Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Richard P Bolger

George G Dewey

G Michael Velan

Leslie M Watts

E Jonathan Wendling

Yury Shkolnikov

Varce Eron Howe

Paul R Micheli

Mario M Orrico

James Paul Baltz

Gene P Altenburger

Steve Dumbovic

Brian Earl Gorrell

An electrical generator includes a passageway having an input port and at least one output port and at least one resonator for converting acoustic vibrations established in the passageway into mechanical vibrations of the resonator. The resonator is oriented adjacent at least one output port. A mechanical-to-electrical transducer is coupled to the resonator for generating electricity in response to the mechanical vibrations.

Electrical generator

A position sensor device that produces a variable output voltage when using a light emitting diode, such as an infrared light emitting diode (IR-LED), and a phototransistor further includes the use of a semi-transparent piece of material having a varying thickness that passes between the IR-LED and the phototransistor. The output voltage provided by the phototransistor varies depending on the amount of light collected by the phototransistor, which is controlled by the amount of light passing through the semi-transparent material. The amount of light passing through the transparent material depends on the thickness of the semi-transparent material. With the invention, the semi-transparent material may pass between the IR-LED and phototransistor in either a linear or rotary manner.

Position sensor with an optical member of varying thickness

A remote low voltage power source for electrostatic paint applicators used in hazardous locations. A low voltage generator and voltage conditioning and regulating circuitry are mounted in a small explosion proof housing. A generator shaft and a shaft on a voltage level adjusting potentiometer extend through and projects from the housing. The flamepath and the flame gap for the shafts meet explosion proof standards while permitting shaft rotation. An air driven turbine is mounted on the exterior of the housing and is connected to the projecting generator shaft to drive the generator. The low voltage is applied to a spray gun which includes circuitry for increasing the voltage to a high level for electrostatic charging sprayed paint.

Remote power source for electrostatic paint applicator

A fastener detection system is provided for both internal combustion and powder actuated fastener driving tools, and similar powered fastener driving tools. A sensor disposed at a portion of a fastener supply path detects the presence or absence of a fastener. In the combustion tool, either or both of fuel delivery and combustion ignition are disabled when no fastener is detected. In the powder actuated tool an indicator notifies an operator when the sensor detects the absence of a fastener. The indicator may also be incorporated into the combustion tool.

Fastener detection and firing control system for powered fastener

A switch circuit for selectively driving a LED display at either a dim or bright intensity in response to varying input voltages is provided. The switch circuit includes a current regulator device which is responsive to a reference voltage and is coupled to a LED display device for supplying a first level of constant current therethrough so as to illuminate the display device at a dim intensity and for supplying a second level of constant current therethrough so as to illuminate the display device at a bright intensity. A controllable switching device is responsive to input voltages of a wide varying range for being selectively turned on and off and for generating the reference voltage.

Aircraft cockpit switch circuitry

A position sensor system for controlling accurately the movement of a print head so that printing occurs on a series of products at the same location independent of product speed, changes in speed and mechanical delays includes a product or product mark sensor, a speed sensor, an integrator, and a comparator. The product mark sensor detects the presence of a product mark on each product to be printed upon to generate sensed signals. The speed sensor detects the speed of the product to be printed upon to generate a speed signal. The integrator is responsive to the speed signal and the sensed signals for generating a ramp signal indicative of the actual position of the product to be printed upon. The comparator compares the ramp signal with a reference signal compensating for mechanical delays and generates a clutch-on signal to activate a print head clutch to cause movement of the print head into a printing position.

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Schaumburg, IL, United States of America

Richard P Bolger