Abstract: Paper plates currently have no designated storage space built into any kitchen, craft, or workroom. The Plate-let gives decorative storage solutions for disposable dinnerware. This solution will give convenient storage solutions without having to create an additional space in existing cabinets and drawers. The design and multiple abilities give the Plate-let flexible usage possibilities.

Abstract: Paper Plates currently have no designated storage space built into any kitchen, craft, or workroom. The Plate-let gives decorative storage solutions for disposable dinnerware. This solution will give convenient storage solutions without having to create additional space in existing cabinets or drawers. The design and multiple mounting abilities give the Plate-let flexible usage possibilities.

Abstract: Paper Plates currently have no designated storage space built into any kitchen, craft, or workroom. The Plate-let gives decorative storage solutions for disposable dinnerware. This solution will give convenient storage solutions without having to create additional space in existing cabinets or drawers. The design and multiple mounting abilities give the Plate-let flexible usage possibilities.

Abstract: A pitch training system for indicating whether a thrown baseball has passed through a strike zone includes a zone assembly for detecting a baseball passing through the zone assembly. The zone assembly indicates when the baseball passes through a strike zone as determined by the zone assembly. A backstop is aligned with and positioned a distance from the zone assembly. The backstop intercepts the baseball thrown through the zone assembly.

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal induces acoustic chaos in the structure that causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, the transducer is a broadband transducer. A thermal imaging camera images the structure when it is heated by the sound signal.

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, a hard metal disk is positioned between the transducer and the structure to help couple the sound energy from the transducer into the structure. A predetermined force is applied to the transducer and a pulse duration and a pulse frequency of the sound signal are selected so that the sound energy induces acoustic chaos in the structure, thus generating increased thermal energy. A thermal imaging camera images the structure when it is heated by the sound signal.

Abstract: A hand-held sound source for use in an infrared or thermal imaging system that detects sub-surface defects in a structure. The sound source includes a transducer that is positioned against the structure to emit a sound signal into the structure. The sound source further includes an adjustable spring that pushes the transducer against the structure with a predetermined amount of force so that the sound energy is effectively coupled into the structure. The sound source also includes three stabilizing legs that stabilize the transducer on the structure. The length of each leg can be adjustable relative to the length of the other legs so that the sound source can be used against irregular surfaces.

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by a sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, a non-linear coupling material is positioned between the transducer and the structure to couple the sound energy from the transducer to the structure. A predetermined force is applied to the transducer and a pulse duration and a pulse frequency of the sound signal are selected so that the sound energy induces acoustic chaos in the structure, thus generating increased thermal energy. A thermal imaging camera images the structure when it is heated by the sound signal.

Abstract: A hand-held sound source for use in an infrared or thermal imaging system that detects sub-surface defects in a structure. The sound source includes a transducer that is positioned against the structure to emit a sound signal into the structure. The sound source further includes an adjustable spring that pushes the transducer against the structure with a predetermined amount of force so that the sound energy is effectively coupled into the structure. The sound source also includes three stabilizing legs that stabilize the transducer on the structure. The length of each leg can be adjustable relative to the length of the other legs so that the sound source can be used against irregular surfaces.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for detecting cracks and defects in a structure. An ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the structure through a malleable coupler. Ultrasonic energy from the transducer causes the defects to heat up, which is detected by a thermal camera. A control unit is employed to provide timing and control for the operation of the ultrasonic transducer and the camera.

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by a sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, the sound signal has one or more frequencies that are at or near an eigen-mode of the structure. In another embodiment, an on-linear coupling material is positioned between the transducer and the structure to couple the sound energy from the transducer to the structure. A predetermined force is applied to the transducer and a pulse duration and a pulse frequency of the sound signal are selected so that the sound energy induces acoustic chaos in the structure, thus generating increased thermal energy. A thermal imaging camera images the structure when it is heated by the sound signal.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for detecting cracks and defects in a structure. An ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the structure through a malleable coupler. Ultrasonic energy from the transducer causes the defects to heat up, which is detected by a thermal camera. A control unit is employed to provide timing and control for the operation of the ultrasonic transducer and the camera.

Abstract: A system for the thermal imaging of sonically or ultrasonically excited subsurface defects in a structure. The system includes a hand-held sound source, a thermal imaging camera and a control unit. The sound source emits pulses of sound energy into the structure, and the camera generates images of defects in the structure that are heated by the sound energy. The control unit controls the operation of the sound source on the camera for timing purposes. The sound source includes a transducer that is positioned against the structure at a desirable location. The source further includes a pair of legs that are also positioned against the structure to define a plane in combination with the transducer. The length of each leg is adjustable relative to the length of the transducer so that the gun can be used against irregular surfaces. The legs include a rubber tip to further prevent the transducer from slipping on the structure.

Abstract: A system for the thermal imaging of sonically or ultrasonically excited subsurface defects in a structure. The system includes a hand-held sound source, a thermal imaging camera and a control unit. The sound source emits pulses of sound energy into the structure, and the camera generates images of defects in the structure that are heated by the sound energy. The control unit controls the operation of the sound source on the camera for timing purposes. The sound source includes a transducer that is positioned against the structure at a desirable location. The source further includes a pair of legs that are also positioned against the structure to define a plane in combination with the transducer. The length of each leg is adjustable relative to the length of the transducer so that the gun can be used against irregular surfaces. The legs include a rubber tip to further prevent the transducer from slipping on the structure.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for detecting cracks in a tooth. An ultrasonic dental cleaning tool is used to transmit ultrasonic energy through a jet of water to the tooth that causes cracks in the tooth to heat up. A thermal camera is used to detect the thermal radiation emitted by the heated cracks. The ultrasonic energy is in the form of a pulse where the frequency of the ultrasonic signal is substantially constant within the pulse. The control unit is employed to provide timing and control of the operation of the dental cleaning tool and the camera.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for detecting cracks and defects in a component. An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) is coupled to the component, and introduces pulsed sound signals therein. The sound signals cause the defects to heat up. The IR radiation from the heated pulses is detected by a thermal camera. The amplitude of the pulsed signals are substantially constant, and the frequency of the pulsed signal can be changed within each pulse. A control unit is employed to provide timing and control for the operation of the EMAT and the camera.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for detecting cracks and defects in a component. An ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the specimen through a malleable coupler. Ultrasonic energy from the transducer causes the defects to heat up, which is detected by a thermal camera. The ultrasonic energy is in the form of a pulse where the frequency of the ultrasonic signal is substantially constant within the pulse. A control unit is employed to provide timing and control for the operation of the ultrasonic transducer and the camera.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that can be operated by one person to move an article such as a pool table, vending machine, and the like, from place to place over a floor surface. The apparatus is made of a planar base and planar platform with a structure for slidably moving the apparatus across the floor. The apparatus includes a mechanism for pivotally connecting the base and platform attached at opposing sides of the apparatus. The pivotal connecting mechanism is operable to raise and lower the platform relative the base to selectively move the apparatus between a retracted position and an elevated position. The invention further provides a method of moving an article using the apparatus. In use, an operator positions the apparatus in the retracted position underneath the article and pushes downward on the handle of the movement actuating structure to elevate the platform which then contacts the article and raises it off the floor.

Abstract: A direct-view stereoscopic confocal microscope including a light source, an aperture plate, image collector, and first and second vibrators. The light source is used for illuminating a portion of a specimen and the aperture plate is used for passing a portion of the light emanating from the light source onto a portion of the specimen. The image collector is optically coupled to the illuminated portion of the specimen and acts to separate the image created by the illuminated portion of the specimen from the light illuminating the specimen. A first vibrator is coupled to the specimen for vibrating the specimen along a first axis and the second vibrator is coupled to the image collector, and synchronized with said first vibrator, for vibrating the collecting means along a second axis.

Abstract: A pool table ball controller is programmable to vary time, cost, and other parameters relating to money-operated pool tables. A piano-hinge-type guard retains the balls and is operated by an electric motor driving a linkage to raise and lower the guard. Since the electric motor can be stopped in the lowered position, timed pool play can be selected so that the balls will continue to return to the user rather than being retained. The controller can be used to select between timed and rack play for a user of the pool table or may be moved into a programming mode wherein operators of the table can set time parameters relating to length of time for timed play and costs for both timed and rack play. In addition, diagnostic and other messages are displayed on an LCD screen. The controller also allows for programming in periods of time wherein cost and time are varied and when limits may be placed on time play and also periods when either timed or rack play are prohibited.