Abstract: The present invention is an efficient system and method for flexible masking of output bits from a counter. The maskable counter system and method of the present invention modify the chain carry fed into a counter so that any bit (or bits) of the counter may be masked. A masked bit of a maskable counter system and method is utilized to facilitate user programmable control of multiple configurations in a memory. A maskable counter system comprises a mask register (e.g., a D flip flop), a counter (e.g., a D flip flop), and a masking coordination circuit. The masking coordination circuit permits a carry in signal, a carry out signal, and a counter output bit signal to operate in a normal incrementation manner if a mask bit is not asserted and prevents the counter output bit signal from changing if the mask bit is asserted.

Abstract: An exercise unit that is a bench-based, has an easily adjustable load exercise system using a resistance engine that can provide a constant load level through the entire range of motion to approximate the use of free-weights, is portable, and reconfigures easily to several different shapes for different exercises. The exercise unit is compact, has a minimal vertical height, and weighs much less than the maximum resistance load that it can create. The bench unit can be stood on its end for compact storage.

Abstract: An improved system and method for floating an object is disclosed by the present invention. The system includes an electromagnetic source for accommodating a wide weight-range of objects to be floated and for providing intelligent, responsive control of the system. The electromagnetic source includes a single Hall effect sensor for sensing the position change of the floating object and a microprocessor for intelligently controlling the floating object so that a better, simpler, and more stable operation is achieved. With the implementation of the microprocessor, a user friendly interface for initially placing the object on the system is achieved, and no complicate adjustments of the system are required to float a new object.

Abstract: Motion imparting means, comprising first and second assemblies, to effect angular movement of a gate (10) mounted for pivoting motion about an upstanding axis (22).

Abstract: A cam-in DIMM card connector comprises camming protrusions provided on flexible side walls that rotationally guide a board into latching engagement with the connector. In the fully latched position the board is levered firmly between a top corner and opposing side wall of the board receiving slot in order to straighten any warping in the board. Greater dimensional tolerance can therefore be supported by the connector.

Abstract: A plastic blister package for display and storage of a toothbrush has a base member and a closure member connected to one another by an integrally molded hinge. The base member and closure member have a pair of flanges, one overlying the other with package in the closed position, and a lip is provided on flange edge of the base member for receiving the edge of the closure member to seal the cavity formed by the two members. A pair of protuberances extend from the base flange and are received in interfitting engagement with a pair of openings found in the closure flange to substantially lock the package in the closed position.

Abstract: A boot having an expansion flap connected to the rear of a boot leg. The expansion flap is formed to extend generally rearwardly of the boot leg to allow easy ingress and egress of a user's foot into and out of the boot. A biasing device is connected between the expansion flap and the boot leg so as to cause the expansion flap to extend generally rearwardly of the boot leg when the boot is not being worn. A first fastener is carried on the expansion flap, a second fastener is carried on one side wall of the boot leg, and a third fastener is carried on another side wall of the boot leg, the second and third fasteners thereby allowing the expansion flap to be held in wrapped relation against either the one side wall or the other side wall, as selected by the boot's user, when the boot is being worn.

Abstract: A lighting system which comprises a housing (10) contains a light emitting diode (34) that fits into a lens (30). The lens is secured to the housing (10) so that the position of the lens relative to the housing is also fixed. One or more housings are fitted into a channel (50) closed by a transparent or translucent cover (52).

Abstract: A hand tool comprising a housing 1 with a ratchet wheel 2 in one end of the housing 1 and a lever assembly mounted on the housing adjacent the other end of the housing. The lever assembly comprises two linkages 23,24 pivotably attached to a lever 21 and to a mounting bracket 25. A rod 5 is disposed axially in the housing 1. A link chain 6 and ratchet tooth 7 are connected to the other end of the rod 5 about the ratchet wheel 2. The lever 21 is attached to the end of the rod 5 to form a ball socket. When the lever 21 is squeezed, the end portion 22 of the lever 21 pulls the rod 5 substantially straight outwards from the housing 1 which pulls the link chain 6 and ratchet tooth 7 on the ratchet wheel 2 to rotate the ratchet wheel 2.

Abstract: An interconnection system is for interconnecting sensors, such as temperature gauges for controlling industrial processes, to a bus cable that interconnects the sensors to a central computation unit. The connection assembly comprises edge card connectors for connection to electronic modules having printed circuit boards. The plurality of modules are interconnected to the ribbon cable bus by a printed circuit board, and a connector mounted on the PCB and pluggable with a bus connector terminated to the cable.

Abstract: A brake (30) includes a magnetically permeable body (38) having a pole face (40), an armature (42) axially movable toward and away from the pole face, an energization coil (44) energizable to magnetically attract the armature toward the pole face, biasing members (50) biasing the armature away from the pole face, a pressure plate (64) mounted to the body and axially spaced from the pole face, a friction disc (66) between the armature and the pressure plate and keyable to an axially extending rotary shaft (36), such that upon deenergization of the coil, the biasing members bias the armature to a braking position pushing the friction disc against the pressure plate to stop rotation of the disc and shaft, the armature in the braking position defining an air gap (80) between the pole face and the armature, and such that upon energization of the coil, the armature is pulled through the gap toward the pole face to a released position releasing the disc and permitting rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: The magnetic air gap in a spring set brake, SSB, is set independently of the length of the legs spacing the pressure plate from the pole face which controls the axial travel length of the armature between a released position engaging the pole face and a braking position pushing a friction disc against the pressure plate. The legs have radially inwardly facing mounting surfaces engaging and retaining the pressure plate. The legs have axially extending line contact guide surfaces for the armature, minimizing magnetic flux leakage through the legs to the armature, and instead concentrating magnetic flux at the pole face to maximize magnetic force attracting the armature. An injection molded friction disc is provided, as well as a keyed hubless design. A manual release mechanism is also provided. An energization coil is provided enabling simplified connection lead bonding.

Abstract: A control system (80-1, 80-2) is provided for a grain dryer (10) having a path (22, 24) along which grain is conveyed from an entry opening (28) between first (12, 14) and second (18, 20) walls provided with second openings through which drying air can flow. A source (16) on the side of the first wall opposite the grain provides a flow of air through the first wall, through the grain and through the second wall to dry the grain. The grain dryer (10) further comprises metering rolls (30, 32) between the walls (12, 18, 14, 20) adjacent the end opposite the entry opening (28) to control the movement of the grain along the path (22, 24). The control system includes a first moisture probe (80-1) positioned remote from the metering rolls (30, 32), a second moisture probe (80-2) positioned adjacent the metering rolls (30, 32), and a microcomputer (150).

Abstract: Non-invasive oximetry wherein red and infrared light from light sources energized at different frequencies is applied to arterial blood-containing tissue of a living subject. The red and infrared light coming from this tissue is sensed in order to obtain frequency-muliplexed information as to the absorption of said light by said tissue, the information being processed in order to derive therefrom a measure of percent oxygen saturation of said blood. The processing includes filtering for separating information represented by red light absorption from information represented by infrared light absorption. In particular, both notch and bandpass filters are used, and AM detectors provide for further separating such information into DC and AC components.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet with a brake light includes a duty cycled receiver circuit for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal from a transmitter located on the motorcycle. The receiver circuit is generally turned off if the RF signal is not present. When the receiver detects the RF signal, the receiver is turned on. The brake light is illuminated when the receiver receives the RF signal. The brake light includes LEDs for providing light. The lens is a plastic lens which provides superior performance having spherical indentations on an interior surface.