Abstract: The surface condition of a product being checked is determined by viewing the product with a raster-scanned television camera, or its equivalent and, on a horizontal-line-by-horizontal-line basis detecting the number of points in the video envelope which have a zero slope (a derivative of "zero") and, from such information generating a reject signal if the number of points exceeds one.

Abstract: By providing a novelly configured wheel-engaging stand portion adjustably spaced from a similarly configured, spring-biased wheel-engaging clamping portion, the combination being joined by a shaft having a handle at the extremity thereof remote from the stand portion, a roller skate carrier is provided that is self-standing, easy to load and unload and can accommodate any existing roller skate, including those with rear stops, toe stops or both.

Abstract: By autocorrelating the sample photoacoustic response signal and the reference photoacoustic response signal, respectively, obtained from the sample and reference cells, of a photoacoustic spectrometer, and cross-correlating the autocorrelated signals to produce a third signal, simple mathematical operations upon the resulting three signals will produce accurate sample analysis free from the effects of the noise arising from sample illumination intensity variations and other random phenomena.

Abstract: By forming a metal stake with a "W"-shaped cross-section and knurling the edges of the stake instead of notching them, a stake is provided with superior torsional strength and the ability to support securely wire of any size or combination of sizes at any desired height or spacing.

Abstract: A novel heat transfer element which permits simple, low-cost conversion of energy inefficient electrically heated water heaters to energy efficient potable-water storage tanks for storing water heated by energy-efficient gas-fired water heating systems.

Abstract: By utilizing in a multi-layered fuel cell, plastic separators with the inter-cell connectors supported in resilient but vaportight fashion within the separators, a lighweight fuel cell may be realized which does not suffer from fuel-oxidizer leakage despite temperature rises and accompanying differential component expansion.

Abstract: By utilizing as the driving elements for paper positioning and printing head positioning two solenoids, only, with appropriate electrical and mechanical timing control apparatus to assure synchronization of printing and related functions a low cost, portable, low weight, low-power-consumption teletypewriter can be realized.

Abstract: By introducing into an operating 3-phase transmission line system through a transformer having the common point of its "Y" or "star" connected primary grounded and its ungrounded secondary coupled in open "delta" configuration to a source of a measurement voltage having a second frequency significantly lower than the first or operating frequency of the transmission line system, detecting the current flowing in the transmission line system at the second frequency and multiplying the measurement voltage injected into the transmission line by the measurement current produced thereby, a d.c. component is obtained which is representative of the insulation resistance's magnitude, permitting calibration of the apparatus in terms of insulation resistance. At the same time a fault alarm system may operate with part of its circuit in common with the circuit of the resistance measuring apparatus.

Abstract: By introducing a secondary voltage having a lower frequency than the principal voltage in a grounded transmission line system, detecting the current arising from such secondary voltage only and multiplying such current by the magnitude of the secondary voltage a resultant signal is obtained which is proportional to the inverse of the insulation resistance of the system.

Abstract: A hand-held implement with a specially contoured, flexible tip covered by a physically strong but absorbent fabric securely but removable held in place over such tip permits cleansing of the gums of denture wearers on a safe and sanitary basis.

Abstract: By comparing with the magnitude of a sea-level reference parameter, an electrical parameter in a pressure-temperature sensor or sensors coupled to the air induction system of an internal combustion engine, particularly a turbocharged engine, a control signal may be derived which will automatically adjust the flow of exhaust gas to the turbocharger and will automatically result in constant engine power from sea level to a critical altitude.

Abstract: A fluid-containing tube is supported by a radially-disposed, heat absorbing fin so as to be coaxial with the reflective inner surface of a hemi-cylindrical reflector. Such a combination, if positioned with the reflector aperture substantially horizontal and with a North-South disposition of the reflector axis, or with the reflector aperture vertical, its axis substantially vertical and with a Southern exposure of that aperture, will produce effective sun-tracking and efficient heating of the fluid in the tube throughout the daylight hours even though the reflector remains static.

Abstract: By forcing the resonance in the medium-wave spectrum of the electromagnetic loop antenna or antennas formed by a shunting conductor in combination with a series connected capacitor shunting a window opening in an automobile body and coupling to an output conductor through the distributed capacitance and mutual inductance provided by close physical proximity between such output conductor and such shunting conductor, such output conductor terminating at one end in at least one antenna element having electrostatic antenna characteristics, an output signal from the antenna is obtained which exhibits the electrostatic-noise rejection characteristics of a loop antenna and the omni-directional characteristics of a vertical whip-type antenna, while, at the same time, the impedance of the system is compatible with standard radio-tuner input circuits.

Abstract: By storing, along with each signal or bit controlling a step to be taken in a process sequence, an additional signal or bit to be applied to the gating terminal or pin of respective ones of a plurality of "and" gates, to the other input terminal of each of which is supplied its respective input signal from aprocess control element, such as a sensor, switch or valve (each such input signal indicating a changed condition in the process which requires a changed process control sequence) any sequence may be interrupted following any step in that sequence and a new sequence may be called up to make the needed correction or change in the process.

Abstract: A solid-state switching system which produces one or more switching signals in response to a power circuit current's reaching a preset level or levels whereby remote control of associated apparatus may be effected without independent control circuits.

Abstract: An accurate and high-speed garment counter for use in the garment and associated industries includes a hook-shaped wand terminating in a hanger-rail engaging slide and including adjacent the slide a light source directed upwardly and in optical conjunction with a light-sensing element, such as a photo-resistor or photo diode which shows a change in output, or pulse, each time the light beam is interrupted by the interposition, between the light source and the sensor, of the tip of a garment hanger, as the wand is slid along the bottom of the hanger rail. Digital counter means respond to the pulses from the light sensor to give a readout corresponding to the number of hangers, and, hence, the number of garments on the rail.

Abstract: By replacing the passive reflector in a liquid crystal display with a photovoltaic converter, the dual results of light reflection for display visibility and electrical energy generation for operation of the display and associated circuitry, such as electronic calculator circuitry, are achieved.

Abstract: Sensitive control of the rate of flow of a fluid under pressure over a wide range of pressures and over a wide range of pressure differentials is effected by a valve comprising a pair of telescoping piston and regulator elements movable relative to each other against the biasing action of a spring when the fluid pressure upon the valve exceeds a predetermined level, the relative motion of the two elements (the upstream piston element and the downstream regulator element) resulting in a degree of closure of ports in the downstream regulator element which depends on the degree to which the pressure differential across the valve differs in magnitude from a pre-selected pressure differential. A critical relationship of the areas of piston ports, regulator ports and fixed-area exit orifice is defined which gives novel and unexpected flow-rate control over wide pressure differentials across the valve.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic flow-control valve with critical dimensional characteristics which assure laminar flow rather than turbulent flow through the valve thus reducing or eliminating valve "hunting" or chattering and increasing sensitivity of the valve to pressure changes and assuring accurate and totally predictable fluid flow control over a wide range of differential pressures across the valve.