Abstract: For use with marine seismic streamers, a two-wire, multi-channel communication system capable of handling the high throughput necessary for effective communication between a central controller aboard a tow vessel and the many sensors deployed along the streamer. The central controller includes an intelligent modem with the capability of transmitting and receiving frequency-modulated message signals on one or more signal lines, such as conventional twisted-pair wires, over a number of individual inbound and outbound frequency channels. In the preferred embodiment, seventeen channels are spread over a frequency band ranging from about 20 kHz to 100 kHz, thereby making available for communication a bandwidth much wider than available in conventional single-channel streamer communication.

Abstract: Apparatus for deheading and cleansing shrimp in a continuous-flow product transport system for more efficient storage or peeling. The apparatus transports food product having weakly attached appendages, such as crustaceans and especially shrimp, along conduits in a fluid medium at a flow rate as controlled by a food pump. Upstream conduit defines a flow channel having a certain cross-sectional area; downstream conduit defines a flow channel having a cross-sectional area less than that of the upstream conduit. The narrowing of the flow channel in an intermediate conduit-connecting region causes an increase in the speed of the product-laden fluid in that region. The ratio of the downstream speed to the upstream speed is inversely proportional to the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the downstream channel to the upstream channel. The abruptness of the speed increase is determined by the nature of the intermediate region.

Abstract: Shrimp and other food products carried on a plastic modular conveyor belt are efficiently cooked at atmospheric pressure in the presence of saturated steam protected by a confining receptacle from dilution by insulating air. The steam condenses by transfer of cooking energy, the condensate dropping downwardly in the receptacle by gravity. By passing products through the constant 212 degree F. saturated steam zone residing at the upper portion of the cooking receptacle, the belt speed and distance through a modular cooking compartment control the cooking time for uniform production. The steam is replenished through a proportional flow valve to replace only that amount of steam expended in cooking. Thus, temperature is sensed at a cooler position under the saturated steam cooking zone where temperature is typically 190-200 degrees to detect variations of the amount of steam condensed in exchange of heat in cooking the product, and to proportionately control the flow of replacement saturated steam.

Abstract: A data processing keyboard system is provided wherein data and command signals from the keyboard are entered by two or more successive keystrokes. At least two operation modes serve to change the entry command assignments to the keys, thereby affording a large number of selections from a few keys. This makes available from the comprehensive capability of present day computers large numbers of keyboard accessible commands. Also surprisingly then this invention can replace a normal QWERTY typewriter keyboard with most of its functions by a set of only three, four, seven or nine keys. Thereby alphabetic characters, decimal digits and a store of computer command entries may be processed with each entry requiring two or more strokes of the computer keyboard keys. Functional commands such as spacing return or shift can be intermixed with the choice of data characters. Means for shifting from a computation mode to an alpha mode of computer operation may be provided.

Abstract: A sprocket arrangement for driving conveyor belts is disclosed which provides improved operation in the presence of abrasives, corrosives and contaminants. The metal sprocket is used with modular plastic belts to produce long wear and improved performance. The sprocket is formed by aligning a multiplicity of thin substantially disk shaped metal sprocket lamina across the width of the belt. Groups of aligned lamina may be formed into a rigid sprocket unit by simply bolting or welding. Each of the sprocket lamina includes a non-circular central aperture for fitting onto a drive shaft. Driving surfaces are formed around the perimeter of each driving lamina. The lamina may be stacked in contact with each other, or for some applications may use spacers to separate selected ones of the stacked lamina so as to cooperate with the structure of the belt being driven.

Abstract: A sprocket tooth modular link conveyor belt drive mechanism is provided for use in chemical and food environments where it is important to control contaminants and bacteria. Thus an easy to clean and sanitize modular assembly devoid of dirt and grime catching structure in the vicinity of the conveyor belt is provided. A further feature is the safety of operation, by encompassing moving belt drive equipment in a closed modular compartment shielded from the possibility of accidental damage to conveyor loads, or serivce and operating personnel. These improvements are achieved in a belt drive mechanism module with an enclosed hermetically sealed drive system operable from an internally disposed electric drive motor with associated drive gear train. An external rotatable hollow drum member carries the sprocket teeth and has a smooth outside easy to clean surface without a propensity to accumulate dirt or grime or leak lubricating oil, or to present operating hazards to operators and service personnel.

Abstract: An integrally molded module for forming a conveyor belt which receives a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally assembled and disassembled with a multiplicty of similar modules by pivot rods to construct the conveyor belt. More specifically, the pivot rods can be removed in a non-destructive manner such that they are suitable for reuse. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends, each of which define a pivot hole and are aligned to form first and second pivot axes. The link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which maintains and joins the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other. One or more stop members are also integrally molded in close proximity to the outermost link ends of one of the pluralities and partially obstructs the insertion of a pivot rod into the aperture defined in the outermost link.

Abstract: This invention solves a problem encountered in driving conveyor belts where mating belt drive engagement surfaces and sprocket drive surfaces interact to cause wear and to force the belt away from the sprocket. Thus, various shaped modular belt links, provided in accordance with this invention to fit into various conveyor belt configurations, have drive structure appendages extending from cylindrical structure about the pivot rod journalling aperture to form drive surfaces which enter and leave mating sprocket drive channels, with wall surfaces formed between adjacent sprocket teeth in a substantially parallel drive relationship to avoid radially directed forces that drive the belt away from the drive sprocket. Trapezoidal shaped drive surface appendages from the links extend from a generally cylindrical body about the pivot rod in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving hydroacoustic pulses used to determine the spatial separations between pairs of such apparatus. According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus transmits hydroacoustic pulses having a selected shape and frequency at specific times and also determines the time of arrival of received hydroacoustic pulses having a known shape and carrier frequency. Included is a transducer for converting the hydroacoustic energy received from a body of water into electrical energy and for converting electric pulses into hydroacoustic pulses which are then coupled into the body of water. Electric pulses having a selected shape and carrier frequency are digitally synthesized in response to a count comparator.

Abstract: Improved articulation structure is provided for pivoting links of a modular belt, namely a hinge strip of flexible material such as a thermoplastic elastomer and mating receptacle aperture slots in link ends. The modular links are all alike with flared ends in the slots permitting the hinge strip to flex a limited angle without frictional rubbing with the links. The slots have limited constant widths facing outwardly to prevent movement of the hinge strip in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the belt. Staggered end fingers of the links are half the thickness of a central body portion which provides a smooth top surface without apertures for interdigitation with similar end to end links. This construction is particularly useful for operation in abrasive conditions where wear on conventional pivot pins would significantly reduce belt life.

Abstract: Particularly in hand held alphameric keyboard actuated computers, available room dictates a need to limit the number of keys without sacrificing computer performance. Further, for portable computers reference to an instruction manual is not feasible. Thus usefulness critically depends upon integrated operating instructions. Formerly there is neither room or facilities for instructions, nor room on the keyboard for enough keys. Herein, a computer keyboard of a few keys controlled by a computer multi-mode processing system to have a plurality of roles permits a very large number of computer functions to be entered and controlled. Further in combination with these roles, a computer organized temporary display panel displays keystroke selection indicia for the different keyboard operating roles. This expands instructional notation otherwise possible on the keys and adjacent keyboard locations.

Abstract: This invention increases the yield of output shrimp meat produced by roller type peeler apparatus, and achieves this without any substantial decreases in throughout quantity. The yield increase is achieved by means of critical interacting operating relationships in the peeling action between power rollers, intermediate rollers and insert rollers, expressed in terms of relative roller diameters. Preferred sets of rollers are identified that significantly increase the yields of cold water Pandalus species of shrimp in sizes of 90/kg to 350/kg over conventional commercial rollers. Surprisingly, the high throughput quantity of the peelers is not seriously compromised and may be even increased by the ability to provide more peeling channels in a conventional size peeling tray by replacement with smaller diameter power rollers. The preferred roller sets for use in current standard commercial equipment, without other changes, has lower power rollers of 2.5 inch (6.

Abstract: Improved machinery and methods for peeling raw, warm-water shrimp to solve the prior problems of scarring the shrimp meat and removing an excess of the edible meat. It has been found that a critical nip angle of between about 21.degree. and 33.degree., produced by an insert nip-forming roller having a smaller diameter than conventionally used in the prior art, considerably improves shrimp appearance while increasing the yield of shrimp meat. Attention is also given to the length and surface configuration of the insert rollers. With at least three axially aligned insert sections, better roller support prevents bowing and lengthens life. Selection of different axially disposed surface configurations permits special-purpose treatment of shrimp. For example, initial removal of waste is expedited by knurled surface sections, and final treatment by smoother sections prevents disfiguration of the peeled shrimp meat.

Abstract: Pivot rods tend to move from a preferred resident working axial position in modular link conveyor belts because of load forces tending to flex the rods, movement of belts around curves and other conditions encountered. This invention provides for pivot rod receptacle apertures in modular link ends which are elongated and contain detenting structure for holding the pivot rod in a bistable position in either end of the elongated apertures. Thus, the edge of links or belts have only one of the ends of the apertures occluded so that rods may be inserted and removed in a slack non-working bistable position and then the rods are moved with a force overcoming the detent into a tension working bistable position where they are confined in their resident working position. A preferred detenting structure in resilient plastic belt modules comprises reduced width waist structure intermediate the two ends of the elongated apertures in one or more of the link ends.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the azimuth (heading), pitch and roll which include a magnetometer-type sensor providing signals measured in three axes relative to a reference frame, and coil elements wound around the magnetometer which selectively impose specific magnetic fields about the sensor. Three axes field components of the magnetic field are measured from the sensor with and without the selective energization of the magnetic coils and stored, from which the azimuth, pitch and roll are calculated. Furthermore, quadrant correction is applied such that a unique reading is produced for all angles through 360.degree. of azimuth, pitch or roll.

Abstract: A closed-hinge conveyor belt constructed of interconnected modules in which the tracking of drive sprockets is achieved by belt link end structure forming tracking recesses that mate with the tracking teeth of drive sprockets. In conventional open-hinge belts in which tracking is so achieved, tracking recesses are formed in link end structure that forms pivot rod bearing holes only partly surrounded by the link end structure, thereby exposing the pivot rod directly to contamination in such an open-hinge construction. According to this invention, shallow tracking recesses are formed in link end structure that forms pivot rod bearing holes to ensure that no part of the pivot rod across the width of the belt is left openly exposed, but rather is surrounded by link end structure. Thus, the access of grit and grime to the pivot rod in such a closed-hinge belt is restricted, thereby affording longer belt operating life, particularly in abrasive environments.

Abstract: Selection of pre-formed patterns available for manual input to a general purpose computer operable in different modes with no more than sixteen key positions includes decimal digits, punctuation, and a complete set of alphabetic characters. Alphabetic characters and computer commands are selected manually with two keystrokes per entry, and a numeric mode selects decimal digits with one keystroke per entry. Keystroke positions are identified upon menu patterns, which change with the computer modes of operation and for first and second keystrokes in the two stroke per entry modes for more convenient and rapid operation without reference to computer manuals.

Abstract: A module for forming by a simple two-piece mold, a conveyor belt of integral plastic molded construction and having a conveying surface of selected cross-sections is disclosed. The module includes a first plurality (22) of pivot ends joined to a second plurality (24) of pivot ends by an intermediate section (34). Each of the first and second pluralities of pivot ends define apertures (26, 30) suitable for receiving a pivot rod (16, 18, 20). The intermediate section (34) joins and connects the first and second pluralities of pivot ends (22, 24) such that the pivot axis (26, 28, 32) formed by aligning the first pluralities and second pluralities of apertures respectively are maintained parallel to each other and define a common plane (36). Each of the modules receives a driving force such as a tooth (40) for moving the module orthogonal to the pivot axis (28, 32) and substantially parallel to the common plane (36).

Abstract: Screw conveyor apparatus fabricated from integrally molded plastic modules is disclosed. The apparatus includes a multiplicity of modules axially aligned and joined or bonded so as to provide a unitary plastic screw conveyor of a desired length. A plastic axial member extending the length of the screw conveyor and which defines an elongated aperture of a non-circular cross-section is formed by joining or bonding the individual modules. In addition, each of the modules include a flight member which individually helically encircle not more than 360.degree., but when bonded together result in an overall flight member encircling more than 360.degree. and which extends the length of the joined or bonded modules. The plastic screw conveyor is driven by a drive shaft which has a non-circular cross-section and which is inserted through and cooperates with the non-circular aperture extending the length of the joined axial members. A drive or power source is connected to the drive shaft for rotating the apparatus.

Abstract: Headless pivot pins in flexible plastic modular belts for pivoting modular sections are desirable, but pose a problem in that they must be retained axially in place as the belt is loaded and used, generally under tension. This invention provides pivot pin retention means of low construction and installation cost by means of swivelling an interdigital belt module member, preferably of integrally molded plastic material, from a movable toe end to move about a swivel joint at an opposite anchored heel end out of its retention position blocking the pivot pin axial movement. One embodiment of the invention provides for swiveling of an end plate member at the edge of the belt in a plane normal to the belt and pivot pin axis forcibly away from a biased rest position at least partially covering a pivot pin aperture.