Abstract:
The invention provides a system and method for receiving weather forecast information in a vehicle and using that information to warn a vehicle operator of a future weather hazard with reference to the vehicle's intended direction of travel. A weather forecasting center maintains a database and display of forecast weather hazards across a large area. The forecasting center also receives information regarding the, location of each of a plurality of vehicles, such as automobiles or a fleet of commercial trucks. A hazard location algorithm compares a forecast location of each vehicle with a forecast weather hazard and transmits a warning to each vehicle that is predicted to encounter the hazard. The warning can take the form of text, audio, and/or a visual display indicating, for example, that the weather hazard will continue for a certain period of time. As the vehicle moves, its actual position is updated in the forecasting center, and a revised warning is transmitted to the vehicle.
Abstract:
A new paper loading system is featured with a convenient drop-in paper loading and a full slip path in a receipt printer. The paper is dropped into a paper receiving bucket disposed in the central portion of the printer. The paper is fed from the bucket; and thereafter, a receipt is printed. Then, the paper is cut to the appropriate receipt length. A slip path is also provided for insertion of a single or multi-part form used for credit or check validation. The relative position of the slip path would normally interfere with the drop-in loading of the paper supply roll into the bucket. The system allows the fixed blade assembly to support a slip path upon a rear surface thereof. The slip path is substantially parallel or adjacent to the paper receipt path, which passes between assemblies supporting a fixed blade and a movable, rotary blade. The fixed blade unlatches and pivots away from the rotary blade, thus opening the printer and exposing the paper loading bucket for access thereto. The design eliminates the previous interference of the paper path with the slip path.
Abstract:
Film transport apparatus for a cine-video system in which video signals are produced from film that is driven between supply and take-up reels. The film, which may be wound in A or B configuration on each reel, is threaded automatically about a film drive mechanism which transports the film from the supply reel, through a film gate to the take-up reel. Tensioning apparatus imparts tension to the film at the entry and exit of the film gate which, during the threading operation, causes the respective reels to rotate before film actually is transported therebetween. The direction in which each reel rotates to unwind film therefrom when tension is imparted serves to identify whether the film is wound in A or B configuration. Advantageously, a programmable processor controls the film transport speed in response to a user-actuated knob; and this same processor serves to detect when the film approaches its end on the supply or take-up reel.
Abstract:
A golf ball teeing apparatus provides a container for holding a plurality of golf balls and a dispensing mechanism for delivering the balls from the container to the driving tee. The dispensing mechanism and container are mounted on a frame which is secured to a base or mat. The golf ball teeing apparatus includes a pivoting mechanical channel arm with an integral blocking mechanism to dispense one golf ball at a time. The apparatus also includes an anti-jamming rods interlocked with the mechanical arm which agitates the golf ball in the container to prevent jamming of the balls about the discharge channel of the storage container. A stationary, fixed channel is integrally formed in the bottom of the container and includes an external extension and discharge end for directing the balls from a discharge opening in the container. A second channel is a pivoting, movable channel arm. One end of the channel arm is positioned at the discharge end of the fixed channel and is pivotably connected to the frame. The other end of the channel arm is provided with an aperture for depositing the golf ball on a tee.
Abstract:
Film transport apparatus for a cine-video system in which video signals are produced from film that is driven between supply and take-up reels. The film, which may be wound in A or B configuration on each reel, is threaded automatically about a film drive mechanism which transports the film from the supply reel, through a film gate to the take-up reel. Tensioning apparatus imparts tension to the film at the entry and exit of the film gate which, during the threading operation, causes the respective reels to rotate before film actually is transported therebetween. The direction in which each reel rotates to unwind film therefrom when tension is imparted serves to identify whether the film is wound in A or B configuration. Advantageously, a programmable processor controls the film transport speed in response to a user-actuated knob; and this same processor serves to detect when the film approaches its end on the supply or take-up reel.
Abstract:
A slidable pane power window assembly for mounting in the rear window of truck cabs is disclosed. The assembly comprises a frame dimensioned to fit in the rear window opening of a truck cab and fitted with one or more fixed and slidable window panes. A slidable pane is moved horizontally into an opened and closed position by a rack and pinion drive, wherein a rack affixed to the slidable pane is engaged by a pinion powered by a motor connected to the pinion via power transmission cable. Another embodiment uses a push-pull mechanism for operating the window.
Abstract:
A digital signal processor includes a global RAM that is accessable by an external high priority bus, a microprocessor and an I/O controller. The global RAM is accessed by a global address bus and a global data bus. The global address bus is coupled by separately selectable buffers to a microprocessor address bus, the external address bus, and an I/O bus, respectively. The global data bus is coupled by separately selectable transceivers to the microprocessor data bus, the external bus, and the I/O bus, respectively. Either the microprocessor or the I/O port controller may request and be granted access to the global memory at any time if it is not already being accessed. If the external bus requests access to the global RAM and either the microprocessor or the I/O port controller is accessing the global RAM, multiple wait states are inserted into that microprocessor or I/O port controller until the external bus completes its access. The microprocessor or I/O controller then automatically continues accessing the global RAM.
Abstract:
An apparatus for injecting a radiopaque dye into an artery of a patient during intraoperative arteriography, where the plunger of a syringe containing the injectate is driven by a separate but connected hydraulic sub-system operated by a surgeon who is at a location that is remote and safe from the radiation, and where the hydraulic sub-system provides for the surgeon, the feel and control of a conventional syringe operated manually in the immediate vicinity of the patient.
Abstract:
A surgical tool for and method of removing a bone wherein a working end of the tool eccentrically rotates with one or more cutting edges, such that in a first position the one or more cutting edges is shielded by one or more surfaces of the distal end of the main body of the tool and in a second position at least one or more of the one or more cutting edges are exposed for cutting a bone in contact therewith. The main body has a foot plate which guides positioning of the working end and protects soft tissue and adjacent structures while removing bone.
Abstract:
Methods for determining the hardness and/or ductility of a material by compression of the material are provided as a first aspect of the invention. Typically, compression is performed on multiple sides of a geologic material sample in a contemporaneous manner. Devices and systems for performing such methods also are provided. These methods, devices, and systems can be combined with additional methods, devices, and systems of the invention that provide for the analysis of compounds contained in such samples, which can indicate the presence of valuable materials, such as petroleum-associated hydrocarbons. Alternatively, these additional methods, devices, and systems can also stand independently of the methods, devices, and systems for analyzing ductility and/or hardness of materials.