Abstract: A capacitance transducer is provided herein for use in measuring loads. It includes a flexible first electrode, a flexible thin film solid dielectric and a fluid dielectric therebetween. A load which is applied to the transducer presses the first electrode, and the thin film dielectric against the second electrode, thereby squeezing out the fluid dielectric to increase the area of the electrodes that are in close proximity. This provides a capacitance transducer that has a significant linear response and an insignificant non-linear response.

Abstract: A capacitance mat for use in measuring loads includes a number of substantially horizontal electrode plates (of high strength aluminum) forming a capacitor with a substantially rigid dielectric material (e.g. nylon or fiberglass) separator disposed between the stacked substantially parallel electrode plates. The separators define spaces at which at least one of the electrode plates may bend in response to an applied load, to move with respect to each other, causing the capacitance of the mat to change. The separators may comprise a number of substantially parallel elongated strips of substantially rigid dielectric material spaced from each other in a dimension transverse to the dimension of elongation to define the spaces.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is intended to facilitate routing of correspondence to a destination address by automatic mail sorting apparatus comprising the steps:(a) marking a letter with an easily machine readable first code corresponding to the human readable postal code of the destination address;(b) stuffing the letter into a window envelope such that the first code is positioned within the window;(c) machine reading the first code within the window; and(d) printing a machine readable second code corresponding to the first code and the human readable postal code of the destination address in the location and format utilized by a particular automatic mail sorting apparatus such that the envelope is suitable for processing by the apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention includes a conveyor track for passing window envelopes through a read station and a print station.

Abstract: A mechanical displacement amplifier is disclosed in which a displacement amplifying spring member essentially in the shape of a shallow V is positioned between a reference point structure and a displacement member so as to buckle in response to movement of the displacement member towards the reference point structure. A dimple is provided adjacent the buckling point of the spring member to prevent it from straightening entirely. A thermostat embodying the mechanical displacement amplifier is also disclosed, in which a push rod between a microswitch and the buckling point of the spring member actuates the microswitch. A temperature adjustment dial positions the reference point structure, and a temperature sensing unit is the displacement member.

Abstract: A high pressure pulsed water jet apparatus and process operable in a vertical position especially suitable for automated pavement and rock fracture. The apparatus and process of this invention is used in combination with a thrust generator providing a substantially flat power stroke output thereby providing a pulsed water jet operating on the principle of pressure extrusion to generate repetitive water jet pulses of high velocity and at high repetitive frequency. The apparatus and process of this invention is especially suitable for providing an apparatus and process for fracturing pavement on a single self-contained vehicle which may be operated by a pre-programmed program means.

Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic-pneumatic thrust generator wherein pneumatic action is used for cocking and for cushioning while hydraulic action is used for providing the driving force. The output can be increased by reducing the cocking or cushion gas pressure required to dislodge the poppet valve from its seated position in the driving port by introducing pressurized oil into the driving port between the poppet valve and poppet actuator. The thrust generator of this invention has a relatively flat thrust pattern making it especially suitable as a driving mechanism for high velocity water jets for fracturing concrete and the like.

Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic-pneumatic thrust generator wherein pneumatic action is used for cocking and for cushioning while hydraulic action is used for providing the driving force. The thrust generator of this invention has a relatively flat thrust pattern making is especially suitable as a driving mechanism for high velocity water jets for fracturing concrete and the like.