Abstract: A tubular belt conveyor for carrying granulated materials, materials, etc., in which an endless belt is rolled up into a tube thereby to carry the materials in a wrapped condition is guided through a plurality of belt-retaining rollers mounted to each of supporting frames disposed along the length of the endless belt. The plurality of belt-retaining rollers includes a smooth rollers and at least one circumferentially multi-grooved friction roller at a position of greatest pressure contact with the belt, thereby preventing the belt from being twisted during the operation. The high friction roller is generally positioned at the bottom of the loaded belt in regions of no path direction changes but may be positioned at the top on an unladen belt, or at a point intermediate the top and bottom where the belt undergoes directional changes and the resultant force is directed other than straight down.

Abstract: A non recirculating, low volume toilet system for aircraft includes a interim storage tank connected to the toilet bowl. A waste drain leads to a gate valve which opens to a vacuum assisted luid gas separator. The separator is connected to the main waste tank. In a first embodiment, the main waste tank is a non pressurizable vessel and is maintained within a pressurized portion of the aircraft. The separator is alternatively connected to the exterior environment and the pressurized interior. When the toilet is utilized, the flushing operation uses a very small amount of flushing fluid to clean the bowl and transfer the contents to the interim tank. Opening the gate valve subjects the bowl and the interim tank to a pressure differential which transfers the flushing liquid and waste matter to the separator. The gate valve is closed and the separator is permitted to reach pressure equilibrium with the main waste tank at which time the contents of the separator are transferred to the main waste tank.

Abstract: A strip lighting assembly utilizes a film covered pair of copper foil strips to which one or more sockets have been connected. The assembly is produced by placing foil strips on one side of a wide insulating film, placing strips of the same insulating film material over the foil partially covering same, installing lamp sockets from the opposite side through the film and exposed foil and finally, overlapping the film edges to cover the exposed foil. The disclosure covers both the product and the method employed to produce it.

Abstract: A rope chain made from precious metals, having tightly interfitting rings of a given cross-section diameter, each ring having a small gap slightly larger than its cross-section diameter to permit one ring to pass through the gap of a second ring, each of said rings having an inner diameter equal to just over X times greater than the ring cross-section diameter, where X is a number equal to or greater than 3, said rope chain being formed by a plurality of assemblies of said rings, in series, each assembly comprising X+1 rings, each ring of said assembly being angularly intertwined with an adjacent ring, each said assembly of rings comprising at least one ring oriented with its gap about 180.degree.

Abstract: A novel rotary switch includes metal contact segments integrally molded into annular plastic frame members which segments are then further sealed to prevent passage of flux or other contaminants from reaching the interior of the switch. Further, each contact segment has an arcuate interior contact portion which engages a rotating bridging member on the inner periphery of the arcuate surface. The arcuate segments are spaced together so that the bridging member that conducts signals to the arcuate surface never contacts a plastic surface. A toothed member is provided to cam the bridging member out of contact with one contact segment before making contact with the next adjacent contact segment.

Abstract: The valve includes an electromagnet having a pole face inclined at an angle to a disk-shaped poppet or valve plate to define a wedge-shaped air gap therebetween. A peripheral housing surrounds the plate and extends between the pole face and a planar floor below the plate to define a chamber within which the plate is loosely captivated for pivotal movement about an edge of the plate disposed at the thin end of the gap. The floor contains a valve seat disposed toward the thick end of the gap so that the plate experiences its maximum stroke in the vicinity of the seat, thus resulting in a faster-acting valve for a given effective stroke length.

Abstract: A waste tank cleaning system in a preferred embodiment includes a flowmeter interposed in the line carrying cleaning fluid to the tank. A pair of solenoid valves are controlled by an electronic counter coupled to the flowmeter. In response to predetermined volumetric flows of fluid, the solenoid valves alternatively deliver fluid to a hydraulically operated drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the waste tank. In one alternative embodiment, a flowmeter is mechanically coupled to a valve structure which alternatively applies fluid to the drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the tank, directly. In other embodiments, the volume of flow can be determined by liquid level sensors in the tank and a predetermined cleaning sequence can be carried out based on the signals sent by the sensors. Power can be furnished by a rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with an integral optical element which includes a lens system and an objective lens that is recessed approximately 15 mm from the distal end of the endoscope. An integral illuminating element includes a fiber optic bundle that terminates at the distal end of the endoscope and illuminates the region of the distal end. The lens system terminated in a viewing port that is laterally displaced from the proximal end of the endoscope and which connects to a high resolution video camera that can display a magnified image on a high resolution video monitor, thus obviating the need for an unimpaired visual path from the proximal to the distal end of the endoscope. A lumen can be provided adjacent the lens system which brings a ventilating and clearing gas over the objective lens to keep the lens clear. The magnified video image can also be supplied to printers and recorders.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display capable of displaying monochromatic or colored views of moving, three dimensional scenes comprises means for sequentially projecting alternate ones of successive pairs of substantially monochromatic images corresponding to right-eye and left-eye perspectives of the scene at a display rate sufficient to avoid a perception of flicker in the images. A variable polarizer is used to circularly polarize alternate ones of the images in respectively opposite senses synchronously at their projection rate. The images are analyzed by highly-transmissive eyewear comprising at least one pair of oppositely-sensed cholesteric liquid crystal circular polarizers tuned to the particular color wavelength of the images and disposed, one over each eye, to transmit appropriately-polarized images to corresponding eyes and to reflect inappropriately-polarized images away therefrom.

Abstract: A universally adjustable mounting device including a first mounting plate. Means for releasably connecting the first mounting plate to the first joint member in a selectively positionable and adjustable manner are provided. Manually adjustable locking means for retaining the first mounting plate and the first joint member in a selected position are included to resist any loosening of the selected position due to vibrational type or any other type of stressing forces that the device may undergo while in service in a moving vehicle. A second joint member and means for releasably connecting the first joint member and the second joint member, in an axially and rotationally adjustable manner, are provided to permit the device to be adjusted to accommodate various shaped and sized areas in the vehicle in which the device is to be installed.

Abstract: A mobile communications antenna assembly for use over a selected band of frequencies in the VHF an UHF ranges, has, a radiating element with first, second and third, collinear radiating sections. The first and second sections each have an electrical length substantially equal to five-eights wavelength over the selected band, while the third section has an electrical length substantially equal to one-quarter wavelength. Phase inductor elements connect the sections for maintaining a predetermined phase relationship between electrical signals radiating from the sections. The third section further has a radiating surface area that is substantially greater than the radiating surface areas of the first and second sections. The base end of the third section is mounted to be elevated above the surface. The transmission line is connected to impedance matching means at a point where impedance of the two is substantially equal.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an automotive wheel including a tire to provide additional traction includes a first and a second ring member fabricated of hard grooved metal material, each having a sufficient diameter and held in a spaced-apart parallel relation by a plurality of transversely oriented angled bar members rigidly connected at each end and equally spaced along the circumference of the rings to the rings so as to be adapted to receive therein and therebetween the tire. The angled bar members each have a convex portion member oriented towards the tire and a concave portion oriented away from the tire. At least one selectively adjustable strap is provided for connecting both of the ring members to the tire in a rotataionally fixed, but removable relation. The selectively adjustable strap has sufficient length to engage both the ring members and the tire in a compressive relation.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for use on a vehicle includes telescoping radiating sections that collapse toward an insulated mounting base, so that the radiating sections can be selectively extended. An impedance matching network with concentric outer and inner conductive tubular members slidably receives the telescopically collapsed radiating sections. Both tubular members are attached to the mounting base and electrically insulated therefrom and from each other. The inner tubular member is electrically connected to the radiating sections at a base end thereof. The outer tubular member has at least one longitudinal slot therein through which the central conductor of a transmission line is connected to the inner member. A ground contact is electrically connected to the outer tubular member. A slidable terminal that is selectively adjustable longitudinally along the outer tubular member is connected to the transmission line to select a signal insertion point.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an elongated sheath member, with a selectively controllable bendable section which houses an image forming optical system. A generally rigid section includes a control housing. An image transmitting optical system extends throughout the length of the sheath member and terminates behind and adjacent the image forming system. A light transmitting system also extends throughout the length of the sheath member to the image forming optical system, the rearward end of which is adapted to be operatively connected to a light source. A channel, extending throughout the length of the sheath member, provides a flow of pressurized gas is directed across the image forming optical system to keep the image forming optical system operationally clear.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the light energy power level of a beam of light, includes beamsplitters on the axis of the light beam for directing portions of the light beam in first and second paths respectively orthogonal to the axis while transmitting the remaining portion of the light beam therethrough. First and second photodetectors having similar spectral responsivity intercept the first and second light beam portions respectively, and detect and signal the light energy power level of the respective first and second light beam portions. Analysis circuitry coupled to the first and second photodetectors and responsive to the output signals therefrom to calculate the total light energy power level of the light beam. The apparatus resolves linearly polarized light into two orthogonal components while permitting most of the light to exit. This exit beam can be analyzed in terms of the incident beam or monitored for measurement or control purposes.

Abstract: A universally adjustable mounting device including a first mounting plate. Means for releasably connecting the first mounting plate to the first joint member in a selectively positionable and adjustable manner are provided. Manually adjustable locking means for retaining the first mounting plate and the first joint member in a selected position are included to resist any loosening of the selected position due to vibrational type or any other type of stressing forces that the device may undergo while in service in a moving vehicle. A second joint member and means for releasably connecting the first joint member and the second joint member, in an axially and rotationally adjustable manner, are provided to permit the device to be adjusted to accommodate various shaped and sized areas in the vehicle in which the device is to be installed.

Abstract: A unique mirror optical system reduces the anxiety of patients due to claustrophobia during magnetic resonance imaging or the like. A back surface mirror is mounted on a spectacle frame which is attached to the patient's head with an adjustable elastic band. With the patient in the supine position, the mirror allows the patient to see over the head or feet to scenes placed on a distant surface. Since the patient can see "out", the confined feeling which triggers the claustrophobia response is greatly reduced or eliminated.