Abstract: Rotary valve system for controlling communication with a port in an internal combustion engine which, in one disclosed embodiment, has a crankshaft, compression and expansion pistons connected to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within compression and expansion chambers, a combustion chamber in which air from the compression chamber is combined with fuel and burned to produce an increased gas volume.

Abstract: Highly portable, handheld instrument which can be pointed at the produce to be checked. Light from a source within the instrument is directed onto the produce to induce fluorescent emission from the produce, and fluorescent emissions from the produce are monitored with a detector within the instrument to detect the presence of pesticide residue on the produce. The light from the source is filtered to selectively pass light of a wavelength which induces maximum fluorescent emission from the pesticide to be detected, and the emissions from the produce are filtered to selectively pass emissions having a spectral content characteristic of the pesticide to be detected.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone and method for separating and classifying solids in which a slurry is introduced into the cylindrical inlet section of the separation chamber of the hydrocyclone so that the slurry rotates about the axis of the chamber, then passes through a first conically tapered section of the separation chamber, and thereafter through a second conically tapered section which has a smaller cone angle than the first conically tapered section. The finer solids are removed through an overflow outlet toward the upper end of the separation chamber, and the coarser solids are removed through an underflow outlet toward the lower end of the chamber.

Abstract: Rotary valve system for controlling communication with a port in an internal combustion engine which, in one disclosed embodiment, has a crankshaft, compression and expansion pistons connected to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within compression and expansion chambers, a combustion chamber in which air from the compression chamber is combined with fuel and burned to produce an increased gas volume.

Abstract: Rate sensor having a plurality of generally planar masses, a drive axis in the planes of the masses, an input axis perpendicular to the drive axis, and sense axes perpendicular to the drive axis and the input axis. The masses are driven to oscillate about drive axes and are mounted for torsional movement about the sense axes in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the messes about the input axis, with sensors responsive to the torsional movement about the sense axis for monitoring rate of rotation.

Abstract: Cross-monitoring sensor system and method in which a plurality of sensors each having a sensing element, circuitry for processing signals from the sensing element, an output interface for delivering processed signals, and an auxiliary input to which signals from another device can be input for processing and delivery by the output interface. Signals from each of the sensors are applied to the auxiliary input of another one of the sensors, and signals from the output interfaces of the sensors are compared to verify integrity of the system.

Abstract: Rate sensor having a plurality of generally planar masses, a drive axis in the plane of each of the masses, an input axis perpendicular to the drive axes, and sense axes perpendicular to the drive axes and the input axis. The masses are driven to oscillate about the drive axes and are mounted for torsional movement about the sense axes in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the input axis, with sensors responsive to the torsional movement about the sense axis for monitoring rate of rotation.

Abstract: Rate sensor having a plurality of generally planar masses, a drive axis in the planes of the masses, an input axis perpendicular to the drive axis, and sense axes perpendicular to the drive axis and the input axis. The masses are driven to oscillate about the drive axes and are mounted for torsional movement about the sense axes in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the input axis, with sensors responsive to the torsional movement about the sense axis for monitoring rate of rotation.

Abstract: Self-aligned split-gate NAND flash memory cell array and process of fabrication in which rows of self-aligned split-gate cells are formed between a bit line diffusion and a common source diffusion in the active area of a substrate. Each cell has control and floating gates which are stacked and self-aligned with each other, and erase and select gates which are split from and self-aligned with the stacked gates, with select gates at both ends of each row which partially overlap the bit line the source diffusions. The channel regions beneath the erase gates are heavily doped to reduce the resistance of the channel between the bit line and source diffusions, and the floating gates are surrounded by the other gates in a manner which provides significantly enhanced high voltage coupling to the floating gates from the other gates.

Abstract: Exercise device and method in which one or more generally planar blades with major surfaces are attached to the ends of an exercise bar. The bar is gripped with the hands and moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the major surfaces, with movement of the bar being resisted by air resistance encountered by the blades.

Abstract: Aseptic sampling valve having a valve body with a generally cylindrical side wall and a relatively thin, generally planar end wall, an inlet opening in the end wall, a valve seat surrounding the inlet opening, a port opening through the side wall and extending toward the inlet opening at an acute angle relative to the axis of the valve body, and a valve member movable axially within the valve body between open and closed positions relative to the valve seat for controlling communication between the inlet opening and the port.

Abstract: Inertial measurement system and method in which a base is rotated about an input axis in accordance with a rotation to be measured, rotation about the input axis is sensed with one or more angular rate sensors, fixed bias offset is cancelled by dithering the sensors about an axis perpendicular to their sensing axes to vary the orientation of the sensing axes relative to the base in an oscillatory manner, and signals from the sensors are demodulated at the dithering frequency.

Abstract: Weightlifting system which is particularly suitable for doing leg presses having an inclined frame, a foot support near the lower end of the inclined frame for receiving the feet of an exerciser, a carriage adapted for receiving the back of the exerciser and being driven in an upward direction along the frame by extension of the legs of the exerciser, a weight bar extending laterally from each side of the carriage, a pair of weight stands positioned to the sides of the frame, and a plurality of weight plates disposed on each of the stands for selective attachment to the bar extending from each side of the carriage.

Abstract: Device and methods for strengthening and toning the abdominal and gluteal muscles. A seat is mounted in a fixed position on a base, and a back is pivotally mounted for movement about an axis toward the rear of the seat, with springs or elastic cords yieldably urging the backrest to pivot in an upward direction toward a raised position. To strengthen and condition the upper, lateral and oblique abdominal muscles and gluteal muscles, an exerciser rests upon the seat, with his back against the backrest, and the elastic cords or springs assist him in raising his back and also allow him to extend to the full range of backward motion while absorbing the impact of that motion. To exercise the lower abdominal muscles and gluteal muscles, the exerciser reclines on the seat, with his legs on the backrest and the elastic cords or springs assisting him in raising his legs and absorbing the impact of lowering them.

Abstract: Exercise device and method in which one or more generally planar blades with major surfaces are attached to the ends of an exercise bar. The bar is gripped with the hands and moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the major surfaces, with movement of the bar being resisted by air resistance encountered by the blades.

Abstract: Angular rate sensor and method in which the parameters of a circuit which provides drive signals and processes signals from a sensing element are configured electronically by a programmable memory. Being configured in this manner, the circuit is extremely versatile and can be used with different types of sensing elements.

Abstract: System and method for forming an operator controlled image on a video display screen with a light sensing pen. The pen is moved relative to the screen to provide a signal corresponding to the position of the pen during each successive frame of the display. A memory having a plurality of data storage locations corresponding to different points on the screen is scanned in synchronization with the position of the beam, and data is written into the memory in response to the signal from the light pen at locations corresponding to the points at which the light pen senses the bean during successive frames. This data is read out of the memory as it is scanned and is utilized to produce an image corresponding to the position of the light pen in successive frame.