Abstract: A film cleaning apparatus cleans photographic film while the film is clamped at the print gate aperture of a photographic printer. When the film is clamped at the print gate, and before a print exposure is initiated, high velocity ionized air is directed onto both the top and bottom surfaces of the film to remove dust and other foreign materials from the film surfaces. When the exposure is commenced, the flow of ionized air is reduced to a low velocity which is sufficient to prevent dust from settling on the film surfaces during exposure.

Abstract: A data printing apparatus for printing alphanumeric information on photographic slide mounts includes a slide track along which the photographic slide mounts are advanced. When the slide mount is positioned at a printing station along the slide track, a movable print head prints alphanumeric characters on the slide mount. The print head is carried on a carriage, which in turn is movable on a carriage track. The carriage track is aligned in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the slide track and runs in a generally transverse direction to the slide track, so that the print head moves transversely to the longitudinal direction of the slide track as a carriage drive moves the carriage on the carriage track.

Abstract: A trench hoe-type excavator carries a digging bucket at the end of a digging device. The bucket and digging device are capable of being driven so as to maintain a set cutting angle. An indicating apparatus arranged in the field of view of the excavator operator allows the operator to check the position of the digging device to determine the direction in which the bucket must be guided in order to obtain the desired inclination and direction of the ditch floor. The indicator apparatus includes a laser transmitter and a transparent target. The transparent target is carried by the digging device and has a first surface facing the bucket operator and a second surface which is arranged to receive the laser beam from the laser transmitter. The laser transmitter is arranged on the opposite side of the target from the excavator operator, so that the position of the end point of the laser beam on the target can be observed, parallax-free, by the excavator operator during the entire digging operation.

Abstract: A self supporting roller table in combination with a power saw includes a frame with polygonal sides and a plurality of support legs supporting the frame independently of the power saw at a height compatible for cooperation with the power saw. A plurality of parallel rollers are each rotatably attached within and to the frame. Each roller is made from a conventional plastic pipe section with a pair of plastic end plugs having integrally molded stub shafts for rotatably mounting the rollers.

Abstract: A plasma reactor, in which particulate matter is caused to interact with low temperature plasma (i.e. below 100,000 K) comprises spaced stationary electrode structures 2, 11 of which at least one is annular, between which an arc or arcs 7 is established by a power supply which may include a thyristor (SCR) 9. The arc is pulsated and caused to orbit or circulate round the or each annular electrode structure to form a conical plasma zone between the electrodes, while particulate solids are introduced through inlets 5 to enter the plasma zone and interact with the plasma therein. Extended dwell periods and highly effective interaction are brought about by circulation and pulsation of the arc and a high particle population density.

Abstract: A data printer prints alphanumeric information on photographic slide mounts. The data printer includes a platform and a pair of parallel guide rails which define a slide track along which slide mounts are advanced. The platform has a printing aperture through which a print head prints alphanumeric characters onto a bottom surface of the slide mount positioned at the printing station. A pair of generally parallel conveyor belts are positioned above the platform and extend along the slide track so that a slide mount at the print station is held between the lower runs of the belt and the platform. A DC electric motor is connected to the conveyor belts through a pulley, and performs two functions: slide mount motion sensing during each cycle and slide mount ejecting at the end of each customer order. The motion sensing function is provided due to the movement of the belts as the slide mount is pushed into the printing station by a subsequent slide mount.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly properly positions selected film frames at a film gate aperture of a photographic printer. The ratchet assembly includes a ratchet wheel rotatably attached to a base having a plurality of ratchet teeth. Each tooth has a rotation-prevention edge and a ramped edge with the ramped edge being inclined toward the rotation-prevention edge of an adjacent tooth. A positioning pawl is pivotally attached to the base proximate a first end and has a head portion proximate a second end. The head portion has a first edge adapted to slidably engage the ramped edge of the ratchet wheel. The head portion of the positioning pawl is biased against the ratchet wheel such that if the ratchet wheel is indexed too far and does not properly position the selected film frame at the print gate aperture, the head portion forces the ratchet wheel to move back by slidably engaging the ramped surface of the ratchet wheel until an alignment pawl engages a notch located on the periphery of the disc film unit.

Abstract: A small, accurate, reliable and economical pump which is particularly useful in intravenous (IV) feeding includes a disposable pump chamber and a pump housing. The disposable pump chamber has an inlet, an outlet, and first and second flexible rolling diaphragm pumping chambers. First and second cylinders in the pump housing are positioned to receive the first and second flexible rolling diaphragms of the disposable pump chamber. First and second pistons are movable in the first and second cylinders, respectively. In addition, first and second valves are provided in the pump housing. The first valve controls fluid flow between the inlet and the first flexible rolling diaphragm pump chamber, while the second valve controls fluid flow between the first flexible rolling diaphragm pumping chamber and the second flexible rolling diaphragm pumping chamber. A motor and cam shaft drive the first and second pistons and the first and second valves.

Abstract: A photographic slide mounter cuts photographic film transparencies from a photographic film web and inserts the transparencies into slide frames. The slide mounter includes a slide advance device which advances a slide frame to a position where the slide frame is flexed to provide an insertion opening. The film web is advanced into the insertion opening until a leading end of the film is partially inserted into the slide frame. A knife severs a transparency at a position outside of the slide frame. The slide frame with the partially inserted transparency is then advanced along a track away from the film severing and insertion station. The film transparency is engaged and fully inserted into the slide frame as the slide frame and the transparency are fed along the track. A film curl accommodator bends the slide frame by an amount sufficient to match the curl or bow of the transparency as the transparency is being fully inserted into the slide frame.

Abstract: A movable partition panel is made with a perimeter frame and supporting members for easily, quickly and in a low cost manner fastening and reinforcing braces in place and permitting the rapid installation of fabric to the outside of the panel.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring a parameter to be sensed by means of at least one variable impedance sensor responsive to such parameter. The circuit includes a frequency determining means coupled to the variable sensor for providing an oscillatory frequency signal responsive to the impedance of the sensor, a signal amplifier coupled to the frequency determining means for amplifying the frequency signal to provide an output signal representative of the frequency signal and to sustain circuit oscillation, a signal detector coupled to the output signal to provide a control signal representative of such output signal, and a control coupled to receive the control signal and coupled to the frequency determining means thus allowing the oscillatory frequency signal of the circuit to oscillate at a frequency representative of the measured parameter.

Abstract: A finishing tool is used to smooth tape joints of interior walls and ceilings constructed of plaster-board or drywall. The tool includes a handle, a resilient polyester foam pad, and a wettable abrasive surface of short, stiff coarse nylon fibers bonded to the resilient foam pad so that they are oriented perpendicular to the surface of the foam pad. In use, the abrasive surface is wetted, and then is moved over the surface of the tape joint to moisten the joint cement. The tool is then moved in a scrubbing-type movement to work the joint cement to a creamy consistency. The surface of the joint cement is then smoothed by stroking the tool along the length of the joint.

Abstract: Liquid coolant of a liquid cooling system of an engine in a motor vehicle is heated by using hot exhaust gas emitted by the engine. A heat exchanger transfers heat from the hot exhaust gas to the coolant. A portion of the coolant is transferred from the engine cooling system to the heat exchanger and then back to the engine. A diverter valve actuated by a temperature sensing device diverts the exhaust gas from an exhaust system to the heat exchanger. The temperature sensing device actuates the diverter valve at a predetermined coolant temperature diverting the exhaust gas to the heat exchanger when the coolant is cold and shuts off the flow of the exhaust gas to the heat exchanger when the coolant is sufficiently warm.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor has a diaphragm means a portion of which is conductive which forms a first capacitor electrode. The sensor also has a reference disc means a portion of which is conductive which forms a second capacitive electrode. The diaphragm means and the reference disc means are supported in a spaced, over-lying relationship to each other by a peripheral spacer means. Responsive to pressure, the diaphragm means deflects relative to the reference disc means thus changing the capacitive spacing of the diaphragm means and the reference disc means. The diaphragm means, reference disc means and spacer means are formed from substantially the same material. The spacer means is disposed between the diaphragm means and the reference disc means adjacent their outer edges and the diaphragm means, reference disc means and spacer means are then fused together.

Abstract: A key-actuated locking device is used with a key having a plurality of spaced-apart teeth which define a pattern. The locking device includes a key passageway into which the key is inserted with predetermined orientation. A plurality of elastomeric conductors are positioned proximate the passageway and are selectively compressed by the teeth of the key when the key is inserted into the key passageway. A plurality of pairs of separated conductors are also supported by a base (such as a printed circuit board). Each conductor pair is positioned to be engaged and conductively connected by one of the elastomeric conductors when that elastomeric conductor is connected by a tooth of the key. A circuit is connected to the separated conductor pairs which permits operation of a lock mechanism when all of the proper elastomeric conductors (corresponding to the required pattern of teeth on the key) are compressed and all other elastomeric conductors are not compressed.

Abstract: Two anti-backdraft shutters are each supported in an exhaust fan assembly casing on a set of upper and lower parallel support arms. Outer ends of each set of these arms are pivotably mounted in the casing in closely adjacent relation to the other set on substantially vertical axes in closely adjacent relation to an exhaust fan motor and between the motor and an intake port defining the intake end of the casing. The shutters can move between an open position in almost parallel relation to each other with the fan-motor in between under the action of air being exhausted, and a closed position where the shutters close off the entire intake port. A coil spring urges the shutters to move toward closed condition.