Abstract: A combination of magnetics and a special geometric environment is employed to distinguish whether an instrument is positioned within a pipe formed of magnetizable or non-magnetizable material, and is the basis, in part, for a method and an apparatus used in controlling picture taking at the bottom of a well bore. A coil is energized repetitively in a circuit in which the voltage across the coil, or the current that flows through the coil, can be measured. Whether the coil is in a magnetic or non-magnetic environment is determined by the magnitude of the change in coil voltage or current.

Abstract: Valve bodies that are generally cylindrical and are open at top and bottom are combined with flow diverters which may be combined top to bottom to permit stacking of a combination of valves for actuation together without need for separator walls between valves. These elements, together with special adapters and end plates, permit economical manufacture of a series of manually or hydraulically actuated single and multiple function valves. These and other valve body and valve element forms and flow elbows are rendered more useful by the inclusion of seal retaining elements and flow turners.

Abstract: Semiautomatic threading of bonding wire into the guide hole of a wire bonding tool is accomplished by holding the end of the wire in a reference position while its standing part is disposed in the wire feed mechanism of the machine and by activating the feed mechanism after the tool and work positioning mechanism of the machine have placed the bonding tool in line with the wire proximate to the wire end. A preferred apparatus for holding the end of the wire in place is a structure which forms a ledge and has a notch in the edge of that ledge.

Abstract: A piston type lock employs stepped diameter pistons or pins and bores to prevent fallout of pins on disassembly and also multilevel surfaces at the lock rotor and housing interface such that one or more of the pins serve to retain the rotor in the housing in the unlocked condition of the lock.

Abstract: The efficiency with which the water in pools and spas may be heated is greatly improved by circulating water through a heat exchanger such that heated water is introduced at or near the lowest point in the body of pool or spa water and by removing water to be heated from a point near the surface notwithstanding that the heated water rises to form a warm layer at the surface. When the body of water is heated to a selected temperature, the flow direction is reversed so that water is withdrawn from the low point and, after heating, is returned to a point nearer the surface. That method has the advantage that it can be practiced with conventional pool and spa plumbing systems with minimum modification to permit a reversal of pool and spa inlet and outlet opening connection to the external water cleaning conduit. Water flow and control in the external circuit remains the same. System operation and practice of the method is enhanced by the inclusion of a solar energy collector and valves of unique design.

Abstract: A sterilizable electrode employs a selectively permeable membrane bonded at its edges to a face of a cover member. An opening or hole in the cover permits contact between the membrane and a material whose composition is to be tested. The cover and membrane assembly are removably attached to an electrolyte filled sensor body which also houses an electrode. The electrode is arranged to bear against the membrane to force the latter to bulge into the hole of the cover. In a dissolved oxygen sensor embodiment the electrode is a body of silver connected to a silver wire which extends through an inert, insulating sheath. The sheath is contained within a stainless steel shield which serves as the electrical conductor to, and a supporting structure for, a lead anode.

Abstract: An orthopedic hinge is polycentric and employs a rack cooperating with pinions formed at the ends of the hinge arms. A special arrangement for limiting rack displacement is effective to selectively clamp the hinge arms at a given arm angle or to permit movement within a limited range of allowable angles.

Abstract: A sonic, lead wire bonding tool has both bonding elements and wire cutting elements formed on its working face and a bail which limits lateral movement of the bonding wire and aids in forming the lead wire as it is payed out between between bonds. The bonding tool applies sonic energy to complete the wire bonds and to sever the wire with the aid of wire pulling force after completion of bonding.

Abstract: A key operated doorlock, which may incorporate a deadbolt, has a bolt housing that is mounted on the exterior of the door and is held there by being fastened to a spacer disposed within the door and a mounting plate at the interior side of the door. The main bolt is locked in place with a secondary locking apparatus which may include a barrel lock which operates a bolt which cooperates with a keeper opening in still another bolt. The latter engages a keeper opening that forms part of the housing. A lever system is provided which permits operation of the third bolt when permitted by the state of the second mentioned bolt.

Abstract: A press control system for presses fitted with floating platens or tools employs hydraulic cylinders and a spring loaded accumulator to bias the floating element against position change on press closure. The hydraulic pressure in the bias system is compared with floating element position to detect abnormal pressure-position relationships.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the color of the individual pixels of a digital display with appearance information formed by color information and position information. Each set of color information is applicable to a pair of adjacent pixels, but the position signal may cause the color signal of one pair of pixels to control the color of one pixel of the adjacent pair. Apparatus for practicing the invention includes a storage means capable of storing two sets of appearance information at the same time and for selecting one set of information or the other for application to the display.

Abstract: The preferred arrangement utilizes a magnet suspended at the center of an elastic cord over a pickup coil. Movement of the magnet is sensed by the coil in that signals are generated by such movement. The signals are processed in the combination of a time delay circuit and a comparator to provide an output which is a measure of acceleration of the element on which the elastic cord is mounted and, in one form, by a measure of jerk in a similar time delay circuit and comparator combination.

Abstract: A workpiece heater suitable for use in heating electronic micro circuitry while minimizing work displacement as an incident to expansion and contraction of the structural components of the heater employs a rotatable work table and a heater disposed to heat the table by radiation. The table is mounted on a shaft supported against axial movement by a tapered bearing. The bearing is pre-loaded by a spring arranged to urge the shaft against the bearing. That structural arrangement is combined with the use of elongated elements and reflecting shields to minimize heat transfer to the mechanism by which the worktable shaft is rotated.

Abstract: Pressure vessels are tested for structural integrity by recording acoustic events generated in the vessel's walls while it is immersed in water and subjected to internal pressure above the vessel's working pressure. Acoustic events are recorded by sensors fixed either to the wall of the vessel or to the walls of the water container in which the test is conducted. In preferred form, the vessel is water filled throughout the test and its volumetric increase with pressure is measured in an initial over-pressurization.