Abstract: A laser-pumped laser system is disclosed, such as a dye laser which is optically pumped by an argon ion laser. An improved servo system is provided for maintaining relative alignment of the pump laser beam with respect to the dye laser cavity. This is accomplished by rotating the pump beam such that the beam defines a conical surface, by means such as an optically-transmissive rotating wedge. Such rotation provides dithering along two orthogonal axes, which provides the necessary control information to maintain pump beam alignment.

Abstract: A color printer includes a print head assembly including a plurality of independently actuable print heads serially arranged along a printing direction. Each print head includes a plurality of impact pins and an associated different color printing ribbon having a portion disposed between the associated print head and a media to be printed upon. The serial alignment of the print heads enables four color images to be produced by a single pass of the print head assembly along the media in a printing direction. Control apparatus includes pulse modulation circuitry for controlling the impact force of each impact pin to cause intensity modulation of printed colored marks. In addition, a feedback system enables the control apparatus to vary the impact force of each impact pin to maintain good color fidelity.

Abstract: A high power, fundamental (TEMoo) mode gaseous laser is described having a discharge-confining bore tube which is provided with spaced-apart annular, inwardly-extending, radial projections or rings, which have inside diameters which match the fundamental mode diameter along the tube.

Abstract: A composite membrane structure is used in a distillation apparatus and method. The composite membrane separates a distilland and a distillate, such as salt water and fresh water. The composite membrane comprises a thin lyophobic microporous layer or membrane and a thin lyophilic layer or membrane. Evaporation and condensation takes place within the micropores of the lyophobic membrane. The lyophilic layer prevents intrusion of distilland into the pores of the lyophobic layer.

Abstract: A composite membrane structure is used in a distillation apparatus and method. The composite membrane separates a distilland and a distillate, such as salt water and fresh water. The composite membrane comprises a thin lyophobic microporous layer of membrane and a thin lyophilic layer of membrane. Evaporation and condensation takes place within the micropores of the lyophobic membrane. The lyophilic layer prevents intrusion of distilland into the pores of the lyophobic layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precision machining cylindrical workpieces is disclosed wherein a laser beam is directed at the workpiece tangent to or offset from a tangent to the workpiece. The workpiece is rotated about its longitudinal axis and, at the same time, the workpiece is scanned longitudinally of its axis by a laser beam.

Abstract: A composite membrane separates a distilland and a distillate, such as salt water and fresh water. The composite membrane comprises a thin lyophobic microporous layer or membrane and a thin lyophilic layer or membrane on both sides of the lyophobic membrane or on the distillate side. Evaporation and condensation takes place within the micropores of the lyophobic membrane. The lyophilic layer on the distilland side prevents intrusion of distilland into the pores of the lyophobic layer. The lyophilic layer on the distillate side changes the surface curvature of the liquid/vapor interface in a manner which enhances the distillation rate through the membrane.

Abstract: Paired movie cameras, each having synchronized movements and in phase shutters, are provided with focus and zoom optics of identical, but conventional and commercial manufacture. The paired lenses are first rotated relative to one another to obtain a coincidence between the centration vector for each lens for either zoom or focus. Once the centration vectors are aligned identically on a polar basis, mounting to the camera with provision for synchronous zoom between the respective cameras thereafter occurs. Typically, and before each stereo shooting, the zoom optics are set to a maximum magnification and registered to the appropriate distance with the lens finders and reticules. Upon change of the focus and/or zoom setting, a variable prism affixed to one camera is moved relative to the remaining camera to maintain identical centration between the respective lens cameras.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for controlling Cheng dual-fluid cycle engines over a wide operating range to maintain high efficiency under partial load conditions.

Abstract: A color printer includes a print head assembly including a plurality of independently actuable print heads serially arranged along a printing direction. Each print head includes a plurality of impact pins and an associated different color printing ribbon having a portion disposed between the associated print head and a media to be printed upon. The serial alignment of the print heads enables four color images to be produced by a single pass of the print head assembly along the media in a printing direction. Control apparatus includes pulse modulation circuitry for controlling the impact force of each impact pin to cause intensity modulation of printed colored marks. In addition, a feedback system enables the control apparatus to vary the impact force of each impact pin to maintain good color fidelity.

Abstract: The steam control valve for a waste heat boiler in a Cheng Dual Fluid Cycle (DFC) engine is located between the evaporator and superheater sections. In this location it maximizes the temperature of the superheater steam to provide maximum waste heat recovery.

Abstract: A gaseous laser includes a gas discharge tube made of a comparatively thin-walled ceramic tube. Heat from the discharge is transmitted to the exterior tube by conduction through thin-walled, cup-shaped members which are bonded to the interior wall of the ceramic tube. The discharge cross-section is determined by apertures in sputter-resistant discs which are coaxially affixed to or formed on the cup members. Also coaxially affixed to the cup-members are cylindrical shields which control gas pumping within the tube. Gas return holes are provided in the cup-members.

Abstract: A method of making a gaseous laser is disclosed using a thin-walled, ceramic tube such as alumina. Heat conducting members are assembled and aligned in a spaced-apart relationship within the tube. Coaxially aligned cylindrical shields are affixed to the heat-conducting members to control gas pumping within the tube. Bore-defining aperatures in the heat-conducting members, or in sputter-resistant discs affixed to the heat-conducting members, are aligned by a mandrel under tension at which time the parts are permanently bonded within the tube.

Abstract: A teeth-cleaning device includes a rod-shaped, small diameter strand about which is surrounded a softer, floss-type material. The rod-shaped material is of sufficient stiffness to allow it to be used to remove food particles lodged between teeth, but sufficiently flexible to allow the invention to be bent to conform to the contours of the teeth for removing plaque. The material is also resilient, i.e., non-deformable, so that it returns to its original shape once it is removed from between the teeth for ease of use.

Abstract: A multiple compartment food package of a heat sealed thermal plastic material is provided with opening means associated with each compartment to enable individual units of food to be removed without affecting the airtight seal of the remaining food compartments.

Abstract: The reflectors in a laser are mounted in precise axial alignment by means of an elongated mounting structure made of a material of low thermal coefficient of expansion which serves to prevent reflector misalignment due to temperature changes in the laser, the elongated mounting structure also including an associated member made of a material of high thermal conductivity which serves to direct heat away from the elongated mounting structure along the length, further reducing any temperature effects thereon. In addition, a kinematic mounting structure is provided for further enhancing the alignment stability characteristics of the plasma tube and resonator structure.

Abstract: A multiple compartment .[.food.]. package of a heat sealed thermal plastic material is provided with opening means associated with each compartment to enable individual units.Iadd., such as .Iaddend..[.of.]. food.Iadd., .Iaddend.to be removed without affecting the air-tight seal of the remaining .[.food.]. compartments.