Abstract: A sputtering system magnetron formed of an array of permanent magnets rotated in proximity to a plane of a target disposed in a vacuum chamber has an improved shape resembling a cross section of an apple. The magnetic path established between oppositely poled pairs of magnets is inturned in a stem region proximate to the axis of rotation for the array and has a pair of opposed lobes extending outward from the stem region in a generally semi-circular form. The lobes lead to and join each other in an indent region opposite the stem region. The maximum distance across the path between the lobes is about double the minimum distance across the path between the stem region and the indent region.

Abstract: A parallel-axis gear differential (10) includes a planetary gearing assembly of sun gears (22 and 24) and planet gears (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36) carried within a housing (12). The planet gears (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36), which are mounted in pairs within pockets (38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48) formed in the housing (12), include a first point of meshing engagement (74, 76) with one of the side gears (22, 24) and second and third points of meshing engagement (78 and 80) with a paired planet gear. A radial load component "Ws1" at the first point of engagement (74, 76) is adjusted with respect to a combined radial load component "Ws2" of the second and third points of engagement (78 and 80) for maintaining the planet gears (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36) in their proper running positions within pockets (38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48).

Abstract: A mobile medical unit (10) has interior space divided into a service compartment (24), a treatment compartment (26), an entryway compartment (28), and a storage compartment (30). An interior door (52) controls passage of persons between the entryway compartment (28) and the treatment compartment (26), an exterior door (58) controls passage of persons between the entryway compartment (28) and space outside of the medical unit (10), and an opening (64) is formed between the entryway compartment (28) and the storage compartment (30) for retrieval and replenishment of supplies. The interior door (52) and the exterior door (58) form between them an air lock to help maintain an aseptic condition within the treatment compartment (26). However, the interior door (52) is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the exterior door (58) to provide an auxiliary exit for recumbent patients along a smooth curved passageway (94).

Abstract: A brake valve for an automatic brake system includes an actuator responsive to feedback pressure from a brake for regulating pressure in the brake proportional to an electrical signal applied to the actuator. The actuator exerts a force that is opposed by feedback pressure acting against a predetermined area of the actuator. Valves operated by the actuator provide for alternately communicating a supply of pressurized air to the brake cylinders or discharging air pressure from the cylinders. A low-flow vent valve provides for discharging small quantities of air from my valve. However, a pilot operated high-flow dump valve supersedes the low-flow vent valve for discharging larger quantities of air and permits my valve to be controlled by smaller actuating forces.

Abstract: The invention is an inverted microscope with a housing having multiple integrated ray paths leading from the specimen being examined to (a) the viewer/operator and (b) one or more auxiliary ports used for image recording and/or measurement by accessories such as cameras and video recorders. The microscope lens is positioned below the specimen stage; and, positioned below the lens, is a simple reflector which deflects the combined rays from the lens diagonally upward toward the viewer at exactly the same angle at which the viewer looks into the microscope's binocular eyepieces. The position of this simple reflector is the lowest point in the unit's paths of rays, thereby significantly lowering the lens turret and, therefore, the specimen stage to a relatively low, ergonomically-appropriate position. The optical arrangement is simple and compact, minimizing the number of deflections in the path of the viewing rays.

Abstract: Frictional effects at different gear mounting surfaces within a differential are varied to control bias ratio. The gearing arrangement includes side gears respectively coupled to axle ends and element gears which transfer and divide torque between the side gears. Coefficients of friction at end faces of the element gears are varied between different element gears to control overall bias ratio while minimizing the effect of changes in overall bias ratio on an inherent bias ratio imbalance between opposite directions of differentiation. Helical gear portions are formed at the ends of the element gears to better balance thrust forces acting on different element gears.

Abstract: A lock shoe system for an especially heavy sash has shoes with lock bolts that can be moved into locking positions by means of a tool that moves a bolt from underneath a shoe so that the bolt interlocks with a lance in the jamb liner. Once the shoes are locked to the jambs, the sash can be lifted off the shoes, moved laterally within the jambs, and angled out of the window for removal. The shoes guide the sash to a centered position as it is returned to its platforms; and when the shoes are unlocked from the jambs, the lock bolts preferably retain the sash on the shoe platforms.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the invention are directed to the removal of pollutants from ponds, lagoons, streams, and similar waters. Floating apparatus is designed to house, nurture, and support colonies of fixed-film bacteria and/or more complex microorganisms specifically appropriate for consuming the particular contaminants present in the pond being treated. The colonies of microorganisms are first grown as bio-films in a relatively large bio-chamber that is filled with bio-suspension forms. Then, only after the colonies become large and stable, is pond water circulated through the bio-chamber, such circulation being gentle and without agitation. The apparatus also includes (a) a pond-water intake; (b) a water mixing chamber; and (c) an equipment pod which houses water and air pumps, a water heater, a weather station, water-condition monitoring devices, and a microprocessor.

Abstract: A window grille retaining system includes a two-piece spring clip assembly. One of the pieces is formed as a pin that is carried within a slot formed in a bottom surface of the grille molding. The other piece is formed as a bracket having a first arm that is formed as a blade for anchoring the bracket to a window sash and a second arm that is formed as a spring clip. Fingers are formed in the spring clip for engaging the pin with a snap-type engagement. The spring clip arm is spaced from the sash so that the fingers can engage the pin in different positions along the length of the pin to accommodate variation in the lengths of the grille molding.

Abstract: Optimum solutions for three-mirror lenses for projection lithography cameras using X-ray radiation to image a mask on a wafer are represented as single points within regions of two-dimensional magnification space defined by the magnification of a convex mirror as one coordinate and the ratio of the magnifications of a pair of concave mirrors optically on opposite sides of the convex mirror as another coordinate. Lenses within region 30, 50, and preferably within region 40, 60, of such magnification space represent potential solutions that are optimizable by standard computer optical design programs and techniques to achieve extremely low distortion lenses having a resolution of about 0.1 micron or less.

Abstract: A warning system alerts a driver of a motor vehicle to different types of traction losses. A first sensing circuit (10) detects a loss of wheel adhesion by monitoring a vehicle drive line for a pronounced vibration within a range of between ten and fifteen hertz. A second sensing circuit (12) monitors a brake light circuit to detect application of a vehicle brake. A logic circuit (28) combines outputs (A and B) from the first and second sensing circuits and outputs command signals (C and D) that distinguish between a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel skidding and a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel slipping. A warning device includes two indicators (36 and 38) that receive the respective command signals and produce sensorially distinguishable warning signals for eliciting different responses from the driver.

Abstract: A traction control system includes speed sensors (36, 38) associated with a pair of drive wheels (14, 16) for monitoring a vehicle drive train for a pronounced vibration indicative of wheel slip and other speed sensors (40, 42) associated with a pair of non-driving wheels (18, 20) for monitoring vehicle speed. An electronic control unit (52) compares a magnitude of the vibration to a threshold duration that varies with vehicle speed for detecting wheel slip and outputs two command signals for controlling restriction of a differential (24) and a position of engine throttle (32). Differential restriction is increased as a function of a duration of the vibration and decreased as a function of vehicle speed. Engine output power is decreased as a function of a difference between the duration of the vibration and a threshold duration that decreases with increases in vehicle speed.

Abstract: A liquid treatment system receives untreated liquid from a pressurized source and outputs treated liquid on demand. An ozone containing gas from a generator is combined with untreated liquid to accomplish the desired treatment before the liquid is output; and the necessary operations include pumping, venting, a demand event switch, and a control system to accomplish the necessary functions. A valved liquid passageway conducts untreated liquid to a contact region, accumulated gas is vented from the system. A demand event can be manual operation of an output switch or manual operation of an outflow valve that causes a liquid level change within the system. Treated liquid outflow can occur by gravity, as a passive outflow in response to opening an inflow valve, and as an active outflow driven by a pump.

Abstract: A beam (12) of continuous wave ultraviolet light having a wavelength that is absorbed by an organic solid (20) is focused to a spot (18) on a surface of the organic solid (20). Relative motion is imparted between the beam (12) and organic solid (20) at a rate that defines, together with a dimension of the spot (18), an effective pulse width. Within prescribed ranges of the wavelength, power density and effective pulse width, a new cutting regime was discovered whereby organic solids can be cut at rates and with a quality of cuts previously requiring pulsed ultraviolet laser sources.

Abstract: This invention, which provides a solution to the long-standing problem of motion-related rattle in torsion balances for windows, is based upon the discovery that the major source of the rattle is related to the movement of the free end of the twisted rod that is mounted within the coil of the torsion spring. A sound-deadening element of resin material is secured to the free end of the twisted rod, being positioned proximate to the extremity of the free end, and the preferred element has a maximum dimension (measured radial to the spring) that is greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the twisted rod but less than the effective internal diameter of the coiled spring. The sound-deadening element eliminates the rattle by preventing contact between the free end of the rod and the spring, and it also acts as a glide to facilitate relative movement between the rod and the spring during operation of the balance.

Abstract: A sash platform for an automatic friction shoe connects to the shoe by means of a curved arm that fits into a correspondingly curved recess molded into the shoe body. An abutment limits the insertion of the curved arm into the shoe and holds a sash support blade at an operating level, and a curved holder surface supports the platform against the downward force of a sash. The shoe connects to a spring or counterbalance element and runs frictionally in a jamb liner channel.

Abstract: A batch liquid purifier using a reservoir, an ozone generator, and a pumping system is arranged for contacting the liquid with an ozone containing gas so that it is purified either during a direct outflow to a purified liquid chamber or during a circulational flow back to the reservoir. The flow circuit can include a liquid gas separator and venting of gas to atmosphere via an ozone concentration reducer. Pumping, valving, and controls can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A jamb liner for a window assembly permits tilt-takeout sashes to be assembled to form a standard window assembly without tilt or takeout capabilities. The liner has an extruded body with a pair of channels for engaging the sashes. The channels are interconnected by two webs. One of the webs forms adjacent portions of sash runs, and the other web forms a bow-shaped spring for urging the channels against the sashes.

Abstract: A load-compensating gas bearing which exhibits high total rigidity over a large range of loads. The bearing consists of a deformable disk (3) that is supported by, but is not fixed to, a circular support (6) that is rigidly mounted to a base element connected with the machine part (1) being supported by the bearing. The disk (3) is held and centered only by a cylindrical insert (5) that is also used to supply the supporting gas to the bearing span. The bearing side of the deformable disk is provided with a hard plastic coating for protection in the event the gas supply is discontinued; and in one preferred embodiment, the circular support (6) is mounted to a base element that is integral with the machine part being supported.

Abstract: A dual series valve is formed with two plungers within a central bore of a solenoid. Each of the plungers is formed with a guide bore that is supported on respective guide members through opposite ends of the guide bore. The guide members are firmly supported from respective plugs in the solenoid bore to prevent the plungers from contacting the central bore of the solenoid. Two of the guide members supporting respective plungers define valve seats that are opened and closed by respective valve seals carried within the guide bores of the two plungers. The valve seats and the valve seals are maintained in alignment with each other within the respective guide bores between the guide members supporting opposite ends of the plungers.