Abstract:
A stability sensing and load monitoring system for wheeled vehicles, in particular for the construction and agricultural industries, is disclosed. The system is based on strain sensors mounted on each wheel such that the measured strain represents the load on this wheel. A power source and a local wheel controller are located near the strain sensors. The data from the strain sensors is processed by the local wheel controller and then wirelessly transmitted to a single central unit, located in the cabin. The central controller communicates with all four local wheel controllers, collects the data, and then processes it to calculate the total load on the vehicle, its center of gravity, and the stability status.
Abstract:
A moistened fabric pad is supported in a container having a cover configured to engage a type element. The cover is fastened to the container so that the fabric pad and type element are brought into contact. Rotation of the type element against the surface of the moistened fabric pad removes dirt and ink from all areas of the type element.
Abstract:
A scissors lift includes a scissors arm assembly secured at one end to a base and coupled with a lift mechanism that expands and contracts the scissors arm assembly. A platform is supported at an opposite end of the scissors arm assembly via a plurality of load sensing pins that detect a vertical load on the platform. An interface module receives signals from the load sensing pins and communicates with the lift mechanism, wherein the interface module controls operation of lift functions and the lift mechanism according to the signals from the load sensing pins. Preferably, the load sensing pins are sized substantially the same as the conventional pins they replace. As a consequence, no redesign or additional structures are necessary to install the load sensing system and provide a safe operation of the scissors lift machine.
Abstract:
The present invention is a viscous damping apparatus for damping mechanical shocks discharged on an object. It comprises a container having an inner chamber which has a flat bottom surface, a damping member having a flat lower surface, and means for suspending the damping member such that its flat lower surface is positioned parallel and very close to the flat bottom surface of the inner chamber of the container. The space between the flat lower surface of the damping member and the flat bottom surface of the inner chamber of the container is very narrow and is filled with a body of viscous fluid. When the damping member vibrates and causes its flat lower surface to move toward the flat bottom surface of the inner chamber of the container, the viscous fluid is compressed, which in turn creates an extremely strong resistance force on the damping member that effectively damps the vibration of the damping member. A preferred embodiment of the present invention viscous damping apparatus is incorporated into a weighing device to damp the vibration of the load cell of the weighing device.
Abstract:
A method and system for treating a floppy disk with fluid is described. The system comprises a mechanism for grasping the floppy disk about its center and rotating it, fluid absorbing pads which are movable into and out of contact with the magnetic surfaces of the floppy disk through the read/write openings in the floppy disk envelope and a dispensing source for providing fluid to the pads. In a preferred embodiment, electrical signals control the sequence of operations whereby the floppy disk is grasped by a clutch and spindle mechansim and rotated, fluid is dispensed to the pads, and the pads are moved into contact with the surfaces of the floppy disk to treat the disk. Periodic treatment of a floppy disk with a fluid containing a lubricant enhances the reliability and increases the life of the floppy disk.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a cleaning cartridge for cleaning the magnetic heads and the scraper of computer tape drives that use tape cartridges and more particularly streamer and start-stop drives. This cleaning cartridge can be inserted into the tape drive and can simultaneously clean the heads and the scraper by rubbing a cleaning pad against the heads and the scraper in a direction that is perpendicular to the tape path. This pad is made from an absorbent material that can be saturated with a cleaning fluid, so the pad will collect foreign particles when it is rubbed against the heads. The cartridge can be manually operated or it can engage the drive mechanism of the tape drive.
Abstract:
A container for storing floppy diskettes or similarly shaped objects which enables a selected stored floppy diskette to be located and retrieved rapidly and efficiently is described. The container comprises a box having parallel guideways on opposite sides, the guideways defining storage spaces for the floppy diskettes. A lifter tree comprising a hinged support arm corresponding to each floppy diskette and located within the space for each floppy diskette is swingable to raise the floppy diskette. A rotating camshaft extending the length of the storage container has cams corresponding to each support arm, the cams corresponding to adjacent support arms being located at different radial positions around the camshaft. The cams engage lever arms located on the support arms of the lifter tree. The floppy diskettes may have identification labels located near their top edges serially scanned by rotating the camshaft, thereby serially engaging the cams with the lever arms of the support arms serially swinging the support arms and serially raising the floppy diskettes.
Abstract:
A computer input device consists of a long and slender, pencil like, cylinder which is horizontally and rotatably disposed on two supports at both its ends. A finger touching the cylinder applies a force on it which is countered by reactions at the supports. These reactions are sensed by force sensors and the ratio between them is used to calculate the position of the finger along the cylinder. This position is the “X” input of the device. The same finger can rotate the cylinder around itself in both directions. The angular position of the cylinder is measured by a rotary sensor and is then used as the second, “Y”, input.
Abstract:
A device for attachment to a hospital bed to enable quick, easy weighing of bedridden patients, provided as a retrofit device for attachment to hospital beds which are not equipped with such devices as original equipment. The device contains a load cell in a housing, with the housing arranged for mounting to a cross-beam of the bed. A retractable support leg extends through the bottom of the housing, and when the bed is raised on the support leg, the load cell is deflected to provide a reading of the bed weight. By performing the weight measurement once without a patient, and keeping track of changes in bed sheets and linens, the value of a patient's weight can be quickly determined while the patient remains bedridden. The mechanism which raises the bed on the support leg can be provided in several embodiments, including an electric motor drive, hydraulic piston, or mechanical foot pedal.