Abstract: There is disclosed herein a capital for use in joining a rail to an upright column in a building structure, such as a balustrading system, which capital includes a lower portion having a passage therein to receive in press-fitting engagement the upper end of the column, and an upper portion on opposite sides of which protrusions are provided which are engaged on their undersides by opposed inwardly directed flanges of the rail. The protrusions taper inwardly and upwardly such that the rail can be forced over the protrusions with the flanges being temporarily flexed outwardly to thereafter engage beneath the protrusions. The undersides of the protrusions are curved to allow the rail to adopt any desired angular orientation with respect to the column, while the protrusions are also tapered towards the sides of the capital to allow for some limited adjustment in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A gas spring suitable as a lifting means for a car hatchback includes a device to hold the gas spring piston rod in its extended position with the hatchback fully open. Such holding device comprises a pair of check valves associated with the guide piston of the gas spring whereby one such check valve is spring-biased closed so that a substantial closing force is required to initiate closing of the hatchback.

Abstract: Sheet stripping mechanism for effecting removal of copy sheets, having toner images substantially fused thereto, from a heated fuser member forming a part of a xerographic or the like, reproducing apparatus. The sheet stripping mechanism is characterized by the provision of a stripping blade which is substantially coextensive with the dimension of the copy sheet to be stripped from the fuser member. The blade is attached to a pivotal support structure by means of a heat insulating block interposed between the blade and the pivotal support. A pair of springs serve to bias the blade into contact with the heated fuser member, the pivot point of support members being in line with the plane of the blade whereby the blade during stripping is substantially tangential to the surface of the heated fuser member.

Abstract: A racket stringing apparatus includes a racket support frame rotatably mounted about a vertical axis on a suitable support base and including head and handle clamps for clamping the racket in the apparatus; an automatic tensioning head including an extensible arm having an automatic string head clamp mounted thereon, for extending outward from the support frame for applying a continuous preselected tension to a string attached thereto by the clamp; a cross slide platform mounted centrally of the support frame and between the racket clamps and including string holding clamps mounted on a slidable cross bar mounted on the cross slide platform, the cross slide platform being indexable to rotate about a vertical axis coincident with the vertical axis of the support frame.

Abstract: A golf club putter that includes a head and shaft, with the head being defined by pairs of side walls and end walls and a back wall that cooperate to provide an elongate cavity of substantially greater length than width. A resilient block is disposed in the cavity and extends forwardly therefrom to terminate in a flat striking surface disposed forwardly of the leading edges of the pairs of side walls and end walls. The pair of side walls has a pair of rearwardly extending centrally disposed recesses formed therein. The striking surface when a portion thereof between the pair of recesses impacts a golf ball deforms rearwardly momentarily into a generally elliptical configuration that has the major axis thereof substantially normal to the surface on which the golf ball rests, and the deformed portion while still in contact with the golf ball returning towards its initial flat shape to impart forward motion to the golf ball.

Abstract: There is disclosed a board game. The board itself has three tracks with a plurality of interconnecting segments therebetween. A group of switches is provided, each adapted to be placed on the board in the region of one of the interconnecting segments. The switches serve to define an operative path from a start point to a finish point which includes selected segments of the tracks. Each player has a set of value pieces and the players take turns and alternately place their value pieces on random ones of a set of identifiable positions on the tracks. Thereafter, the players take turns and alternately place the switches on the board on a random basis until a complete operative path is defined. A marble is then rolled down the path to expose the values of the player pieces which it passes, and the players add up their respective scores.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating color by the sense of touch, which said apparatus is in the form of a game comprising a playing board with playing holes in it and at least two sets of playing pieces, the playing pieces in each said set each having a different shape, and each different shape representing a different color whereby blind, color blind and partially sighted persons can play said game with sighted persons and because said blind, color blind and partially sighted persons can determine color by feeling the shape of the playing pieces they can refer to the color of the playing pieces and are thus not placed at a psychological disadvantage to said sighted persons who play said game by referring to the color of said playing pieces.

Abstract: The stuffing box chamber in a fitting, particularly a valve, contains a deformable stuffing box seal. The seal includes conventional sealing material and a constituent material such as zinc or aluminum having a standard potential that is less positive in the electrochemical potential series than the potential of the material defining the stuffing box chamber, i.e., the constituent material is less precious. Dust, granules or filaments of less precious material are mixed with the standard sealing material. Another embodiment includes alternating layers of discs made from the conventional and less precious materials. A further embodiment provides that the less precious material is an envelope or coating surrounding the conventional sealing material.

Abstract: A sealed assembly of two cooperating movable or stationary parts with a gap separating different-pressure media, which comprises at least one recess formed in one of said parts to accommodate a liquid seal, said recess communicating with said gap, and a polycapillary lock formed as a compressed fine-grained packing accommodated in at least one of said recesses in communicating relationship with said seal, the packing and the parts being constructed from a material resistant to wetting by the seal.The sealed assembly of the invention is a simple and reliable means of sealing heavy-duty equipment with high-parameter media employed in power engineering, metallurgy, chemical industry and other branches.Provision is made for sealing assemblies arbitrarily positioned in space and for high-speed shafts.

Abstract: A sealing ring of the so-called lip-fitted type, for toothed flexible couplings, which comprises a continuous unflexible ring-like armoring which is intended to form a removable part of said element, and a ring like spring which is to press the element lip on one coupling hub.

Abstract: A sealing device to be applied between a piston and a cylinder of a disk brake on an automobile. The sealing device comprises an annular seal groove provided in the inner surface of the cylinder and a seal ring inserted in the seal groove, the seal groove having a beveled wall between its front and bottom walls, the seal ring having a beveled surface provided between its front and outer surfaces and engageable with the beveled wall of the seal groove, the seal ring being compressed into the seal groove by the piston with a space between the front surface of the seal ring and the front wall of the seal groove. When the piston of the disk brake is activated hydraulically, the seal ring is elastically deformed with the movement of the piston to build up elastic energy. When the piston is set free from the hydraulic pressure, the piston returns easily to its original position by means of the elastic energy built up in the seal ring.

Abstract: Gasketing material is produced by combining a tubular casing of braided or woven from continuous inorganic filaments, such as alumina-boria-silica fibers, with a core composition comprising a major proportions of intumescent material, suitably unexpanded vermiculite. Heating the gasket in situ results in expansion to give a resilient gasket stable to temperatures of about 1000.degree. to 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: A safety binding for skis incorporates a device for adjusting the binding employing an electrical circuit assembly for detecting the stress exerted during skiing, or values representative of this stress, enabling alteration of the adjustment of the binding dependent upon the result of the detection.The adjusting device is applicable to all types of safety bindings, abutments, heel members, bindings comprising plates or boots, and to all mechanical and/or electrical safety bindings.

Abstract: In a ski binding including a toe release unit, a heel retainer unit, a sole plate adapted to be received between and releasably retained by the units, and securing devices on the sole plate whereby the sole plate may be attached to a ski boot, the improvement including structure at the interface of the sole plate and the heel retainer unit for releasably capturing the sole plate in the heel retainer unit upon the application of force to the sole plate in a direction tending to align the heel retainer unit and the sole plate to allow a skier having the sole plate attached to a ski boot to step into the toe release and heel retainer unit on a ski on which they may be mounted.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic suspension system consists of plural separate individual wheel suspension units, one for each wheel, whereby should damage occur to any one of the units, it will not affect the operation of the other units. The heat generated by each individual wheel suspension unit is kept to a minimum, and the heat that is generated is dissipated through the vehicle hull by locating the valving and fluid passageways in close proximity to the hull. Increased heat dissipation may also be obtained by providing an air cooled tube in the fluid path between the actuator and accumulator, and by providing a flow path for the return fluid from the accumulator to the actuator in the unit mounting flange which is bolted or otherwise secured in close mating engagement with a large surface area of the vehicle hull.

Abstract: An operator's cab for mobile earthworking machines such as drilling rigs, cranes and the like has interchangeable cab doors. One of the doors is flat or planar to reduce the exterior dimensions while the other is expanded or bulged to provide greater interior cab space when operating conditions permit. A hydraulic interlock system restricts certain machine operations when the bulged door is positioned to interfere with movement of other parts of the earthmoving machine.

Abstract: This method makes plastic book covers which have stiffer front and back panels and which have diminished plasticizer migration between the cover and any contacting cover or other adjacent surface. The covers are cross-linked to a limited extent to improve the elasticity of the hinge lines; and to a greater extent at the back and front cover areas to add stiffness to the plastic material. Laminated plastic covers are made with the different layers made of material that responds to cross-linking chemicals or radiation to different degrees, The covers can be made of expanded plastic and laminates.

Abstract: An identification card is provided with use by athletes and sportsmen, particularly younger athletes and sportsmen and which includes identification of the user and perforated sections for selective removal from the card. Each section indicates a medical problem such as a Diabetic, Allergy, Internal Mouthpiece and the like. The card and the removable sections are provided with pressure sensitive adhesive on the back thereof initially covered with a removable paper shield. In use, the user fills out his name and address, etc. and then, in one embodiment, removes and discards the perforated sections not applicable to him, removes the paper shield and adhesively secures the remaining portion of the card to his clothing at the shoulder or other convenient location. In another embodiment, certain perforated sections can be removed and discarded or, if required, adhesively secured to the clothing above the identification portion to indicate his disabilities.

Abstract: A means for ensuring a firm seal between a hose fitting and a hose comprising a sealant that also acts as a lubricant and is applied to the nipple portion of the fitting prior to insertion into the core tube of the hose. The sealant causes the core tube or the core tube liner, if used, to soften and swell, thereby completely filling and firmly engaging the threads in the nipple portion, and also causes a localized plasticized condition in the core tube or liner adjacent the threaded portion of the nipple resulting in the core tube retaining firm engagement with the nipple during temperature cycling and flexing of the hose assembly.

Abstract: An interconnecting lock assembly having simultaneously actuated, multiple security deadbolts, the central one forming part of the main lock subassembly, and the others being operated from the main lock subassembly through special mechanism.

Abstract: A blow-through fireplace implement for arranging and stimulating the burning of combustible materials includes an elongate structure having a handle formation near one end and a material-engaging formation near the other end. An inlet is defined by the handle structure. An outlet is defined by the material-engaging formation. A passage is formed through the structure for comunicating the inlet and the outlet. A valve is provided within the handle for selectively permitting gases to be blown into the inlet and discharged from the outlet to stimulate burning of combustible material, and for preventing gases entering the outlet from being drawn out through the inlet. The material-engaging formation includes a foot configured to rest flatly on the floor of a fireplace when the outlet is oriented in a preferred direction for stimulating the burning of combustible materials.

Abstract: An adjustable air-deflector device adapted to be movably mounted on the roof of a driving cab of a commercial vehicle and comprising a substantially planar member having the shape of a truncated isosceles triangle, the shorter parallel edge of which is hinged to the cab roof, and the non-parallel edges of which are connected to the cab roof through adjustable bellows-type side walls, there being angle-adjustment means provided to allow the driver of the vehicle to adjust the angle of the planar member relative to the cab roof to produce minimal drag over a trailer portion of the vehicle. Driver determines optimum angle either from a table of predetermined figures or from a drag pressure metering instrument mounted in the cab of the vehicle. Air-deflector device can be used in a tractor-trailer assembly in combination with adjustable side curtains, which close the gap between the tractor and trailer and reduce the component of drag produced by yaw between the moving tractor and trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle seat backrest assembly comprises a backrest pan, a rod in front of the pan, and a resilient sponge rubber pad overlying the rod and pan. Adjustable lumbar support means between the resilient pad and pan comprises: a support frame mounted on the rod, a manually operable adjustment lever pivotally connected to the support frame and extending across the frame and out through a slot in the backrest pan, a lumbar support member in the form of a generally rectangular resilient flexible forwardly convex grid having its lower edge connected to the support plate and having its upper edge connected to the lever, whereby raising or lowering of the lever causes a decrease or increase, respectively, in the convexity of the lumbar support member and the overlying pad. Interengageable bosses on the frame and the lever and biasing means maintain the lever in selected positions.

Abstract: An integrated system and process is provided to heat and chemically treat an aqueous process fluid such as the water required for producing sulfur by the Frasch process without undue scaling and corrosion of apparatus when a sulfur-containing fuel such as oil is employed as the energy source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the flow of a powder from a source, such as a large hopper, to the intake of a conventional machine wherein such powder is compressed into tablets. Devices are arranged along the route of powder flow so as to restrict, decelerate and depressurize such powder flow and thereby prevent its surging, compaction and/or bridging. These devices are also arranged to maintain the powder in a loose condition of uniform density.In the preferred embodiments, said devices include most or all of a return duct to the powder source, an upper filter to atmosphere, an upper baffle against which the powder is directed, a restriction, an elongated powder tube through which the powder flows, a lower baffle and a final pressure relief filter to atmosphere. Mechanism in the tableting machine receives the thusly prepared powder and forms it into tablets much faster than previously possible.

Abstract: A skid-control traction-control system is provided for a motor vehicle including at least two driven wheels connected by a differential mechanism, characterized by the provision of a skid-control solenoid valve operable--when the vehicle is decelerating and either driven wheel has a rotational deceleration which differs from an estimated predetermined amount--for automatically deactivating the brakes associated with both driven wheels, in combination with a system operable--when the vehicle is accelerating and one driven wheel has a rotational velocity which differs from the other by a predetermined amount--for automatically braking only the faster driven wheel, thereby causing torque to be transferred to the slower wheel via the differential mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing accurate pointing of instruments on a carrier vehicle and for providing isolation of the instruments from the vehicle's motion disturbances. The apparatus includes two assemblies, with connecting interfaces, each assembly having a separate function. The first assembly is attached to the carrier vehicle and consists of an azimuth gimbal and an elevation gimbal which provide coarse pointing of the instruments by allowing two rotations of the instruments relative to the carrier vehicle. The second or vernier pointing assembly is made up of magnetic suspension and fine pointing actuators, roll motor segments, and an instrument mounting plate around which a continuous annular rim is attached which provides appropriate magnetic circuits for the actuators and the roll motor segments.

Abstract: A drawer for preventing the entry of insects thereinto is mounted to slide in a frame and has grooves in the sides and front of the drawer. A cover is fixedly mounted in the frame and the drawer grooves slide on the edge of the cover. The cover engages the groove in the front of the drawer when the drawer is closed while the back of the drawer is sealed by the cover overlapping the back side, so that the drawer is sealed against the entry of insects when closed.

Abstract: In a high pressure sodium vapor lamp, sufficiently small quantities of sodium and mercury are inserted therein so that all of the added sodium and mercury will be vaporized when the lamp is operated. The quantities are so selected that a completed lamp exhibits high efficiency, remarkable color rendition and durability. Also, the lamp can produce a suitable arc voltage by means of a less expensive ballast. The small quantity of sodium added is accurately controlled by decomposing sodium azide NaN3. The small quantity of mercury is accurately controlled by decomposing Ti-Hg alloy or Al-Zr-Ti-Hg alloy.

Abstract: Coupling means for vehicles such as rolling stock which includes railroad cars, tractors and trailers and the like which includes apparatus for automatically coupling fluid carrying pipes and electrical connectors when the tractors and trailers or other vehicles such as railroad cars are mechanically coupled.

Abstract: A quick disconnect intercell busbar for providing an easily removable, inidually insulated bussing system for deep submergence batteries. A bussing conductor having silver plated copper pin terminations carries battery currents with a minimal voltage drop. The busbar is insulated to provide sealing of the battery electrical circuits thereby eliminating shorts caused by electrolyte contamination or seawater intrusion. A low current conductor connected to the bussing conductor with suitable insulation provides for monitoring of intercell voltages.

Abstract: Press fit contacts having upper mating portions are stamped, formed and oriented out of sheet material for simultaneous insertion and housing in a removable connector insulator. Receiving sleeves formed in the insulator are constructed to permit the contacts to be bottom loaded into the sleeves, seated and lightly held therein. Each contact includes an intermediate press fit collar portion which engages a mating shoulder in the insulator. The insulator serves as a holding fixture and seating tool for transmitting insertion force applied to the top of the insulator to each one of the contacts for press fitting them into contact receiving apertures in a mounting substrate. The contacts held by each insulator are all simultaneously press fitted into the substrate by continuing to apply pressure to the top of the insulator until it is mounted flush upon the substrate.

Abstract: A coaxial cable and an electrical connector therefor including a back-nut threaded to a body to receive a female fitting. The body has a stop for the back-nut. The back-nut has an internal shoulder. The body has an internal frusto-conical surface. A conductive ferrule is also provided. A cylindrical member clamps a cylindrical portion of the ferrule to the cable outer conductor. The ferrule has a shoulder. The ferrule also has a slotted frusto-conical surface to fit against the frusto-conical surface of the body. The slots form spring projections that are held in pressure contact with and in good electrical contact with the said body surface. The back-nut shoulder pushes the ferrule toward the body as the back-nut is threaded thereto. The back-nut has a flange behind which a gasket gland is retained. The clamping member is held in axial compression between the ferrule shoulder and the gasket gland.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for utilizing a low power light source in conjunction with a continuously scanned light beam deflector to form unblurred images of a vocabulary of characters at a plurality of discrete positions. The light source illuminates a scanning deflector from which an angularly scanned beam is directed towards a lens, from which it emerges as a linearly scanned beam. This linearly scanned beam illuminates a linear fly's eye lens array from which a plurality of substantially stationary beams are emitted, each of which may provide an unblurred image at a preselected position corresponding thereto.

Abstract: An optical coupler transfers light energy signals relative to an optical h which includes a fiber optic cable. A body member includes first and second ports at opposite ends for supporting first and second terminals of the fiber optic cable in laterally offset alignment relative to each other. First and second reflective elements, preferably of concave spherical configuration, are supported within the body member for collecting and reflecting light energy transmitted through the first and second terminals of the fiber optic cable. The first and second reflective elements are so configured and positioned as to transmit collimated light energy between them for completing the optical path between the first and second terminals of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A dual rear view mirror unit for motor vehicles is disclosed. The unit comprises a mounting frame having an upper and a lower rear view mirror thereon. Each of the mirrors is independently adjustable. The upper mirror and lower mirror are positioned so as to define a substantial gap between them. This allows the operator of the motor vehicle unobstructed lateral vision. The lower mirror is mounted on the frame so that its upper edge is beneath the lateral line of vision of the operator. Likewise the upper mirror is mounted on the frame so that its lower edge is substantially above the said lateral line of vision. With this construction the upper edge of the upper mirror protrudes substantially above the cab of the truck. The upper mirror is tilted so that its upper end inclines toward the rear of the truck. This substantially aids in the dissipation of fog and rain which may accumulate on the upper mirror's surface.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprising a liquid crystal layer intermediate a substrate coated by a surfactant and another substrate coated by a photoconductive and a surfactant thereover that is manufactured by taking cleaned electrically conductive transparent substrates and depositing a photoconductor such as cadmium sulfide to one with thereafter treating that one so as to coat it with a surfactant and at the same time coat the other substrate with a surfactant before joining the substrates with a liquid crystal therebetween whose molecules are oriented by the said surfactant.

Abstract: An electrolytic display cell of the type comprising an electrolyte containing a metallic salt dissolved in a solvent, two parallel plates whereof one is covered by a semi-transparent electrode and whereof the other supports a counter-electrode, the electrode and counter-electrode being connected to the positive and negative poles of a d.c. voltage source via a switch permitting the connection of each pole to any one of the electrodes, the display being obtained by connecting the electrode to the negative pole of the source and the erasing by connecting the electrode to the positive pole, wherein the solvent is an organic solvent and the salt a silver halide.

Abstract: An electrically-controlled fuel injector comprising a balanced pressure sl valve that alternately connects an injector plunger control chamber to fuel supply pressure or drain pressure, thereby putting the injector plunger in the closed mode or the injection mode. Fuel pressure is utilized so that the spool valve can be operated (moved) by a relatively small size solenoid. This injector is particularly designed for use in electronic fuel injection systems.

Abstract: A first lens system projects an image onto an optical director which converges the light from the image into a second lens system which reprojects the image onto a screen to be viewed by an audience.

Abstract: A digital display device is disclosed which is used for digitally displaying correct exposure time. The display device includes a repetitive pulse generator for generating repetitive pulses to control the charging-discharging operation of an integration capacitor. The number of clock pulses produced by a clock pulse oscillator during the period in which the charged voltage level on the capacitor is increased to the output level of a light measuring circuit which is proportional to the logarithmic value of the brightness of an object to be photographed starting from the voltage level of a reference voltage source is counted by a counter. An LED display is energized by the counter output through a decoder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective which is adjustable in response to optical and electronic components of the system for determining object distance of a remote subject by comparing images of scanning and reference optical systems. The scanner of the optical system is driven oscillatably across an angle to detect a subject between infinity and the minimum focus condition of the objective lens. The present invention relates to improvements in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective. More particularly, the improvement relates to driving the focusing system to a preset fixed focus setting when the system senses difficult conditions for focus detection as those having low contrast or complex subject matter.

Abstract: A filter for compensation of spectral sensitivity is provided in front of a light receiving element through a light shielding tube. A light source emitting such light as having wave length characteristics which fall within a sensitive wave length zone of the light receiving element yet fall outside of transmitting wave length zone of the filter is provided between the filter and the light receiving element. Light from outside irradiates the light receiving element through the filter while light from the light source is so controlled as irradiating the light receiving element but not leaking through the filter to outside, so that the light from the light source can irradiate the light receiving element without any relationship with the irradiation of outside light on the light receiving element.

Abstract: A self-developing camera with automatic focusing has a charge control system which charges the flash tube capacitor while other camera functions are inactive, and which disables capacitor charging during automatic focusing and during the film-related operations of exposure, transport, and processor-spreading. An enabling stage allows flash-illuminated exposure only when the storage capacitor is properly charged. The charge control system thus schedules high current operations to occur one at a time so that a single battery can power all camera operations. Further, it inhibits exposure under conditions of inadequate flash readiness. The control system affords the user of an SLR camera with a viewing interval between automatic focusing and exposure.

Abstract: A position indicator is arranged for detecting and indicating the position of a member that is movable along a predetermined path in discrete steps as part of the diaphragm of a still camera. Elements that can produce an electrostatic field and can scan an electrostatic field are alternatively arranged so that a single one of the elements moves with the diaphragm member along a path past a plurality of the other elements positioned along the path. The scanning elements are arranged to operate a switch that can be switched with practically no consumption of power in response to the position of the member, and the switch is arranged to energize at least one indicating element. The electrostatic-field is preferably produced by an electret, the scanning element is preferably an electrode, and the switch is preferably an MOS field-effect transistor.

Abstract: An automatic range finding and lens focusing module particularly adapted for attachment to the top edge of a pivotal shutter housing of a foldable camera. The module incorporates a complete assembly of accoustical, electronic, mechanical and electro-mechanical components necessary for system operation, such components being supported by a pair of parallel plates adapted for direct attachment to a shutter assembly modified only to provide mounting lugs and a coupling of a module output gear to a rotatable lens mount. The connection facilitates calibration of the module components with lens focusing movement.

Abstract: A photographic sheet positioner, which releasably mounts on a film processor, releasably holds a print sheet in a predetermined location in a slide tray and guides a photographic cassette along a path to feed an image-bearing film sheet therein into aligned engagement with the print sheet. A locator applies a selectively-releasable resilient locating bias on the two inter-engaged sheets in the slide tray. When mounted on the processor, the positioner presents the engaged sheets to processing elements which withdraw both sheets as a unit from the positioner, with one sheet being thereby withdrawn from the cassette, for conventional processing.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically treating photosensitive paper after exposure in an automatic camera comprises four treatment tanks each having its own dipping mechanism, and three transfer mechanisms between the tanks. Each dipping mechanism and each transfer mechanism comprises a pair of grooves in which the paper can slide, and one or two motor-driven teeth to push the paper along the grooves. By use of separate dipping mechanisms and separate transfer mechanisms, only the paper travels from tank to tank, minimizing transfer of fluid from one tank to the next.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the linear extent and hence the concentration of several constituent blood cell types which are contained in the buffy coat of a centrifuged sample of anticoagulated blood.

Abstract: A measuring system for a ring laser mirror, or the like, is provided, whereby the mirror can be quickly scanned and the backscatter levels measured and presented in the form of a map which directly indicates the spots of the mirror where acceptable backscatter levels exist. When such a spot has been identified, the system of the invention is also capable of measuring the reflectivity of the spot, which normally must be approximately 99.7% to be acceptable. The system of the invention has the capability of measuring the reflectivity of the mirror in addition to measuring the backscatter in a single set-up, and without having to manipulate the mirror.