Abstract: A multi-station press, having a press frame, a press bed and a ram tooled for performing sequential work operations at plural stations and a transfer mechanism for transporting work pieces from one station to the next, has positively driven finger operating mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes transfer rails and fingers extending inwardly toward the work station. The finger operating mechanism includes an actuating rod mounted for sliding movement on each transfer rail, a finger pull-back lever pivoted to the transfer rail and engaging the finger, with the actuating rod including an upstanding tooth for engaging the finger pull-back lever. In one embodiment two teeth are provided for rotating the lever to both open and close the fingers. An actuating lever pivotally mounted to the transfer rails operates the actuating rods.

Abstract: A video image enhancer is disclosed for use in surveillance at low light levels to enhance dark and/or low contrast segments of a composite video signal of a surveyed scene by subjecting the dark and/or low contrast segments thereof to high gain and bright and/or high contrast segments to low gain. The video image enhancer includes an input designed to receive the composite video signal, a device provided with a dc restorer circuit and a variable potentiometer to yield an adjustable-bias dc clamp of the composite video signal, a second variable potentiometer for adjusting the high-gain slope of the device, a diode clamp connected to the device's output, and a pair of drivers coupled to the device's output to provide a low impedance output video signal with its dark and/or low contrast segments enhanced. Preferably, the device is a non-inverting operational amplifier. Preferably, the pair of drivers comprise a pair of NPN transistors connected in an emitter-base configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is provides a digital image or frame processor that improves pulse height resolution and eliminates post facto data correction. The calibration, acquisition, and correction of all scintillation data is performed in an array mode (20.times.20 data array; 20 word postamble) by this frame processor. To enhance speed, the control word is 48 bits wide to enable several functions to be performed in parallel. This frame processor incorporates bit slice computer technology in an arithmetic logic unit that cooperates with the other components of the system. In accordance with the present invention, this frame processor performs the following functions within the shortest data accumulation time of the camera, i.e.

Abstract: An improved latch to mount a night vision goggle system to a face mask is disclosed. The latch comprises a part secured to the face mask and parts secured to the goggle system. Specifically, it includes a tongue, which angularly adjustably is secured to the face mask. In one embodiment, the goggle system is provided with a receiver, a switch to render the system operational mounted adjacent the receiver and means mounted in operative association with the receiver both releasably to secure the goggle system to the face mask via the tongue and also to actuate the switch. In a second embodiment, the goggle system is provided with a receiver and a leaf spring releasably to secure the goggle system to the face mask via the tongue.

Abstract: An optically readable system and method to allow for the remote identification of people and/or objects is disclosed. The system includes a spectrally continuous source of radiation generating an interrogating beam, an optically readable device carried by a person or attached to an object and having a unique spectral signature and, generating a retroreflected beam when exposed to the interrogating beam, and an optical spectrum analyzer and decoder for identifying the unique spectral signature of the interrogated optically readable device and for transmitting the identifying information to a display and/or a computer input. The spectrally continuous source of radiation can comprise a tungsten filament lamp, a tunable laser or the like. If covert identification is desired, the source is operated to generate an interrogating beam in the infra-red spectrum only.

Abstract: A passive night vision reflex sight with a wide F.O.V. and designed for attachment to a weapon, such as a rifle, is disclosed. The night vision reflex sight preferably is designed for use in combination with a night vision goggle; it can also be used as in daylight without such a goggle, however. When in place, it continues to allow the use of the daytime battle sight of the weapon. The night vision reflex sight comprises a sight for viewing an image of a scene along a line of sight, a photoreceptive sensor aligned with the line of sight and viewing the image, a battery powered red L.E.D., together with a reticle, a lens, and a filter for generating a pulsed or d.c. light and for directing it at the reflex sight, with the sight reflecting the pulsed or d.c. light into the photoreceptive sensor and superimposing it on the image. Preferably, the reticle is adjustable, the pulsed light is pulsed at a rate between about two to about twelve c.p.s.

Abstract: A metal forming press having a reciprocating ram and a transfer mechanism for transferring workpieces sequentially between a multiplicity of work stations located on a multi-post die set has a quick change die set arrangement enabling the press to be utilized in a "just-in-time" manufacturing system. The knockout and stripper mechanism of the press are designed to eliminate the need for disassembly of the same during removal and replacement of die sets.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the on site spectrometric analysis of metallic parts in an air gap is disclosed. The apparatus essentially comprises a probe to be positioned on the part, a mobile unit including a current-pulse generator for the probe to excite the part for analysis of its chemical composition in a direct reading optical emission spectrometer contained in the unit, and a flexible optical cable coupling the probe to the unit. The probe is designed for use on both flat and round parts, such as bars, billets, pipes, rods or wires as small as having a radius of one mm. The probe features an adjustable counter electrode, an inner sleeve serving as a contact electrode and an outer sleeve axially movable about the inner electrode and having a positioning V-groove. The probe further includes an electro-mechanical interlock to prevent accidental discharge thereof, and a self-cleaning mechanism for its sensor head.

Abstract: A radioactivity detection system including a crystal detector formed of a unitary body and having two sensing heads. Each sensing head defines a specific address location in a sensing array having a plurality of detectors. A number of detectors are superposed on the sensing array such that activity in one sensing head activates two adjacent detectors, one more than the other. The system further includes means for mounting the detectors for relative motion with respect to a subject and processing means coupled to the detectors. Preferably, the mounting means is operatively connected to an exercising means for stress analysis. Preferably, the mounting means is secured on a movable platform and is connected to the exercising means by a quick connect-disconnect mechanism. In a further embodiment, a detector assembly is designed for rotation about the subject.

Abstract: A precision current meter of wide dynamic range and sensitivity to low currents is disclosed. The precision current meter is particularly useful as a component for spectrochemical computations in spectrometers for the simultaneous multielement analysis of unknown samples in solution. The precision current meter comprises a source of input current, preferably a photomultiplier tube, an integrator having an integrating capacity for detecting the input current from the source, a source of reference currents including an offset current, a switch with a drain current coupled to the integrator. A clock is provided for generating clock signals for the current meter, including a series of pulses to actuate the switch and thereby to admit drain current segments to the integrator.

Abstract: In a radioactivity distribution detection system of the kind for determining the location and distribution of radioactive events emitted from a subject under diagnosis, the improvement of electrically isolating the subject from the potentially harmful effects of leakage currents. The improvement comprises a first converter for converting electronic data signals representing the location and distribution of radioactive events to optical signals, a coupler for effecting an optical path of transmission for the converted optical signals, and a second converter for converting the transmitted optical signals to electronic data signals so that they can be processed to provide a presentation of the distribution of the sensed events. Preferably, the coupler comprises a pair of fiber optic cables for complete, duplex and bidirectional transmission of optical signals. The coupler allows the processing console to be far removed from the sensors and detectors of the radioactive events.

Abstract: An improved latch to mount a night vision goggle system to a face mask is disclosed. The latch comprises a part secured to the face mask and parts secured to the goggle system. Specifically, it includes a tongue, which angularly adjustably is secured to the face mask. In one embodiment, the goggle system is provided with a receiver, a switch to render the system operational mounted adjacent the receiver and means mounted in operative association with the receiver both releasably to secure the goggle system to the face mask via the tongue and also to actuate the switch. In a second embodiment, the goggle system is provided with a receiver and a leaf spring releasably to secure the goggle system to the face mask via the tongue.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrometer for multielement analysis including a source for atomizing a dispersed sample along an axis and a plurality of energizers and detectors preferably arranged in pairs about the source, with each of the pairs designed for analyzing one element. Preferably, the source is an inductively coupled plasma. Means is provided for each of the pairs to view a different segment of the source along its axis, depending on the element to be analyzed. Preferably, such means includes: a source movable along its axis; fiber optics interposed between the energizers and the source and between the source and the detectors; and a movable optical element interposed between the energizers and the source and between the source and the detectors. The spectrometer further features a polychromator for use in lieu of matched optical filters in the detectors and demountable hollow cathode lamps as energizers.

Abstract: A gain adjuster circuit is disclosed for adjusting the gain of a plurality of photomultiplier tubes (PMT's) by digital circuitry. The circuit includes a plurality of PMT's, each having a specific internal resistance. A plurality of switches and resistances are connected in series with the PMT's. The digital circuitry is designed for adjusting the effective resistances thereof, to adjust thereby the voltage across each of the several PMT's. Preferably, the digital circuitry includes a demultiplexer coupled, via the switches and resistances, to the PMT's, a flip-flop coupled to the demultiplexer, and a presettable counter coupled to the flip-flop.

Abstract: An automatic sampling method for introducing a diluted viscous sample into an instrument for analysis for trace elements. The automatic sampling system includes a tube assembly, a member for mounting the tube assembly in proper relation, means for maintaining, between sampling, the free end of the tube assembly in a cleaning solution, and means for inserting the free end of the tube assembly into a sample contained within a container. Preferably, the instrument is a spectrometer, the samples are organic and aqueous samples, such as oils, brines, sludges, plating solutions and the like, and the trace elements include wear metals and also other elements, such as calcium, barium, zinc, sodium, magnesium, boron, phosphor and the like.

Abstract: A system for measuring radiation in the laboratory or at a site to aid in determining whether to erect a solar energy installation at that site includes a positioner and a sensor. The sensor, which is mounted on the positioner, includes a rotating semispherical chopper and an integrating sphere for collecting radiation in three modes. A broad-band detector measures the irradiance from the integrating sphere to monitor for anomalies. A pair of monochromators simultaneously measure, one in the visible range and the other in the infrared range, the spectral irradiance from the integrating sphere. Processing electronics process the measured spectral irradiance from the monochromators and generate data signals for providing an absolute irradiance spectra at the plane of the entrance aperture. The absolute irradiance spectra is inputted to an X-Y plotter and a magnetic disc and tape. The system further includes internal reference sources providing continuous wavelength and irradiance calibration.

Abstract: A wire forming apparatus for making springs with coiled body portions and end loops is modified by providing a digital controlled wire feeding accessory. The accessory permits the normal mechanical feeding of the wire and tooling to be interrupted for desired intervals during the spring forming process thereby allowing digital controlled wire feeding to occur. The digital controlled wire feeding enhances the normal operation of the apparatus by allowing specified lengths of wire to be added to the coiled body portions and/or end loops of the manufactured spring.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrometer for multielement analysis including a source for atomizing a dispersed sample along an axis and a plurality of energizers and detectors preferably arranged in pairs about the source, with each of the pairs designed for analyzing one element. Preferably, the source is an inductively coupled plasma. Means is provided for each of the pairs to view a different segment of the source along its axis, depending on the element to be analyzed. Preferably, such means includes: a source movable along its axis; fiber optics interposed between the energizers and the source and between the source and the detectors; and a movable optical element interposed between the energizers and the source and between the source and the detectors. The spectrometer further features a polychromator for use in lieu of matched optical filters in the detectors and demountable hollow cathode lamps as energizers.

Abstract: An authentication device for various items is disclosed. The authentication device includes a sample treated with at least two luminophors, each luminophor being ultra-violet energy excitable but one emitting in the visible and the other in the infrared spectral range, an excitation lamp to excite the treated sample, a pair of detectors one each for detecting radiation in the visible and in the infrared spectral range, a source of power, and a display coupled to the pair of detectors. Preferably, the authentication device is provided with an optional multi-channel fiber optic cable. Preferably, the authentication device is light and portable. Preferably, the source of power is a battery. Preferably, the battery is rechargeable.

Abstract: An automatic sampling system and method for introducing a diluted viscous sample into an instrument for analysis for trace elements. The automatic sampling system includes a tube assembly, a member for mounting the tube assembly in proper relation, means for maintaining, between sampling, the free end of the tube assembly in a cleaning solution, and means for inserting the free end of the tube assembly into a sample contained within a container. Preferably, the instrument is a spectrometer, the samples are organic and aqueous samples, such as oils, brines, sludges, plating solutions and the like, and the trace elements include wear metals and also other elements, such as calcium, barium, zinc, sodium, magnesium, boron, phosphor and the like.