Abstract: A calibrating and measuring circuit is disclosed for a capacitive probe-type instrument. The capacitive probe, in contact with a surface to be measured, is connected to an oscillator which generates pulses, the frequency of which is adjustable, the number of pulses generated being a function of the texture of the surface being measured. A digital counter is connected to receive, count and present the resulting summation to a visual numerical display.In order to calibrate the instrument the capacitive probe is placed on a known specimen, the digital magnitude of which is loaded into the counter through a number of thumb switches. The counter first counts down to this number, and then counts up to the number of remaining pulses. The resulting count, called the offset number, is then transferred to a memory.

Abstract: A compressive bumper assembly is disclosed for an electrically powered vehicle in which a bumper is resiliently supported in spaced relationship from the vehicle proper by means of a plurality of springs. The maximum displacement of the bumper from the vehicle is defined by means of inextensible members such as cables, chains or the like, which are secured to the bumper and to the vehicle. Levers are attached to the bumper at one end, the other ends having cam surfaces and being pivotally supported on the vehicle. Switches, electrically in series with the power supply for the vehicle, are provided with followers which are placed contiguously with the cam surfaces on the levers. The position of each follower determines the closed or open position of the associated switch. When the bumper comes in contact with personnel or any object, the bumper is compressed and the follower disciplined by the cam surface is displaced to open the proximate switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for eccentricity correction in a rolling mill, in which prior to rolling, the eccentricity of the back-up rolls is measured and recorded both initially and each time the back-up rolls are changed. In an analog loop, constant roll gap is maintained by bidirectionally displacing the back-up rolls so as to maintain constant roll force in accordance with a reference roll force signal, the displacements being such as to neutralize the measured and recorded eccentricity. In a digital feedback loop, controlled by a digital computer, roll force is maintained constant in accordance with changes in the gauge of the work product, with the displacement of the back-up rolls producing a change in roll opening. The analog and digital control loops are cooperatively combined, so that the change in roll opening resulting from digital control, produces a new roll force reference for the analog loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the stressless rolling of metals in a continuous rolling mill. In a continuous train, between any two successive mill stands, the magnitude of the rolling torque in the first mill stand is measured and stored just before the metal enters the second mill stand. The rolling torque of the first stand is maintained constant at the stored magnitude until the speed of the first stand is stabilized. Immediately after stabilization is achieved, the ratio of the speeds of the first and second mill stand is held constant until rolling is ended.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for protecting pneumatic cylinders and diaphragm valves against failure of both electrical and pneumatic supplies. In the event of a failure of the air supply, the loss of air pressure is detected and all drives are locked in position. The position pneumatic feedback signal from the pneumatic cylinder diaphragm valve is then connected directly to a pneumatic memory. Thus when the air supply recovers, the pneumatic memory will be equal to the instantaneous position of the pneumatic cylinder or diaphragm valve.In the event of an electrical failure, a solenoid valve interrupts the flow of the pneumatic signal from an electropneumatic transducer to the pneumatic memory, so that the air cylinder or valve is directly connected to the pneumatic memory. By selectively energizing a pair of solenoid valves connected to the memory, the operator using an emergency d.c.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pulse width modulated sine-cosine wave generator in which all bits of a first counter, save the most significant bit, address a read only memory (ROM) which has a programmed output for each address. The ROM has sine and cosine half cycle bit outputs (logic ONES and ZEROES). The remaining bit outputs of the ROM are applied to control a variable modulo counter. When the variable modulo counter counts to its capacity or modulo, it is load enabled, and an end of state signal is sent to the first counter which then advances to its next state. When the variable modulo counter is enabled, it receives the ROM output which results from the previous state of the first counter. Thus, every time the first counter changes state, the ROM has impending a modulo output to apply to the input of the variable modulo counter; however, this modulo will not be loaded into the variable modulo counter until it has counts to existing modulo which is a function of the previous state of the first counter.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a synchronous motor KVAR regulation system which utilizes a synchronous motor connected to a power distributor line to generate corrective (capacitive) KVARS to automatically follow and compensate for KVARS being generated by the other loads on the distribution line. The system takes into consideration the thermal capacity (motor rated current) of the synchronous motor so that the KVAR regulation system is not permitted to overexcite the synchronous motor for long periods of time. The KVAR regulation system also programs a minimum motor field current with respect to the motor load so as to insure that the synchronous motor will not pull out of synchronism during peak loads.

Abstract: A powered loading system is disclosed for loading and unloading a heavy load-carrying module onto a vehicle for transport. The module is supported for movement on casters and, additionally, it includes rollers and a slotted probe member. The transport vehicle for receiving the module includes ramp members for engaging the rollers on the module. A motor on the vehicle is coupled to a jackscrew which is attached to a movable block member. A hook member is supported on the block for displacement in an arcuate path normal to the ground plane. With the rollers on the module in position on the ramp members and deplacement impending, when the motor is actuated, the hook member engages and disengages with the slotted probe member for raising and lowering the module for, respectively, loading and unloading the module on the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A direct current motor speed control system is disclosed including a motor armature current controller operative in conjunction with a speed controller and a current reference ramp function generator, such that an effective clamp is provided on the current reference rate of change in the motor speeed control operation in relation to providing less amplification of the noise frequency portion of the motor speed actual feedback signal supplied to the speed controller.