Abstract: A replaceable low-cost reserve battery is easily activated by twisting a knob. Charging is accomplished inside the vehicle through use of the cigar lighter circuit. A hook is provided to both lock the activating knob and support the reserve battery during the charging process, which will take approximately 10 minutes. Means to regulate and visually indicate the delivery of current is provided to prevent excessive current from blowing the fuse in the cigar lighter circuit.

Abstract: An optical fiber rotary coupler includes an elongated support member adapted to be secured within the driver shaft of an electrical slip ring assembly and positioned on the axis of rotation of the driver shaft. Optical fibers are supported in connector bodies having end portions supported by radial bearings disposed within the bore of a coupler housing member. Lateral and angular alignment are maintained by the radial bearings in the housing bore and axial spacing of the connector body ends is maintained by dimensional control of the length of the bearing support housing, the thickness of two cylindrical thrust washers and the length of the connector body end portions with respect to a control surface or shoulder on each connector body.

Abstract: An article handling system, particularly for baggage routing, has a tag affixed to each article of baggage, each tag bearing human and machine readable destination data disposed immediately adjacent to a uniquely configured target symbol of predetermined and known characteristics. Video cameras disposed adjacent to the baggage transport assembly are effective, in combination with control networks, to detect the target symbol and electronically read the destination data on the tags, so that the baggage can be routed along transport paths respectively corresponding to the intended destination of each article of baggage. The control network is also effective to transform the video image of the target to a desired orientation and configuration, as well as to select for processing the destination data viewed by the camera having the best image of the target.

Abstract: An improved continuous automated method of manufacturing insulated door panels is provided. The process includes a step of continuously connecting discrete first skin segments end to end by means of flexible joints to form a string of first skin segments and then conveying the string to a foamable liquid injecting station. In a preferred embodiment, a polyethylene film is applied to the string in order to contain foamable liquid in event of a gap caused by separation of a flexible joint.

Abstract: Document processor equipment for processing documents requiring operator intervention for the purpose of functions like key entry and encoding of data associated with certain ones of the documents includes an improved system for transporting and presenting documents to the operator for such intervention. A document view station has split parallel transport paths for routing documents requiring operator intervention to the front path near the operator with documents not requiring operator intervention being routed to and along a rear path, the respective routing being effected by a diverter automatically controlled in response to information read from the documents. A preview station and document hold station are respectively provided upstream and downstream from the document view station.

Abstract: Obstruction detector apparatus operatively coupled to an automatic electric door operator compares the time span of transmission and receipt of reflected echoes of ultrasonic energy within a door passageway obstruction zone with predetermined time spans in order to prevent door closure under conditions indicating passageway obstruction or system malfunction. Signal generators provide timing signals respectively representative of the anticipated time span of reflected echoes from locations in front of, and beyond, the door jamb opposite the ultrasonic transmitter and receiver transducers for comparison by a relay controller with the time of generation of a signal representing a reflected echo at the transducer receiver, the relay controller appropriately actuating a door operator relay in response to such comparison.

Abstract: Cottonseed processing system includes a huller/separator combination. The huller assembly has a pair of counter-rotating, toothed rollers for shearing the seed hulls, with the shearing surfaces provided by removable segmented plates. The separator assembly is provided by a vertically disposed, angularly stepped, air duct with upwardly directed air flow separating the seed hulls from the seed meat products. A paddle wheel feeder assembly functions as an air lock between the huller assembly housing and the air duct.

Abstract: An inverter circuit for a power train has a rectifier for rectifying a three phase AC input and a filter comprising an inductor and capacitor to produce a filtered DC signal for application to the inverter. A high to low voltage transducer receives the filtered DC signal to produce a low voltage output representation thereof. A leading phase shifter shifts the low voltage signal in phase. A sample and hold amplifier receives shifted signal, and a pulse generator generates timing pulses applied to the sample and volt amplifier, whereby the sample and hold amplifier produces an output signal amplitude corresponding to the amplitude of the shifted signal during periods indicated by the pulse generator output. A triangle wave generator provides a triangle wave output to a pulse width modulator, which also receives the output from the sample and hold amplifier to produce an output pulse indicative of the signal level of the filtered DC output.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination surge voltage protector and filter network for protection of single and polyphase loads, the network including a pair of surge voltage suppresors respectively disposed on opposite sides of, and across, an L-C filter. Additional voltage suppressors and capacitive filters connected between phases and/or between neutral and ground provide additional load protection.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aqueous gel lubricant, and a method for formulating the lubricant, the lubricant having, as its basic and essential components, a major proportion of water, an effective gelling amount of an anionic heteropolysaccharide, and an effective lubricating amount of an anionic emulsion of a polysiloxane polymer. Additions of effective lubricating amounts of suspended microspherical beads enhance the lubricity and a suitable anti-freeze agent enhances the lubricant's effectiveness for low temperature applications. The lubricant is particularly adapted to facilitate the installation of cables within outer ducts or conduits.

Abstract: A system for scanning and digitizing printed documents for subsequent storage, retrieval and manipulation. Documents are continuously transported across the focal plane of a stationary scanner, and are repetitively scanned in a single axis. In a preferred embodiment, two scanners are employed to permit scanning and digitization of both sides of a particular document in a single pass through the transport mechanism. Circuitry is included in the scanner which permits the presence or absence of a document to be detected and allows dynamic adjustment of threshold levels, thereby accomodating documents which utilize shaded backgrounds.

Abstract: Means are provided for inputting to an electronic computing device the latitude and longitude of a spot on the surface of the Earth, and also for inputting a date, and the computing device then calculates the proper Islamic prayer times at said spot on said date, via determining the position of the sun in the heavens, according to said date and said latitude and longitude information. Then an outputting means outputs from said electronic computation means said appropriate times for Islamic prayer on said date at said spot on the surface of the Earth. Optionally a clock/date circuit and an audible indicator are provided, so that the electronic computing device can automatically know the time and the date, and can sound a call for prayer for the operator at each of the Islamic prayer times on the current day.

Abstract: A single or multiple evaporator vapor-compression refrigerant system for single or multi-story structures includes a lubricating oil collection reservoir and a separate oil pumping unit for returning oil separated from the refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant flow circuit to the compressor unit. In multi-story, direct expansion, vapor-compression, air conditioning systems, a simplified generally vertical refrigerant vapor return riser is provided with an oil reservoir at the lowest elevation point of the riser and a liquid level sensing switch for energizing and deenergizing the separate lubricating oil pumping unit. The pumping unit may include an electric or refrigerant fluid driven motor connected to a pump or the pumping unit may include a pressure vessel into which high pressure refrigerant vapor is admitted to displace oil back to the compressor through an oil return conduit.

Abstract: A forced draft, solid fuel burning stove incorporates a plurality of air distribution conduits disposed intermediate an ash collection receptacle and a solid fuel support grate. The forced draft air is directed upwardly onto a deflector in a manner to permit the flow of air to be evenly distributed across the solid fuel and across the food support surface. The movement of the forced draft air against the deflector establishes a turbulent, randon movement which prevents high concentrations of forced air directly upon the solid fuel, which would otherwise loosen ash particles from the solid fuel and carry them upwardly onto the food support surface.

Abstract: A meter junction box for enabling the safe, accurate and efficient measuring of components of multi-phase electric power includes two separate spaced enclosure housings. The two housings are interconnected by a plurality of electrically conductive, non-magnetic conduits which are environmentally sealed at each end thereof in a manner to secure the interior of each housing from the adverse effects of the environment. A single, insulating jacketed electrical conductor passes through each of the respective conduits from one of the housings to the other. The individual conduits provide a means whereby a hook-on type ammeter may be functionally and individually connected with the conduits to measure the current in the conductor passing therethrough.

Abstract: An air conditioning control system has inputs for room temperature and air velocity voltage signals. Both signals are scaled and compared to determine which signal is larger, and the magnitude of the difference. The control circuit drives a variable speed damper motor in a direction determined by the greater of the two scaled input signals. The motor is driven at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the difference between the two signals. Means for setting the maximum and minimum open damper positions are provided within the control circuit.

Abstract: A multiple-dwelling structure comprising upper and lower individual dwelling units in stacked relationship, both upper and lower units being positioned directly above the garage areas for both units. The garage areas for each unit are positioned essentially adjacent one another, but on a graded surface such that the level of the garage area associated with the lower dwelling unit is approximately one-half story below the level of the garage area associated with the upper dwelling unit. Both dwelling units are on a split-level plan. Each dwelling unit is connected to its respective garage area by an individual passageway or stairway that is unique to the respective dwelling unit and independent of the stairway interconnecting the garage area and the living area of the other dwelling unit.

Abstract: A small animal harness for picking up and carrying about a small animal comprises a main body portion that is adapted to essentially wrap around, or under, the trunk of a small animal. The harness includes straps that fasten together essentially across the back of the small animal, and a front strap that passes across the lower neck/upper chest area of the animal to retain the harness in functional position. A handle is affixed to the strap(s) in the area of the animal's back to enable the animal to be manually picked up and carried about. The handle is rigid so that the lifting forces from the handle to the main body portion are distributed evenly across the entire width of the main body portion in order to provide even support along the lower side of the trunk of the animal. The small animal harness is quickly and easily fitted onto and removed from the animal by the use of buckles, snaps or hook end loop type fasteners on the back straps.

Abstract: A device for splicing ends of a belt together in juxtaposed relation includes a central generally planar spacer element and two outer generally planar belt clamping elements. The ends of the belt are positioned between the spacer and respective clamping elements so that the clamping effect occurs across the mating surfaces thereof. A through bolt and nut are used to tighten the spacer, belt and clamping element arrangement together. The generally planar surfaces of the spacer element transform into oppositely, outwardly curving belt engaging surfaces at opposite edges thereof, resulting in a form of "I" or "bone" cross-section. The opposing surfaces of the two belt clamping elements have complementing inwardly curving belt engaging surfaces that cooperate to pre-tension the belt as the clamping elements are tightened together.