Abstract: A load regulator is adjustably mounted in a machine for loading a workpiece and comprises inverted telescoping cup-shaped piston and cylinder elements defining a variable length chamber for a coil spring. Cooperating indicia on the piston and cylinder provide a direct readout scale to indicate the actual load force applied to the workpiece in proportion to the compression of the coil spring.

Abstract: A replaceable bolster gib comprises a U-shaped holder block fixed to the bolster, a trough-shaped wear shoe block having a pocket complementary to the holder block and mounted in embracing force transmitting relation thereon, and an interlocking means such as a spring steel cotter pin drive in force fit relation through the holder and overlapping portions of the wear shoe to removably retain the blocks.

Abstract: A flexible hollow glass tube of optical fiber dimensions provides a central light passage and serves as an optical transmission line characterized by substantially less absorption and distortion of signals superposed on transmitted light waves. A metal rod located within a preform evaporates as the preform is heated and drawn, providing a convenient method of reflectively coating the internal surface of small tubes.

Abstract: Earth boring apparatus is mounted above ground and directs an annulus of high powered laser energy downwardly for boring a cylindrical hole by fusing successive annular regions of the stratum to be penetrated at a power level that shatters and self-ejects successive cores from the hole. A first fluid blast above the hole deflects the ejected core as it exits from the hole. A second fluid blast above the hole ejects fluid to provide adequate fluid at the strata to be penetrated prior to actuation of the laser for promoting a thermal shock capable of shattering and ejecting the core.Optical sensing separately detects the core shattering and the core ejection to control timed actuation of the system components.

Abstract: A method of earth boring, useful for oil well drilling and the like, employs a high powered laser beam focused and directed by appropriate optics and/or scanning means to a vertically downwardly directed annular pattern. A fluid blast means directed generally into the bore hole is disposed adjacent the beam between the earth and the optics or scanning means. The beam and fluid blast are alternately pulsed and the fluid blast is effective to create thermal shock in the core to shatter it and to deflect material cleared from the hole by the laser beam away from the boring apparatus.

Abstract: A bottom removal type of filter bag assembly for reverse blow-back type dust collectors is mounted on a permanent support structure that is welded in place to a depending integral collar portion of the dust collector tube sheet. The permanent support has a stepped diameter wall structure having a reduced upper end portion for force fit insertion in the tube sheet collar and having an intermediate shoulder to engage axially against the end of the collar.

Abstract: An audio range siren detector utilizes an audio pickup including an A.G.C. amplifier, a plurality of electronic active filters having closely spaced resonant frequencies such as 800, 825, 850 timing means responsive to an actuating signal from one of the filters for generating a time slot signal of short duration, gating means responsive to each of the filter means for producing an actuating signal, control logic responsive to the occurrence of all actuating signals within the time slot to produce output denoting a valid siren signal, and relay means for setting traffic lights to emergency condition.The detector includes counters and additional timers to further restrict the conditions under which a valid siren signal will be responded to in order to better discriminate against extraneous ambient noises of all types.

Abstract: Constant contact side bearings include a base presenting supports for cushions that are engaged by a top follower. In its pre-load position, rollers disposed on the top follower are urged into constant contact with a car body to control truck hunting. The cushions accommodate additional travel of the top follower to provide substantially higher load resistance for control of lateral car body roll resistance.