Abstract: A donor element useful in an assemblage for imaging by exposure to light comprises a support layer, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed adjacent the support layer containing a light absorber, and a transfer layer disposed adjacent the light-to-heat conversion layer opposite the support layer. The donor element also includes a release-modifier disposed between the support layer and the transfer layer.

Abstract: A donor element useful in an assemblage for imaging by exposure to light comprises a support layer formed by a stretching process, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed adjacent the support layer containing a light absorber, and a transfer layer disposed adjacent the light-to-heat conversion layer opposite the support layer. The light-to-heat conversion layer is coated on the support prior to completion of the stretching process.

Abstract: A composite film suitable as a donor support in a radiation-induced thermal transfer imaging process, said film comprising a polymeric substrate and a transfer-assist coating layer derived from an aqueous composition comprising one or more water-soluble or water-dispersible radiation-absorbing compound(s).

Abstract: A donor element useful in an assemblage for imaging by exposure to light comprises a support layer formed by a stretching process, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed adjacent the support layer containing a light absorber, and a transfer layer disposed adjacent the light-to-heat conversion layer opposite the support layer. The light-to-heat conversion layer is coated on the support prior to completion of the stretching process.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles comprising the following steps: (i) preparing a dispersion having a continuous aqueous phase, a dispersed organic phase comprising one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and an amphiphilic RAFT agent as a stabiliser for said organic phase, and (ii) polymerising said one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers under the control of said amphiphilic RAFT agent to form said aqueous dispersion of polymer particles, novel amphiphilic RAFT agents for use in this method, novel RAFT agents useful in making these amphiphilic RAFT agents and methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: A moisture content measuring apparatus and method wherein a sensor station produces calibration data corresponding to measurements of light at two different wavelengths reflected from a material, and the calibration data is then transferred to a hand held computer. The moisture content of a sample of the material is measured and input to the hand held computer. The process is repeated after changing the wetness of the material, and the hand held computer creates a table correlating reflection data to moisture content. The table is transferred to the sensor station which then continuously generates signals representing moisture content in response to real time reflection data and the table. The cost effectiveness of the sensor stations readily facilitates the use of a dedicated sensor station at each of a plurality of conveyors carrying different materials to be combined into a composite of predetermined proportions by weight.

Abstract: A beverage brewing device has an integral server locking mechanism. The beverage server (10) has top and bottom portions, (16) and (18), having first and second lips, (12) and (14), respectively. An opening in a lower server support plate (20) has a first retaining face (22) which contacts the first lip. The server support plate is preferably pivotably mounted about a pivot point (26) and biased to apply an upward force to the first end of the server. An upper server support plate (30) is positioned at the other end of the beverage server. The second support plate pivots about a second pivot point (36) and is biased downwardly, toward the first base plate. Thus, the support plates cooperate in a clamshell-like manner to secure the beverage brewing device therebetween.

Abstract: A gyratory crusher includes a control system, an upper frame portion having a bowl liner, and a crushing head having a mantel such that a crushing chamber having a gap is formed between the bowl liner and the mantel. The control system includes detecting means for detecting a pre-defined bowl float condition of the crusher, adjusting means for automatically adjusting a width of the gap to thereby eliminate the bowl float condition, and monitoring means for determining magnitude and direction of changes in the width of the gap by monitoring rotation of the bowl liner relative to the upper frame portion. The control means is adapted to automatically adjust the width of the gap to operatively compensate for a wearing rate of the bowl liner and the mantel and to terminate operation of the crusher should rate of bowl float conditions exceed a pre-determined quantity.

Abstract: A coin diameter discriminating device wherein a coin is received in a coin transport mechanism which is rotated by a motor at an accurately controlled angular velocity. By such arrangement, the coin is carried along a predetermined path at an accurately controlled or regulated velocity past at least one optical sensor that provides a change of state output upon detecting an edge of the coin. The sensor is arranged to start a time counter that is stopped by a predetermined reference event such as the coin transport mechanism having rotated to a predetermined angular orientation. The time count in the counter therefore corresponds to the angular orientation of the coin transport mechanism at the time of detecting the coin edge, which also accurately corresponds to the diameter of the coin. The time count is then compared to corresponding time count ranges each of which relates to known standards of an acceptable coin denomination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating and collecting coins wherein an inserted coin is received in a notch of a rotary disk. Upon sensing the insertion of a coin into the notch, a motor rotates the disk through a predetermined arc to a predetermined angular orientation where a decision is made whether to accept or reject the coin based on coin characteristics such as the sensed diameter of the coin and metal content. If the coin is accepted, the disk is rotated to an angular orientation where the coin falls from the notch into a coin collection box. However, if the coin is rejected, the disk is rotated in the opposite direction to an angular orientation where the coin falls into a coin return chute. Sensors are also provided to sense the presence of the coin in the notch on the way back to the initial angular orientation. If the coin failed to fall out for any reason, another attempt is made to collect the coin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating coins based on their metal or ferrous content. Coins are transported by a rotary mechanism that stops when a coin is accurately positioned with respect to an adjacent metal sensor. The metal sensor is then activated to provide a measurement signal of the coin in the repeatable stationary position. A plurality of measurements may preferably be taken and averaged to increase the accuracy.

Abstract: A moisture content measuring apparatus and method wherein a sensor station produces calibration data corresponding to measurements of light at two different wavelengths reflected from a material, and the calibration data is then transferred to a hand held computer. The moisture content of a sample of the material is measured and input to the hand held computer. The process is repeated after changing the wetness of the material, and the hand held computer creates a table correlating reflection data to moisture content. The table is transferred to the sensor station which then continuously generates signals representing moisture content in response to real time reflection data and the table. The cost effectiveness of the sensor stations readily facilitates the use of a dedicated sensor station at each of a plurality of conveyors carrying different materials to be combined into a composite of predetermined proportions by weight.

Abstract: A controller for a washing machine with an alternately reversing drive motor wherein an electromechanical timer interfaces in conventional manner to electrical devices, and also switches line voltage to predetermined ones of a plurality of control lines to provide an encoded signal corresponding to the selected agitator stroke profile. The line voltage on the control lines is shifted to a DC voltage level compatible with a microprocessor that decodes the encoded signal, and then provides high rate control signals that gate high power solid state switches that switch line voltage to the respective stator windings of a permanent split capacitor motor. In such manner, the motor is driven in alternately reversing directions and, by way of a speed reducer, drives the agitator of the washing machine according to the selected stroke profile.

Abstract: A sonic grade control device for maintaining a leveling instrument of a paver at a constant distance from a datum. The device transmits and receives a sonic signal to provide first and second time periods corresponding to the round trip travel time of a sonic signal to the datum and a target, respectively. A distance indicating signal, corresponding to the distance between the control device and the datum, is provided in response to the first and second time periods and a stored target distance, such target distance corresponding to the distance between the control device and the target. The grade control device includes an operator actuable control for modifying the stored target distance to calibrate the control device. A reference signal is compared to the distance indicating signal to provide a control signal. The reference signal is adjustable by a predetermined increment and the control device includes an operator actuable control for modifying the predetermined increment.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine including a cabinet having therein a spin tub rotatably disposed within a stationary drain tub, and an additive liquid dispensing system comprised of a multi-load reservoir of additive liquid connected hydraulically through a pump to a liquid ejector nozzle. The pump preferably comprises a constant displacement pump coupled to an electrical drive motor for drawing additive liquid from the reservoir and expelling it from the nozzle at a uniform rate of flow. The motor is connected electrically through a control unit to a rechargeable battery which is connected electrically to the output of a trickle charge transformer unit. The control unit includes an adjustable element disposed for preselecting the quantity of additive liquid to be injected into the wash load, and an electrical timer element energized from the battery for activating the motor a length of time corresponding to the quantity of additive liquid selected.

Abstract: A window fan with an electronic controller having an AUTO mode of operation that is responsive to the .DELTA.T between inside and outside temperature, a minimum inside temperature threshold, and the outside relative humidity. Accordingly, if it is relatively hot or humid outside, or if it is relatively cold inside, the window fan is inactive. Thus, the fan is automatically activated only during those time periods when it is most advantageous to ventilate with outside fresh air.

Abstract: A laser soldering system wherein a plurality of laser beams are simultaneously directed to a plurality of spatially separate locations on a printed circuit board for simultaneously soldering. Each of the laser beams is formed by combining the outputs of a plurality of fiber cables, each of which is connected to an individual laser diode.

Abstract: An ultrasonic grade and auger control for use on a road paving machine to compensate for uneven road surfaces is described. As the road paving machine travels, asphalt is centrally deposited along the road bed. An auger is connected to the back of the road paving machine and contains a series of spiral blades which moves the asphalt away from the center of the road bed toward its outer edges. The ultrasonic auger control apparatus detects the height of the asphalt positioned at the outer edges of the paving machine and regulates the speed of the auger to provide even distribution of the asphalt. A screed is located behind the auger to uniformly place and pack the paving material. The ultrasonic grade control apparatus regulates hydraulic actuators which control the thickness of the new road surface by adjusting the height of the screed.