Abstract: A controller is provided which allows an interface device to autoconfigure a graphic interface to reflect the configuration of the controller. The controller has a static memory and a dynamic memory. The static memory contains predefined memory elements which contain information on the number of control loops being controlled, the type of each control loop, and the location within the dynamic memory of a data grouping associated with each control loop. An interface device accesses the static memory to obtain the information necessary to display a graphic interface representative of the controller configuration, and to access appropriate data groups within the dynamic memory to update the graphic interface to reflect the status of the process.

Abstract: A system of pliers or the like, and "second bite" elements is disclosed. The pliers or the like are typically formed by at least two basic elements which are pivotally interconnected and which each have handle and jaw regions. Causing the handles of the pliers or the like to move toward one another also causes the jaws thereof to similarly move closer to one another by way of pliers action, or if an object is present between the jaws, more firmly grip the object. The second bite elements are pivotally attached to the end of one of the handles of the pliers or the like and interact with the other handle thereof to allow a user to more easily grip an object in the jaws of the pliers or the like by way of a force applied to the pliers or the like and the second bite elements.

Abstract: A trick ball is provided with a single polar operture in tubular communication with each of a plurality of equatorial apertures which permit the ingress and egress of air when the ball is thrown. The movement of air through the apertures effects both random and predictable erratic ball movement.

Abstract: A body massage apparatus which comprises a body-encircling element having an one and other end and a rotation wheel at one end and a blunt end at the other end, each end adapted to provide rolling or direct pressure to a portion of the body on use.

Abstract: A cable cutting and stripping machine has a primary and a secondary cable drive mechanism, both driven by stepper motors. The primary drive mechanism includes two driven gripper belts which contact the cable along the top and bottom surface to eliminate slippage between the belts and the cable. Stripper blades cut through the cable insulation and are driven in one direction along the cable length to strip the right end of a cable, and in the opposite direction to strip the left end of the cable. A programmable machine controller controls all operations of the machine including feeding preselected lengths of cable through the machine by controlling the stepper motors. The programmable machine controller also controls actuation of the stripper blades, a cutting blade, and various clamps by controlling a number of air cylinders.

Abstract: A universal holder of the top loading type for accommodating and safely supporting a drink container of any of a wide variety of sizes and configurations, comprising a vertical backbone member that supports a pair of highly flexible, symmetrically configured arms each possessing substantial curvature. The two arms together form a generally circular configuration, with the tips of the arms being in general alignment, but not coming into contact with each other during normal use of the holder. The arms preferably are of non-constant cross section, possessing substantially smaller vertical dimension at their tips than adjacent the location of their attachment to the vertical backbone member. Importantly, the uppermost surfaces of the arms are flared somewhat outwardly to facilitate the downward insertion of a drink container therebetween, with the arms being sufficiently flexible as to accommodate drink containers of many different diameters.

Abstract: Paper on which a column of material, printed by a phototype setting process, is guided from a roll by a pair of accurately adjustable guides past a pair of mounted conventional type razor blades which have been accurately adjusted to slit the paper very close to the columnar material, as the paper is pulled from the roll by means of a pair of positive driven rollers. Tension is maintained on the paper as it moves past the cutting blades and following the slitting of the paper, the printed material is withdrawn while the waste automatically separates and drops into a waste receptacle.