Abstract: The disclosure concerns the determination of the ophthalmic parameters of a thin astigmatic optical element without requiring initial location of its cylindrical axis. The effective optical power of the eye or other element is measured in three mutually spaced meridians that are selected without regard for the cylindrical axis. The ophthalmic parameters of the element, typically the spherical power, the cylindrical power and the cylindrical axis, are then derived from the measured powers and their selected meridian angles. The power of an astigmatic element in a selected meridian intermediate the principal meridians may be determined in generally conventional manner by adjusting a test optical system to produce a sharp image of a suitable target, preferably with limitation of the image-forming light to rays that traverse the element close to the selected meridian.

Abstract: The disclosed methods improve conventional agglutination processes for assaying immunoreactive and like substances, primarily by improving the measurement of the agglutination itself. Suspensions containing agglutinated particles are automatically inspected, preferably intermittently during the agglutinating reaction, and the resulting data are processed to identify individual particle aggregates of a selected limited class, which may, for example, comprise aggregates having sizes within a limited size interval. The numbers of such aggregates are compared with corresponding reference values obtained with standard solutions and suitable controls to evaluate the concentration of one of the reactive substances, or other information. The aggregate size intervals and other parameters which are used to define aggregate classes are preferably selected with attention to the detailed behavior of each test system.

Abstract: The lock configuration described in the parent application enables a dual key lock to operate efficiently, accurately and conveniently with a single stack of tumblers. Also, the individual tumblers of the invention are typically receivable in the lock in a plurality of alternative orientations in which their gates assume different functions, facilitating key changes. The present application discloses means for further improving the precision of gate positioning in such locks, and remarkably simple and economical means for adapting such locks for either right- or left-hand installation.

Abstract: Lenticular projection screens of improved optical accuracy and uniformity are produced by deriving the specular surfaces of all lenticules within at least a major screen area from a common unitary optical surface, typically using replication by electroforming. The initial master surface is typically formed by conventional machining and polishing of a body having axial symmetry in the general shape of an ogive. The unitary convex surface of revolution of the ogive is repeatedly replicated, and like sections of each replica are isolated and assembled on a transparent reference surface. The assembled sections are adhered to a stiff back, and the optical assembly face is replicated. Multiple replicas of the initial assembly are typically again assembled and replicated, leading ultimately to unitary panel units which form the projection screen.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved lock configuration by which a dual key lock can operate efficiently and conveniently with a single stack of tumblers. That configuration permits more accurate positioning of the tumblers upon key operation, whereby a larger number of key combinations can generally be accommodated. Also, the individual tumblers of the invention are typically receivable in the lock in a plurality of alternative orientations in which their gates assume different functions. That difference of function may constitute a change of effective gate position with respect to the same key, or may shift cooperation with the two keys from one pair of gates to another. That aspect of the invention is useful in facilitating key changes, especially in locks designed for safe deposit and similar service.

Abstract: Control apparatus is described for metering a liquid additive to be vaporized and introduced to the fuel mixture for an internal combustion engine. Improved enhancement of the combustion process is obtained by supplying the additive in accurate and reliable dependence upon the condition of operation of the engine, as represented by the pressure in the intake manifold. Such control is made possible by a pressure responsive valve having a valve member movable with low friction along the length of a narrow valve orifice of uniform width. The resulting flow is then linearly related to the movement of the valve member, and provides sensitive and accurate control even at extremely low flow rates. A complete system for combustion enhancement employing such a valve and associated control features is described. Independently adjustable springs at opposite ends of the valve member provide separate adjustment of the flow for engine operation at high and low power conditions.

Abstract: The present baggage carrier frame, comprising two foldable sections of truss-like configuration with a foldable platform at the lower end, provides enhanced frame stiffness with minimum increase of weight. The positive locking mechanism for holding the sections in operating relation is incorporated in the truss-like structure and effectively resists bending in either direction. Release of the lock is facilitated by tapering form of the upper frame section. The lower frame section includes rigis foot structure which performs the dual function of holding the carrier erect in loading position and supporting the platform member in traveling position. Further structural features are described which promote the effective operation and economical fabrication of the luggage carrier.

Abstract: The present suspension mechanism for load dividing gates of single column type promotes reliability and safety by extreme simplicity and unity of carriage structure, together with highly effective provision against structural failure even of the inherently rugged support elements. By means of features including special bearing design, roller placement and novel keeper support, the invention provides suspension of a column gate from a single track with security against structural failure believed at least equal to that normally attained for conventional gates with dual track support. Improved manual control mechanism for the locking pins provides in highly compact and reliable form independent operation either from inside the car or from outside through an open doorway.

Abstract: The chair of the invention comprises a chair frame and accessories which can be assembled in various combinations and can be operated in various modes to perform a plurality of functions by which persons with physical limitations can become more independent while bathing or toileting. The chair legs can fit inside of a bathtub or shower allowing the chair to become a bath aid, yet, the chair legs are sufficiently wide to allow the chair with a toilet seat to straddle a conventional toilet as a toilet seat riser. The removable back allows the chair to be positioned properly over the toilet bowl, and the structure allows lateral access for perineal therapy. A commode pan is insertable below the seat to convert the chair into a commode. For those uses the chair further provides side handholds or raised armrests as desired. An armrest from either side converts to a bridgeboard which extends laterally, allowing the person to transfer in a sitting position to and from a wheelchair, for example.

Abstract: A finite state automaton (FSA) may be used to search a stream of input digital code data representing patterns such as text characters, for example, to identify a plurality of designated query words. When a particular one of the sought values of a character or other code element is identified in the input stream, the proper next state for the FSA is typically selected with the aid of a control table memory with multiple entries for each state. According to the invention, the portion of that memory associated with each multiple exit decision state typically consists of only a single word which contains a base state number and a group of indexing bits, one bit for each possible input code element configuration, with set bits corresponding to the multiple values being sought when the FSA is in that particular state. In response to an input code element value that represents a success, an index number is generated from that value and the set indexing bits.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described by which immunochemical procedures such as immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis can be used to provide quantitative measurement of the concentration of individual proteins in fluids such as serum, spinal fluid, tissue extracts and the like. That is accomplished typically by photooptically scanning the zones of precipitation which are produced, in parallel with those of standard preparations containing known concentrations of the proteins to be determined; deriving from the arrays of measurements of the precipitation zones selected parameters; and comparing the parameter values of the experimental and reference preparations. The zone measurements are preferably made and recorded electronically, with suitable digital manipulation of the resulting video values at a plurality of selected positions for each zone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described by which immunochemical procedures such as immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis can be used to provide quantitative measurement of the concentration of individual proteins in fluids such as serum, spinal fluid, tissue extracts and the like. That is accomplished typically by photooptically scanning the zones of precipitation which are produced, in parallel with those of standard preparations containing known concentrations of the proteins to be determined; deriving from the arrays of measurements of the precipitation zones selected parameters; and comparing the parameter values of the experimental and reference preparations. The zone measurements are preferably made and recorded electronically, with suitable digital manipulation of the resulting video values at a plurality of selected positions for each zone.

Abstract: The subject of this disclosure is a Finite State Automaton (FSA) used as part of a term detector employed in a digital pattern search system (searcher). In particular the invention includes various advances in the art of FSA design which make the FSA practical for pattern recognition.Specifically, these advances minimize the amount of memory which is required in each FSA in performing pattern recognition, and allow a speed capability such that the searching can be performed at the rate at which a mass storage medium can supply data. The large amount of memory required and the low speed of processing in the prior state of the art made the use of an FSA impractical for most real applications.

Abstract: Lenticular projection screens of improved optical accuracy and uniformity are produced by deriving the specular surfaces of all lenticules within at least a major screen area from a common unitary optical surface, typically using replication by electroforming. The initial master surface is typically formed by conventional machining and polishing of a body having axial symmetry in the general shape of an ogive. The unitary convex surface of revolution of the ogive is repeatedly replicated, and like sections of each replica are isolated and assembled on a transparent reference surface. The assembled sections are adhered to a stiff back, and the optical assembly face is replicated. Multiple replicas of the initial assembly are typically again assembled and replicated, leading ultimately to unitary panel units which form the projection screen.

Abstract: The resonant frequency of piezoelectric transducers is made more uniform from unit to unit by reducing the sensitivity of that frequency to manufacturing variations in the diameter of the ceramic sensing disk that forms a part of the vibratory diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm member proper is stiffened, as by integrally formed radial ribs, within the zone of variability of the disk perimeter, effectively establishing a uniform boundary edge for the diaphragm area that is stiffened by presence of the disk.

Abstract: The invention reduces variability of the resonant frequency in piezoelectric ceramic transducers having a vibratory assembly comprising a flexible diaphragm carrying a ceramic disk sensor. The clamped edge of the diaphragm is typically offset from the plane of the vibratory assembly and is coupled to that assembly by generally cylindrical structure having flexibility in a radial direction. That flexibility partially isolates the vibratory assembly from effects such as structural variability of the clamping means and differential thermal expansion at the clamp. The degree of that isolation is preferably selected by suitable design of the coupling structure to provide approximate compensation for thermal effects due to other parameters of the system.

Abstract: Obstructive formations are mounted within the liquid containing chamber closely adjacent the working surface of an applicator wheel and opposite the path of one or more of the pattern-forming wheels recesss. Escape of air or recirculated liquid from the recesses and its replacement by fresh liquid is thereby facilitated, improving the effectiveness of wheel operation, especially at high peripheral speeds.

Abstract: Methods are described by which immunochemical procedures such as immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis can be used to provide quantitative measurement of the concentration of individual proteins in fluids such as serum, spinal fluid, tissue extracts and the like. That is accomplished typically by making quantitative optical measurements of the zones of precipitation which are produced, in parallel with those of standard preparations containing known concentrations of the proteins to be determined; deriving from the measurements of the precipitation zones selected parameters; and comparing the selected values of the experimental and reference preparations. The zone measurements are preferably made by scanning the plates electronically, with suitable arithmetic manipulation of the resulting video values at a plurality of selected positions for each zone.

Abstract: Individual clamping structures are described which require only two main members, a pivoted handle member and a clamping member journaled on an integral boss on the handle member. Several types of cam structure are described for positively breaking the pressure seal of a closure during relieving movement of the clamp, thereby insuring the release of any residual pressure while the clamp is still limiting closure movement. A further aspect of the invention directs escape of pressurized gas away from the operator by arranging multiple clamping devices so that clamps near the operator remain closed until all other clamps have been relieved. An opening is thereby provided for blast release on the side of the closure opposite to the operator.