Abstract: A closed transfer apparatus for transferring liquid from a container to a dilution tank in measured volume includes an actuator moveable to a first position that energizes an electric pump to pump liquid from the container into a transfer tank and moveable to a second position which energizes the pump to pump liquid from the transfer tank to the dilution tank; the actuator being biased to a center position in which the electric pump is de-energized and the tanks and the container are all isolated.

Abstract: A measuring tank capable of providing accurate measurement of liquid contained therein even when not in an upright position having a rear wall connected to left and right side walls and a front wall connected between said side walls and having a generally concave shape with a sight glass affixed thereto adjacent its closest approach to the rear wall. The volume of the tank to the left and right of a plane passing through the centerline of the sight glass being equal and the volume of the tank to the front and rear of a plane passing through the centerline of the sight glass parallel to the rear wall being equal.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a detection system for a profile line on an observed body which uses a linear array of sequentially energized energy beam emitters to project beams toward the body. Reflections of the beams are detected by a linear array of energy beam receivers which monitor wedge shaped sectors within a field of view. The known sequence of beam projection and the known sector of reception of reflected beams are used to identify points in space on the profile line.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for detecting the presence of ice on a surface. The invention uses cameras to allow ice detection over a large area instead of a single point. The detecting apparatus provides an improved deicing apparatus.

Abstract: A transmit-receive station connected to a high speed ring bus carrying data signals that may be received from and sent to each station on the ring bus has two sources of transmit clocking signals. One source is based on the frequency and phase of data signals received on the ring bus from another station and the other source is a local crystal oscillator having essentially the same frequency as the first source but in an indeterminate phase. When changing the source of clocking signals for transmission of data originating at the station, bit slippage may be minimized by providing the local oscillator output signal in four phases and using the phase most nearly aligned with the other clocking signal when the change is made.Control of access to transmit by a station employs a token having a message field of seven bits and a access control bit.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing containers, such as beakers, on a line of an aseptic food packaging machine has a sintered stainless steel tube (6) surrounded by an outer tube (7) which has a plurality of outlets (10). A source of hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) (1) is vaporized by heated air (4) and passed into the sintered tube (6), from where it permeates to the outer tube (7) and via the outlets (10) to respective containers (18), to sterilize the containers. The combination of the sintered tube and outer tube serves to evenly distribute the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 vapor to evenly sterilize a row or beakers, indexed through the apparatus.

Abstract: A terrain profiling apparatus for quick and inexpensive profiling of relatively large areas of ground. A prime mover pulls a sled across a terrain to be profiled. A gyroscope on the sled indicates slope and a measuring device records distances moved. Slope and distance signals are used by a computer to indicate terrain profile.

Abstract: A granular dispenser for a planter having a closure means for sealing the hopper which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder which is connected in parallel with the hydraulic cylinder normally provided on a planter for raising and lowering the planter tool bar so that the closure means is fully closed before the planter begins to raise and remains closed until the planter is fully lowered.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle for operating in a predetermined work area while avoiding both fixed and moving obstacles. A plurality of laser, sonic and optical sensors detect targets and obstacles in the work area and provide coded signals to processors and controllers which direct the vehicle over a most expedient route to a target while avoiding any obstacles. The vehicle is especially useful in moving around the deck of an aircraft carrier to deliver ammunition to aircraft from an ammunition magazine.

Abstract: The invention provides a plurality of tray cart containers, in which at least four tray carts are loaded into a tray cart container, and a trailer, wherein the trailers have at least one powered conveyor system, and wherein at least four of tray cart containers are loaded onto the powered conveyor system. A tractor unit is attached to the trailer and transports the trailer from a kitchen to an airport. A container loader removes the tray cart containers from the trailer and transports them to an airplane. The tray carts are removed from the tray cart containers and placed in the airplane kitchen. Other tray carts are removed from the airplane and placed in the tray cart containers. The container loader loads the tray cart containers into the trailer. The trailer is transported from the airport to the kitchen.

Abstract: A rolling ball assembly for a rolling ball deck with a spherical ball (10), a support for the ball to permit free rotation about any horizontal axis through the ball; a pair of horizontal drive shafts (4, 5), one on either sie of the ball; a collar (8, 9) on each driving shaft, with the periphery of each collar being in driving engagement with the ball at or close to a horizontal plane through the equator of the ball, and between the horizontal axis of the ball perpendicular to the drive shafts and the horizontal axis parallel to the drive shafts so the ball may be rotated about any horizontal axis through rotation of the drive shafts.

Abstract: A multiline fluid distribution system having an articulated fluid loading arm, which is swingable in vertical and horizontal planes, for selectively coupling the swingable fluid outlet end of the loading arm to any one of a plurality of parallel fluid transfer lines extending horizontally in a honey comb-like array. The fluid outlet end of the loading arm is supported on and transported by a carriage to the designated fluid transfer line for coupling therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of laterally conveying, systematically off-loading and sequentially transferring articles utilizing a coordinated movement of oscillating fingers with that of an indexing conveyor wherein the fingers are adjustably located to accommodate universal sizes and shapes of containers.

Abstract: Composite armor comprising a corrugated metal spoiler plate in front of and spaced from high alumina ceramic tiles backed by an aluminum anvil.

Abstract: A conveyor system with driven balls, in which each driven ball is supported by at least one driving roller. The point of contact between the driving roller and the ball is located at some distance below the horizontal plane through the center of the ball, which distance is smaller than the radius of the ball.

Abstract: An asymmetrically arranged hydrofoil and propeller system is disclosed for improving the speed and lift of watercraft such as amphibious vehicles. When the vehicle is propelled through water by propellers, a downwash of water from the upper surface of the asymmetrically arranged hydrofoils is intercepted by upwardly moving propeller blades which improve the speed, lift and efficiency of the watercraft.

Abstract: A pipe connector device for selectively interconnecting a pair of pipe elements in an end-to-end relationship and for sealing a junction between the elements to prevent leaks. A first and a second pipe element each includes a cavity adjacent to a center bore in the pipe element. The first pipe element has a substantially smooth inner surface which defines an outer boundary of a first cavity. An annular seal mounted in the cavities seal the junction between the pipe elements. A threaded outer portion of the seal has a plurality of radially outer points which press against the inner surface of the first cavity to retain the annular seal in the first cavity when the pipe elements are separated.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of conveying, queuing and transferring articles laterally in a direction different from the original direction of conveyance utilizing a cam means to harness the movement of an indexing conveyor system.

Abstract: A piston-type multi-station rotary filling machine having improved reliability and consistency of operation. The filling machine includes a nozzle assembly for a filler with a product port which includes a nozzle body with a rectangular nozzle that intersects the product port. A plunger having a complementary rectangular cross-section and with a knife edge on the side adjacent to the port is reciprocably mounted within the nozzle. The knife edge cleanly cuts tough food products to facilitate accurate dispensing of the food products.

Abstract: A method for rapidly forming composites by rotating an alterable male mold to wrap a plurality of continuous and intermittent layers of uncured laminate around the male mold when in a closed position and allowing the male mold to be moved into a female mold and to thereafter sever all layers on the male mold into an open position which thereafter transfers the resin matrix composite to a female mold which shapes the composite in a desired configuration and thereafter heat cures the composite lay-up material while being subjected to a vacuum. A second embodiment of the invention uses a non-rotatable male mold.