Abstract: A magnetically driven centrifuge system includes a centrifuge (2) carrying specimen tubes (10) extending radially therefrom and supporting a magnetic member (25). The centrifuge is arranged with a base (18) of the type having a rotating magnet, whereby the centrifuge (2) spins freely on the base (18) by virtue of the magnetic interaction between the rotating magnet and the magnetic member (25).

Abstract: Means for assembling ferromagnetic stators of rotating electric machines to housings made of lightweight alloys where high temperature operation causes loss of interference fit between stator and housing. Keys are equally spaced about the housing and are spring loaded with Belleville-type springs to maintain adequate centering forces on the stator at high temperature.

Abstract: A calibrator (FIG. 1) can calibrate a magnetic azimuth detector (18) of a craft (50). The service detector (18) is responsive to the magnetic field of the earth to provide a service heading signal. The calibrator includes a test detector (10) for providing a test signal signifying the magnetic orientation of the test detector with respect to the prevailing magnetic field of the earth. Also included is a turntable (12) for rotatably supporting the test detector (10). Also included is a calibration computer (34) connected to the test detector (10) and responsive to the test heading signal. The calibration computer (34) is operable to determine the variations in the test heading signal due to changes in the magnetic field of the earth. The calibration computer (34) is operable to connect to the service detector (18) and determine the difference in the service heading signal when the craft (50) is adjacent to and removed from the service detector (18).

Abstract: A differential pressure transducer having a central support structure separating two flexible diaphragms. The support structure has a central hole and the diaphragms are joined on their opposing surfaces at their respective centers by a post that is loosely received through the hole. The central structure and each diaphragm are separated by an annular sealing ring that is preferably fabricated from a glass frit having characteristics similar to the material used for the diaphragms and central structure. The transducer further includes a plurality of electrodes located on one surface of the central support member and a third electrode, located on the inner surface of one of the diaphragms, therein forming the electrodes of a pressure sensing capacitor and a reference capacitor.

Abstract: A mechanism comprising a code wheel assembly including a first element, a second element and a third element, a element, a plurality of main code posts preset for locking the first element and the second element in driving relation, selectively operable means for actuating the main code posts sequentially in a predetermined sense for unlocking the second and first elements, an auxiliary code post operable for locking the first element to the third element following the actuation of the main code posts sequentially in said predetermined sense to unlock the first and second elements, control means selectively actuated by the third element for performing a control function, and said control means being selectively actuated by said third element following the locking of the first element to the third element by the auxiliary code post and after the first element has been unlocked from the second element.

Abstract: A bowling ball with a retractable handle is disclosed, wherein the ball (2) has a pair of substantially parallel bores (4) extending in spaced relation partially through the ball and connected by a recess (8) which receives a handle member (12) having a contour corresponding to that of the ball. Guide posts (20) slide through bushings (26) and are removably supported on the handle member. Resilient members (28) surround the guide posts and the bushings are removably supported in corresponding bores in the ball, with the guide posts and resilient members sliding into the bores. The resilient members compress when the handle member is grasped to lift the ball, and the compression is relieved upon release of the handle and ball to cause instantaneous retraction of the handle into the recess.

Abstract: A mechanism comprising a code wheel assembly including an angularly movable shaft, a first element affixed to said shaft, a second element angularly movable on said shaft, and a third element angularly movable on said shaft, a plurality of main code posts preset for locking the first element and the second element in driving relation, selectively operable means for actuating the main code posts sequentially in a predetermined sense for unlocking the second and first elements, means for limiting angular movement of the second element upon the unlocking of the first and second elements, an auxiliary code post operable in a sense for locking the first element to the third element in driving relation, means for preventing the operation of said auxiliary code post in said locking sense until the actuation of the main code posts sequentially in said predetermined sense to unlock the first and second elements followed by a predetermined angular movement of the first element relative to the second element, control me

Abstract: A display analyzer analyzes an image from a unit (10) under test. The analyzer has a carriage (18, 20) for adjustably supporting a detection device (16). The carriage has at least two degrees of freedom. The detection device has a given field of view and can produce a viewing signal responsive to the image size and brightness within the field of view. This viewing signal is produced with a predetermined characteristic in response to the appearance of a given image at the center of said field of view. The display analyzer also has an analyzing device (50) for producing a carriage adjustment signal. The carriage is operable to move in response to this adjustment signal. The analyzing device is operable to produce information in response to the production of the viewing signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the torsional output of a flexible pivot assembly is provided. The apparatus precisely rotates the flexible pivot to a maximum rotational angle at which the torsional output of the flexible pivot is trimmed to a predetermined value by an air abrasive unit. After the trimming the flexible pivot is rotated to an intermediate rotational angle and its torsional output rechecked. Electronic circuits are included to automatically control the air abrasive unit to trim output torque of the flexible pivot to its desired value, and to signify the torsional output at the intermediate rotational angle is within specifications.

Abstract: An improved synchro including a pair of flats helically-coiled hairsprings (320,330) mounted between a rotatable rotor (100) and relatively fixed stator (200), said hairsprings being electrically conductive for carrying an electrical excitation between a rotor-mounted connector (310) and an external source coupled to terminal blocks (350,360) and for providing a mechanical linkage allowing limited relative rotation between the stator and rotor. The hairsprings are contained within a dielectric or insulating housing assembly (340) which is mounted to or carried on the stator and each is coupled to one of a pair of spaced electrical contacts (312,314) on the rotor-mounted connector. As such, the system provides an electrical interconnection between the contacts (312,314) and the terminal blocks (350,360) for rotor energization, while maintaining a rotatable mechanical connection between the stator (200) and rotor (100).

Abstract: A weapon firing system including weapon interrogation means is disclosed wherein a weapon control computer (8) provides a signal (at 27) for closing a normally open switch (16) and signals (at 29, 29A, 29B, 29N) for connecting one of a plurality of weapon select relays (18, 18A, 18B, 18N) to the switch. During weapon interrogation, a low level interrogation signal (from 20) is applied through the closed switch and the one relay to a weapon igniter (12, 12A, 12B, 12N) connected to a corresponding weapon (2, 2A, 2B, 2N) to interrogate the availability of the weapon for firing. The igniter provides an impedance indicative of said availability which is sensed by a sensor (28) for providing a signal (E.sub.L) which is applied to the computer for mission programming and display purposes.

Abstract: The process disclosed includes treating settled sludge and/or organic debris recovered from a wastewater treatment system and thermally converting the treated material and/or comminuted organic solid wastes separately or in combination into steam combustible gas, residual tars and oils and other energy by-products which are recycled as heat for increasing the thermodynamic efficiency of the process. The process further includes cleaning the combustible gas which is provided during the thermal conversion so that the gas is suitable for driving gas engine or gas turbine generators and the like.

Abstract: The process disclosed includes treating settled sludge and/or organic debris recovered from a wastewater treatment system and thermally converting the treated material and/or comminuted organic solid wastes separately or in combination into steam, combustible gas, residual tars and oils and other energy by-products which are recycled as heat for increasing the thermodynamic efficiency of the process. In one embodiment of the invention the process includes cleaning the combustible gas which is provided during the thermal conversion, with the clean gas driving a heat engine such as a gas engine or gas turbine generator or the like. In another embodiment of the invention the gas drives the heat engine without the above described benefit of the aforenoted cleaning.

Abstract: A tester determines a system failure by employing an error detector (28, 30, 31; 40, 42, 44, 46) coupled to the plurality of output lines from a strobing circuit (10, 12, 14, 16, 18). This strobing circuit normally generates a singular signal on one of these plurality of lines. The error detector (28, 30, 32; 40, 42, 44, 46) responds to a singular signal being produced on two of the plurality of lines by producing an error signal. Thus, in the preferred embodiment a performance check can be performed on a significant number of internal digital lines by monitoring a single line which may be routed to an external connector.

Abstract: 1. A decoder mechanism comprising a code wheel assembly includinga first wheel element and a second wheel element,a main code post means normally positioned for locking the first and second wheel elements in driving relation,selectively operable means for actuating the main code post means in a predetermined sense for unlocking the first and second wheel elements,auxiliary code post means effective upon the first and second wheel elements being in an unlocked relation,said auxiliary code post means being operable by said selectively operable means in one sense for locking said first and second wheel elements and in another sense to retain said first and second wheel elements in said unlocked relation,and means actuated by one of the wheel elements for performing a control function upon the first element being retained in said unlocked relation with the second element.

Abstract: A decoder mechanism comprising a code wheel assembly including an inner wheel element and an outer wheel element, means for locking the inner wheel element to the outer wheel element in driving relation, means selectively operable for actuating said locking means in locking and unlocking senses, other means selectively operable for changing the locking and unlocking senses of said locking means, and said other means including means effective to transfer from said one unlocking sense to said other unlocking sense upon actuation of said locking means in said one unlocking sense.

Abstract: An accurate level sensor having an electrolytic switch 10 is mounted within a chamber 22 on a thermally insulating member 12 and is surrounded by a thermally insulating air space 23. Chamber 22 is mounted within a chamber 24 by thermally insulating members 38 and is surrounded by a thermally insulating air space 25. Chamber 24 is mounted to an inertial reference member 44 by thermally insulating members 46. All mounting surfaces are precisely parallel to each other and sensitivity to ambient temperature conditions is attenuated to provide a sensor for maintaining the inertial reference member level and stable within a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A stored energy gyroscope includes a power spring contained within the gyroscope rotor. A latching arm is positioned to hold the rotor in place with the spring fully wound, and when the latching arm is released from the hold position the power spring unwinds to drive the rotor up to speed. A sustaining motor contained within the rotor extends the useful life of the gyroscope by maintaining angular momentum of the rotor and eliminating deceleration torques upon dissipation of the spring power.

Abstract: A radiated input mixer for converting a radio frequency (RF) signal into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal with the aid of a local oscillator (LO) signal includes, in combination, an antenna having balanced feed terminals, a diode quad, and a balun with balanced terminals orthogonally positioned with respect to the antenna terminals to provide a less complex and more efficient device of the type described than has heretofore been known in the art.

Abstract: Drive shaft apparatus includes driving and driven members and primary torque transmitting means coupling the members. Redundant torque transmitting means is rendered operative for coupling said members in the event of a failure of the primary coupling means and a failure detector including electrical circuitry arranged with the redundant coupling means detects the operation thereof and provides a corresponding indication.