Abstract: The floor buffer includes an aluminum chassis to which the various operative elements of the floor buffer are affixed. More particularly, a buffer pad driver is journaled to the front end of the chassis and a propane tank is carried from the aft end of the chassis to which end the steering handle is affixed. An air cooled internal combustion engine is mounted to the chassis intermediate the pad driver and the fuel tank. The air cooled engine is mounted in heat exchanging relation with the chassis so that the chassis serves as a substantial heat sink for conduction cooling of the engine, in use.

Abstract: The sputtering apparatus includes a concentric anode and cathode electrode and a magnetic structure for producing a magnetic field crossed with the electric field (magnetron type discharge) over the cathode region to be sputtered for enhancing the sputtering operation. The magnetic structure includes field shaping means, such as shunts or bucking magnets, to limit the cathode dark space substantially to the effective sputter surface of the cathode. A ground shield surrounding the cathode, but not extending into the dark space, is utilized to contribute to the effect produced by the magnetic field, and means are provided for cooling the anode and cathode. In the case of sputtering ferromagnetic material, a ferromagnetic sputter cathode has its thickness dimensioned so as to be magnetically saturated by the applied magnetic field in a region of relatively low sputter erosion and to be thicker in regions of more intense sputter erosion.

Abstract: An infrared laser absorption spectrometer is disclosed wherein a pair of detector cells are disposed in series relative to the laser beam path, such beam path preferably being within the optical cavity of the laser. The laser beam is modulated to produce a modulation of the absorption, if any, by the sample materials in the two cells. Modulated absorption by the sample or samples produces an acoustic wave in each cell which is detected by a suitable microphone and subtracted so as to produce a difference signal corresponding to the difference in absorption between the two cells so that undesired background effects are cancelled, such as window heating, absorption by a carrier gas or the like which is common to both cells. A mirror placed over one end of one of the cells allows a two cell optoacoustic detector geometry having only two windows therein.

Abstract: The optoacoustic detector cell of an infrared laser optoacoustic spectrometer is interfaced to a source of gas under analysis, such as the atmosphere, by means of a relatively large area membrane separator. Gas to be analyzed is passed through the membrane separator, compressed by a compressor and then fed at a pressure of between 10 and 1000 torr into the optoacoustic detector cell of the infrared spectrometer for analysis therein. A method of tracing is disclosed wherein deuterium is incorporated into a system to be traced. The deuterium diffuses out of the body in extremely minute quantities which are then inducted into the optoacoustic detector cell of an infrared laser optoacoustic spectrometer via a palladium membrane separator and reactor, whereby an extremely sensitive detection or tracing system is obtained.

Abstract: A rail fastener includes a rail plate, a layer of elastomeric material between the plate and a support structure, and a pair of posts for laterally and longitudinally restraining the rail plate, with elastomeric material mounted between the posts and cooperating surfaces of the rail plate. The rail plate, the layer of elastomeric material, and the support structure on which it is mounted form a shear pad. The posts are partially embedded in the support structure and extend through respective openings in the rail plate, the inner peripheries of which are covered with elastomeric material, to provide lateral and longitudinal restraint to the rail plate. Each of these posts is preferably formed of two parts, one of which is embedded in the support structure, and the other of which is an eccentric which is releasably attached thereto.

Abstract: In an infrared laser absorption spectrometer, an infrared laser beam of predetermined wavelength, in the infrared absorption spectrum, is beamed into a liquid sample under analysis. Components of the liquid sample absorb energy from the infrared beam, as a function of the infrared wavelength of the beam, to produce heating of the liquid. A thermal detector is disposed in heat exchanging relation with the liquid sample for detecting the heating effect in the liquid due to absorption of the infrared radiation. This detection scheme is particularly useful for monitoring the effluent of a liquid chromatograph as it provides specific detection.

Abstract: In a muffler for a two-cycle combustion engine of the type commonly used to power miniature aircraft, cars, boats and models, the exhaust gas is directed into an expansion chamber for expansion and cooling, thence through a series of spaced baffles in a baffle chamber, and thence through a nozzle to the atmosphere. The baffle plates may comprise one or more different types having different sonic wave reflective characteristics and different impedances to gas flow. The baffle plates are spaced apart by one or more of a number of spacers providing different axial spacing between the baffle plates. THe baffle plates and their spacings are chosen by the user so as to obtain the required degree of muffling with the least amount of back pressure on the engine, as back pressure reduces engine power. The user is supplied with a kit having the various different type baffles and spacers.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring light reflectance from fabric and the like materials which have a heterogeneous surface configuration includes an aperture defining a sensing area, three light sources for illuminating the sensing area, and a photoelectric cell for detecting light reflected from the material in the sensing area. The light sources are mounted at 120.degree. with respect to one another around an outer periphery of the cell. The cell is mounted coaxially with respect to and a spaced distance from the aperture. Each light source is mounted on a line which passes through the center of the aperture and is at an angle of 30.degree. with respect to an axis of the aperture.

Abstract: A structural form is constructed of a single sheet of material, such as cardboard, which is cut along certain lines and folded to provide a three dimensional configuration. The sheet material is cut to provide tabs each extending from a side of a respective panel portion. The panel portions, when folded, form the outer side walls of an enclosure. The tabs at opposite edges of each panel are folded into the enclosure to form channel members. Every alternate one of the tabs is provided with additional perforations, such that it can also be folded to nest an adjacent tab when all of the tabs are folded inwardly of the side wall panel portions. The tabs are folded such that a first portion thereof, which is secured to its respective panel portion slopes inwardly and toward the center of the enclosure. The remaining portion of each tab is folded to extend from a central area within the enclosure to a respective one of the panel portions.

Abstract: Solid state leaf spring pressure transducers are fabricated by batch photolithographic and etching techniques from a monocrystalline material, such as silicon. The leaf spring structures include elongated gaps separating adjacent leaf spring leg portions from each other and from a surrounding support structure defined by the intervening region of the wafer disposed inbetween adjacent leaf spring structures. An array of fluid tight partitions are sealed at their outer peripheries to the adjacent support structure. Compliant portions of the partitions are individually coupled to individual ones of the spring structures for movement therewith. In one embodiment, the gaps between adjacent leg portions of the individual springs and the surrounding support structure are sealed by a fluid tight web deposited over the major face of the wafer containing the batch of spring structures.

Abstract: A force transducer comprises a chamber; two matched plate-like crystals mounted facing each other within the chamber upright with respect to a base member provided within the chamber; electrical means for exciting each of the crystals; and means for transmitting a force to one of the crystals, including a spigot assembly which is mounted within the chamber by means of two spaced apart resilient supports and arranged to bear on one edge of said one crystal so as to produce in response to said force a change of the resonant frequency of that crystal with respect to the other crystal.

Abstract: In a swim fin, members are provided for maintaining a swimmer's foot in a predetermined angular relationship with respect to the swimmer's leg, particularly during a downward kick or leg extension mode. Movement of the ankle relative to the leg is substantially restricted, and stress that would be placed on the ankle in the utilization of a prior swim fin is transmitted to the leg. In two embodiments, a rigid member, such as a wall or brace, extends from the foot-receiving portion of the fin to engage the swimmer's lower shin. Straps from the shin brace maintain the swimmer's leg and foot in the predetermined relationship to the swim fin. Adjustable members may be provided for adjusting the selected, angular relationship between the shin brace and the swimmer's foot and leg. In a third embodiment, a tubular assembly is provided for engaging a lower rear portion of the swimmer's leg, preferably below the calf.

Abstract: An infrared laser absorption spectrometer is disclosed wherein a pair of detector cells are disposed serially along the laser beam path. The laser beam is modulated to produce a modulation of the absorption by the sample materials in the two cells. Modulated absorption by the samples produces an acoustic wave in each cell which is detected by a suitable microphone and subtracted so as to produce a difference signal corresponding to the difference in infrared absorption between the two cells so that undesired background effects common to both cells are cancelled. A pressure controller, which is responsive to the pressure difference between the sample pressure in the two cells at a frequency substantially below the beam modulation frequency is employed for controlling the pressure differential. In one embodiment the pressure controller includes a compliant membrane partitioning the two cells so that the membrane may move so as to equalize the pressures.

Abstract: A method of needleless medicant injection with an ampule having a medicant chamber and a bore extending therefrom dimensioned for needleless injection which includes the steps of evacuating the medicant chamber such that it is at less than ambient pressure, sealing the chamber from ambient pressure, thereafter exposing the chamber to a contained medicant to permit transfer of the medicant into the chamber, and then exposing the medicant in the chamber to a higher than ambient pressure to force it through the bore.

Abstract: A flow meter includes a variable area obstruction mounted in a conduit and a differential pressure transducer having its two ports mounted on opposite sides of the obstruction in fluid communication with the fluid flowing through the conduit. The variable area obstruction is formed of one or more flexible leaves which extend into the flow stream and are deflectable under the influence of fluid pressure, such that an increased flow rate increases the deflection of the leaves and decreases the area of the obstruction.

Abstract: A security method for controlling the passage of persons and objects between two areas, this method employs a controlled space. Prior to admitting, during the presence and subsequent to exiting of a person to this space, the contents of the space are monitored and examined.

Abstract: A novel integrated circuit memory cell structure where the individual cells in the storage matrix may be utilized as either a RAM type storage cell or a ROM type storage cell; this selective type storage cell is referred to as a programmable random access (PRAM). Each individual cell of the matrix comprises a write transistor, a read transistor, a RAM storage transistor, and a ROM floating gate storage transistor. Several different circuit arrangements for these four different transistors are shown in different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A BCD corrected serial adder includes an adder circuit and an asynchronous programmable logic array (PLA) connected to an output of the adder circuit. Whenever the sum of two bytes exceeds the decimal number 9 in the addition mode, the PLA simultaneously generates each bit of a byte which is equal to that sum plus the BCD equivalent of the decimal number 6. Whenever the sum of a minuend and the 2's compliment of the subtrahend is less than zero, the PLA simultaneously generates each bit of a byte which is equal to that sum plus the BCD equivalent of the decimal number 10. A circuit responsive to a carry supplied at an output of the PLA and to the most significant bit of the most significant digit of the subtrahend word generates a borrow which can be employed immediately by a main control circuit for making the necessary correction when the subtrahend word is larger than the minuend word.

Abstract: Gang bonding structures for connecting a semiconductive device to associated circuitry includes both copper and gold portions which are heated and pressed into thermal compression bonding relation. The resultant bond comprises a solid state interdiffusion of the copper and gold portions to obtain, upon cooling thereof, a bonding interface between the copper and gold portions comprising a solid state interdiffusion of the copper and the gold. In a preferred embodiment such copper-to-gold thermal compression bonds are obtained between copper portions of gang bonding bumps on the semiconductive device and the inner ends of a copper interconnect lead structure as well as between the outer ends of the copper lead structure and gold plated inner ends of the lead frame structure of a base metal as of copper, nickel, or kovar.

Abstract: An integrated circuit relaxation oscillator includes a capacitor, a resistor forming a conductive path for charging the capacitor, a transistor for discharging the capacitor, and a control circuit responsive to the level of charge on the capacitor for controlling the conduction level of the transistor. The control circuit has a relatively high trip point while it is in one state and during the time that the capacitor is being charged, and a relatively low trip point while it is in a second state and during the time that the capacitor is being discharged. The control circuit is balanced, such that variations in process parameters and variations in the voltage level of the power supply do not appreciably affect the period of the oscillatory output signal.