Abstract: A multi-stage focus box camera is disclosed which comprises a tubular body open at both ends formed of a dimensionally stable, light weight material. A lens board and lens extender assembly slides over one end of the camera body and is adapted for slidingly carrying a lens mount for a lens. A film board fits over the opposite end of the camera body and is adapted to receive a film holder which closes the back side of the body and which defines a film support for sheet film. In addition the film board may include a viewing device, such as a ground glass plate in place of the film board, by which an image may be focused. Both the lens board and lens extender assembly and the film board are slidable on the camera body and are movable between retracted and extended positions to provide different focus stages for the camera. In addition the lens board and lens extender assembly and the film board can be moved on the camera body to position the lens body to adjust the depth of field by slanting these components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the chemiluminescent determination of NO/NO.sub.x in a sample gas is disclosed in which the NO.sub.x portion of the gas stream is catalytically converted in a preconditioned vitreous carbon bed at a relatively low temperature effective to catalytically convert NO.sub.x to NO and below 200.degree. C. The vitreous carbon is preconditioned by heating at a temperature of between 300.degree. C. and about 500.degree. C. for a sufficient period of time, on the order of two to five hours. The apparatus consists of a converter containing the preconditioned vitreous carbon in communication with a reaction cell consisting of a hollow cylindrical housing having an open end closed by an optical filter. A suitable photodetecter is disposed to detect light emitted through the optical filter. A chemiluminescent reaction between ozone and NO in the sample stream occurs in a reaction chamber defined by the interior of the housing. A reflector element may be disposed in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The laser alignment system of apparatus for leveling flowable material, in which two radiant energy beam detectors mounted on opposite ends of an elongated leveling member are responsive to a projected radiant energy beam establishing a leveling plane, is modified for operation when one of the detectors is blocked from receiving the projected radiant energy bean by an obstruction such as a support column, equipment or personnel. Whereas each detector signal is normally used to generate a separate adjustment signal for an adjustment device such as an hydraulic cylinder to raise or lower the associated end of the elongated leveling member, when one detector is blocked from receiving the radiant energy beam the detector elevation signal generated by the other, unblocked, detector is used to generate the adjustment signals for both ends of the elongated leveling member.

Abstract: A quick disconnect leash for a surfboard or the like consists of a resilient cord affixed at one end to an object such as a surfboard and a securing strap attached to the opposite end for securing the leash to the ankle or waist of a user. The securing strap is closed by a quick release mechanism consisting of a fastener having opposed locking members for securing the ends of the strap and a quick release assembly for rapidly and conveniently releasing the fastener to free the ends of the strap. The quick release mechanism consists of a connector for acting on the fastener and a upstanding pull for actuating the connector. Preferably the fastener is of the side release type consisting of a housing and clip which is received in the housing to lock the two members together which is released by. The fastener is released by pulling the pull to cause the connector to unlock the clip from the housing. The pull should be of sufficient size to be readily grasped, even under emergency conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automated assembly of sandwich items, such as biscuit and sausage sandwiches, consists generally of a frame on which are carried a slicing station, a separation station and an assembly station, all of which are automated. The slicing station includes slicing means for slicing into upper and lower sections the material which is to become the exterior layers of the layered product. At the separation station the upper section is removed from the lower section thus exposing the lower section for receiving the middle layer of the layered product. The assembly station includes of a pair of pneumatically operated transfer shuttles carrying a plurality of downwardly depending pickup cylinders which include extendible piston arms having suction cups on the depending end of each arm.

Abstract: The photometer of the present invention includes an optical system in which an emission beam generated by pulsed ultra violet radiation from a source is split into a sample beam and a reference interference beam by spectrally selective mirrors arranged in series. These mirrors reflect a beam having a wavelength range corresponding to an absorption wavelength of the gas to be detected onto one solid state detector and to pass a beam to a second spectrally selective mirror where a beam having second range of wave lengths corresponding to an interfering gas is reflected onto a second solid state detector. This second beam serves to measure the interfering gas and also as an imperfect reference channel. In a preferred embodiment the radiation from the source is split prior to entering the sample cell.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the ammonia saturation of wood to impart flexibility thereto which includes the step of sealing the surfaces of ammonia-saturated wood with a polymeric film which has limited or no permeability to either or both ammonia and water vapor. Preferably, the polymeric film is flexible so the working of the wood product by bending, twisting, embossing, molding, etc. will not destroy the film. The polymeric film should also be soluble in a selected solvent, thereby permitting its removal after the wood has been formed in a final, desired shape to permit water vapor to re-establish crosslinking of the cellulose chains and restore its natural, rigid condition.

Abstract: A golf putter is described mounting an elongated aiming arm which can be moved between an extended operative position and a folded storage position against the rear face of the putter head. Means are provided in the rear face of the putter head for adjustably engaging the arm when moved into its operative position to limit its travel between the folded position and the operative position and to maintain the arm in a precise perpendicular relationship to the striking face of the putter head. The aiming arm is pivotally mounted on the rear face of the club head by means of a socket which is located in the rear face of the club head and the arm is provided with a ball on one end which is received in the socket for pivotally mounting the arm. A spring loaded plunger and a circumfeential groove on the ball define a detent for securing the aiming arm in its operative position. A dimple on the innermost pole of the ball cooperates wuth the plunger to define a detent for securing the arm in its folded postion.

Abstract: A foul gas containing H.sub.2 S is brought into the presence of SO.sub.2 in a first stage to permit the reaction between SO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 S to form water and elemental sulfur. The SO.sub.2 is solubilized in an absorbent composition which includes a solvent for both SO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 S so that the H.sub.2 S in the foul gas is first solubilized in the absorbent composition where it is then brought into contact with the solubilized SO.sub.2 for reaction between a major portion of the H.sub.2 S and the solubilized SO.sub.2 to form elemental sulfur. The gas is then passed to a second stage where any remaining H.sub.2 S is removed by aqueous catalytic reaction of the type conventional in the prior art. The apparatus utilized to carry out the present invention preferably includes a two stage column in which the first stage provides the absorbent material containing solubilized SO.sub.2 for reaction with the H.sub.2 S of the foul gas. During the SO.sub.2 extraction stage the major portion of the H.sub.

Abstract: An ion sensitive electrode device which consists of one or more ion-pairs distributed in at least one of two or more immiscible phases consisting of an aqueous phase, an organic phase, a polymer phase or a solid electrolyte phase. A reference solution includes an aqueous solution of the ion-pair and a high concentration of a micelle former such as an anionic or cationic detergent or a ligand. The device can be used to measure organic and inorganic compounds or can be readily modified by the addition of a biological material to the reference solution for the bioassay for bioorganic compounds.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device adapted to accurately deliver a selected concentration of a primary gas in a diluent gas, such as ambient air. The device of the invention includes a hollow diluter body having generally opposed ports for the ingress of a primary stream of gas and the egress of a dilution stream of gas. The interior of the body defines a dilution chamber and a vent chamber, both of which are open to the egress port. The top wall of the body is provided with a port for communication between the dilution chamber and the exterior of the body. A vent port in the housing provides communication between the vent chamber and the exterior of the device. Pressure sensitive sealing means normally closes the vent chamber to prevent communication between the chamber and the exterior of the device and is operative responsive to pressure in the vent chamber to open and allow communication between the vent chamber and the exterior of the device through the vent port.

Abstract: A device for attaching a leash to a body board or similar device consisting of male and a female coupler each having an elongated body and an enlarged disk shaped head having a planer inner face for contacting the upper and lower surfaces of the board when the device when the couplers are secured together in the board. The head of the coupler on the upper surface of the board is provided with a leash cord passage which is located along a radius of the coupler between the elongated body and the periphery of the disk shaped head. The leash cord passage opens to the upper and inner faces of the head. A slit is provided in the head to extend radially from the passage to the periphery of the head. The head is sufficiently resilient so that portions of the head adjacent the slit can be bent to open the slit and upon release of the bending force will return to their normal position with the slit closed.

Abstract: A security device for coin operated machines comprises a closure adapted to overlie the portion of a coin operated machine containing the coin return slot and the coin box. The closure is hingedly affixed to the case of the machine and is formed from a sheet of material having a composition and thickness to resist bending of the closure by prying. Openings are provided in the closure for access to the coin insert slots and coin return ports of the machine. A raised rib formed on the case or on the inner face of the closure surrounds the area of surface of the case where the coin box and coin return ports are located, The rib is disposed between the case and the closure to prevent insertion of a prying tool between the closure and the case.

Abstract: The method of the present invention consists of generating a repetitious sound which is intended to be repeated by the user to focus mental concentration on an audible focal point and concurrently with the generation of the repeated sound, releasing a fragrance which over repeated use will become associated in the mind of the user with a relaxed state which is induced by the constant repetition of the sound. The apparatus of the present invention includes means for generating a sound at timed intervals to initiate the relaxation state and means for generating a fragrance which becomes associated in the mind of the user with the relaxed state induced by the sound. Means are also provided for amplifying the sound so that it is audible to the user of the device. The sound generating means, the fragrance diffusion means and the audible means are combined in a headset which further includes at least one ear piece which is fitted over the ear of the user.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention a system is described for controllably varying the resolution of an image event to conserve data output by varying the size of the instantaneous IFOV of an array of detectors. The system comprises a multiplicity of individual detectors which produce an electrical signal in response to an image stimulus. The detectors are connected to busing circuitry by a circuit associated with each individual detector and which is in parallel with the circuits from the other detectors. Each parallel circuit includes a switch for making and breaking the parallel circuit to the busing circuit and control means are provided for opening and closing the switches in real time. As the switches are opened and closed the output signals of the detectors are combined into signals representing pixels having various size instantaneous fields of view depending on the number of detectors whose signals are combined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for scribing indicia into a surface using a laser as an emission source. Means are provided for controlling the beam scan over the surface being inscribed responsive to a digitized control signal representing the indicia. Laser power is controlled to avoid damaging the structural integrity of the glass. The system is suited for automation both for the input of data representing indicia and for the actual inscribing operation. The apparatus includes an emitter housing containing a laser and marking head for positioning the beam on the surface. The emitter housing further includes means for controllably directing the output beam to form the desired pattern in the surface and locating pins which cooperate with system circuitry to permit laser operation only when the emitter housing is properly located with respect to a surface being etched.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention an alkali metal is reacted with an ionizable hydrogen compound selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, water or mixtures thereof to produce hydrogen and an alkali metal chloride or alkali metal hydroxide, depending upon whether hydrochloric acid or water is used to react with the alkali metal. The alkali metal chloride produced directly as a by-product of the hydrogen production step, or subsequently from the alkali metal hydroxide, is heated in the presence of aluminum to produce the alkali metal for reuse in the process and aluminum chloride. The aluminum chloride is hydrolyzed to aluminum hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. The hydrochloric acid can be recycled to produce hydrogen by reaction directly with the alkali metal or can be used to convert the alkali metal hydroxide formed during the hydrogen production step to the alkali metal chloride which can be recycled back into the process.

Abstract: A device for installing tire chains consists of a container for storing the tire chains when not in use and a removable lid which serves as a closure for the container and as an aid for installation. The lid is adapted for supporting the wheel of the vehicle during the chain installation process. The device further includes latch means for removably securing the lid over the open top of the container for the storage of tire chainsOne surface of the lid is provided with a raised platform on which the vehicle wheel rests during the chain installation process. The raised platform extends longitudinally on the upper face of the lid and is provided with a pair of channels which are open at the top and at their ends and which extend normally to the longitudinal axis of the lid for receiving lateral members of the tire chain being installed.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes a housing defining an interior containing a reference bead and a measurement bead which are fully exposed by the removal of the shroud or can therefrom. The beads are electrically connected in series and the reference bead is connected in parallel with a resister to define one side of a Wheatstone bridge. A liner consisting of a disk defining an inner face and an outer face overlies the reference and measurement beads. The inner face of the disk is provided with a slot opening at the inner face which is dimensioned to receive the reference and measurement beads therein. The slot provides a confined space for fluid communication between the fully exposed beads. A through running opening is disposed in the disk on each side of the slot adjacent the end of the slot in which the reference bead is disposed. A channel extends from each of the openings and communicates with the slot.

Abstract: A rotary power device comprises an open ended stationary housing defining an interior having a sinusoidal cam track disposed therein and end walls closing each open end of the housing. At least one fluid inlet port and one fluid outlet port is provided in the end walls for fluid communication between the housing interior and the exterior of the end wall. A rotor assembly is disposed in the interior of the housing for rotation about the axis of the housing. The rotor assembly includes a central shaft extending axially through the interior of the housing which is rotatably carried by each of the end walls. At least one heat conducting disk is mounted on the shaft adjacent each of the end walls for rotation with the shaft. Each disk has at least two openings equiangularly located with respect to one another and aligned with corresponding equiangularly disposed openings in the other disk for mounting open ended tubular cylinder elements which extend between the disks parallel to the axis of the shaft.