine window position and whether an obstruction exists between the window and window frame.

Abstract: A portable wireless andon communication system and method for use in manufacturing, assembly and other industrial settings. A transmitter station and receiver station are set up for immediate use by simply connecting each to a standard power source. A user needing assistance manually activates a switch at the transmitter station, thus turning on a light and transmitting a corresponding signal to the receiver station. The receiver station receives the signal and turns on a corresponding light and tone generator. The tone generator and light alert indicate to the proper parties the request for a response. A responding party scans transmitter stations for the corresponding light and provides assistance. The switch may be a sensor activated by a change in state indicating that assistance is required. The portable system is easily reconfigured if necessitated by layout changes in a manufacturing line.

Abstract: A universal garage door operating system and method. In one embodiment, a vehicle transmitter is provided transmitting a wireless garage door transmitter control signal. A control module is provided for mounting in a structure such as a garage, and is adapted to receive a wireless garage door transmitter. The control module includes a receiver for receiving the garage door transmitter control signal, a controller for generating a garage door transmitter actuator control signal in response to the garage door transmitter control signal, and an actuator for actuating the garage door transmitter in response to the garage door actuator control signal so that the garage door transmitter transmits a wireless garage door control signal for use in operating a garage door.

Abstract: A window position detection and anti-pinch system and method for detecting the presence of an obstruction between a window and window frame of a door assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes at least one sensing device disposed adjacent the window detecting the position of the window in the window frame and generating an output representative of the detected position of the window. A controller responsive to the output generated by the at least one sensing device compares the window position signal output against predetermined values to determine window position and whether an obstruction exists between the window and window frame.

Abstract: A motor control system and method for detecting an obstruction for an automatic window of a vehicle include a window frame having an opening defined therebetween and a window pane disposed within the opening of the window frame. The motor control system includes a plurality of transmitters that emit an electromagnetic energy signal and a plurality of sensors which detect the signals in the opening of the window frame. A control module in communication with the plurality of transmitters and sensors processes the detected signals and transmits a signal to a drive motor to stop the upward travel of a window based on the detection of an obstruction between the window frame and the window pane.

Abstract: A non-contact optoelectronic system for an automatic vehicle door closure to detect the presence of an obstruction and a method of detecting the presence of the obstruction. The non-contact optoelectronic system includes at least one transmitter for emitting an electromagnetic energy signal and at least one sensor for detecting the electromagnetic energy signal emitted by the at least one transmitter. A control module in communication with the at least one transmitter and at least one sensor monitors and processes the signal interrupts detected by the at least one sensor to sense an obstruction between the at least one transmitter and at least one sensor. The control module generates a motor control signal to stop and open a vehicle door upon detection of an obstruction between the at least one transmitter and at least one sensor.

Abstract: This invention is a device for orally directing air while wearing an air mask. In the invention, a tube extends from outside the air mask, through the air mask, and into the mask wearer's mouth. The tube is fitted with means to seal its passage through the mask and may also include a one-way valve to prevent aspiration through it. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is manufactured separately from an air mask and may be reused after the air mask becomes worn out.

Abstract: A method and related system are disclosed for controlling the operation of a fixed rate pumped hydrocyclone liquid separation unit to maintain a desired back-pressure therein. A pressure control valve and a liquid level control valve are connected to a separated liquid discharge conduit extending from at least one hydrocyclone. The pressure control valve operates in response to the pressure of the liquid introduced into the hydrocyclone and the liquid level control valve operates in response to the liquid level within a liquid holding vessel that supplies the liquid through a fixed rate pump to the hydrocyclone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding doors for closure of entranceways and to companionway entrance closure for watercraft in particular. A sliding plastic door panel is provided and the door panel, being translucent, admits light into the interior of a cabin area. The entire door assembly is mounted on the outside of a boat cabin and does not take up space in the cabin interior, but allows more usable cabin space within.Upper and lower plastic tracks are provided for movement of plastic roller trucks therein. The door panel, the two open tracks and the roller assembly are non metallic and non-corroding and the rollers do not require lubrication. The door panel and other parts do not require painting and provide a track and roller arrangement in which the weight of the sliding door panel is directed downward against the bottom of the track, and provides a sliding door that is smooth and easy to use in operation, and very attractive in appearance.

Abstract: An integrated filling and pasteurizing apparatus comprising a filling machine and a pasteurizing machine. The pasteurizing machine having a balance tank for temporary storage of the product to be pasteurized, and a pasteurizing station coupled to receive the product from the balance tank and to deliver the pasteurized product to the filling machine. The filling machine includes a hopper coupled to receive pasteurized product from the pasteurizing station, a container-filling station connected to the output of the hopper, and drive mechanisms for sequentially delivering containers to be filled to the filling station and for sequentially moving filled containers from the filling station to a container-closure station.

Abstract: A production facility utilizes a first high pressure separation zone, a second intermediate pressure separation zone, a first distillation zone, and a second distillation zone, where the vapor fraction from the second intermediate pressure separation zone and the overhead stream from the first distillation column are recompressed to about the first high pressure. Such a process can produce specification residue gas streams, natural gas liquid streams, and a stabilized condensate stream.