Abstract: An automatic zero balance circuit for nulling the initial offset signal received from a test transducer. A quadrature oscillator powers a carrier transducer with the phase reference signal. A summing circuit receives the return signal from the transducer and sums it with two other signals. The resultant summation signal is divided into two components, the phase reference component and the quadrature reference component which are fed back into the summing circuit as the two other signals. The component values nullify the return signal thereby cancelling the initial offset signal.

Abstract: A transistor switching circuit for switching a power transistor (28) from an on state to an off state at high speeds with minimal dissipation of power and without encountering secondary breakdown in the power transistor. The transistor switching circuit includes a transformer (36) having a secondary winding (35) connected to the base (30) of the power transistor (28) and a primary winding (49) connected to switching logic (38), the transformer (36) providing galvanic isolation between the power transistor (28) and the switching logic (38). The switching logic (38) includes a first switch (50) and a second switch (52). With the first switch (50) on and the second switch (52) off, the secondary winding (35) of the transformer (36) develops a positive base current applied to the power transistor (28) turning the transistor on.

Abstract: Apparatus for bundling elongated workpieces includes a generally U-shaped trough having a vertically movable bottom wall for adjusting the depth of the trough. A horizontally and vertically movable pusher feeds the workpieces transversely of their length toward the trough for positioning a plurality of the workpieces in side-by-side relationship to form a horizontal row. Horizontally movable support rails are movable selectively between a position extending across the trough spaced above its movable bottom wall wherein a new row of workpieces is positioned on the rails, and a position displaced from the trough for allowing the new row of workpieces to glide in stacking relationship on a previous row of workpieces resting on the movable bottom wall. A slope structure is inclined downwardly toward the pusher.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for making an evanescent wave coupler. Two optical waveguides have a portion of the cladding material removed until the core is exposed. The two optical waveguides are placed in juxtaposition with an interleaf film between them. The interleaf film insures an accurate and constant spatial relation between the two optical waveguides to have reliable evanescent coupling therebetween.

Abstract: A starting control circuit is provided for an alternating current motor having a run winding and a start winding and a mechanical rotational output. The motor is powered by an alternating current source. A reference oscillator produces pulses having a reference frequency. A first control circuit is provided for counting the number of reference pulses produced during a predetermined number of cycles of the alternating current source. A sensor is provided for sensing a predetermined amount of rotational movement of the mechanical rotational output of the motor and producing a sensor pulse indicative thereof. A second control circuit is provided for counting the number of reference pulses produced during the time between a predetermined number of sensor pulses and for comparing the counts on the first and second control circuits. The second control circuit assumes first and second output states dependent on the relationship between the first and second output counts.

Abstract: An interferometer is disclosed for optically sensing displacements in a surface. A first fiber optic waveguide receives light from a laser in one end and transports it to the other end where a portion is back reflected and a portion is projected upon the surface. The reflected light from the surface re-enters the fiber optic at the projecting end and combines with the back reflected signal to derive an optical information wave. This optical information wave is evanescently coupled to a second fiber optic waveguide which transports this wave to a detector. A specific amount of reflective matter is attached to the end of the first fiber optic waveguide to enhance reflection therefrom, and an optical energy absorber is fixedly attached to the other end of the second fiber optic waveguide to prevent internal back reflection within the second fiber optic waveguide.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for use with adjustable rotary controls such as potentiometers that have a push and/or pull feature to provide a means for locking the control knob and to provide varying amounts of drag force to aid in fine adjustments. A locking shoe assembly having integral locking shoes with cam surfaces is attached to the control panel with the rotary control shaft extending through its center. A locking knob with internal cams fits over the locking shoe assembly and is held in place with an annular retention ring. A control knob with an integral land surface is attached to the rotary shaft and extends into the locking shoe assembly. Rotation of the locking knob engages the various cam surfaces thus binding the land surface and the control knob.

Abstract: A photoluminescent indicator apparatus having automatic feedback means to maintain the sensitivity of the indicator apparatus with respect to variations in environmental conditions. The apparatus includes a sample of photoluminescent material having a photoluminescent decay rate which varies as a function of environmental conditions. The sample is positioned in a remote location having some unknown aspect of the environment desired to be measured. The sample is optically excited with a modulating signal to generate an excitation output signal functionally dependent on the modulating signal and indicative of the unknown environmental condition. A phase detection means is provided for comparing difference in phase between a phase reference signal and the excitation output signal to generate a phase differential signal functionally related to the photoluminescent decay rate of the sample.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making capillary glass liners for use in ink jet writing devices. The capillary glass blanks are suspended within a heating coil which melts the glass locally so that the blank stretches to form two well defined jet liner nozzles. Liners with inlet and outlet orifices and with bent or angled outlet nozzles are also made.

Abstract: An optical transducer (10) having a plurality of concentric cores (15,17). An intermediate cladding (16) is disposed between the inner and outer cores and an outer cladding (18) surrounds the outer core to define a symmetrical cylindrical transducer structure. Light propagated through the inner core (15) from a source (19) is coupled into the outer core (17) as a result of penetration of the evanescent electric field from the light in the inner core through the inner cladding (16) to the outer core. Control of the coupling length may be effected by suitable selection of the transducer structure parameters. At least one of the portions of the transducer is formed of an acousto-optically variable material whereby an acoustic field acting on the transducer causes a modulation of the coupled light so as to provide in the outer core (17) a modulated light signal suitable for detection by a receiver (21). Localized control of the parameters of the transducer may be effected to provide focusing of the coupled light.

Abstract: Straightening apparatus includes opposed straightening rollers through which generally cylindrical elongated workpieces pass generally longitudinally. Opposite flat guide members extend between the rollers and have opposed front guide edges between which a workpiece is guided as it travels through the rollers. The side edges of the guide members extending generally perpendicular to the direction of workpiece travel are individually releasably clamped by clamping devices for providing adjustment of the guide members toward and away from a workpiece to facilitate initial adjustment and to renew the front guide edges as they become worn. Each individual clamping device is also independently adjustable in a direction generally perpendicular to the first adjustment direction for imparting curvature to the guide members extending between curved straightening rollers.

Abstract: A transducer (14) including an optical fiber core (15) having a first refractive index profile, and an optical cladding (16) encircling the core and having a second refractive index profile different from that of the profile of the optical core. At least one of the core and cladding is formed of a photoresponsive material providing a variable difference between the refractive indices of the core and cladding as a function of a physical effect applied to the transducer. Light may be propagated through the core from a suitable light source (18) and the light which is lost from the core to the cladding may be detected by a suitable detector (22,23) providing an output signal corresponding to the force applied to the transducer. In one form, the detector receives light from the end (21) of the transducer, and in another form, the detector (23) receives light through the outer surface (24) of the transducer.

Abstract: A quick disconnect female coupling is provided with a lever-operated valve. The lever operates a cam inside the coupling which pulls open the valve assembly of the female coupling and pushes a plunger which opens the valve of a male coupling which is connected to the female coupling. The push-pull action of the cam provides straight linear forces for opening the valves, and the cam is positioned within a large flow passage in the female coupling rather than near the valve.

Abstract: A method of hose production and product wherein a thermoplastic core tube having an outer surface has applied thereto a metallic reinforcement equipped with interstices, the assembly thus achieved being heated in selected portions adjacent the outer surface of the tube to soften the tube for migration into the interstices and thereafter cooling the migrant portions to form a uniform mechanical interlock between the core tube and reinforcement and, further, a uniform mechanical interlock between the core tube, reinforcement and cover.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an electrographic recording apparatus for recording on an electrostatic charge retentive record medium and a driver circuit suitable for use therein. The apparatus comprises a plurality of recording electrodes mounted in close proximity to the record medium. A plurality of complementary electrodes are mounted in electrical cooperative relationship with the recording electrodes. Improved driver circuits are provided for applying a voltage to the electrodes. The driver comprises a current branch to which the electrode is connected. A current control is provided for supplying a current through the current branch, which current biases diodes to force the electrode to a reference potential. The current further charges an electrical storage element. To apply a high voltage to an electrode, the current control blocks the current flow. The potential stored in the storage element which causes a base-emitter current flow to forward bias the transistor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for electrically damping the rotation motion of a stepper motor. The voltage of the non-energized side of the motor windings is monitored and compared with the energized side. Once the voltage on the non-energized side reaches a predetermined value greater than the voltage on the energized side, the non-energized voltage is shunted to the energized voltage.

Abstract: A bar or straddle pin construction is disclosed for use in torque rods, the pin having an elongated metal inner member surrounded by a plastic outer member in which the plastic outer member tightly engages the inner member such that the two members are coaxially aligned. The inner member is configured to contemporaneously provide a means to aid in the bonding between itself and the plastic outer member and a means to aid in the external connection of the torque rod.

Abstract: A readily etchable printed circuit board is provided which comprises a resinous substrate having bonded to at least one surface thereof a composite metal structure. This metal structure includes a layer of copper foil having opposed first and second surfaces and a thin layer of nickel having opposed first and second surfaces with one of the surfaces of the copper foil being bonded to one of the surfaces of the nickel layer and the opposite opposed surface of the nickel layer being bonded to the resinous substrate with the nickel layer containing an effective amount of sulfur to render the copper foil and the nickel barrier layer mutually etchable, i.e., etchable by the same etchant. The preferred amount of sulfur ranges from about 0.05 to about 10.0 weight percent.

Abstract: An ink jet tip assembly in which the individual jets are comprised of a piezoelectric cylinder having a longitudinally through bore, a glass ink nozzle disposed in the cylinder bore and a low melting temperature alloy interposed between the bore and the nozzle for anchoring the nozzle to the piezoelectric cylinder. The method of assembly for the individual jet tip assemblies comprises inserting the glass ink nozzle into the cylinder bore which contains the anchoring alloy in a molten form. A method of checking for flaws in the cylinder comprises fluxing the cylinder bore for allowing flux to pass through any cylinder pinholes or cracks. Upon introducing solder for coating the interior cylinder wall, some solder will appear as shining spots or areas on the cylinder exterior wall.

Abstract: A system for priming liquid ink writing instruments such as ink jet writers and capillary ink pens is disclosed. A source of ink is pressurized to force ink through the ink jet or other pen so that a small droplet is formed at the jet or pen outlet. As the drop forms at the jet or pen, it is eventually drawn away into an adjacent orifice, due to capillary action. An integrated priming pump serves both to pressurize the ink source to form the ink droplet and to apply a vacuum to the orifice to remove the ink drawn away by capillary action. A pressure release valve ensures that the ink jet or pen is not overpressurized during priming. In ink jet applications, the drop removal orifice is formed as a portion of the droplet charging ring.