Abstract: A robot for gripping and handling one or more objects, which robot includes a stationary base with a first guide extending in a first direction, and an arm including a second guide extending in a second direction at an angle relative to the first direction, preferably perpendicularly to the first direction, which arm is connected to the base by way of the first guide in such a way that the arm is movable in the first direction. A slide is provided on the second guide and is movable in the second direction. A gripper supported by the slide, for gripping one or more objects, is movable in a third direction intersecting the plane of the first and second directions, preferably perpendicularly. A number of stationary actuators are provided on the base, for driving the arm, the slide and the gripper by means of pulling elements, for example drive belts, which are connected to the arm, the slide and the gripper respectively.

Abstract: An economically efficient agricultural pellet of enhanced structural integrity comprises up to about 15% by weight of non-crystalline silica fibers blended with one or more other nutrient substances, such as calcium silicate and/or magnesium sulfite, such that the silica fibers to form an interlaced matrix dispersed throughout the body of the pellet. Fragmentation agent(s) and/or soil amendments may also be included. The silica fiber matrix provides both structural reinforcement and a source of bio-available silicon. In embodiments including calcium silicate, additional structural integrity is gained through pozzolonic bonding.

Abstract: Pipe cutting apparatus (2) in which a pipe is clamped in a holder (4) and cut transverse to its longitudinal axis by a cutting head 6. The cutting head (6) is supported on the holder (4) and is rotatable around the pipe to cut the pipe wall with a blade (38). The blade (38) is advanced radially by an indexing mechanism (40) in response to rotation of the cutting head (6) around the pipe. The indexing mechanism (40) has a snail cam (44) rotatable to advance the blade (38) in response to indexing movement of a ratchet (48) controlled by a pawl (50) mounted on the holder (2) to advance the ratchet (48) on completion of each revolution of the cutting head (6). The blade (38) is withdrawn when the pipe is cut and has a stop (60) that engages a cut-out (61) in the snail cam (44) to block indexing movement of the ratchet (48) and re-set the cutting head (6).

Abstract: Low-cost intelligent control and communication devices are arranged to communicate with one another over one or more shared physical media, such as a powerline or a radio frequency band. No network controller is needed, because any device can act as a master, slave, or repeater. Adding more devices makes the system more robust, by virtue of a simple protocol for communication retransmissions and retries.

Abstract: Method, system, and product for remotely communicating with and identifying owners of objects on an IP network by providing a database identifying owners of objects on an IP network, discovery scanning the IP network for logical objects, sending a message to an unlisted logical object requesting a registration action of the recipient, receiving the registration action indicating an owner of the logical object, and updating the database with the received indication of the owner of the object. The method, system, or product may be embodied in a software application (such as an operating system element), a dedicated processor, or a dedicated processor with dedicated code.

Abstract: Low-cost intelligent control and communication devices are arranged to communicate with one another over one or more shared physical media, such as a powerline or a radio frequency band. No network controller is needed, because any device can act as a master, slave, or repeater. Adding more devices makes the system more robust, by virtue of a simple protocol for communication retransmissions and retries.

Abstract: A independent off bottle single use unit dosage dispensing closure includes a shell attached to a container, an axial movable cap attached to the shell, a sealing member coupled to the cap, and a removable retainer attached to the shell. The shell has an inner guide in communication with the container and the cap is moveable along the guide. The cap has a chamber adapted to dispense material into the container. The chamber is sealed with the sealing member extending across a lower open end thereof, wherein axial movement of the cap along the inner guide member will open the chamber and dispense the contents of the chamber into the container. The retainer prevents relative movement between the cap and the shell until the retainer has been removed.

Abstract: A single use unit dosage dispensing closure includes a shell attached to a container with an integral piecing member, an axial movable cap attached to the shell and a sealing member coupled to the cap. The shell has an inner guide in communication with the container and the cap is moveable along the guide. The cap has a chamber adapted to dispense material into the container. The chamber is sealed with the sealing member extending across a lower open end thereof, wherein axial movement of the cap along the inner guide member will cause the sealing member to be pieced by the piercing member to open the chamber and dispense the contents of the chamber into the container. The axial movable cap is formed from a material with a higher oxygen and moisture barrier property than the material forming the shell.

Abstract: A single use unit dosage dispensing closure includes a shell attached to a container, an axial movable cap attached to the shell, a dust cover preventing premature actuation of the cap, and a sealing member coupled to the cap. The shell has an inner guide in communication with the container and the cap is moveable along the guide. The cap has a chamber adapted to dispense material into the container. The chamber is sealed with the sealing member extending across a lower open end thereof, wherein axial movement of the cap along the inner guide member will open the chamber and dispense the contents of the chamber into the container. The axial movable cap is formed from a material with a higher oxygen and moisture barrier property than the material forming the shell.

Abstract: An adjustable chair, particularly for the use of attendees at meetings, is disclosed in which a gas cylinder is operatively connected between the underside of the chair seat and a lower cross-member to afford the user control of the lift and tilt of the chair over a range of positions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for maintaining the suspension of an agent suspended in a suspending medium in which a container holding the agent is revolved about an axis to create and maintain the suspension and the agent is selectively provided from the container. The agent may be selectively provided from the container while the container is simultaneously or intermittently revolved in a planetary orbit about an axis of rotation generally parallel to an axis of the container for maintaining the suspension. Alternatively, the container may be rotated about its longitudinal axis by a source of rotation to create and maintain the suspension while the agent is provided from the container due to a force imparted by the source of rotation.

Abstract: A single body holder for a random length of line. A convenient handle in the center is used to safely and efficiently control the unit while a line is wrapped either way around it. The main body is comprised of a center and four prongs that extend out past the handle. The item is unique in its design to effectively wind line while efficiently holding the line holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for engaging on a configuration of a number of products with a certain mutual distance. The present invention has a frame and a number of pushing members mounted on the frame for movement between a first and a second position. The present invention also has a drive for moving the pushing members and a number of engaging members mounted on the frame for movement with a variable mutual distance. These engaging members are configured to correspond with the configuration of the products. Each of the pushing members has a contact surface which lies against an engaging member for varying the distance between adjacent engaging members during movement of the pushing member between the first and the second position.

Abstract: Polyurethane prepolymers are disclosed prepared with mononuclear aromatic diisocyanate such as toluene diisocyanate and an aliphatic diisocyanate such as H12MDI. These prepolymers can be cured with 4,4'-methylene-bis-(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline) to form a cured urethane elastomer with reduced propensity to crack during the curing process, extended pour life (a slower rate of viscosity buildup after curative and prepolymer are mixed), low hysteresis, and a low level of free toluene diisocyanates and/or other toxic or volatile substances to increase worker safety during processing. It has also been found that prepolymers made from toluene diisocyanate and cured with a blend of two aromatic diamine curatives yields urethane elastomers with the same reduced propensity to crack during the curing process.

Abstract: A method of operating an intruder detector system comprising deploying plural intruder sensors in or adjacent a region to be protected, transmitting signals from each sensor to a processor, the signals relating to at least one local environmental ambient condition, processing the signals to determine a common ambient condition associated with the intruder sensors, transmitting a control signal to each of the sensors, and automatically adjusting the sensors in response to the control signal to substantially vary detection parameters thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the identification number or any other information within a plurality of radiofrequency identification tags within a common field of interrogation utilizes a combination of an isolation state into which the tags may be placed together with bitwise interrogation of the identification number or information followed by selective deactivation. A first bit in the identification number or information is interrogated of all the tags in the field. If any tag responds that the bit is a 1, a 1 is entered into an ID register in a reader and all tags in which a 0 exists in that bit position are deactivated. The process continues until only one tag remains activated. The last activated tag at this point has been completely read and is then placed in an isolated state. The process is begun anew with the remaining nonisolated tags until all tags have been read.

Abstract: A computer-based display apparatus is provided for a fire alarm system having sensors located at various positions in a building or area. The display apparatus includes a computer with associated memory and display, as well as a facility for obtaining one or more screen images of the layout of the building or area from graphical representations of the layout, such as drawings, photographs or CAD generated data. The screen images are stored in memory for display on the computer display. The display apparatus also comprises a software facility for superimposing the positions of the sensors on the displayed layouts.

Abstract: A threadline tensiometer with strain gage sensors sealed inside a protective cover and capable of being located remote from the application of threadline forces.