Abstract: In a magnetic deflection system for deflecting a beam of charged particles, through a given beam bending angle at least four beam deflecting stations are serially arranged along the beam path for bending the beam through the beam bending angle .PSI.. Each of the beam bending stations includes a magnet for producing a static magnetic field component of a strength and of a shape so that the beam is deflected free of transverse geometric aberrations of second order. The beam deflection system also includes sextupole magnetic field components of such a strength and location so as to eliminate second order chromatic aberrations of the deflected beam without introducing second order geometric aberrations, whereby a magnetic beam deflection system is provided which is free of both transverse chromatic and geometric aberrations of second order.

Abstract: An improved halftone dot screen for use in reproduction of continuous-tone graphic images is disclosed. The screen comprises a two-dimensional matrix of cells (dots) each cell having a common pattern of transmittance to radiation utilized in the reproduction process. The common pattern of transmittance for each cell is characterized by a finite number of different discrete transmittance level patterns. In a preferred embodiment, these patterns include portions arranged along the respective sides of a parallelogram. In one preferred embodiment, the discrete transmittance level patterns comprise an array of concentric parallelograms. Each parallelogram has a plurality of dot portions arranged along the sides of the parallelogram. The sides of the parallelogram patterns are preferably disposed at a substantial angle to the horizontal to reduce moire and rosette pattern effects and to simplify the reproduction process.

Abstract: A thermally insulative buoyant swimming pool cover floats on the surface of the pool for covering the pool and for retaining the heat within the pool. Sinking means, such as weights or a mechanical pull-down structure, is secured to the pool cover along certain predetermined action lines such as fold lines. In one embodiment, an inflatable and deflatable bladder is coupled to the weights. The bladder is dimensioned relative to the weights such that when inflated it overcomes the negative buoyancy of the weights to retain the pool cover in the fully covered position. However, when the bladder is deflated, the weights overcome the positive buoyancy of the cover along the certain fold lines causing the cover to be at least partially pulled below the surface of the pool and folded while at the same time being retracted against one of the side walls of the pool. Pool water is circulated over or through channels of the pool cover to provide solar heating.

Abstract: In a fiber optic waveguide connector a plurality of sector jaw members, such as three elongated 120.degree. sector shaped jaw members are arranged around the end portion of the fiber optic waveguide to be connected. An elastic O-ring encircles the jaw members for clamping the jaw members around the outer periphery of the fiber optic waveguide which is to be aligned with a second optical element, such as a light emitting diode, or other optical transducer including another fiber optic waveguide. The clamped assembly of sector jaw members and fiber optic waveguide is disposed within a cylindrical bore in a connector housing structure. The jaw members are independently radially adjusted by means of a plurality of adjustment screws arranged around and passing through the housing to obtain precise axial alignment of the fiber optic waveguide being connected to the second optical element.

Abstract: A thermally insulative buoyant swimming pool cover floats on the surface of the pool for covering the pool and for retaining the heat within the pool. Sinking means, such as weights or a mechanical pull-down structure, may be secured to the pool cover along certain predetermined action lines such as fold lines. In one embodiment, an inflatable and deflatable bladder is coupled to the weights. The bladder is dimensioned relative to the weights such that when inflated it overcomes the negative buoyancy of the weights to retain the pool cover in the fully covered position. However, when the bladder is deflated, the weights ovecome the positive buoyancy of the cover along the certain fold lines causing the cover to be at least partially pulled below the surface of the pool and folded while at the same time being retracted against one of the side walls of the pool. Pool water is circulated over or through channels of the pool cover to provide solar heating.

Abstract: In an optical wavelength meter, the wavelength of light to be measured, such as that obtained from a CW or pulsed laser, is directed through a tunable grating monochromator, serving as a bandpass filter, for passing light within the selected bandpass and determining, to the lowest degree of resolution, the wavelength of the light to be measured. Thence, the light is directed sequentially through a plurality of Fabry-Perot etalon interferometers of increasing degree of resolution. The interference patterns are sequentially directed onto a spatial detector. The radii of the first and second rings of the respective interference patterns are measured to derive fractional fringe order measurements of successively higher resolution, such that the wavelength of the light to be measured is determined in successively increasing steps of higher resolution.

Abstract: The three port two-way diverter valve includes a generally T-shaped valve body having one input and two output ports connecting to its hollow cylindrical interior. A cylindrical diverter valve member is rotatably disposed within the cylindrical interior of the valve body. The cylindrical valve member is closed at one end and open at the other with the open end disposed in fluid communication with the input port at the base leg of the T-shaped body. The diverter valve member includes a side port of generally semi-cylindrical shape such that when the side port of the valve member is rotated into alignment with one or the other of the two other output ports, the flow entering at the base leg input port is directed through the respective output port disposed in alignment with the side port in the cylindrical valve member. In this manner, the flow entering the base leg may be diverted to either of the output ports, as desired.

Abstract: In a magnetron cathode sputter assembly for coating objects within an evacuated chamber, a disc of cathode material to be sputtered is supported over an annular magnet structure for producing crossed magnetic and electric fields over the sputter surface of the cathode disc to be sputtered for enhancing the glow discharge and the sputtering rate. The magnet structure is contained within a chamber in a hollow cylindrical receiving member and a clamp serves to clamp the cathode sputter disc over the open end of the receiving chamber. Coolant is circulated through the receiving chamber in heat exchanging relation with the cathode disc and with the magnet structure for cooling same in use. An internally flanged cylindrical shield structure is disposed overlying the outer peripheral edge of the cathode sputter disc and, in a preferred embodiment, the shield is permitted to operate by self biasing at a floating potential intermediate the anode and cathode potential.

Abstract: In a rear wheel suspension system for a model racing car, the motor, rear axle and rear wheels are all supported from a supporting platform which is spring mounted to the chassis via the intermediary of a pair of springs, preferably coil springs, disposed in laterally spaced positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line of the chassis. A third point of attachment between the supporting platform and the chassis is provided at a point longitudinally spaced from the pair of mounting springs. The suspension system is so arranged as to permit a relative twisting action between the mounting platform and the main portion of the chassis so as to permit twisting or rotation of the supporting platform about both the longitudinal axis of the chassis and an axis transverse to the chassis, whereby independent suspension of the wheels is obtained relative to the chassis for improved stability and traction.

Abstract: A meniscus lens is disclosed for use in high power light beam applications, such as in the optics of a high power laser where the laser beam intensity is in excess of one megawatt per square centimeter. The meniscus lens is designed such that light rays reflected from the lens are divergent so that no back focal points are created by the lens. In this manner, undesired dielectric breakdowns and damage to optical components and the like are avoided due to reflected back focal points. In one embodiment of the present invention, the output mirror of a high power laser is deposited upon the convex face of a meniscus lens, such lens being designed to avoid back focal points, whereby the construction of the output mirror is greatly simplified.

Abstract: In a composite horticultural system, a lower worm culture container contains a worm culture medium for growing worms and converting manure to worm casting type top soil. The top soil is used in a plant growing container mounted above the worm culture container. The environment over the plant growing medium is controlled by an environmental control means comprising a frame with replaceable panels. One set of panels comprises a sheet of translucent material for permitting sun light to pass therethrough and for retaining the heat within the plant growing container, whereas a second set of replacement panels comprises a slat arrangement for shading the plants and for passage therethrough of air for controlling the temperature within the plant growing container.

Abstract: Solid state dual leaf spring transducers are fabricated by batch photolithographic etching techniques from a monocystalline nonmetallic material, such as silicon. Each leaf spring structure includes a leaf spring portion surrounded by a support structure defined by an intervening region of the wafer disposed between adjacent leaf spring structures etched into the wafer. A pair of such leaf spring structures with their respective surrounding support structures are joined together in mutually opposed relation to form a composite dual leaf spring transducer structure of the type wherein a pair of leaf spring structures are mechanically coupled together in axially spaced relation along an axis of sensitivity for equal displacement along said axis of sensitivity in response to displacement of either one of the spring structures relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A kitchen cabinet is disclosed which includes a pivot support for supporting a plurality of kitchen cabinet shelves so that the shelves may pivot about a horizontal axis outwardly and downwardly toward the user to an access position for gaining access to the shelves. The shelves are returned to the storage position by pivoting the shelves back up into the storage position. A pivotable and foldable door having upper and lower panels is pivotably supported from the ceiling. The door is actuated by means of mechanical linkages interconnecting the shelving and the door. As the shelving is pivoted from the storage position into the access position, the door, which covers the front side of the shelving, is pivoted upwardly and away from the shelving to permit access thereto. The lower section of the door includes a linkage for folding the lower panel up toward the underside of the upper panel.

Abstract: A hand operated dry wall taping machine includes an elongated tubular body, to be held by the operator, having a tape applicator head portion at the end thereof adjacent the seam being taped. A supply roll of tape is carried from the tubular body. The applicator head includes a dry wall cement dispensing box through which the dry wall tape is fed. Cement is dispensed onto the side of the tape which is to face the wall being taped. A rotary tape shear is disposed up-tape from the cement dispensing box. A thumb actuated pneumatically operated cylinder actuates the rotary shear at the end of the seam being taped and advances a short length of tape through the cement dispensing box in readiness to commence taping of the next seam. A whisker valve in an air line is actuated by the pneumatically operated cylinder for delivering a momentary blast of air into the cement dispensing box for feeding mud onto the advanced leading end of the sheared tape.

Abstract: A return ball toy wherein a resilient hand-held ball is tethered at the end of an elastic tape, the other end of which is attached to the wrist of a player. The tape is affixed to the ball by passing the tape through a first hole in the ball from one side of the ball so that a free end of the tape extends beyond the hole on the opposite side of the ball. The free end is then looped and passed through a second hole in the ball from the opposite side of the ball. This forms a tight friction bond between the tape and the resilient interior of the ball.By utilizing a tape elastic material, the tape can be comfortably tied around the wrist without the need for a separate more elaborate wrist band.

Abstract: A hand-operated dry wall taping machine includes an elongated tubular main body portion, to be held by the operator, with a tape applicator head at the end adjacent the seam being taped. A supply reel of tape is carried from the tubular body. The applicator head includes a dry wall cement dispenser box, through which the dry wall tape is fed. Cement is dispensed onto the side of the tape which is to face the wall being taped. A rotary tape shear is disposed up-tape from the cement dispensing box. A hand actuated pneumatically operated cylinder actuates the rotary shear at the end of the seam being taped and advances a short length of tape through the cement dispensing box in readiness to commence taping of the next seam.

Abstract: In a fuel economy measuring circuit a first train of pulses having a rate which is a function of the velocity of the vehicle or of the fuel consumption rate is fed into one input terminal of an up-down counter for causing the counter to count up or down as the case may be. A second train of pulses having a pulse rate which is a function of the fuel consumption of the vehicle per unit time or velocity of the vehicle is fed into one input of a rate multiplier for multiplication with the output of the up-down counter to derive a product output train of pulses having a pulse rate which is a function of the product of the output signal of the counter and the other input. The output pulse train of the rate multiplier is fed to the other input terminal of the up-down counter.

Abstract: In a gas detector circuit a semiconductive detector, such as a Taguchi detector, is disposed in gas communication with the gas to be detected. The detector has a sensing resistor incorporated therein with a value of resistance that changes in accordance with the concentration of the gas constituent being detected. This type of detector provides an output signal with a temperature dependence caused by the temperature coefficient of the resistance of the resistive detector with a negative sign. The temperature dependent output signal derived from the detector is fed to one input of a differential amplifier for comparison against a second input to derive an output signal which is fed to an alarm and/or meter and/or recorder. A feedback signal portion of the output of the differential amplifier is fed back to the second input of the differential amplifier, as a feedback component of the second input, via the intermediary of a gain control resistor.

Abstract: The water-tight watch case is disclosed wherein the case provides a water-tight enclosure for an electronic watch module and wherein the case includes a removable cover portion for providing physical access to the interior of the case for replacement of batteries and the like. The removable cover portion includes a truncated conically tapered sealing ring surface having an angle of taper less than 8.degree. and preferably in the range of 7.degree. to 3.degree. for providing an interference-contact axial press fit with a mating truncated conically tapered surface of the case. A water-tight seal is formed between the cover and the case essentially solely due to the axially pressed interference-contact fit between the pair of mated tapered sealing ring surfaces.

Abstract: A hand operated dry wall taping machine includes an elongated tubular main body portion to be held by the operator. A tape applicator head portion is disposed at the end of the machine adjacent the seam being taped. A supply roll of tape is carried from the tubular body. The applicator head includes a dry wall cement dispensing box through which the dry wall tape is fed. Cement is disposed from the box onto the side of the tape which is to face the wall being taped. A pair of tape drive wheels are carried forwardly of the tape dispensing box to engage the marginal side edges of the tape, to press the cement laden tape against the wall and to pull the tape from the supply roll through the applicator head and cement dispensing box. A quick disconnect couples the cement dispensing box and tape drive wheel assembly to the applicator head for ease of removal for cleaning. A slidable cover of the cement dispensing box is adjustable for controlling the thickness of the layer of cement deposited upon the tape.