Abstract: A rotary thumbwheel switch assembly has a switch module including a translucent light ring for indicating positions of the rotary thumbwheel. The ring is illuminated from within by a light emitting diode which can be snap-mounted in place in the center of the translucent ring. The switch module comprises a thumbwheel to which contact brush sets can be easily secured by a spring biased tab. The switch module can be combined with a separable bezel. The switch module can be mounted from either side of a front panel, and can be connected to circuit assemblies housed by the panel prior to the insertion of the bezel. The bezel secures the switch modules to each other and to the panel. A kit comprising the separable elements of the illuminating diode, the bezel and the switch modules is described. A method for installing the separable elements includes the steps of inserting the modules from the front of the housing panel for testing each module's connection with circuit assemblies prior to installing the bezel.

Abstract: A radiation reflective surface for use with non-reflective type marine vessels has dimple-type retroflective surfaces having right angle corners. The reflecting surface of the target comprises a generally smooth, substantially spherical structure having no sharp cutting edges, while providing retro-reflecting surfaces to impinging radiation at the frequencies expected in the "radar" range.

Abstract: A construction element, such as a slat holding clamp is described having tabs and lungs for engaging the slat. The clamp engages the slat on four sides, and includes a tab through which a cable can be run. Certain tabs may optionally include lugs engaging the slat interiorly. The clamp connects the construction element to means for arranging a series of the construction elements in a row to provide a variable shade curtain for an outdoor work area, or to provide slidable curtains.

Abstract: An anatomical artificial tooth, used for complete or partial dentures, is provided with a metal insert located on a lingual cusp of the tooth, the insert having a blade configuration on its occlusal surface for the efficient cutting, shearing and shredding of food.

Abstract: A simulation of the audio characteristics of a commercial broadcast channel is provided to permit the person mixing a master recording to hear the recording as it will be heard by the public.

Abstract: A system automatically and continuously monitors the performance of separate servomechanisms operating in each of the axes of numerically controlled machine tools to detect when actual machining errors exceed a predetermined maximum due to any malfunction by comparing actual feedback slide velocity, .DELTA.S.sub.2 /T, (as determined by change, .DELTA.S.sub.2, in a feedback position signal, S.sub.2, over a period of time, T) with the commanded system drive velocity, V, (as determined by the difference between commanded position and position feedback signals, S.sub.1 and S.sub.2, respectively, times a gain factor, K). The difference between .DELTA.S.sub.2 /T and K (S.sub.1 -S.sub.2) is machining error which can be used to detect actual error in any axis for alarm or corrective action.

Abstract: An electric fluid heater includes a metallic container defining a heating chamber provided with a pair electrodes for passing electric current through the fluid for heating the fluid. The container has a fluid input port, a fluid output port and a safety port all communicating with the heating chamber. The ports have a reduced aperture portion of a substantial length to increase the resistance of the current leakage path from the electrodes to external ground connections. All surfaces of the metallic container including the fluid contacting surfaces of the heating chamber and ports are covered by an electrically insulative coating. An external pressure relief valve is connected to the safety port.

Abstract: A modular structural system utilizes a limited inventory of framework elements which in combination with a limited number of interstitial exterior and interior panels can be utilized to erect a variety of integral structures in which the framework elements bear substantially all loads. The same framework elements can be combined to form planar trusses and spans, domical space enclosing structures with integral foundations, and complex multi-level high rise structures. Polyhedral frameworks are assembled into arrays of interlinked triangulated segments for optimum stability.

Abstract: A high precision pressure transducer utilizing a fluid-tight evacuated pressure capsule having a diaphragm forming the wall portion of the pressure capsule. Deflection of the diaphragm controls variations in an extremely small gap spacing between two associated pairs of capacitor plates positioned within the evacuated capsule. The variations in capacity of the two variable capacitors is used to electrically vary the frequency of an associated electrical oscillator. The sensitivity to deflections is very high, permitting relatively thick, very low deflection, very low stress diaphragms to be utilized, which in the substantially completely symmetrical mechanical and electrical arrangement of the pressure capsule produces extremely high stability and accuracy of operation.

Abstract: Erasable thermoplastic image recording systems having extended useful lifetimes are provided by subjecting the thermoplastic recording medium to a sequence of erasure, exposure to incident radiation cooling and projection in an inert atmosphere while applying corona charge throughout the erasure and exposure cycles. By exposing at a time when the medium is cooling from the erasure step, a heat development step is eliminated which eliminates nearly 50% of the thermal degradation of the thermoplastic polymer. Exclusion of oxygen from the system eliminates the considerable chemical degradation the film suffers from reaction with ozone. Erasure in the presence of a uniform corona charge provides more complete erasure than standard procedures. Lower temperature and shorter heating pulses are permitted with a lower surface tension thermoplastic polymer provided by external plastization of the thermoplastic. The lower surface tension also results in less noisy images and greater lifetimes.

Abstract: An improved printer embodiment that includes a print head having thin "foil" electrodes and associated spacers fashioned to maintain very precisely controlled dimensions and positioning according to specific, improved fabrication techniques providing an exactly oriented row of spaced, aligned electrodes. Each electrode includes an integral "print-finger" adapted to resiliently skid over the passing print-substrate and, preferably, also including a companion contact adapted to engage an associated conductor terminal.

Abstract: Data is stored in frames of fixed format at successive intervals along a ribbon or photographic film. Synchronizing marks on the storage medium indicate the location of each data frame and detection of each successive synchronizing mark triggers a light source which illuminates the film with successively different wavelengths of radiant energy. Successive data frames of the successive wavelengths or colors are imaged on successive detector arrays, each detector array having its elements arranged in a pattern similar to the format of the data. When all the detector arrays have been used, the cycle of colors and of detector arrays is repeated. The detector arrays consist of photodiodes operated in the charge storage mode. After exposure, the elements of the arrays are sampled in a predetermined sequence based on the format of the data, to produce the desired high speed output data signal.

Abstract: A hair cutting and trimming device for use by an individual includes a body portion constitution a carrier for a comb, the length of which is adjustable in relation to the body portion to control the length of cut of the hair, and a blade mounted on the body portion and in close proximity to the tines of the comb. The tines include notches or grooves to lift and guide the hair, enabling the blade effectively to shear off the hair at a predetermined length determined by the adjustment of the comb in relation to the body portion of the device.

Abstract: A video disc master of glass, having a metal surface with microscopic apertures therein representing information, is coated with a commercial photosensitive resist, the sensitivity of which has been enhanced. The resist is uniformly exposed through the glass disc. The unexposed resist is removed using conventional developers to which a surfectant is added. The resulting disc has surface irregularities of predetermined height which can be alternatively used to product "stampers" for embossing replicas or to produce a mold for casting replicas.

Abstract: A two-axis image motion detector detects two separate velocity channels through a single optical channel with a single photo detector. A single disc rotates at a substantialaly constant rotational speed and contains a pair of orthogonal grid patterns of different spatial frequencies. Preferably, each grid pattern is at 45.degree. with respect to a radial. An image focused on the grid pattern modulates the carrier frequencies determined by the different grid patterns, thereby generating a composite output in the single photo detector representing the sum of the two image motion channels. Standard filtering and demodulating techniques generate a DC voltage proportional to the image rate for each of the orthogonal axes.

Abstract: Fixed pattern noise compensation is provided for an array of detectors by premeasuring output signals of the detectors under a low (preferably at virtually absolute zero) level of uniform incident energy, converting the measured signal level of each detector to digital signals, and storing the digital signals in a memory for reading out in synchronism with scanning outputs of the detectors during normal system operation. The digital compensation signals are converted to analog form and subtracted from the output signals of the respective detectors during each successive scan cycle of the system operation. To eliminate error from random noise, several noise measurements may be averaged to produce the fixed pattern noise compensation signals.

Abstract: A kite having a prism-shaped three dimensional frame, spanned by aerodynamic surfaces on its two downward disposed faces. The top or upward disposed face is spanned by a novel aerodynamic surface called an air dam which operates to stabilize the flight of the kite while greatly increasing the lift. A tail consisting of struts spanned by an aerodynamic surface is also provided. The frame is built from a number of identical struts and identical connectors. Each aerodynamic surface consists of two unitary congruent sheets positioned facewise against each other and joined together along their edges. The struts are inserted between the sheets along the edges where the sheets are joined together. This simple basic structure facilitates assembly and reduces cost while providing a high strength-to-weight ratio and stable flying qualities. Combination kites may be assembled by joining several basic kites in various ways.

Abstract: A player for video disc includes a vacuum reading head to "read" recorded information from a thin, flexible video disc. A rotating turntable provides a fluid cushion bearing to support the disc and the vacuum associated with the transducing head assembly "draws" the disc toward the head and maintains an optimum head-to-disc spacing.

Abstract: Improved circuitry for increasing the sensitivity of an electron-capture ionization detector includes a closed-loop feedback circuit which varies the frequency of pulses which are applied to the detector. The circuit responds to greater concentrations of predetermined compounds such as gases by increasing the pulse repetition frequency and responds to lower concentrations by decreasing the pulse repetition frequency, always tending to keep the current flowing in the detector circuit near a constant preset value. The pulse frequency will then vary directly with the concentration of sampled compound in the detector, and simple frequency-to-voltage conversion devices can be used to signal such concentrations. .Iadd.