Abstract: A non-contacting electrical coupler for connecting a linearly movable radio frequency load to a stationary radio frequency power source both having a mean operating wavelength of .lambda.. The coupler comprises a pair of stationary parallel first generally tubular conductor members, each of which have an axially extending opening through the wall thereof. Terminal means are provided near a first end of the first conductor members connecting each of them to opposite sides of the power source. The first conductor members are connected together at a point located a distance substantially equal to odd multiples of .lambda./4 from the first end. A pair of movable second conductor members are disposed substantially coaxially one within each of the first conductor members. Each of the second conductor members have a length substantially equal to .lambda./4 and are axially movable within the first conductor members.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a tool such as an ultrasonic transducer into and out of engagement with a workpiece comprises actuating means including a piston and a toggle linkage between the piston and the tool. One end of the linkage is coupled to the tool, and the other end engages resilient means which yields after the tool first engages the workpiece and then moves resiliently toward its original position to maintain the tool in contact with the workpiece as yielding occurs.

Abstract: Ultrasonic method and apparatus having improved turn-on. Low level power is furnished to an unloaded transducer to start it running at a desired frequency. High level power is then furnished the transducer for performing the ultrasonic operation while loaded. The high level power is stopped and the low level power is maintained, reduced or stopped before the load is removed.

Abstract: A layer of magnetic particles in a resin binder on a carrier is smoothed by effecting relative movement between the carrier and a vibrating ultrasonic horn having a surface in contact with the layer. The carrier can be a web of fully coated magnetic tape or of striped motion picture film; and can be passed over a solid metal anvil or can be drawn tautly over the horn without requiring an anvil. The horn can be perpendicular to the carrier for hammering the layer; or it can be essentially parallel to the surface of the carrier, and either transversely or longitudinally extending, for scrubbing the layer smooth. The smoothing procedure can also be performed while the carrier is immersed in a solvent for removing dirt particles. Advantageously the procedure is performed when the binder is fresh and less than fully cured; but it can also be performed by heating a resin binder to the desired plasticity before the smoothing operation.

Abstract: A photographic film unit with lateral and transverse edges having a pair of sheets connected in superposition with a photosensitive layer located between the sheets. A container carrying a quantity of fluent processing composition is arranged to provide for the discharge of the composition to between the sheets. The improvement comprises an integral intermediate sheet disposed between the pair of sheets and coupled to both of them at the lateral marginal portions thereof and separating such lateral marginal portions of the sheets by a predetermined amount. A portion of the intermediate sheet extends from between the pair of sheets at one end thereof and is secured transversely to one of the sheets at that end and is folded away from that sheet over itself within the compass of that sheet to define a compartment for fluent processing composition. The intermediate sheet has a centrally disposed exposure aperture and lateral edges which are in register with the lateral edges of the other sheets.

Abstract: In a photographic film unit having a pair of sheets connected in superposition with a photosensitive layer located between the sheets, a container carrying a quantity of processing composition is arranged to provide for the discharge of the composition to between the sheets at the leading end of the film unit. A fluid receiver or trap is provided at the trailing end of the film unit to receive and store excess processing composition after it has been spread between the sheets. The trap includes trap spacing means, trap cover means, and trap-venting means formed of a plurality of holes through the trap cover means. The improvement comprises a processing-composition-impervious layer on the surface of and substantially coextensive with the trap spacing means adjacent the trap cover means whereby the processing composition is restrained from reaching the trap-venting holes without restraining air or gas from reaching the venting holes for escape from the film unit.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises a tool member (U) such as a sonic transducer, a fixture (F) for a workpiece, an anvil member (A), one of the members being stationary and the other being movable toward and away from the stationary member, a carriage (31) for the movable member, first means such as a piston rod (49) for holding the carriage up in ready position, second means such as a valve (VI) for releasing the first means to cause the carriage to descend to the workpiece, and third means such as a piston rod 51 for retarding descent to a velocity less than the free fall gravitational velocity. An automatic control system comprises sensing means, control relays and timing relays for activating the movable member, for energizing the tool member, for timing the period of energization, and for assuring dwell of the movable member in contact with the workpiece after the tool is deenergized.