Abstract: A system is presented for a novel apparatus and method that shortens the time that an asset is lost and increases the probability of return should the asset go astray. The system is intended to allow the asset to proactively alert passers-by that it is lost and also alert the owner of the asset that the asset is lost. The invention contains identification and contact information to aid in the safe, prompt return of the asset. The system comprises an asset tag that is attached to the asset and a base station that is ‘synchronized’ with a the asset tag at specified intervals. Should the asset tag not synchronize with the base station within a predetermined interval, it will emit a personalized voice recording to let passers-by know that the asset is lost and in need of safe return to it's owner. In addition, the system can alert the owner that the asset has gone missing.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a dualplanetary gear reduction unit that is operable for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios, and a synchronized range shift mechanism that is adapted to permit the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes an slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: An automated drafting system particularly suitable for drafting textile strands of sliver is provided. The automated drafting system includes a synchronous drive sliver drafting roller system utilizing toothed gears in the preferred embodiment operatively connecting a pair of drafting rollers with one of the rollers being directly driven by a motor to thereby cause identical rotation of both rollers. The automated drafting system also includes a system for securing and pressuring together upper and lower sliver drafting rollers wherein the lower roller of a pair of drafting rollers is preferably maintained in a fixed but rotational position while the upper roller of the pair is pressured towards the lower roller and controllably restricted as to both horizontal and vertical movement during the drafting process.

Abstract: An automated drafting system particularly suitable for drafting textile strands of sliver is provided. The automated drafting system includes a synchronous drive sliver drafting roller system utilizing toothed gears in the preferred embodiment operatively connecting a pair of drafting rollers with one of the rollers being directly driven by a motor to thereby cause identical rotation of both rollers. The automated drafting system also includes a system for securing and pressuring together upper and lower sliver drafting rollers wherein the lower roller of a pair of drafting rollers is preferably maintained in a fixed but rotational position while the upper roller of the pair is pressured towards the lower roller and controllably restricted as to both horizontal and vertical movement during the drafting process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correctively guiding an item on a desired path along a material is provided wherein a guide path matching a desired path for an item to be guided along a material and a plurality of templates containing images of the material are inputted into a computer. The item is guided along the material in a path following the inputted guide path, and a need for correction of the actual path of the item along the material is checked and, where necessary, correction is made at predetermined, inputted intervals. Self-correction of the path the item follows along material is accomplished by visual recognition of templates containing images of the material matching previously inputted templates.

Abstract: An automated drafting system particularly suitable for drafting textile strands of sliver is provided. The automated drafting system includes a synchronous drive sliver drafting roller system utilizing toothed gears in the preferred embodiment operatively connecting a pair of drafting rollers with one of the rollers being directly driven by a motor to thereby cause identical rotation of both rollers. The automated drafting system also includes a system for securing and pressuring together upper and lower sliver drafting rollers wherein the lower roller of a pair of drafting rollers is preferably maintained in a fixed but rotational position while the upper roller of the pair is pressured towards the lower roller and controllably restricted as to both horizontal and vertical movement during the drafting process.

Abstract: An automated drafting system particularly suitable for drafting textile strands of sliver is provided. The automated drafting system includes a synchronous drive sliver drafting roller system utilizing toothed gears in the preferred embodiment operatively connecting a pair of drafting rollers with one of the rollers being directly driven by a motor to thereby cause identical rotation of both rollers. The automated drafting system also includes a system for securing and pressuring together upper and lower sliver drafting rollers wherein the lower roller of a pair of drafting rollers is preferably maintained in a fixed but rotational position while the upper roller of the pair is pressured towards the lower roller and controllably restricted as to both horizontal and vertical movement during the drafting process.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a dual-planetary gear reduction unit that is operable for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios, and a synchronized range shift mechanism that is adapted to permit the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes an slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a planetary gear assembly which integrates a gear reduction unit and an interaxle differential into a common arrangement. A clutch apparatus is operably associated with the planetary gear assembly and can be selectively shifted on-the-fly for establishing a full-time four-wheel high-range drive mode, a neutral non-driven mode, and a full-time four-wheel low-range drive mode.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a dual-planetary gear reduction unit that is operable for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios, and a powershift mechanism that is adapted to permit the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes an slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a mode clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A geared torque transfer device is provided having a planetary type gear arrangement disposed within a sealed housing that is filled with a viscous fluid. In operation, rotation of the planet gears within the housing in response to a speed differential between the input and output members causes the viscous fluid to be forcibly pumped through passages formed within the housing. Valves responsive to changes in the operating temperature and/or viscous fluid pressure of the geared traction unit adjust the amount of resistance to the flow of the fluid as it is pumped through the passages. The hydraulic resistance created by pumping the viscous fluid is adapted to resist the free rotation of the device, thereby causing torque to be transferred between the input and output members as a function of the differential speed therebetween.

Abstract: A disposable protective covering, structured to completely contain a cuff of sphygmomanometer, the covering including a flexible material sleeve having a front and rear panel which are attached to one another along a top edge and opposite side edges so as to define a pouch wherein the cuff is to be contained. A flap portion formed in the rear panel is adapted to be tucked into the pouch to fully enclose and contain the cuff, the flap portion including an access opening formed there so that hoses attached to the cuff may protrude from the sleeve while the cuff is protectively contained therein, the sleeve being structured for fastening about a user's arm, much like the cuff itself is ordinarily fastened.