Abstract: An electron energy analyzer uses identical sectors, typically though not necessarily ninety degree segments of a toroid, disposed in complementary relationship with an aperture therebetween to provide a mapping of the image at the entrance plane to the exit plane while permitting the desired energy analysis to be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling and registering fluids in pipelines utilizes a single probe to monitor fluid flow characteristics using sensors and attached gauges while simultaneously collecting fluid samples for laboratory analysis. A hollow probe defining fluid flow openings and a sample opening extends into the pipeline, and a pneumatically driven sampling assembly is slidingly engaged within the probe to carry the fluid sample through a fluid channel to a sample collection device. The fluid flow openings carry fluid through separate channels having sensors to gauges to simultaneous monitor the fluid flow rate and/or temperature. A variety of monitoring devices may be attached to the sampling apparatus, including on-line analyzers, thermocouple devices, pressure transmitters, and virtually any computerized monitoring device.

Abstract: An ultra-high, hermetically sealed optical mounting assembly for sealing a fragile optical element includes a lid portion defining a thin, bendable flange spring member to gradually and evenly apply a relatively low sealing load at a knife edge for grasping the optical element. A base portion defining a substantially non-bendable, mating flange surface defines a mating base, knife edge. A deformable metallic gasket is interposed between both knife edges and the optical element. An engineered gap between the opposed lid and base flanges and a second, optional gap between the lid and base nearest the window are used to control the amount of spring forces and the amount of compression on the window.

Abstract: An automatically tuned filter apparatus having as input a signal of constant or slowly varying but unknown frequency superimposed on a second signal of rapidly varying frequency with a first output attenuating the first signal by implementation of a narrow band rejection filter and the second output rejecting all but the first signal by implementation of a narrow band pass filter in which the characteristics of both filters are controlled by the relative amplitudes and phase differences of the two outputs.

Abstract: An improved front suspension for a bicycle includes lower swing arms, upper swing arms and hub plates connected to the front forks in a substantially rhomboidal arrangement, and communicating with a shock absorber through a stabilizer tube, wherein the geometries of the trapezoid are balanced to provide substantially the same trail through the travel of the suspension.

Abstract: A mounting plate for detachably fixing a heavy duty, normally permanently attached, swivelling base plate caster roller unit to an object to be transported is cut from an extrusion shaped to form a flat bottom plate with raised parallel sides each including an overhanging flange such that parallel grooves are provided into which the caster's swiveling base plate can slide. Attachment of the mounting plate to the transportable object utilizes at least two mounting pins (screws, bolts or rivets), at least one of which protrudes from the mounting plate inside surface to form a stop to prevent the swivel plate from sliding all the way through. A spring loaded button, which becomes flush with the mounting plate when depressed, allows the caster swivel plate to enter the cavity provided by the parallel extruded grooves and the protruding mounting stop.

Abstract: A stop-frame animation apparatus and method includes making a series of drawings representing the desired poses for the a three-dimensional object to be animated. The drawings are sequentially viewed by a first television camera which relays the image of the drawings onto a television monitor. The monitor simultaneously displays an image of the three-dimensional object to be animated from a second television camera. A semi-transparent mirror is used to divert a portion of the light from the three-dimensional object that is directed toward a motion picture camera to the second television camera. The two television cameras are synchronized by a common sync generator so that the two videos are properly mixed and the corresponding two images are superimposed in a proper spatial relationship. One then uses the mixing of the two images displayed simultaneously on the single monitor to position the object so that it conforms to the drawing seen on the television monitor.

Abstract: An electron beam source assembly includes a water cooled crucible positioned substantially flush with the top of the block. A magnet is attached to each long sides of the rectangular block to establish parallel opposed pole magnets with the crucible therebetween. A smaller magnet is attached to each end of each longitudinal magnet to form a second and a third parallel magnet pair. The six magnets produce plano-convex magnetic field lines above the crucible, and additional plano-convex field lines of increased field strength extending outwardly from the end of the block having the four magnets. A magnetic base plate provides a low reluctance path to decrease magnetic flux at the crucible.

Abstract: An attachment for the majority of conventional vacuum cleaners and reversible blower devices for collecting lightweight, loose-fill packaging materials for disposal or reuse includes two, nesting sections. The first section, when used alone, releasably attaches over the bin or the body of a portable, hand held vacuum cleaner. An inlet end defines an irregular collection edge to aid in preventing entry of dust and extraneous, heavier materials. A one-way, hinged door defining perforations allows air to enter to move previously collected packaging material away prior to opening of the door to admit additional packaging material. For full sized vacuum cleaners, the first section removably mounts through an aperture formed in an end wall of a larger receptacle having a universal coupler for attachment to the hose or hose coupler of the majority of full sized vacuum cleaners. The first section may be made larger and used alone to attach to a full sized vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A hair replacement device is constructed from hollow, polyurethane tubing reinforced with copper wire to prevent stretching and to allow the device to be molded, and re-molded, to conform to the contours of the scalp. The copper wire is coated with a flesh color substance. The device defines a peripheral segment and longitudinal and lateral tubing intertwined and glued at intersecting areas to form a generally basket shaped device. Hair is conventionally attached to the plastic tubing, and a skin panel insert may be added where desired. The hair of an individual may be draw through the open framework and blended with the hair attached to the device.

Abstract: A software driven, timing dependant method for entering alphanumerical characters using a conventional push button telephone system having automatic response functions is based upon the position (first, second or third) of each alphabetic letter upon each key of the standardized telephone keypad matrix. DTMF signals are generated following the pressing of a key to identify the key pressed and thereby generate a sequential message menu for that particular key. The key is pressed a predetermined number of times (once, twice, or three times) to select the desired letter, and the letter signals are transmitted to conventional voice tone recognition apparatus and storage facilities. The first, second and third messages on each key each consist of a silence interval segment of known length followed by, respectively, a first, second and third letter interval segment of known length.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for selectively varying the load to a photodetector such as a phototransistor which forms part of a photosource/photodetector pair and for selectively using to advantage or compensating for the parasitic capacitance of the photodetector to permit reductions in power, conversion of fixed signal thresholds to software controlled digital hysteresis, automatic adjustment and compensation for unmatched photosources and associated photodetectors, and adjustment of fixed voltage thresholds.

Abstract: Apparatus for a sequential continuous vapor deposition process provides a plurality of physically separated process environments in a single reactor vessel. A substrate mounting plate within the reactor vessel movably positions a substrate mounted thereon sequentially between the plurality of separated process environments. Each of the process environments are defined by a gas emitter structure for emitting a predetermined gas from a source thereof to the environment adjacent to the substrate when it is moved into position adjacent thereto and an exhaust structure through which the gas flows from the environment. A substrate positioning structure movably positions the substrate mounting plate so that the substrate is thereby sequentially passed through each one of the process environments.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for adjustable correction of varus and valgus conditions includes an orthotic having at least one attachment device thereon together with a plurality of mating posts having varying degrees of correction for forefoot and rearfoot attachment. In some instances the orthotic is formed as part of a shoe.

Abstract: A flying toy comprising a plurality of radial and transverse airfoils integrally formed with and spaced among a plurality of arcuate segments. The radial airfoils generally point inward but are disposed apart from one another. In at least some embodiments the space between the inner surfaces of the airfoils is left open, while in other embodiments a disk is disposed in the space between the inner surfaces of the airfoils but at a point slightly below the lowest edge of the airfoils. The arrangement of radial and rotational airfoils and arcuate segments permits the flight toy to be thrown in the air by a user along a substantially straight path relative to the ground, but with increasing altitude, and to return to the thrower along substantially the same path.

Abstract: A rigid, molded unitary palm guard, with shock absorption and dissipation properties protects the palm and the wrist of the wearer when incorporated into the palm area of a glove for roller skating, in-line skating, skateboarding, snakeboarding and the like. The guard is generally rectangular in shape with rounded comers and edges and defines an arched palm portion and a wrist portion. The arch of the palm portion forms a space between the palm of the hand and the guard, and in conjunction with the width of the palm portion, enables impact protection for the side of the palm of the hand as well as for the central area of the palm and the wrist. The outermost edge of the palm portion defines a first thickness, the apex of the arch defines a second and greater thickness, and the outermost edge of the wrist portion defines a third thickness. The guard cups the palm area thereby enabling the arched palm portion to be impacted in the event of a fall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conversion of a standard push button telephone keypad into a data entry terminal permitting full alphanumeric DTMF entry through a telephone system to a file server for delivery to a service provider computer. The alphabetical letters are prearranged to enable single or adjacent keypairs to be defined for each alphabetical letter. DTMF signals are generated by the keypairs and are transmitted to conventional voice tone recognition apparatus and storage facilities of the central computer for later or simultaneous delivery to a service provider computer such as a facsimile machine, an E-mail system, a paging system, and/or any data base connected to a telephone line.