Abstract: A general-purpose, pressure-sensitive electrical switch, having a frangible electrically conductive path that is irreversibly broken by an excessive applied pressure differential, The switch includes a pressure-deflectable diaphragm and an interior chamber. The diaphragm forms an interface between the internal chamber and the external environment. As the pressure differential across the diaphragm exceeds a specified level, the diaphragm deflects. The internal chamber can also be sealed with an internal pressure P.sub.1 so that the diaphragm deflects for a specified absolute external pressure P.sub.2. The force of the deflection is transmitted to brittle, inelastic structure within the switch through an intermediate load transmission element. The electrical path, which is along the brittle structure, terminates in a pair of externally-accessible terminals.

Abstract: A computer-controlled robot cutting system for making angled or beveled cuts along a preselected path in a workpiece having a generally planar cutting surface. A cutting knife, such as a high-intensity fluid jet, is pivotably mounted in a support frame having two pairs of arcuate guides disposed at right angles to each other for motor-driven rotation of the cutting knife about orthogonal axes. The centers of curvature of both guides lie on a critical plane containing a pivot point about which the cutting knife pivots. An opposing workpiece gantry with horizontal and vertical slides for motor-driven translation of the workpiece along two axes also includes means for holding the workpiece such that its surface to be cut faces the cutting knife and lies in the critical plane. The workpiece is thus translated to define the cutting path on the obverse surface, while the cutting knife is pivoted to define the entry angle of the cut along the cutting path.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt formed of rows of plastic belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot rods and specially adapted for following a curving conveyor path. The modules include a top, product-conveying surface and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. A central elongate element extends across the width of each module transverse to the direction of belt travel. The elongate element is formed by a thin, corrugated strip forming a series of regularly spaced alternating grooves and ridges. Link ends extend outward from the ridges on each side of the corrugated strip. Each link end has a thick portion at the end of the link end distant from the corrugated strip. Transverse holes in the link ends are aligned to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of consecutive rows of side-by-side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving signal detection and tracking in underwater acoustic devices receiving a set of acoustic pulses propagated in response to repetitive synchronizing events. Each of the set of pulses is correlated with a replica of each pulse in a receiver in the underwater devices during an associated time window. The correlated output of the receiver is compared to an adjustable threshold characteristic in a detector for selection of the actual pulse according to predetermined criteria for each of the set of pulses. An actual time of reception relative to the synchronizing event is assigned to the selected pulse. Previous actual times of reception are used to estimate the expected time of reception of the associated pulse relative to the next synchronizing event. The estimate is used to adjust the associated time window to encompass the expected time of reception.

Abstract: A self-sealing door for a steam cooker using a self-expanding resilient tubular gasket to form a seal between the inner side of the door and the sidewall of the cooker. Access to the cooking chamber is provided through a plurality of access ports in the sidewalls of the cooker. Hinged doors cover the access ports during cooking. The gasket is pressed slightly against the wall of the cooker around the access port by the pressure of the closed door. The high cooking temperature of the chamber transfers heat to the gasket, which causes air trapped within the tubular gasket to expand, thereby forming a seal between the inner side of the closed door and the outside wall of the cooking chamber tight enough to prevent the escape of useful steam. The gasket is strapped loosely in place along guides extending from the inner side of the door for easy cleaning and replacement.

Abstract: An occlusion system is provided for retaining pivot rods of modular link belts in residence in journalled positions within the designated sets of aligned link end apertures with particular advantages in reducing belt wear and maintaining belt lengths more stably in the presence of load and slack conditions. Thus the pivot rods are confined in journalled positions in pivot apertures in the link modular link ends by way of a belt edge occlusion member which is a stiff integral modular member that covers a significant portion of the journalling aperture area. The occlusion member has a notch shaped as a cylindrical segment for mating with a headless flexible pivot rod to guide it into a journalled position with a set of apertures as it is bent to pass the occlusion member in entering or leaving a journalled position within a set of apertures.

Abstract: Method for determining the ranges between pairs of transceivers deployed underwater. According to a preferred embodiment, the transceivers transmit acoustic pulses to and receive acoustic pulses from other of such transceivers according to a coordinated schedule of individual transmission times and reception windows stored in each transceiver. Timers in each transceiver sequence the transceiver through its scheduled events. Periodic synchronization of all deployed transceivers keeps the transceivers synchronized. One- or two-way ranging between pairs of receivers is possible, with two-way ranging requiring only loose synchronization of transceivers. The preferred method of range determination includes a two-way range between pairs of transceivers, each transceiver transmitting pulses having preselected characteristics to the other on a different frequency channel.

Abstract: Split sprocket wheels having interlocking tabs for forming a sprocket wheel assembly that is easy to install on and remove from a drive or idler shaft of a belt or chain conveyor. The invention provides thin, durable sprocket wheels split into at least two sectorial sections along seams extending from a central bore to an outer engagement surface. Mating tabs and receptacles at the edges of adjacent sectorial sections interlock the adjacent sections radially and circumferentially. Holes in the vicinity of the mating tabs and receptacles of adjacent interlocked sections admit locking means for holding the sectorial sections together in axial compression. The sprocket wheels can be ganged together at selected positions along a shaft with their bores in coaxial alignment by means of spacers interconnecting consecutive sprocket wheels along the shaft.

Abstract: Plastic modular link belt conveyors are provided with an inner drive belt system disposed along a variable length of the conveyor belt at one or more positions to produce various advantages including operation of longer belts and those which have curved conveyance paths. The modular characteristics of these drive systems permit custom design in the field for different conveyor loadings, paths and loads. Thus, belt life and performance is enhanced by driving a belt with a belt drive system. The system advantageously uses standard modules of one type in both the driven and driving belts. Thus the modules have similar manufacturing tolerances and temperature characteristics. Pivoted link modules with oblong apertures in the belt drive system permits choices of modules for belt constructions compatible with curved paths. The modularized belt systems are versatile for adaptation to such applications as wide bricklayered modular belts and non-conventional conveyor needs.

Abstract: Word processing in a pocket sized alphanumeric programmable computer is made possible by means of a self contained movable magnetic recording medium and a keyboard accomodating touch typing with as few as twelve keys operable for a wide range of alphanumeric and computer instruction entries. The keyboard thus takes up little room to share panel space with a visual display for generating temporary text being processed by the computer and therefore providing panel room for a multiple line alphanumeric display for recall and editing of text in the word processing mode of computer operation.

Abstract: Sprocket wheels for modular plastic link belts are made in two mating halves for expediting removal perpendicularly away from a coaxial drive shaft about which they are supported without disassembly of the shaft. To assure axial alignment and stability of the mating parts overlap joints between the parts are formed by securing together in surface contact laminar flange extensions from respective sprocket wheel halves joined in driving relationship about an inner shaft to form a completed sprocket wheel assembly. For critical use in food and chemical environments, the entire sprocket assembly is made of plastic, including binding clamps for holding the two mated flange surfaces of different halves together.

Abstract: Sprocket drive mechanisms formed of metal lamina engage belt drive surfaces formed in a modular plastic conveyor belt. The lamina are positioned axially along a rotary drive shaft to mate with drive surfaces extending across the width of the belt. Belt wear from the metal sprocket lamina is reduced by floating at least one lamina axially along the drive shaft to conform with belt positioning under loading and other dynamic conditions. Spacers for axially separating the lamina for registration with belt drive surfaces when mounting the belt on the sprocket drive may be removed after registration, thereby keeping the metal drive assembly lighter with less inertia to further reduce wear. Alternatively light weight laminar spacers disposed axially along the shaft are interlocked to the sprocket lamina to maintain a fixed spacing while permitting the assembly and/or separate sprocket lamina to float axially on the shaft.

Abstract: In a modular belt modular drive unit that can be independently mounted along a modular link belt system, a drive shaft comprises a drum having an integral outer circumferential surface with one or more axially oriented keying surface indentations for mounting mating sprocket wheels for moving axially along the shaft in response to dynamic conditions encountered in driving the belt. The belt is tracked in a preferred position along the shaft by means of a tracking sprocket wheel that has a confined degree of axial movement. Thus a circumferential indentation slot on the shaft surface receives the tracking sprocket wheel rotationally on the shaft so that it de-registers with the keying surface and is held axially in the slot. To use the tracking sprocket wheel as a drive wheel rotating with the shaft when disposed in the slot, the tracking wheel is linked to another sprocket wheel in a position axially confined in the slot.

Abstract: Shrimp are cooked by methods and apparatus limiting the excessive amount of curl usually incurred to produce a generally J shaped configuration after cooking. Thus, the shrimp are cooked while held in a straightened configuration to thus induce in the cooked shrimp meat forces tending to hold the shrimp in a more straightened configuration than conventionally attained. In one embodiment the shrimp are aligned on conveyor belts between pairs of laterally disposed pan normally extending from the conveying surface and spaced for confining the shrimp in an elongated and straightened configuration. Thus, the conveyor belt carries the shrimp through a steam cooker to produce a desired J shaped shrimp configuration having reduced curl.

Abstract: A programmable portable electronic computer by means of a twelve key keyboard array capable of entering a full range of alphameric characters and computer commands has room for a large area electronic display screen. This affords room for graphical presentations with alphanumeric notation, and enough rows of printed text to afford word processing capabilities. Thus, a tape recorder within the housing may include software and is coupled for use in dictating, storage, word processing and computer interfacing use, all under control of the keyboard keys.

Abstract: For confidently coupling towed external devices to a marine seismic cable, a latch mechanism having a novel swing plate to improve the adjustability of the mechanism and provide a positive, clearly visible indication of latched and unlatched conditions. The swing plate serves as an external linkage between a rotatable adjustment head for a locking pin and a translatable lever arm for a locking rod. The locking pin and the locking rod extend from a latch housing on a towed device, such as a cable-leveling bird, and engage with a keyhole slot in a locking collar on the streamer. The swing plate engages the adjusting head, which protrudes from a side of the housing, in a push-nut engagement.

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: A miniaturized electronic magnetic compass system, or the like, is mounted in a substantially cylindrical gimbal ring unit of about 0.75 in diameter, and 1.25 in length. Critical to the small size is the pendulum that positions the internal magnetic detector by gravity relative to the earth's surface. Thus, a pendulum formed of tungsten has its curved bottom surface formed of a central spherical surface and two flanking cylindrical surfaces meeting in two planes disposed at an angle intersecting with the pendulum axis of rotation. The mass of the detector is centered by resilient conductive spring plates bearing on gimbal pivot shafts, which also serve as electrical connectors for the detector. Thus, two separated shaft ends journalled in one gimbal ring, which is insulated to electrically isolate the shaft ends serve as two conductors. The gimbal system is damped in a perfluorocarbon oil.

Abstract: Apparatus for more efficiently pre-cooking and peeling cold water shrimp such as the species Pandalus borealis is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving the shell-on or unpeeled shrimp up and out of a feeder tank. A perforated horizontal conveyor then carries the shrimp over a steam manifold with a multiplicity of apertures such that steam escapes from the manifold and rises through the perforated belt and surrounds the shrimp.A cooking chamber which completely encloses the horizontal conveyor except at the bottom, contains the lighter-than-air steam such that the raw shell-on shrimp are at least partially cooked by the surrounding steam. Since the lighter-than-air steam excludes all air from the cooking chamber, less oxidation of fats occurs and consequently a higher quality product is obtained.

Abstract: A chain belt formed of a plurality of pivotally connected preassembled parallel links. Each link includes a driving tooth protruding from one surface of the link midway between the pivotal axes of the link. The tooth is preferably formed so that its faces are a pair of intersecting, convex, cylindrical segments of like radii of curvature, the cylindrical axes of the segments being located such that the curvature of the faces insures that there if no scrubbing action where the belt is driven by a sprocket, the teeth of which are shaped to provide an inversely curved mating surface with the link teeth.