Abstract:
The present invention provides a reconfigurable modular drive joint that can be used as the basis for building and configuring robotic and automated systems as an interconnected network of individual nodes, with each node representing a single modular joint. Each modular joint can be quickly set up in either a roll, pitch or yaw configuration. A large number of different robot structures can be built using a small number of the modular joints in any of these three configurations. The modules are equipped with quick-connect mechanisms so that a new robot structure can be assembled in a few minutes. A robot or other automated system assembled from such modular joints is a true reconfigurable and modular system. The control system is decentralized. Each modular joint is provided with its own built-in control system and electronics. The modular joints each include a motor and associated sensors. An embedded control system including a power amplifier for the motor, a sensor interface, microprocessor, and communication circuitry are provided. The only external connections to each module is a communication bus between the modules and the host computer and a power supply bus.
Abstract:
A thermal energy apparatus and methodology 10 including a computer 12, operating under stored program control, to selectively allow elements 26 and 28 to be created and partitioned and to further allow the partitioning to be dispensed with upon calculating the radiation aspect of the thermal model. The thermal calculation and measurement apparatus and methodology can further include a means for allowing elements 102-108 to be created and thereafter allow an amorphous potting solution or other model wide elements 120 to be integrated into the model without detrimentally affecting the previously created elements 102-108.
Abstract:
Disclosed hereby is a microscopic system integrated with wide-screen television in which a medical information is combined with an image signal picked up by an imaging device including a microscope, a wide-screen television camera and an adaptor for mounting the camera on the microscope; the synthesized image signal is transmitted to be recorded/reproduced and the synthesized image is displayed as a stereoscopic image.
Abstract:
An inspection system and method of the type for visually inspecting the interior of a cast structure is provided. The inspection system includes: an elongated member embedded in a cast structure during casting forming a bore in the structure, an illumination source insertable into the bore via a fiber optic cable, an imaging mechanism insertable into the bore via a fiber optic cable, and a monitoring mechanism for viewing an image transmitted from the imaging mechanism via the fiber optic cable. The elongated member may be removable from the structure forming a bore defined by the structure.
Abstract:
A rotary displacement compression heat transfer system and method for improving its efficiency includes a rotary displacement compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condensor connected with the outlet of the compressor, an evaporator connected with the inlet of the compressor, an oil pump for injecting oil into the compressor, an oil separator for separating out the oil and recirculating it to the compressor, a non-chlorinated hydrocarbon refrigerant, and a synthetic oil ingredient in the oil providing an inverse solubility characteristic where a mixture of the refrigerant and oil has two immiscible phases in the compressor's operating temperature range and has only one dissolved liquid phase at a temperature in the evaporator's operating range at a weight concentration of oil less than about 5%.
Abstract:
An apparatus and a method is disclosed for generating fluorine which has an improved efficiency by reducing the resistance between the electrodes and by reducing the chemical action on the electrodes through a design whereby the structure and positioning of the electrodes as well as the flow of electrolyte provide this reduction of the resistance. The shape of the cell unit constituting the electrode structure reduces the chemical action on the electrode by increasing the flow of electrolyte past the electrode structure.
Abstract:
A seal assembly for a container includes a locking assembly and a gateway. The locking assembly includes a body and an elongated cable. The elongated cable extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end is restrained by the body. The distal end is movable from an unlocked position spaced from the body to a locked position restrained by the body. The gateway is configured for selectively interlocking with the locking assembly. The gateway includes a power supply, a radio communication device, a sensor, and a processor electrically coupled therewith. The processor is configured to operate the radio communication device to transmit a first signal upon detection by the sensor of interlocking of the gateway with the locking assembly, and to transmit a second signal upon detection by the sensor that the elongated cable has been cut. Locking assemblies, gateways, devices and methods are also provided.
Abstract:
A workplace safety system includes an item of monitored equipment, a mobile communications device, and a scoring computing system. The item of monitored equipment includes a sensor, a transmitter, and a computing unit. The sensor is configured to generate signals. The computing unit is electrically coupled with each of the sensor and the transmitter. The mobile communications device is in wireless communication with the transmitter via a short-range communication protocol. The scoring computing system is in networked communication with the mobile communications device and is configured to receive data. The data includes an identity of an operator of the item of monitored equipment. A characteristic of operation is determined based upon the signals from the sensor and represents a manner by which the operator has used the item of monitored equipment. The scoring computing system is configured to generate a safety score associated with the operator. Methods are also provided.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for rotating a test specimen and simultaneously applying a torque, bending moment, and an axial load without the applied forces interfering with each other.