Patents Represented by Attorney Henry M. Bissell
  • Patent number: 4059258
    Abstract: A double fold automatic folding apparatus for selectively developing a second fold in a previously folded article. The apparatus includes a reversible roller which, in one direction of rotation, serves to bypass the second folder and, in an opposite direction of rotation, operates to divert a previously folded article into a position for engagement by the second folder. After the article is diverted to the second folder, the roller is further operable so that the double folded article is drawn out of the second folder toward a conveyor which transports the double folded article to an exit portion of the automatic folding apparatus. Various elements may be optionally provided to assist in diverting the article toward engagement with the second folder and in rendering the operation of the apparatus more effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1977
    Inventor: Frederick W. Grantham
  • Patent number: 4059257
    Abstract: A laundry folder for folding small pieces, having means for automatically centering the pieces transversely relative to a longitudinal center line and maintaining them so centered in their travel through the folder, including photo-electric cells for spotting the pieces and centering them, the centering means including transversely shiftable belt means and the photo-electric cells controlling the means for shifting the belt means; means for compensating for stretchability of laundry pieces such as knit shorts, so as to fold them in true straight line formation despite deformation as would otherwise be caused by the stretchability of the pieces; a wicket for placing the folded pieces on a supporting surface and means for lowering the supporting surface as the pieces are placed thereon in a stack, so that as the stack is formed, the top piece of the stack is always at substantially the same height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1977
    Inventor: Frederick W. Grantham
  • Patent number: 4057476
    Abstract: Photovoltaic diodes prepared by the methods of the invention include p-n (or n-p) heterojunction or homojunction diodes as well as Schottky barrier diodes where both elements of the diode comprise thin monocrystalline films of Pb.sub.1-x Sn.sub.x Te or a thin monocrystalline film of Pb.sub.1-x Sn.sub.x Te and an appropriate thin barrier metal film. Such a monocrystalline Pb.sub.1-x Sn.sub.x Te film is sputter deposited, has a composition Pb.sub.1-x Sn.sub.x Te which may range from x = 0.0 to about x = 0.3 and, consequently, can be preselected to have a photovoltaic response with response cutoff wavelengths ranging from about 6.0.mu.m to about 25.mu.m at 77.degree. K.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1977
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Esther Krikorian, Michael J. Crisp
  • Patent number: 4053362
    Abstract: The present improved bacterial isolation device comprises a bacterial test container with closed bottom, raised sides and open top. A honeycomb type isolation grid providing a plurality of isolated cells is embedded in a layer of non-nutritive medium covering the bottom of the container, so that swarming types of bacteria cannot pass from one isolated cell to another and thus grow over bacteria to other isolated cells and mask them from detection.The improved method and device involve the disposition of a non-nutritive layer in the bottom of the container, covered with a separate layer of selected nutritive medium substantially unmixed therewith and introducing bacteria to the nutritive layer and embedding the isolation grid in the non-nutritive layer, covering the container and incubating the bacteria therein until they can be detected in the isolated grid cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1977
    Inventor: Anthony Sforza
  • Patent number: 4044970
    Abstract: A missile is disclosed on which constant burning thrust reaction motors are provided integral with the tail panels of the missile to enhance the effect thereof, particularly during the boost phase of flight. The motors provide thrust along the chord of the tail panel and are moved about the axis of rotation of the tail panel by the servo motor associated therewith. The servo motors are activated by central missile control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1977
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Inge Maudal
  • Patent number: 4044652
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic proportional actuator for converting an electrical input signal to proportional mechanical output. Fluid power may be derived from pressurized fuel or lubricating oil of an associated engine. The actuator may be used to drive any engine function requiring modulated control. The mechanical output is proportional to the electrical input. The actuator includes mechanical feedback to linearize the response function, thus eliminating the need for closed loop operation of the system in which the actuator is used. Both linear and rotary actuators are disclosed in various embodiments. Each type is capable of operation with either a proportional solenoid and valve or a force rebalance solenoid and valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1977
    Assignee: The Garrett Corporation
    Inventors: Leon David Lewis, Wilfried Wiher, Warde L. Parker
  • Patent number: 4044648
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the flow of exhaust gases between a plurality of rocket storage chambers, launch tubes or the like (herein referred to as chambers), and a common manifold for ducting rocket exhaust gases to a discharging location comprises a plurality of chamber-to-manifold flow transition sections, each having disposed within vertical portions thereof a pair of flow control doors. The flow control doors, pivotably mounted at upper portions in opposing relationship, are configured and counterbalanced to hang, in static conditions and under the force of gravity alone, in a fully or nearly fully closed condition. Alternatively, un-counterbalanced doors may be configured to hang, under static conditions, at least slightly inwardly inclined towards the vertical axis of the transition portion in which they are hung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1977
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Edward T. Piesik
  • Patent number: 4040581
    Abstract: A system for reliably limiting the maximum positions to which the power control lever of an aircraft engine may be set in the thrust reversal mode corresponding to whether the aircraft is in the air or on the ground. A plurality of cable drums, one for each of the power control lines extending between the cockpit and the engines of a multi-engine aircraft, is associated with an adjustable stop mechanism which provides a first stop position for the cable drum when the aircraft is in the air with landing gear up and a second stop position permitting increased reverse thrust when the aircraft is on the ground. The system is coordinated with the landing gear position sensing system of the aircraft and works in conjunction with presently installed thrust reversing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1977
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Schlanert, Lorin A. Wood, Gerald A. Rayburn
  • Patent number: 4040420
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a plurality of disparate, reactible fluid materials in a relatively viscous state in separate storage locations including means for dispensing the fluid through separate, easily removable needles. A plurality of closely adjacent cylinders have distinct and separate interiors with nozzles formed at one end. Separate removable needles have sealed locking arrangements for attachment to the nozzles. Different designs and structures of the needles are given so that the fluids can be mixed together, joined together or kept separate until injected through needle point openings. Structure is provided for disproportionately mixing the separately contained materials according to the desired mix. Preferably, the dispensing cylinders are formed of transparent material having graduated measuring marks on the liquid-containing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1977
    Assignee: General Dynamics
    Inventor: Spencer J. Speer
  • Patent number: 4033843
    Abstract: The method of the present invention comprises depositing by sputtering, from a single target or source, a thin high quality single crystal film in a predictable and repeatable manner having the general formula Pb.sub.1.sub.-x Sn.sub.x Te, where x may range from 0.00 to 0.30. The film has infrared sensing properties with a cutoff wavelength .lambda..sub.c from about 6.mu.m to greater than 25.mu.m. Structurally high quality film can be deposited on a large number of single crystal substrates of, for example CaF.sub.2 (100 or 111) or BaF.sub.2 (111), PbTe and PbSnTe, in a low pressure atmosphere by supported discharge sputtering or ion beam sputtering at substrate temperatures between about 220.degree. and 350.degree. C and at film growth rates from 0.1 to 3.0.mu.m/hr. In the case of supported discharge sputtering the voltage to the target and/or the ion (plasma) current is varied to control the rate of film deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Esther Krikorian, Richard J. Sneed
  • Patent number: 4030703
    Abstract: A device for multiplying the force applied to deflect a tensile member attached to a weight or load. The device may be used in place of a block and tackle and provides substantially greater mechanical advantage without the additional length of line needed by a block and tackle to string over the additional pulleys employed. Various embodiments employ one or two unidirectional motion members and a lever pivotably mounted to the frame for applying the deflecting force. Additional mechanical advantage is achieved by selectively locating the pivot mounting of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1977
    Inventor: Henry M. Bissell
  • Patent number: 4028740
    Abstract: The convertible beach attire of the invention is useful as swimming or sun-bathing attire. The invention comprises a pair of modesty panels of cloth or the like, and connector means attached to and/or forming part thereof and releasably connected to opposite sides of the panels to cause them to depend therefrom at the front and rear. The attire itself includes the bottom of a spring-type bikini, skimpy sunsuit or the like under the panels. The connector means may also include components which permit the panels to be affixed to the sides when not in use. The convertible beach attire is simple, attractive, inexpensive, highly functional and convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Inventor: Adolf Luerken
  • Patent number: 4019440
    Abstract: Impact discriminating apparatus for missiles and the like comprises a plurality of impact sensors disposed in spaced relationship along the longitudinal axis, and near the nose, of the missile. Sensors, responsive to elastic domain impact stress or shock waves, are separately fed into pulse generators wherein output pulses of different widths are formed for each sensor, overlapping pulses associated with all the sensors being generated for rearwardly propagated shock waves caused by a direct hit, but not for forwardly propagated shock waves caused, for example, by a stabilizer fin striking tree branches or other non-target objects. The generated pulses are fed to a NAND gate which is activated to cause fusing or detonation of the missile only by the overlapping pulses respresentative of a direct hit. Blanking circuitry blanks out effects of rearwardly propagated shock waves which are merely reflections of forwardly propagated shock waves, in order to prevent unintentional fusing or detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1977
    Assignee: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
    Inventor: Robert Strike
  • Patent number: 4017962
    Abstract: An integrated array of optical fibers and thin film optical detectors is formed by constructing an array of optical detectors in registration with light-emitting portions of the optical fibers. A cadmium sulfide semiconducting film, grown upon a silicon substrate, is covered with an optically transparent and electrically conductive tin dioxide ground plane film. An array of optical fibers, having light-emitting ends in substantial contact with the conductive file, is mounted to a frame attached to such film. The frame and optical fibers are epoxy encapsulated above the conductive film; the substrate is then removed and photo resist applied over the newly exposed semiconducting film surface. Light transmitted directly through the optical fibers, and through the light-emitting portions thereof in contact with the conductive film, is used to activate, from a rear side, only those portions of the photo resist layer which are in exact registration with the light-emitting ends of the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1977
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: John P. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4016536
    Abstract: A speed alarm system which is actuated by the pointer of a speedometer. The device is completely self-contained and self-powered. It is adapted for attachment to the existing speedometer of an automobile or the like with a minimum of modification. It includes a battery powered audible oscillator which, when the battery circuit is closed to the oscillator, drives a transducer which generates an audible warning sound loud enough to be heard by the driver. Closure of the circuit is effected by a special type of switch in the shape of a small cylinder which may be inserted from the outside through a hole drilled in the plastic cover plate of the speedometer at the point at which the speed warning is to be sounded. The switch includes a hair-fine wire extending axially of the cylinder beyond the end thereof so that it may be moved by the speedometer pointer to contact a metallic sleeve of the activation switch, thus completing the circuit to energize the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Assignees: Frank Rembert, Leo La Chapelle
    Inventor: Leo La Chapelle
  • Patent number: 4015957
    Abstract: Apparatus for extracting, with minimal back-pressure effects, particulate matter carried by an airstream includes, in coupled sequence, a cyclone chamber for mixing the particulate-laden air with a uniformly distributed spray of water or other settling liquid, an air-flow straightening chamber, a splash-limiting basin partially filled with the settling liquid and a porous particulate collector releasably coupled to the basin portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Inventor: Frederick W. Grantham
  • Patent number: 4015930
    Abstract: A new industrial laundry dryer-conditioner is provided, within a single module, that has continuous flow capabilities for integration with advanced industrial washing apparatus, of the continuous flow type, for continuously and automatically processing laundry items through both the washing and the drying cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Inventor: Frederick W. Grantham
  • Patent number: 4012307
    Abstract: A method for conditioning drilled holes in multilayer printed wiring boards by removing layers of smeared plastic and adhesive prior to metal plating through the holes for interconnecting conductive layers of the boards includes baking the drilled boards and etching the boards within a plasma reactor chamber, with a predetermined gas pressure, the plasma being created by an RF generator. At the end of a predetermined time period, the RF generator is deactivated and atmospheric air is admitted to the reactor chamber. The reactor chamber is then purged of gases and the printed wiring boards are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene Phillips
  • Patent number: 4012731
    Abstract: The improved burglar alarm system of the present invention includes a housing which is secured around a doorknob rotatably mounted on a door. The doorknob shaft extends out through an opening in the housing. A magnet is positioned on the shaft and aligned with a magnetic field-responsive switch in the housing so that the switch is held open only when the shaft is in the fully unrotated resting position. The switch is part of a circuit which includes a power source, such as a battery, and an annunciator, such as a buzzer or horn. The power source is connected to the circuit through an "on-off" switch accessible through the housing to activate the system.A pointer or the like indicates the resting, fully unrotated position of the shaft, preferably by reference to the magnet, and preferably conceals the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Inventor: Anna Grace Solomon
  • Patent number: 4006793
    Abstract: A high efficiency, compact muffler apparatus for use with internal combustion engines comprises a tubular muffler housing internally divided into first, second and third longitudinal chambers by first and second transverse wall partitions. An exhaust inlet duct base axially through the upstream housing end into the first chamber and an exhaust outlet duct extends axially through the downstream housing end through the third chamber to the downstream side of the second partition. A pair of diametrically spaced, internal ducts, open at both ends, project longitudinally, out of alignment with the inlet and outlet ducts, through the two wall partitions from the first chamber, wherein upstream duct ends overlap the inlet duct, through the second chamber and into the third chamber. Several longitudinal, opposing rows of small tubular, aperture-defining elements project from each of the internal ducts in the region of the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1977
    Inventor: Joseph D. Robinson