Abstract: A power monitor, for determining real and imaginary power associated with one or more line signals, samples a plurality of line cycles during an observation window to generate a plurality of voltage-current sample sets for each line cycle. The sampling of the sample sets is timed such that the voltage-current sample sets are taken at different relative time positions. The power monitor stores incoming voltage-current sample data in one memory area and concurrently analyzes sample data already stored in another memory area. Deletion of sample data is not permitted until transient analysis of such data is complete.In another embodiment, the power monitor includes a working data memory area coupled to the sampling circuitry such that the sample sets occurring during each observation window are stored in the working data memory area in interleaved fashion to simulate a single cycle of data.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing curved laminated glass panels comprises overlaying at least two sheets of flat strengthened glass. Adjacent edges of the at least two sheets are sealed along a predetermined extent thereon to form a closed space between these two sheets. An opening is formed into the closed space along one edge of the glass sheets and glass laminating material is poured into the opening to fill the space between the two sheets. The opening is then closed and the at least two sheets are compressed in a preselected curvature form until the sheets assume the curvature of the form. Finally, the two sheets are held in the preselected curvature until the glass laminating material substantially cures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for minimizing scatter in an X-ray imaging system of the type including a controllable source of X-ray radiation and means for collimating the X-ray radiation into a fan-shaped beam and effecting scanning of the X-ray beam across a target area. The improved system includes a grid assembly extending in a transverse direction across the target area and having a relatively narrow width in the beam scanning direction. A drive is coupled to the grid removing the grid in synchronism with the X-ray beam and an X-ray impervious belt is coupled to the grid and extends in a transverse direction across the target area and is movable with the grid for covering the target area outside the grid to prevent scatter radiation from impinging on X-ray film located beneath the grid. In one form, the grid includes a plurality of air interspersed septa to allow reduced beam energy.

Abstract: Eye glasses are disclosed for improving the vision of people with macular degeneration, optic nerve damage or similar low vision problems. The glasses comprise two lens assemblies, each having a magnifying lens with two convex surfaces and a reducing lens with two concave surfaces. The reducing lens incorporates prism rings which focus an image or light onto an undamaged portion of the macular. A frame is employed for supporting each assembly at a predetermined distance from an eye of a user and for supporting the lenses assembly in a predetermined orientation with respect to each other with the lenses defining a fixed space therebetween. Also disclosed are the lenses themselves and the method of using them.

Abstract: A joystick assembly for converting push-button keys to joystick actuation comprises a handle and a multi-arm member, the multi-arm member includes arms located for contact with keys of a computer keyboard, each arm having a depending end for engaging a respective key. The handle inserts perpendicularly through the multi-arm member through a central aperture and is adjustable perpendicularly with respect to the keyboard. Apparatus is incorporated for fastening an end of the handle to a central key of a keyboard.

Abstract: A panel fixture is provided for receiving insulative blocks and trusses for facilitating fabrication of modular building panels. The fixture includes a main beam to which first and second rows of staves are mounted via respective first and second U-channel members. The rows of staves accept insulative blocks and trusses therebetween in alternating block/truss, block/truss fashion. Multiple geometry building structures are possible using the disclosed fixture alone or in combination with fixtures having multiple sub-fixtures.

Abstract: A decorative speaker cover and a method for fabricating a speaker cover for use in a ceiling or wall comprising panels, the speaker cover having an appearance which blends with other panels so that it conceals the presence of a speaker system while providing satisfactory transmission of sound from the speaker system. The decorative speaker cover is fabricated by first forming a mold liner suitable for generating a facsimile of a ceiling or wall panel. Next, the mold liner is placed in a molding container and a closed cell expandable foam system is uniformly spread over the mold liner so that the foam rises vertically. The thickness of the resulting cast is reduced to a dimension below which acoustic transmission loss is not discernable by human ears.

Abstract: A hand tool for tension testing of flexible elongated members and connections thereto comprises a drawn cup roller clutch having a shaft and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly and the shaft are coupled for relative concentric rotation about an axis through the shaft. First and second plier-like handles are connected for affecting unidirectional rotation of the shaft with respect to the bearing assembly and are arranged in opposed relationship whereby movement of the handles towards one another effects relative rotation of the shaft and the bearing assembly in a preselected direction. A compression gauge is attached to the outer surface of an extended portion of one of the handles disposed oppositely from the handles. The gauge includes a U-shaped compression beam and a dial indicator calibrated to read force as a function of relative displacement between opposed arms of the U-shaped beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a control system for an electromagnetic contactor for reducing multiple re-ignitions incorporates a regulated source of electrical power coupled to a contactor actuating coil through a controllable switch. The switch is used to regulate coil current to a desired value whereby opening time of the contactor can be determined within a defined range. Alternating current through tips of the contactor is monitored and each zero crossing of the current wave form is determined. The control system responds to a command to open the contactor tips by coordinating such opening with the zero crossings of the current wave form whereby the contact tips separate within a predetermined phase angle prior to a zero crossing. The system also includes apparatus for detecting a fault current of the alternating current in the contact tips and for inhibiting operation of the contact tips for a predetermined time interval in order to allow fuses to clear the fault prior to opening the contactor.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus is provided which includes a V-shaped frame having forward and rear arms of which the forward arm is hitchable to a tractor or other vehicle for pulling such apparatus. The seeding apparatus includes a carriage assembly which supports a furrow opener at one end of the carriage assembly adjacent the V-shaped frame. The seeding apparatus further includes a furrow closer at the remaining end of the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is coupled to the rear arm of the frame by a spring mechanism which downwardly biases the furrow opener and closer toward the soil when the furrow opener and closer are in contact with the same. A second dual spring mechanism is situated between the hitch and the forward arm of the frame to further bias the furrow opener and closer downwardly when the furrow opener and closer contact the soil.

Abstract: A sleeping facility of greatly improved operational simplicity and esthetically pleasing design for attachment to or incorporation in the side of a pickup truck topper, van, motor home or mobile home, which takes up no internal space in the vehicle, yet provides a comfortable bed protected from the elements which can be quickly and effortlessly deployed for use or stowed for travel in a matter of seconds and requires no power source for operation. The sleeper shell leaves all internal vehicle space unobstructed and obviates the necessity of unloading cargo in order to provide sleeping space. The top 22 and bottom 24, which contains the bed 26, fold into a vertical latched position parallel to each other for travel. Deployment is of extreme simplicity and consists of raising the top 22 with the help of pneumatic spring cylinders 40, dropping the bottom 24 with the bed 26 to the horizontal position and fixing that position with folding supports 38 and 39.

Abstract: A traction splint for applying traction to an injured limb of a patient. The traction splint includes a pair of spaced adjustably extensible side members, a traction mechanism coupled to first ends of the side members for exerting a pulling force on the limb, and a cross member traversing second ends of the side members and adapted to abut a portion of the patient. The cross member is pivotally connected to the second ends whereby extending one of the side members more than the other side member angularly displaces the cross member with respect to the side member.

Abstract: A boat hull having a two-stage flow chamber. The first stage flow chamber starts about amidships as a V-shape fairing upward at a shallow angle and flattening out about halfway to the stern. The second stage flow chamber starts at the end of the forward flow chamber curving upward at a greater angle than the first stage and curving downward slightly at the stern. The second state flow chamber has an inverted V-shape portion connected to the bottom by a pair of narrow sidewalls spreading slightly outward. The forward flwo chamber delivers water to the aft flow chamber free from turbulence. The propeller is disposed in the aft flow chamber and splayed slighly to port. Water exits from the aft flow chamber with minimum turbulence and cavitation.

Abstract: A optically linked calculator system for displaying data generated by a local calculator at both the local calculator and at a detached display. The calculator system includes a plurality of transmitting calculators and receiving units. The receiving units include remote display receiving units and receiving calculators. Transmitting calculators transmit entered data and calculated results. Receiving units receive and display transmitted data entries and calculated results. A calculator includes a keyboard, keyboard logic, processing logic, display, display logic, transmit logic, infrared transmitter, switching means, infrared receiver receiver logic and converting logic. The switching means selectively enables components of the calculator for effecting a transmit mode, receive mode, and calculate mode. The remote receiver display unit includes an infrared receiver, data detection logic, processing logic, and a display.