Abstract: A motor vehicle tire chain system including a plate positioned between a tire rim and a wheel hub, extending outwardly past the tire rim and having a plurality of spaced-apart holes around an external circumference for attaching chain sections. A plurality of individual chain sections, each having a pair of ends adapted to hook in the holes in the hub, position the chain section across the tire tread, traverse the outside of the tire, recross the tire tread and be hooked in the holes on the inside of the tire at a position on the plate opposite the first attaching position. Each chain section is provided with a tensioning device which both tightens the chain and allows it to be easily installed and removed.

Abstract: The video or television signals are broken into numerous elements representing spaced portions of the video display screen along the line sweep, and imprints (electrical or optical) for each element are made in a path on a rotating medium which may be a disc, drum or belt. The lineal length of each imprint on the path is determined by the light characteristic of the video signal being recorded. Clock marks are permanently recorded in a separate path on the rotating medium, one for each spacing of the line elements, to accurately locate the elements on the rotating medium and thereby accurately locating the elements on the screen when the information is decoded. For the U.S. television operational mode, one rotation of the rotating medium takes place in 1/30 of a second to give a complete picture frame, including interlacing.

Abstract: A bus manifold utilizing master and slave terminals wherein a single data bus transmits master terminal signals to the slave terminals continuously and simultaneously with transmission from one of the slave terminals. The system uses a single-optical-fiber transmission line coupled to the master terminal for both transmit and receive functions. The slave terminals have sending units coupled to the transmission line and a pair of receivers tap-coupled to the transmission line. Sending by the slave terminals is in the opposite direction from sending by the master terminal, and the tap coupling is effective to tap signals travelling in both directions in the line.

Abstract: A molded, disposable mixing device is disclosed for mixing and dispensing a two-part fluid compound. The device may consist of two mirror-image portions or structures, each being of semi-cylindrical shape and providing a tortuous path for shearing, folding, mixing and blending together the two fluids. Each of the two structures is provided with a male attachment lug, and a female detent for securing them together. Also, each structure has a semicircular, externally molded ridge for connecting it, for example, to a nozzle. The tortuous path may consist of two periodically intersecting paths, or else of a generally open passage provided with mixing blades or baffles disposed at regular or irregular intervals. The mixing may also be effected by a spirally folded mesh or spherical objects disposed in a single tubular structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing the image of an electro-optical sensor system. The stabilizing apparatus includes a mounting structure subjected to various rotational and translational vibrations of various sorts. The mounting structure supports a platform on which the electro-optical system is mounted. The platform system comprises a platform structure isolated from the mounting structure either as a passive system, that is, one which supports the platform through a soft isolator, or as an active system, that is, one in which an actuator is mounted in parallel with the isolator in series with a bearing or flexure or other rotational decoupling. The reflective apparatus of the electro-optical system is driven by an actuator mounted on the mounting structure, i.e., in parallel with the series combination of the reflector and platform, in response to tracking signals derived from line of sight sensors mounted on the platform.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of the formed plate type with a stack of relatively thin material, spaced heat transfer plates. The plates of the heat exchanger are arranged to define sets of multiple counterflow fluid passages for two separate fluid media alternating with each other. Passages of one set communicate with opposed manifold ports on opposite sides of the core matrix. Passages of the other set pass through the stack past the manifolds in counterflow arrangement and connect with inlet and outlet portions of an enclosing housing.An assembly of two plates oppositely disposed establishes integral manifolds for one of the fluid media through the ports and the fluid passage defined between the plates. A third plate joined thereto further defines a passage for the second fluid media to flow between the inlet and outlet portions of the housing. The various fluid passages may be provided with flow resistance elements, such as fins, to improve the efficiency of heat transfer between adjacent counterflow fluids.

Abstract: An acoustical sensor utilizing fiber optic transmission including an optical signal generator, a first single-fiber transmission line connected to the generator, and a coupler for receiving signals from the first line and transmitting the signals to a second single fiber which directs the signals to an acoustically sensitive reflective surface. The surface modulates the signal in accordance with acoustical signals applied to it and reflects at least part of the signal back to the fiber where it is transmitted to a third fiber by the coupler and then transmitted to an electronic receiver.

Abstract: A module for a fiber optic data transmission system which will accommodate either a suitable light source or a photoelectric detector. The module incorporates an integrated electronic assembly, such as a hybrid microelectronic assembly. The assembly has provision for a photoelectric transducer which preferably has a cylindrical mount disposed in a cylindrical recess of the electronic assembly. The entire assembly may be surrounded by a cylindrical can having a transparent window. The transducer is provided with a collimating lens which permits it to receive or emit a collimated light beam. Between the fiber optic bundle and the transducer, there is preferably disposed a focusing lens. The focusing lens receives or emits the collimated light beam and focuses it on the fiber optic bundle. A housing surrounds the entire module. Means, such as a retainer ring, are provided for holding the electronic assembly within the housing. Similar means are provided for maintaining the focusing lens within the housing.

Abstract: A low-loss unidirectional optical coupler utilizing clad monofilament fibers of different diameters is provided by mounting each fiber on a curved surface, lapping the smaller (launch) fiber substantially tangentially to the curved surface until the core of the launch fiber has been lapped through to produce two elliptical flat surfaces, independently lapping the other (throughput) fiber tangentially to its surface to produce a fiber surface of substantially the same size as one of those produced on the launch fiber, aligning the throughput fiber surface with one of the launch fiber surfaces, and bonding them together.

Abstract: An active optical target detecting device is provided for a missile. A transmitter radiates within the optical spectrum. This radiation is subject to scattering by water droplets in the atmosphere which may be due to clouds, fog, rain or other adverse weather conditions. In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio two receivers that are associated with each transmitter are angularly displaced by equal angles from the transmitter. Hence, each receiver receives only one half of the undesirable backscatter radiation. Therefore, the target may be more readily detected even in the presence of backscatter.

Abstract: An extractor system for commercial laundries includes a wringer roll extractor coupled via a feed conveyor to a shake-out tumbler into which batches of laundry are placed. The laundry is wet and compacted, having been transported from the washers. The wringer roll extractor compresses the laundry pieces with a force of 37,000 pounds between wringer rolls approximately 36 inches in diameter rotating at approximately 3.5 rpm. Under the pressure and time duration developed by this extractor, the laundry pieces give up water to a retention level of approximately 60%. A photocell is mounted on the feed conveyor to monitor the rate at which laundry pieces are fed to the extractor, operating through a speed control mechanism to limit the speed of the shake-out tumbler. A second photocell, also mounted on the feed conveyor, serves to monitor the flow of laundry items to detect the presence of larger clumps which have not been broken up by the shake-out tumbler.

Abstract: The improved circuit composite of the present invention is of the thick film type, but is readily solderable, weldable and bondable to wire without oxidizing. The composite comprises a refractory substrate such as alumina, beryllia or zirconia, a thick printed film pattern of oxidizable electrically conductive metal such as copper, nickel, or silver bonded to the substrate, and a thin electroplated film of non-oxidizable electrically conductive metal, such as gold or platinum, enclosing and adhering to the thick film pattern. The then-electroplated film allows wires and contacts to be soldered, welded or bonded to the pattern, as by ultrasonic or thermocompression bonding, without degrading the quality of the contact area and while permitting removal and subsequent reattachment of such wires and contacts. The method is simple, inexpensive and efficient. It calls for forming the thick film on the substrate and then electroplating the thin film thereover.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning a pair of optical fibers wherein a first fiber is positioned in a holder, adjusted along two axes in a plane, and rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane. A second fiber is mounted in a universal fixture by a first set of adjustable positioning screws opposed to each other in a housing, and a second set of adjustable positioning screws opposed to the first set positioning the housing on an adjustable structure. The optical fibers are brought into position and flush contact effected by the flexibility of the universal fixture. Thereafter the structure is adjusted in a plane defined by two separate axes to effect alignment about the axes, and rotated about the third axis to complete alignment. A laser or other light source and a light sensitive element are utilized to determine when maximum light transmission is achieved, thus signifying proper alignment.

Abstract: A compressor system which may be mounted for mobile use including dual power systems for driving the compressor. An electric motor is located in driving relationship to the compressor so that air is compressed when the rotor shaft of the motor is rotated. Rotation of the rotor shaft may be accomplished either by energizing the stator of the motor or by driving the rotor directly from an associated engine, coupled thereto by means of an electromagnetic clutch. If desired, the engine may also be utilized to drive a generator in order to provide electrical power to other devices. The control circuit may include safety interlocks which prevent energization of both the electric motor and the electromagnetic clutch simultaneously. Other safety devices may also be employed to disconnect power from the motor and the clutch, as necessary, if certain contaminants are sensed in the compressed air, to shut off the engine for over-limit conditions of temperature, air pressure, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for heating or cooling heat exchanger manifolds and side bars during transient operation to control structural deformation and resultant stresses. Special internal passages are provided in the manifolds and side bars of a plate-and-fin heat exchanger through which heated air is diverted during operation of the heat exchanger, thus serving to stabilize the temperature of selected portions of the heat exchanger in line with operating temperatures of related heat exchanger elements. This serves to minimize thermal gradients and resultant thermal stresses in the overall heat exchanger structure.

Abstract: A method of jet ink printing to produce opaque images including jet ink printing a surface with a nonaqueous jet ink composition, and subsequently contacting the surface with a resin opacifying solvent before the ink composition has dried, to separate the solvent in the ink composition from the solids therein and render the image opaque. The surface which is to be printed on may be wetted with a resin opacifying solvent before printing or may be dry.

Abstract: A moisture detector and controller including a pair of spaced-apart plates positioned in a moist air duct, a cleaner positioned between the plate surfaces adapted to wipe them upon initiation and termination of air flow, and an associated circuit effective to measure the resistance between the plates and compare it with a preselected reference resistance indicative of a desired humidity of the air present in the duct.

Abstract: A fiber optic bar code reader utilizing a light source coupled to one port of a three-port directional coupler. A light detector is coupled to a second port of the coupler, a single fiber probe for receiving and transmitting light is coupled to the third port of the coupler. The coupler joins the three fibers so that light is initially transmitted from the light source to the probe fiber, exits the probe fiber, is selectively reflected by the bar code, and finally is transmitted through the directional coupler to the light detector.

Abstract: An aquarium filtering system utilizing an immersible housing having perforations on two opposed surfaces, an external supply and take-up means for filter material. The immersible housing and the portion of the filtering system positioning the supply and take-up of filter material act jointly to form a structure for positioning the filtration system in an aquarium, and storing the filter material outside of the aquarium unless in use. A fluid conduit is provided in the immersed portion of the housing for introduction and/or removal of the aquarium medium. Guides are provided over the edges of the system in order to control motion of the filter medium, and overflow control is provided above the aquarium water level in the immersed portion of the housing.

Abstract: Disengaging apparatus including a hook pivotally located below its hooking point between a pair of plates, and having a counterbalanced cam locking structure wherein the force applied to the hook by the weight of the item being held causes positive engagement with a cam surface, but when the force applied to the surface falls below a predetermined level a counterweight rotates the cam structure away from the hook and allows rotation of the hook to open. The counterweight is further used to positively pull the hook to the open position after a given amount of travel. Additionally a locking structure may be provided to prevent accidental motion of the counterweight, and a spring-biased reset may also be provided.