Abstract: A system for correcting the manufacturing errors and variations in the positional alignment and spacing of optical fibers in the scanning head of an automatic digitizing system. A scan head signature is produced by measuring the actual X and Y position for each optical fiber including the variation of each fiber from its nominal X and Y positions. An X correction circuit and a Y correction circuit use the head signature data stored in a signature correction memory to correct the X and Y positions of the stream of scan line data to thereby provide a true video scan of the document data.

Abstract: A skylight assembly for installation in an opening in the pitched roof of a building, comprising a window hinged at one end with respect to the roof, and a rubbery flashing member for maintaining a water-tight seal between the window and roof. The flashing member includes a planar portion for attachment to the roof, beneath the shingles, in an area adjacent to the opening, a portion for attachment to each side of the window, and a gusset portion between each attachment portion and the planar portion. The gusset portion expands and contracts as the window is opened and closed, respectively. All the portions of the flashing member are integrally formed at one piece. The gussets may be accordian-folded and may taper toward the hinged end of the window. The attachment portions of the flashing may be sandwiched between the window pane and window frame to serve as a gasket between those parts of the window.

Abstract: Security apparatus for detection of a security tag to be hidden in an article to be detected. The digitized waveshape of a tag signature signal preferably obtained by distortion of an oscillating magnetic field, (whereby the distortion signal being detected constitutes a signature signal) is compared with a stored digital representative of a signature signal, and an alarm enable signal is generating in the event of correlation a predetermined number of times in a predetermined time period. The stored signal is modified by the specific factors. The characteristics of the apparatus and of environmental factors. The result is a reliable detection apparatus with a very low false alarm rate.

Abstract: In an automatic control method for reduction in the level of contaminants emitted by a gas engine, the automatic control process is orientated in accordance with the reference point at which lambda is equal to unity and enriches the mixture after detecting this point by a certain step. Subsequently the instantaneous probe potential is measured and used by an automatic control circuit as a set point, which so affects the actuator for setting the air ratio that the probe potential is kept constant at this set point. The automatic control system in keeping with the invention reacts immediately in response to a disturbance and does not have to wait until a renewed search for the reference point takes place.

Abstract: This invention is an alarm lock which uses a key-releasable cable to secure an article to be protected to a fixed object. Should the cable be cut, a coded audio alarm is emitted, alerting the owner of the article. The cable contains a conductor which is connected to an alarm circuit sensitive to a resistance in series with the cable. Attempts to defeat the cable by jumpering or cutting or otherwise varying the resistance causes the alarm to be set off. Pulling the cable (tampering) also causes the alarm to operate, for a fixed period of time. The lock unit can be fixed to the handle bars of a bicycle and the alarm sound can be generated manually whereby it can be used as a horn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid tight pipe connection having an intermediate ring between the two pipe ends. By making the two surfaces of the ring complementary to the pipe end faces the ring may be displaced in relation to one pipe end and may be moved pivotally in relation to the other pipe end to enable the connection to allow for angular misalignment and parallel offset of the pipe axes while still maintaining a sealing joint.

Abstract: An apparatus including a source for producing a concentrated light beam, such as a laser, a background spaced from the source against which the light beam is directed, and a transport arrangement for moving translucent bodies, such as French cut potatoes, through the light beam. Another light source illuminates the background independently of the concentrated light beam. A receiver receives light reflected from the background and from translucent bodies moving through the light beam, as well as from the independent light source illuminating the background. The receiver produces an output signal which changes when an impurity enters the concentrated light beam, and this changed signal is used to operate a device which removes the impurity from the remainder of the translucent bodies. The light beam may be scanned across a plurality of rows of moving bodies by directing the beam at a rapidly rotating multifaceted mirror.

Abstract: A cavity receiver having an aperture through which concentrated solar radiation enters the cavity. Holes are provided in the bottom wall of the receiver through which cold air, which enters the cavity through the aperture, can be withdrawn by an aspirator. The outlet of the aspirator can exhaust the cold air to the atmosphere, or reintroduce the air into the cavity through holes adjacent to the aperture. Holes can also be provided in the top wall of the receiver, and an aspirator used to withdraw air from the cavity through the top wall holes and reintroduce it into the cavity through the bottom wall holes.

Abstract: A protective headgear comprising a helmet and a face mask of flexible material secured to the helmet. When a force capable of causing injury to the headgear wearer is applied to the face mask, the mask deflects to a significant degree, without fracturing, with respect to the helmet. The deflection may take place entirely within the material of the face mask, or the deflection may in part take place within the attachments resiliently securing the face mask to the helmet. The intersecting bars forming the face mask have modified trapezoidal cross-sectional shapes in which each base of the trapezoid is a circular arc tangent to the sides of the trapezoid.

Abstract: A process for converting cellulose-containing refuse into a fuel comprising forming a suspension of said cellulosic material in a polycyclic hydrogen donor substance and hydrogenating the suspension at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst to produce a mixture of gaseous, liquid and solid hydrocarbons having a low oxygen content and correspondingly high calorific value.

Abstract: A skylight assembly including a frame for securement within an opening in a pitched roof, and a window supported within the frame. Water flowing down the roof is directed, such as by a specially shaped flashing, to flow on to the window, and water flowing down the window is directed, such as by another specially shaped flashing, to flow on to the roof below the skylight frame. No part of the window projects outwardly beyond the outer edge of the skylight frame, and the window pivots inwardly to open the slylight. A window screen automatically advances to cover the opening when the window is opened, and shades of different types can be pulled across the window.

Abstract: A decorative surface arrangement for an article of furniture includes a plurality of tiles, at least some of which carry decorative matter on their exposed surfaces. The edges of each tile have retaining means cooperable with retaining means on the edges of other tiles to maintain the tiles in engagement with one another while permitting relative sliding movement between the tiles in the plane of the decorative surface. The tiles move within a frame fixed to the furniture and engage retaining means carried by the frame. There is space available within the frame for accommodating one tile more than the number of tiles within the frame. The retaining means may include tongue means projecting laterally from part of the circumference of each tile and groove means in the remaining part of the tile circumference.

Abstract: A sofa-bed mechanism for use in a sofa body having a relatively low seating level. The mechanism includes four sections foldable within the sofa body and alternatively extensible out of the sofa body to define a bed. The linkage which connects the four sections to the sofa body, and controls movement of those sections, includes an arrangement for permitting the mechanism to be located at a low level within the sofa body, and the lower rear corner of the mechanism to swing through a shallower arc than usual. The linkage also includes an arrangement for preventing the top section from experiencing opening movement, and for preventing the rear supporting leg of the mechanism from opening, until the sections move out from beneath the sofa body breast rail and the rear leg passes over the sofa body front rail.

Abstract: An elongated drum rotatable about its horizontal longitudinal axis is surrounded by a sequence of cylindrical screens having different size mesh openings. A burner is located at one end of the drum. A feeder delivers stone chips into the end of the drum opposite the burner, and another feeder delivers used paving asphalt into the end of the drum at which the burner is located. The asphalt feeder has an elbow which passes through the burner flame and an outlet located outside the flame. Openings at the burner end of the drum provide communication between the interior of the drum and an annular space between the drum and the screens. A chimney for discharging dust is located at the stone chips feeder end of the drum.

Abstract: A toy jewelry item including a case having front and back portions relatively movable between closed and open conditions. At least one part is movably carried by one of the case portions, the part being movable between an exposed position in which it projects outwardly from the external contour of the case and a hidden position in which it is located completely within the external contour of the case. The case can be closed completely regardless of whether the part is in its exposed or its hidden position. The part or parts may simulate parts, such as the head and extremities, of a living thing. Subparts may be movably carried by the part.