Abstract: A momentary push button switch having a helical spring contact with tangentially extending opposite ends. The spring is seated over a vertical post on a base member and the lower tangential end of the spring permanently engages one stationary contact in the base. The upper tangential end of the spring contact selectively engages a horizontal arm of a second stationary contact on the base.A plunger (push button) fits over the vertical post and engages the top end of the helical spring. A keyway on the plunger slidingly engages a guide post on the base. Depression of the plunger disengages the upper tangential end of the spring from the arm of the second stationary contact.Two alternative embodiments for normally open switch configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A solid state relay in which the control circuit for controlling a bidirectional conduction device (triac) includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) and a photo transistor that is responsive to a light coupled control signal. Both the SCR and the photo transistor are coupled in parallel between the d.c. terminals of a full wave rectifier. The base of the photo transistor and the gate of the SCR are coupled to the collector of a transistor that is connected in an common emitter configuration between the d.c. terminals of the rectifier. The last-named transistor has its base connected to the collector of the photo transistor. The last-named transistor is a zero voltage crossover detector and conducts only when the photo transistor is nonconducting. The photo transistor and SCR may conduct only when the crossover detector transistor is nonconducting.

Abstract: A resistor device of simple construction particularly adapted for use as a precision, low ohmic value resistor. The terminal leads are axially aligned and extend outwardly from a molded housing. The inner end of each lead is shaped into a flat surface to facilitate the welding thereto of a resistor element and to minimize twisting of the embedded end of the lead. A radially extending disc shaped portion on each lead is adjacent the flat portion and is embedded in the molded housing to prevent axial movement of the embedded end of the lead. The embedded flat and disc shaped portions serve to minimize forces from acting on the weld joints to break the welds. The resistance element is free standing wire shaped into a serpentine configuration and embedded in the molded housing.

Abstract: A molded plastic coil bobbin having means for securing the end lead of the coil within a groove provided in an end flange of the bobbin. The groove tapers outwardly from the cylindrical tube of the bobbin to the outer periphery of the end flange. The bobbin terminals are on each side of the groove. The flange has thin top and bottom walls above and below the groove. The end lead of the coil passes through this groove in passing from one terminal to the cylindrical tube of the bobbin. Radially extending ribs protrude downwardly and upwardly, respectively, from the top and bottom walls of the flange and serve to anchor or restrain the wire in a serpentine path in its passage through the flange. This damps vibrations that might be set up in the wire and thus minimizes the prospects that the wire will be broken due to vibrations.

Abstract: A produce sorting unit that is a separate item of commerce intended for mounting on an existing produce harvester that has a conveyor for conveying produce to be sorted or graded. The unit comprises a frame that is adapted to be lifted onto the existing harvester and installed without requiring major alterations or modifications to the harvester. The frame supports a pair of produce elevating conveyor belts that extend outwardly from the frame and downwardly to the harvester conveyor to pick up produce therefrom. A horizontal conveyor belt supported on the frame receives produce from the elevating conveyor belts and carries it to an inspection location. The unit also includes a rejected produce conveyor belt underlying and extending transversely to the horizontal conveyor belt. Optic-electronic sorting means secured to the frame is responsive to light received from the produce as it is discharged from the horizontal conveyor at the inspection location.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer for use under water is constructed in such a manner that when out of the water the transducer element is substantially isolated from vibrations that otherwise would be coupled thereto from the mounting base on which it is mounted.

Abstract: An optical system for use with apparatus for grading articles of produce according to color. The simplified system is comprised of an aspherical lens, a field stop and an end of a fiber optic bundle at the image plane of the lens. Color filters and photoelectric detectors are positioned from the opposite end of the bundle at a distance so as to be uniformly illuminated by light emanating from each fiber of the bundle upon which a portion of the image is present.

Abstract: An acoustic pin detecting and locating device is disclosed, comprising a linear array of transducers mounted on each kickback wall. A microprocessor sequentially energizes each transducer with a short burst of high frequency pulses; the reflections from standing pins to the transmitting transducer (direct data) and the next adjacent transducer (cross data) are gated into separate a/d converters. The converters are sampled periodically to divide the signal return to each transducer into a plurality of range cells. The direct data and cross data returns to each transducer array form two data fields. Analysis of these fields provides the information needed for detection of the location of each standing pin.

Abstract: An acoustic pin detecting and locating device is disclosed, comprising a linear array of transducers mounted on each kickback wall. A microprocessor sequentially energizes each transducer with a short burst of high frequency pulses; the reflections from standing pins to the transmitting transducer (direct data) and the next adjacent transducer (cross data) are gated into separate a/d converters. The converters are sampled periodically to divide the signal return to each transducer into a plurality of range cells. The direct data and cross data returns to each transducer array from two data fields. Analysis of these two fields provides the information needed for detection of the location of each standing pin. The data return to each transducer after each acoustic burst is peaked by comparing the magnitudes of echo signal returns in adjacent range cells. A string is formed for each significant return, including the x,y coordinate position of the return; the weight of the return and its first and second moments.

Abstract: An acoustic pin detecting and locating device is disclosed, comprising a linear array of transducers mounted on each kickball wall. A microprocessor sequentially energizes each transducer with a short burst of high frequency pulses; the reflections from standing pins to the transmitting transducer (direct data) and the next adjacent transducer (cross data) are gated into separate a/d converters. The converters are sampled periodically to divide the signal return to each transducer into a plurality of range cells. The direct data and cross data returns to each transducer array form two data fields. Analysis of these fields provides the information needed for detection of the location of each standing pin.

Abstract: A dot printer compatible with a bowling scorer system is disclosed wherein game score data is stored for a plurality of bowlers; one character of such data for each bowler is converted to a dot matrix compatible format; and a columnar portion of each converted character is printed for each player, the print operation being repeated until the characters are all printed. The system is uniquely compatible with printing of a game score background grid, whereby certain dot printing elements are energized in printing every column to print the grid's horizontal lines; and all vertical dot elements are concurrently energized at designated intervals between character printings to print vertical lines.

Abstract: A selectable cycle defrost timer having two timing cams and two timing switches that are switched from first to second switch positions by the respective cams. The two cams rotate different numbers of times in a given time period, but the two switches are simultaneously in their second switch positions just once each given time period. Interconnection means between the two switches permits the timer to be connected into a defrost control system in such a manner that a selectable switch permits a normal defrost operation of several defrost cycles per day, or alternatively, just one energy saving defrost cycle per day.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, light from tungsten lamps is directed onto tomatoes moving in parallel rows on a conveyor belt. Above each row of tomatoes three photodetectors having different spectral responses are employed for looking at three different wavelengths of light reflected from the tomatoes. One of the wavelengths is the visible red color, the second one is the so-called "water dip" wavelength in the near infra red, and the third one is a reference wavelength in the near infra red. By means of logic circuitry operating in response to the three photodetector output signals, red tomatoes are separated from all other articles on the conveyor, including dirt and rocks. The logic circuitry "asks" the following questions. Is an article present? Is the article vegetable matter? Is the article red? If all questions are answered in the affirmative the article is processed as a desired red tomato. If any one of the questions is answered in the negative the article is rejected as undesirable.

Abstract: Scorekeeping means for computing bowling scores is provided having positionable input switches, one for each possible ball to be rolled, for recording ball-by-ball pinfall, strikes and spares; a computing device selectively energized to calculate individual player and team scores from information present in the input switches; a device for displaying ball and mark information and a running frame score total for each player as well as a running team score total all updated substantially concurrently with the selective energization of the computing device through the last frame completed by each player; and a printer selectively energizable and coordinated with the computing device to print out a history of the player and team games from the information present in the input switches at the completion of a game; wherein for each and every selective energization of the computing device the entire game history up to the point of the last completed frame for each and every player is completely recomputed, thereby p

Abstract: A precision resistor wherein the resistor wire is deposited in a sinuous pattern on the adhesive surface of a thin, flexible tape of electrical insulating material. In winding the tape onto a multibobbin coil form the intermediate flanges of the coil form have a flat portion of reduced radius. A coil of tape is wound on one bobbin with the adhesive side against the bobbin and is passed over the flat portion of an intermediate flange. At the crossover the tape is pressed to conform to the shape of the flange and then passed around the axial body of the adjacent bobbin to commence the winding of the next coil of tape on the adjacent bobbin.

Abstract: A momentary contact switch is comprised of an insulator base member having a plurality of aligned dome shaped contacts extending upwardly from the top face. First and second pairs of notches or voids extend through the base member beyond opposite ends of the aligned stationary contacts. An elongated plastic actuator is disposed above the stationary contacts and extends both transversely and longitudinally beyond the aligned contacts. The actuator has four yieldable legs at or adjacent its four corners which extend downwardly and each leg is inserted through a respective notch. One pair of legs is shorter than the other pair. Each leg has a barb or wedge shaped element at its bottom for releasably engaging the under side of the base member to maintain the actuator and base member in operative relationship. A movable spring contact member is disposed between the base member and actuator.

Abstract: A momentary contact push switch comprising a thin terminal board having spaced stationary contacts on a narrow intermediate region thereof. A bridging contact is positioned on the underside of a unitary plastic housing member. The housing member includes integral yieldable side skirts that extend downwardly from opposite sides and below opposite side edges of the intermediate region of the terminal board. Inwardly extending barbs or latch elements on the bottoms of both side skirts snap under the edges of the terminal board and hold the housing on the terminal board. Spring means extending between the terminal board and the bridging contact hold the bridging contact and housing member above the stationary contacts. A downward force on the housing member overcomes the spring force and brings the bridging contact into contact with spaced stationary contacts.

Abstract: Apparatus for successively projecting a light beam through articles of produce on a moving conveyor. The apparatus is useful in an internal quality produce grader for grading agricultural products according to one or more internal characteristics.The apparatus is comprised of two cylinders positioned on opposite sides of a conveyor which carries uniformly spaced articles of produce in a single row past an inspection position. The cylinders have a plurality of equiangularly spaced apertures in their walls. The apertures are at the same vertical height as the produce on the conveyor. A bellows-like, tubular light shield of opaque, flexible, elastomeric material is disposed in each aperture and extends radially therefrom. The cylinders rotate in synchronism with the movement of the produce on the conveyor and when each article of produce is at the inspection position a pair of light shields, one from each cylinder, is aligned along an axis with the article. The light shields yieldingly engage the article.

Abstract: A modular time sequence controller having multiple timing cams and switches. Modules of switches and cams may be added and removed without disturbing other modules. Clip means for retaining a switch in a module facilitates easy insertion and removal without disturbing other elements of the assembly.

Abstract: A cylindrical button to be fitted on the end of the push rod of a push-push switch. Outer end of button has lens for viewing indicator having thereon two indicia representing respective switching positions of switch. Indicator is pivotally held on support means and is spring biased to indicate one switching position. Plunger extends from interior of cylindrical button through end of cylinder and is engagable with pivotally supported indicator. When switch push rod is activated to change switch to second switching position, plunger contacts switch housing and is moved further into the cylindrical button to pivot the indicator and expose second indicia through lens.