Abstract: A top illumination photoelectric measuring installation to determine the relative positions of two objects is disclosed which includes an optical reflection grid scale and a transmission grid sensor plate laterally with respect to each other and photoelectric elements to receive light reflected from the scale. In this installation, the photoelectric elements are arranged to accomplish a vignetting of the photo-sensitive surface of the photoelectric elements whenever the operating distance between the scale and the sensor plate is such that further movement of the scale and the sensor plate toward one another would produce a photo current greater than that which can be tolerated by the amplifier connected to the photo elements and provided that the admissable range of tolerance is not exceeded. Such an arrangement permits a greater range of operating distances between the sensor plate and the scale than could be achieved under a normal operating arrangement.

Abstract: An optical apparatus, particularly suited for use in a ballistic measurement device, including a laser generating a laser beam, an optical means for expanding the laser beam in a plane, and an optical element, positioned between the laser and the optical means, for dividing the laser beam into a plurality of beams of substantially identical intensity so that a substantially uniform brightness results over the entire angle of divergence of the laser beam.

Abstract: A longitudinal measuring instrument, preferably with digital path coverage, which is constructed according to the Abbe principle. The measuring instrument includes a stationary scale, a displaceably mounted scanning unit for scanning the scale, and a measuring spindle sleeve mounted on the scanning unit, said measuring spindle comprising at least two bars which surround the scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing mold spoilage of partially baked pizza crusts intended to be stored in unsealed packages at normal room or ambient temperatures. This method and apparatus comprises properly reducing the moisture content and water activity of the crusts, cooling the crusts to below ambient temperatures in a cooler having a spiral path, treating the surface of the crusts with ethyl alcohol, and packaging the crusts before significant amounts of alcohol can vaporize. The shelf life of partially baked pizza crusts so treated and stored in unsealed plastic packages at room temperatures can be extended to at least about 20 weeks or more as compared to about one week without such treatment.

Abstract: A liquid heating and dispensing device is disclosed which includes a housing, a liquid storage tank located within the housing, a heating coil located within the storage tank, an electrical pump located within the housing for dispensing the hot liquid contained in the storage tank, and a thermal sensor to automatically determine when the liquid in the storage tank has reached a preset, minimum acceptable dispensing temperature. Also disclosed is a thermal sensor switch and related circuit to connect the thermal sensor to the pump to keep the liquid in the tank from being dispensed unless it is at or above the minimum dispensing temperature.

Abstract: A base for a container is disclosed which prevents the collection of liquids in the base when the container is stored or washed in an upside down position. The preferred embodiment disclosed consists of a central section having a series of radially extending crests and troughs connected by surfaces inclined toward the troughs and a raised rim surrounding the central section which has a series of depreseions corresponding to the outer ends of the troughs.

Abstract: A rectilinear knitting machine for preselection of the needles with stitch transfer including needlebeds arranged in pairs and provided with grooves. Needles, flexible clavettes and clavette pressers are disposed in the grooves with the clavette pressers engaging the flexible clavettes. A lock means is provided and has lock cams for acting on a butt portion of the flexible clavettes and for acting on a butt portion of the needles. A plurality of vertical cams is provided which have at least one vertical cam for engaging the clavette presser and driving the butt portion of the flexible clavette into the groove of the needlebed. Thus, the clavette presser acts to move the flexible clavettes not selected for knitting out of position in a preselected manner depending on selected actuation of the clavette presser.