Abstract: A carrier for releasable attachment to a band includes a hollow housing with side and bottom portions. The side and bottom portions have at least one pair of protuberances integrally formed adjacent the bottom portion on opposite side portions of the hollow housing. Each of the protuberances form, with the corresponding side portions, a channel adapted to receive therein a flexible, elastomeric cable adapted to engage both of the channels formed by the pair of protuberances and to extend across the bottom portion of the housing. The cable is sufficiently flexible to encircle the band to hold both the bottom portion of the housing and the band in a releasable adjacent relation.

Abstract: An improved solenoid poppet valve includes an endless magnetic gap loop which overlies the valve chamber. The axis of the poppet valve intersects the magnetic gap and can be self centered by the energizing of the solenoid. The valve chamber can be sealed from the solenoid coil and magnetic poles using a relatively thin isolating material which can be fully supported by the magnetic pole structure. A novel dual rate spring combination supports and centers the poppets in the valve chamber. The spring provides one force to maintained the valve in the closed position and a second, greater force to "kick" the poppet away from the magnetic poles when the solenoid is deenergized. In alternative embodiments, the valve of the present invention can control the flow of one or several fluids. Yet other embodiments can provide several valves to control the flow of a single fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a color display from a substantially monochromatic source utilizes a liquid crystal cell combination together with a plechroic filter to differentially polarize the light components comprising the light emitted from the source. The liquid crystal cells are connected in push-pull fashion to individually retard light by one fourth of a wave as a function of the control signal applied to them. A fourth wave plate followed by a linear polarizer completes the optical combination. A signal at a first level applied to the cells causes transmission of one component color and blocks the other. A signal at a second level blocks the one component color and transmits the other. An intermediate level signal transmits both colors, resulting in a third, combination color.

Abstract: A display apparatus for use with headgear, includes in combination visor means adapted to attach to the headgear and having a visor viewing area segment positioned in the line-of-sight of a wearer of the headgear. Optical display generating means are adapted to be attached to the headgear. Parabolic mirror means are interposed in the optical path from the optical display generating means to the visor viewing area segment. Fold mirror means, including at least one fold mirror positioned to receive the image from the parabolic mirror means for directing the image to the visor viewing area segment, is provided, whereby the size and curvature of the visor can be minimized without affecting transmission of the image.

Abstract: A visor for mounting on a helmet adapted to be worn by an individual, includes a substantially transparent visor having an inner concave surface, and, with reference to an orthogonal, right-handed xyz Cartesian coordinate system of spatial reference having its origin located on the inner concave surface and its z-axis parallel to the line of sight of the individual wearing the helmet, the inner concave surface being defined by a cross-section of the visor in the x-axis of reference, which is symmetrical about both the origin and the y-z plane of reference, having one-half of the cross-section of the visor in the x-axis of reference being a first circular segment containing the origin at one end and connected to its opposite end to one end of a first paraboloid segment which is connected at its opposite end to one end of an elliptic segment whose opposite end forms a side boundary of the visor, and by a cross-section of the visor in the y-axis of reference having a second circular segment, one end of which for

Abstract: An apparatus for use as an alignment and centering tool for providing a fixed spatial alignment between a rotor and a stator, including a base member and at least one finger member fixedly secured to the base member and extending generally therefrom. The finger member is adapted to be positioned between the rotor and the stator that are to be aligned and centered. A first releasable coupling is provided for operatively connecting the rotor and the finger member to hold the tool and the rotor in a selectively releasable, fixed spatial relationship. A second releasable coupling is also provided for operatively connecting the stator and the finger member to hold the tool and the stator in a selectively releasable, fixed spatial relationship. An alternative user-adjustable embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: A tap-switching circuit for automatically controlling the output voltage of a multi-tap transformer in response to a varying input line voltage and/or system load current demand, includes voltage sensing circuitry in parallel with both the transformer voltage outputs and a voltage comparator for sensing changes in the system load demand requirements. A voltage reference is provided for automatically generating a pre-selected voltage reference level signal for the line and/or system load requirements. Voltage comparison circuitry is operatively connected with the voltage sensing circuitry for generating an enable signal whenever the input line voltage and/or system load current demand requirements sensed by the voltage sensing circuitry falls below the pre-selected voltage reference level signal.

Abstract: A symmetry sensing safety circuit for automatically stopping electrical current flow through a thyristor to an electrical device which is supplied by a source of alternating current electrical energy.

Abstract: An auxiliary fuse block for use with an automotive electrical system having a battery and an integral fuse block including, in combination, a housing of electrically non-conductive material having disposed therein an electrically conducting bus bar and a plurality of recesses. Each of the recesses is adapted to releasably retain therein a fuse. Each of the fuses have a first end electrically connected to the bus bar and a second opposite end electrically connected to an electrically isolated binding post. The bus bar is directly electrically connected to the battery in parallel with the integral fuse block. The housing has at least one hole in it adapted to receive a fastener, as a bolt or a screw, for releasably attaching the housing to the car body. A transparent cover is provided to protect the fuses and permit their inspection while in the housing.

Abstract: An audio-visual entertainment device includes an enclosed module which contains a video screen, audio speakers and seating for one or two viewers. Sensors respond to the presence of a viewer to change from an "attract mode" audio visual display to one that invites selection of an entertainment program from an inventory of programs. Upon payment of a "fee", the apparatus selects and displays the desired program. The program inventory is maintained on video disks which can be periodically replaced.

Abstract: Gate valve means connected in a waste pipe system have a hollow housing with an inlet and an outlet connected to the waste pipe system. A blade is disposed in the housing at a substantially right angle to the waste pipe system and is selectively movable between a closed position blocking the inlet from the outlet, and an open position allowing waste flow between the inlet and outlet. The blade moves between the open and closed positions and a pair of seals are disposed in the housing in an abutting relationship aligned to receive the blade therebetween when in the closed position and to seal waste flow between the inlet and outlet from the interior of the housing when the blade is in the open position. Each of the pair of seals has a unique design enabling it to mechanically rotate with the blade, thereby limiting wearing forces thereon.

Abstract: When a portable communication equipment such as a cellular telephone is carried inside an automotive vehicle, there is a need for its antenna to be supported exterior to the vehicle frame but at the same time be easily detachable from the vehicle.The invention provides a mounting clamp assembly for removably supporting an antenna on the exterior side of a vehicle window, and includes circuit means extending over the top of the window for sending signals between the antenna and the equipment. The mounting clamp assembly is easily attached to or removed from the window and its operation does not interfere with either the operation of the electrical circuit or the opening or closing of the window.

Abstract: A non obstructing, flap type valve for a circular conduit is defined as a right angle section from a cylinder wall of the same diameter. A mating, right angle section taken from the end of the circular conduit defines the valve seat. The valve is end mounted and pivots from a closed sealing configuration to an open, free flow position. A flattened rod cooperates with a cam surface to lock the valve in the closed position, or a bias spring may maintain the valve closed.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated drain valve is interposed in the cleaning fluid path before the spray/rinse outlet. The fluid under pressure activates a piston which operates the drain valve. A precharge reservoir is also interposed in the supply line before the spray rinse outlet to store a measured precharge which drains into the tank after the drain valve has closed. A manual override is provided to open the drain valve in the event of a failure of the hydraulic system.