Abstract: A two stage speed reducer having a primary reduction stage the output gear of which is fixed to an eccentric which causes an output planetary gear to orbit within a fixed ring gear. The eccentric forms the inner and outer races for coplanar bearings for the planetary gear and the output gear, respectively.

Abstract: A protective glove having a rigid thumb protecting member overlying the outer portion of the thumb from a point beyond the interphalangeal joint thereof to a point beyond the first metacarpal; a rigid dorsal extension integrally formed with the thumb protecting member and overlying the metacarpals between the knuckles and the wrist; and a strap connected to the palmer surface of the protecting member and crossing the first web space to apply a force against the metacarpal phalangeal joint.

Abstract: An oil-free rotary compressor having mating impellers rotatably mounted in working chambers; each impeller has at least two profiles; each profile having only one lobe and one well of substantially 180 degrees in arcuate extent. An inlet port communicating directly with all of the profiles and an outlet port in a side plate at the axial extremity of the working chambers. The angular displacement between adjacent profiles is at least 130 degrees and the pitch velocities of each impeller is at least 200 feet per second.

Abstract: Various forms of V/STOL aircraft are disclosed, each having a tiltable exterior structure that is in the shape of a pair of connected partial circular conoids. In one general form the conoids house the thrust producing engines, whereas in another form they are immediately downstream thereof. Also provided is a sonic boom concentrator in the form of a fin having curved sidewalls and truncated ends.

Abstract: An operative temperature sensing system including an air temperature sensor, a globe-type temperature sensor and a circuit for modifying the air temperature signal and the globe temperature signal by predetermined factors whereby the modified signals are combined to generate a signal that is a function of operative temperature.

Abstract: A coating thickness measuring apparatus for step and repeat coating systems, including; a support member; a common support assembly mounted for pivotal movement about and along a vertical axis; a measuring probe carried by the common support assembly and movable with respect thereto along a horizontal axis; a calibrating disc carried by the common support assembly for rotation with respect thereto about a horizontal axis, having an opening for reception therethrough of the probe and having a plurality of angularly spaced calibration standards movable into selective alignment with the probe; actuators for moving the probe along its horizontal axis, for vertically moving the common support assembly and for rotating the calibration disc; stroke limiting means to halt probe movement between its extreme positions; an indexing bar having a plurality of variably spaced openings; an indexing pin for securing the support member into one of the indexing bar openings; and sensing switches developing signals indicative o

Abstract: A thermal power plant having multi-staged steam turbines and heat exchangers therebetween, each heat exchanger extracting heat from the supply to an upstream stage for adding heat to the supply of the next successive downstream stage; a portion of the supply to the last downstream stage being diverted through a heater for adding heat to the feedwater flow to a boiler. Additional heat exchangers may be provided between stages for utilizing the feedwater to cool the working steam. One form of heat exchanger is provided with a plurality of axially spaced annular chambers having vortex flow producing means adjacent the inner peripheries thereof; whereas another form of heat exchanger is provided with a helically finned interior chamber in fluid communication with upstream guide vanes for inducing vortex flow.

Abstract: A planetary speed reducer having a movable output ring gear; a stationary or fixed ring gear; the ring gears having different numbers of rigid involute teeth, different pitch diameters, equal internal diameters and equal base pitches; a sun gear; and at least one planetary gear mounted for engagement with the sun gear and with each of the ring gears.

Abstract: A combined knotmeter, distance/log meter and depth meter including a meter housing, a dial face having indicia symmetrically centered thereabout, an analog speed indicator having a pointer for cooperating with the indicia; upper and lower openings in the dial face in alignment with digital log and depth meters of the electro-mechanical and LCD-type, respectively; the upper opening interrupting the indicia centered about a twelve o'clock position and actuators for the indicators responsive to sensed variables of speed, distance and water depth.

Abstract: A method of optimizing reproduction processes including the steps of preparing a physical standard, measuring the filtration and exposure values or densities used in preparing the standard, separating the image used in producing the standard into its color constituents using filtration values that are a function of those employed in making the standard, using a reproduction process to make many replicates of the standard, comparing representative samples of the replicate with the standard upon which the separations were based to measure the average difference in densities between the standard and such replicates, adjusting the filtration used in making the separations in response to such average differences until subsequent comparisons between subsequent standards yield average differences between acceptable, predetermined limits.

Abstract: A manual knitting frame having a pair of support blocks at opposite ends of two or more spaced longitudinally elongated members. Pegs projecting from each of the members. Rods connecting the blocks and passing through the members, one of which is threaded such that the spacing between the members can be adjusted. According to another form, the adjustment of the members is accomplished by screws attaching the members to a support at each end thereof.

Abstract: An unimpeded optical path across a low-pressure supersonic stream of a high-power laser is achieved by rotating a window assembly at a predetermined constant speed. The centrifugal gasdynamic window assembly acts as a centrifugal compressor with no net radial flow. The no net radial flow condition is achieved by matching the compression ratio to the pressure difference between the flowing laser medium and ambient.

Abstract: Water and air are tested for biological agents by concentrating the biological substances at an air/water interface which permits natural cell multiplication during the concentrating process.

Abstract: An amusement device for young children having a six-sided open frame with four sides thereof providing handles to orient three closed and separate chambers located between the other two sides, each chamber containing a fluid or material of different viscosity than that contained in any other chamber and having a pair of enlarged volume ends connected by restricted passageways. The chambers are transparent such that observation of the different flow rates can take place.