Abstract: A robot system useful in manufacturing environments for diverse applications. The system is characterized by an elongate robot arm operable to selectively position an end effector. The robot arm is configured for movement by a CPU based control system and/or by physical manipulation by a human operator.

Abstract: A lawn sprinkler head protector that is made with a hardened concrete material. The shape of the sprinkler protector creates a housing for the sprinkler head to reside in. The hardened concrete material provides the proper weight for the sprinkler head protector to not be dug up out of the ground by a dog. The round shape of the sprinkler head protector is made in a polymer cast. This round shape makes it more difficult for a dog to dig up when buried in dirt.

Abstract: A robot system characterized by an elongate robot arm formed of multiple joint modules for selectively positioning an end effector carried by the arm's distal end and a computer based control system capable of being programmed by physical manipulation of the arm by a human operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the linear movement between first and second substantially planar surfaces and is useful, for example, in an automatic focusing system of a photographic enlarging or printing machine. The linear movement between a first plane, e.g., a lens plane and a second plane, e.g., a film or print plane, at a single point, e.g., the lens optical center, is determined by measuring the linear movement of two diametrically opposed points proximate to the lens plane equidistant from the lens optical center. The two measured distances are then averaged to yield a distance measurement at the lens optical center corrected for any deflection of the lens plane.