Abstract: Illumination apparatus includes a light source which directs a polarized source beam in a downstream direction along an optical axis and desirably focuses the beam. A polarization-altering element downstream from the source such as a birefringent plate alters the polarization in a portion or portions of the source beam, so that the altered beam includes portions having different polarization directions. The altered beam passes downstream through a polarization-selective filter. The output beam from the polarization-selective filter can include either portion depending on the orientation of the filter. The arrangement can be used to provide a spot of a given size and shape at the focal location in a scanner such as a bar code scanner. The size and depth of field of the spot can be varied dynamically during operation.

Abstract: A novel optical filtering system for a laser bar code scanner having narrow band-pass characteristics is disclosed. The optical filtering system has two different optical filtering elements which are disposed in a scanner housing in a spatially separate relationship. One of the optical filtering elements is positioned inside of the scanner housing in front of and close to the light detection element. The other optical filtering element is positioned in the light transmission aperture of the scanner housing and forms the scanning window. The optical filtering characteristics of the scanning window obscure the internal components of the scanner from plain view making the scanner appear more aesthetically pleasing. Together the optical filtering element cooperate to form a narrow-band pass filter to provide for better light collection and scanning.

Abstract: A laser bar code symbol scanner employing a narrow band-pass optical filtering system of novel construction is disclosed. A first optical filtering element is installed in the light transmission aperture of a bar code scanner housing. A second optical filtering element is installed inside the scanner housing near the light detecting element. The first and second optical filtering elements have wavelength selective properties such that taken together they cooperate to form a narrow wavelength band-pass optical filtering system which allows only transmission of light at and around a certain predetermined wavelength into the photodetector element. The present invention also hides aesthetically unappealing electro-optical components mounted in the scanner housing from plain view and the optical filtering elements of the system can be easily and inexpensively manufactured without compromising the performance of the scanner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a miniature, portable, self-contained power machine for handling materials, comprising, a rigid frame providing the base structure for all components of said machine, a means of electrical power supply for said machine, means for regulating the motion of said machine, two endless roller chains forming a traction system and serving as the means to move said machine over various types of terrain, means for readily receiving and rigidly securing a variety of miniature, hydraulically powered material handling implements to said machine, and a central hydraulic system which is powered by said power supply means and which supplies power to said attachable material handling implements. The machine has a diversity of applications in numerous industries. The machine accepts any of a variety of attachable implements through an assembly socket and a torque arm socket, and then links the implement to the central hydraulic system with hydraulic hoses leading to a hydraulic power manifold.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrostatic separation of coal from toxic and pyritic elements and ash compounds. More particularly this invention relates to separation of coal from refuse material by imparting opposite electrostatic charges to coal and refuse particles, passing them between oppositely charged electrodes and mechanically separating the electrostatically attracted diverging coal and refuse particles. The electrostatic attraction and divergent separation process is maximized by performing the charging and separation functions within a continuously vacuum reduced atmosphere. The use of a vacuum exhaust to continuously remove water and water vapor can prevent charge dissipation of the coal particles through charge transfer to water and water vapor. Additionally, the vacuum reduced atmosphere can prevent impairment of electrostatic influence due to gas turbulence.

Abstract: A spinning band device for use in a distillation process including a particular pattern of apertures. The band is made of of an elongated strip, either metal screen or Teflon, twisted about its longitudinal center. Both embodiments contain frayed or jagged edges to create turbulences within a mixture and scrape the inner wall of a distillation column. The novel features of this band are the large apertures, which a situated on the longitudinal centerline for the metallic embodiment and scattered on the outer face for the Teflon embodiment, combined with the use of a plurality of spinning blades. Experimental testing and empirical data has proven this type of band to yield a significant increase in fractionating efficiency over the conventional two bladed bands without apertures.

Abstract: This invention relates to means for pulverizing coal or other minerals by causing them to impact against rotating elements which are specially contoured to maximize two objectives: 1) improved efficiency in pulverization of the material particles at high production rates; and 2) protection of the rotating elements themselves from wear by contact with the process material. The device is formed with counter-rotating rotors which are inverted with respect to each other. The rotors have specially contoured elements attached to their inner faces in concentric rings. The elements could be any one of four different embodiments or a combination of two or more different elements forming successive rings.

Abstract: An earth moving and tamping apparatus rig is provided which can backfill a trench and compact the backfill materials up to 100% compaction. A bucket and a vibrator are attached to a backhoe. The bucket retrieves the filling material and either dumps the material into a trench or sifts it through adjustable screening blades that form the bottom of the bucket. The apparatus includes a means to swivel the bucket with respect to the vibrator. The end of the bucket then compacts the filling materials into the trench. Each moving rig apparatus may also be equipped with an alternative two-bucket system, where one bucket fits inside the other one or is along side thereof. For trenches as wide as two feet to increase the area of dirt tamped, the two-bucket may be secured in juxtaposition to each other. For more narrow trenches, the second bucket may be secured inside the first bucket and the area tamped will only be the width of a single bucket.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fuel coal processing system having a centrifugal type coal pulverizer and an electrostatic type coal purifier and an optional fuel coal size classifier all combined into one integral, cooperatively acting fuel coal preparation device in one embodiment, and a centrifugal type coal pulverizer and fuel coal size classifier combined in a second embodiment. The centrifugal type coal pulverizer may be a counter rotating cup and ring assembly for breaking apart the coal particles and impurities. The coal particles and impurities leave the pulverizer in flat, radiating, sheet pattern which passes through the electrostatic purifier or separator. The electrostatic separator has a pair of plates which are oppositely charged and arranged next to the pulverizer. The top plate is negatively charged to attract the positively charged pure coal particles and repel the negatively charged pyritic particles.

Abstract: A golf ball and golf club head cleaner including a leak resistant container which has a lid and open cylindrical portion for receiving a cleaning fluid therein. The lid has a ball holder attached at the end of an extender portion and a handle attached on top forming one rigid piece. A rigid bristle cage formed of plastic or wire mesh internally lined with bristles is placed inside of the open cylinder. A golf ball is placed into an opening in the center of the ball holder and secured by a pair of alternate prongs. The ball holder is then immersed into the container and swished about against the bristles in the liquid detergent. To clean a golf club head the ball holder is removed and the club head is immersed in the detergent liquid in the container. One side of the ball holder has bristles for easy cleaning of the deep grooves on the golf club head. A clip is attached to the side of the container for attachment to a golf bag for easy transportation.

Abstract: This invention is a device capable of repairing umbrellas which have suffered a separation of fabric from the supporting frame. The device has a housing for the naked support tip and several flaps to hold the umbrella's fabric. The tip of the support frame is pushed into the housing of the device, then the fabric is pulled down to the tip and the device's flaps are closed. The flaps sandwich the fabric and secure it with small teeth and adhesive.