Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for increasing accuracy of optical phase shift in quadrature systems by varying the angle at which light is directed through pairs of diffraction gratings. A more precise adjustment of the phase angle between two adjacent index gratings is achieved after manufacturing and assembly by using a light source and diverging or converging its rays of light. The accuracy of the phase shift of resultant signals is greatly improved over methods of mechanical alignment heretofore used. The improved accuracy allows for the manufacture of a broad tolerance system, with the inherent reduction of costs.

Abstract: In a collator which assembles sheets, the sheets are pushed upwardly by individual sheet pusher arms from each of a group of generally vertically oriented sheet storage bins to a generally horizontal conveyor system which then pulls up and conveys the sheets from the bins to a discharge station. The sheets from the respective bins are fed into the conveyor system at the same time by the sheet pusher arms which are reciprocally driven by a cam actuated bar. The sheet pusher arms are magnetically latched against a member at the top of their upward feeding stroke. This latching is accomplished by an extension of the rear wall of the bin which is angled so as to force the sheet pusher arm back against the magnetic latch member. The sheet pusher arms remain in this latched position out of engagement with the pack of sheets in the sheet storage bins during their downward stroke.

Abstract: A mail handling system and apparatus accepts randomly arranged mail, determines the location of postage indicia on individual pieces and feeds the pieces to separate conveyors in response to the determination of indicia location to orient the same and enables combining the conveyed mail pieces so that the indicia thereon appears entirely on one edge. Feed rollers singulate and feed randomly stacked mail past indicia detectors to a positionable chute-like receptacle which is positioned in response to the detection to eject and direct mail pieces to separate conveyors depending upon whether indicia is present adjacent the right or left edge of the piece as it is presented. The conveyors unite to provide a mail output stream with all indicia either adjacent the leading or trailing edge of the moving piece.

Abstract: A solar energy collector has members exposed to the sun to collect heat from the sun's rays and has at least one fluid carrying conduit in heat exchange relationship with the members. Heat energy collected by the members is transferred by conduction to the fluid in the conduit for utilization. The collecting members most remote from the fluid carrying conduit are constructed with a thinner cross sectional thickness than the portion closest to the fluid carrying conduit so as to improve the heat transfer through the member from the surface to the fluid in the conduit.

Abstract: A solar heat energy collector device is disclosed wherein the sun's rays strike a collector located in an insulated enclosure. The heat energy from the sun is transferred to this collector. Also forming part of the collector are conduits which contain a fluid which absorbs the heat from the collector. The heated fluid is circulated outside of the device to a remote point for utilization in any desired manner. The collector is constructed so as to be able to absorb not only the sun's rays which directly strike it but also to absorb a portion of the rays which are reflected from the collector after directly striking it. This is accomplished by providing a collector formed in the shape of a plurality of adjoining tubes each having a longitudinally extending opening therein to permit the sun's rays to strike the interior of the tubes and be captured therein in addition to striking the exterior of the tubes.

Abstract: A hot melt applicator of the type in which a preformed rod of thermoplastic composition is pressed against a heated body which transforms the composition in contact therewith into a molten state and in which pressure applied upon the pre-formed rod forces the molten hot melt composition through a nozzle or other aperture. The invention relates to improvements in the melting head, and in the rod advancing and feed mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling a multi-layer tape in a postage meter printing machine wherein a portion of the tape is printed with indicia and advanced to the operator and a protective backing portion is wound up on a motor-driven reel after being separated from the printed portion. Advancement of the backing portion of the tape by the reel advances the separated printed portion to the operator. Prior to being wound on the reel, the backing portion of the tape is guided around two sets of rollers defining three points of tangency with a star wheel having radial projections in registration with slots formed in the edge of the backing portion of the tape. Advancement of the backing portion of the tape rotates the star wheel, which includes a plurality of pins which cooperate with a switch to deactuate the motor of the wind-up reel after the star wheel has rotated through a predetermined arc.

Abstract: A tape guide for deflecting a print-receiving portion of a tape upwardly at the exit of a printing machine of the postage meter type so it can be grasped and torn by the machine operator. The guide consists of interstaggered rollers which have conical cross-sections to present a knife edge or line contact only to the adhesive backing on the tape to preclude adhesive from building up a substantial deposit on the guiding surface. The rollers may increase in diameter in the path of travel of the tape so it is deflected upwardly.

Abstract: A moistening system for moistening the gummed flaps of envelopes being processed in a postage meter mailing machine includes a rotating endless belt extending into a liquid supply and transferring moisture to flaps pressed against it by a contoured finger positioned adjacent to the belt. The finger is curvedly bowed and twisted relative to the belt moistening surface so as to urge essentially only the gummed portion of the flap against the belt for moistening although a wide variety of envelope flap designs and sizes are processed. The endless belt may be pivotably supported to permit convenient removal of the liquid supply container. The container is part of a liquid reservoir assembly which includes a tray support for the container which requires that several motions, vertical and horizontal, be sequentially followed before the container may be removed from the machine. This minimizes inadvertent spillage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for stiffening and reinforcing shoes and to a material for use in that method. The material comprises a mixture of a thermoplastic resin having a melt flow rate of at least 1 gram in 10 minutes at a temperature of 100.degree. C. and a pressure of 250 psi with 5 to 25 per cent by weight of the total composition of short (i.e. 1/32 to 1/2 inch) fibers, preferably chopped or milled glass fibers. Minor proportions of non-fibrous fillers may be added.

Abstract: A moistening system for moistening the gummed flaps of envelopes being processed in a postage meter mailing machine includes a rotating endless belt extending into a liquid supply and transferring moisture to flaps pressed against it by a contoured finger positioned adjacent to the belt. The finger is curvedly bowed and twisted relative to the belt moistening surface so as to urge essentially only the gummed portion of the flap against the belt for moistening although a wide variety of envelope flap designs and sizes are processed. The endless belt may be pivotably supported to permit convenient removal of the liquid supply container. The container is part of a liquid reservoir assembly which includes a tray support for the container which requires that several motions, vertical and horizontal, be sequentially followed before the container may be removed from the machine. This minimizes inadvertent spillage.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a zinc-ammonium chloride solder flux of the type intended to be used on high temperature solder baths of an inert or partially inert three dimensional fibrous blanket to impede the circulation of the thin melted zinc-ammonium chloride flux on the surface of the high temperature solder bath and thus extend the life of the solder flux by reducing the volatilization of the ammonium chloride active fluxing agent.This invention also relates to the use in a zinc-ammonium chloride solder flux of the type intended to be used on high temperature solder baths of a viscosity thickening ingredient which increases the viscosity of the melted flux sufficiently to stop the normal circulatory stirring motion of the thin liquid melted zinc-ammonium chloride flux but permits a limited turn-over motion at the interface of the rotating solder roll and the bath of melted flux, with the balance of the melted flux remaining essentially stationary.