Abstract: By providing a plurality of input/output housings which are removably connected to a controller interconnecting duct, with each input/output housing accommodating a plurality of input/output modules that are quickly and easily removably connected thereto, an input/output assembly for a programmable controller is achieved capable of rapid field assembly and field dis-assembly for removal or replacement of any necessary parts. In the preferred embodiment, all connectors in the programmable controller assembly are solderless connections, thereby allowing complete removal and replacement of connectors in the field without soldering. Furthermore, the input/output modules are lightweight and easily handled for quick insertion or removal from the plugged-in housing connections.

Abstract: A programmable sequence controller is disclosed utilizing digital and analog inputs in order to generate digital output driver signals for the control of external systems or devices. The controller emulates mechanical sequence drums so that at any one time each of the simulated drums within the controller executes one of the addressable drum lines programmed within the drum. Each line of each simulated drum can be programmed to specify the energization or deenergization of any output driver as well as the energization or de-energization of any memory bit utilized by the controller in order to provide communication between drums. Each drum may also be programmed to have one or two sets of exit conditions, which if met, cause the controller to effectively rotate the drum to a specified drum line and execute this new drum line during the next scan of the controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable reader for reading, by way of a magnified image, microform material such as microfiche or microfilm. The reader has a support for the microform material and a light source to pass light through the material. A projection lens is provided to project an image of the material on to a screen and there is also a biocular magnifier lens through which an observer can view a magnified version of the image. A partial reflector is disposed in the light paths between the projection lens and the screen and between the screen and the biocular magnifier lens so that light travels from the projection lens to the screen via the partial reflector and from the screen to the biocular magnifier lens via the partial reflector. In a convenient arrangement light travelling from the projection lens is reflected by the partial reflector towards the screen, and light travelling from the screen is transmitted through the partial reflector to the biocular magnifier lens.

Abstract: The "eye-piece" for a non-Gallilean afocal infra-red telescope comprises a front element which is meniscus with a convex back surface of greater radius of curvature than its concave front surface but which has a thickness such that it is of positive power, and a back element of positive power with a convex front surface and a convex or concave back surface. Such an "eye-piece" can be used in combination with a variety of objective lens systems.

Abstract: By providing a molded or extruded plastic base cylinder or plate with a surface coating of an etchable metal, a low cost printing media is achieved for use in intaglio or gravure printing. The plastic base cylinder may be machined to a low tolerance diameter before being substantially uniformly plated with an etchable metal such as copper or nickel about its entire outer peripheral surface, thereby assuring uniform balance and concentricity. The plated surface is then engraved or etched with the information to be printed, resulting in a low cost printing cylinder for use in intaglio or rotogravure printing. In one embodiment, the cylinder incorporates a substantially uniform diameter shafting bore along its central axis in order to provide for mounting the cylinder on a shaft or other fixture, while another embodiment provides for accurately disposed and engaging lugs which rotationally drive the cylinder.

Abstract: A printed promotional coupon comprises a multiple-product base coupon and a plurality of product stamps. The product stamps bear indicia defining a coupon redemption value for a particular product purchase. The coupon acquires value and becomes effective only by the affixing of one or more stamps onto the base coupon, each at a location which bears indicia corresponding to the associated stamp. The coupon holder can determine the overall redemption value of the coupon by selecting the number of stamps affixed, corresponding to the number of different products purchased at any retail store carrying the products. In one embodiment, the base coupon and product stamp form a single sheet, with the product stamps being detachable from the base coupon. In another embodiment, the product stamps are on a card or sheet separate from but distributed with the base coupon.

Abstract: By categorizing alternative hair textures and curl configurations in a display having various hair length and corresponding rod diameters displayed therewith, a compact, easily employable rod sector guide is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, the rod selector guide comprises a hand holdable instrument and is in the form of an elongated, substantially flat member with the information displayed on both sides thereof in an easily readable, readily identifiable chart format. Furthermore, the rods are preferably color coded by diameter, and the rod selector guide employs the specific color of each rod which is preferred for each combination of factors.

Abstract: By pivotally mounting a pump valve actuating lever to a bottle supporting handle assembly which is removably securable about the threaded portion of the bottle, a spray pump actuating and bottle holding device is achieved in which a plurality of product spray bursts are easily attainable in rapid succession without difficulty or user fatigue. Preferably, the pivot's axis of the actuating lever is located above and in front of the outlet orifice of the pump valve, in a manner which provides a force multiplying effect and allows the operator to use a gentle, light actuating touch to overcome the much higher actuating force requirement of the pump valve. In the preferred embodiment, the actuating lever also incorporates pump valve actuating fins which engage the pump valve and maintain the valve's nozzle orientation.

Abstract: The invention provides a telephoto lens with a positive front group of lens elements, a negative middle group of lens elements and a rear positive part comprising a lens element or group of lens elements. The front group of elements includes at least one positive doublet consisting of a positive element of a crown glass type in front of a negative element of a flint glass type having a positive red relative partial dispersion coefficient deviation. The middle group of elements includes a positive lens element of a crown glass type and a negative lens element of a flint glass type having a positive red relative partial dispersion coefficient deviation. The rear element or group of elements may consist of a doublet component comprising a negative bi-concave element and a positive bi-convex element, the rear part of the telephoto lens being well separated from the negative middle part.

Abstract: A biocular magnifying lens suitable for use as an eyepiece in a night vision device comprises from front to back a positive element which is bi-convex or meniscus convex towards the front, a negative meniscus element concave towards the front, a positive singlet or doublet element which is convex towards the front, a positive element which is bi-convex or meniscus convex towards the front, and a positive meniscus element convex towards the front.

Abstract: A non-destructing eggshell egg contents remover incorporates an egg receiving assembly incorporating an egg cup receptacle having a soft resilient hollow concave recess for placement of an egg therein. Protruding through the bottom portion of the egg receiving assembly is a pair of tubes, an egg contents discharge tube for receiving the extracted contents of the egg and an air inlet tube for forcing compressed air into the egg causing its contents to be removed through the discharge tube. The egg receiving assembly may be placed on a base adapted for holding in the user's hand and incorporating a rubber bulb or bellows positioned thereon for activation by the user's hand while holding the base. Other embodiments of the present invention provide for placing the egg receiving assembly in an open shelf-type housing with the air inlet tube either adjacent the egg contents discharge tube or positioned above the egg and insertable therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for biocular viewing comprises a collimating magnifier lens and a prismatic assembly providing inclined partially transmitting/partially reflecting interfaces between solid parts and reflecting faces parallel to the interfaces which give multiple light paths by which an observer can view with each eye a magnified image produced by the lens.

Abstract: An objective lens particularly for use in a low light level or night vision system designed to introduce a controlled amount of barrel distortion at the edges of its field of view to permit use with a flat input faced imaging tube.

Abstract: A resiliently biassed clamp for use as a clothespin or for incorporation in a garment hanger is formed of two identical and interchangeable jaws, each having an inset trunnion flange and a flush trunnion flange interfitting in pivoting facing juxtaposition with the inset trunnion flange on the opposed jaw, forming a flush, snag-proof external profile and a cleanly sculptured appearance. A central pivot pin or hanger rod secures the juxtaposed apertured flanges of the identical mating interfitting jaws together, resisting the clamping force imposed on the garment by a torsion coil spring, and forming a central fulcrum for the angular opening and closing movement of the pivoting clamps jaws. The coil spring substantially fills the space between the mating pairs of jaw flanges, readily maintaning the jaws laterally positioned for efficient clamping engagement.

Abstract: By providing a pillow having a central head supporting portion with two extension portions, substantially perpendicular to the central portion, an extremely comfortable, restful, sleeper-encircling pillow incorporating built-in arm rests and blanket or sheet slip-prevention means is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, the pillow comprises a substantially uniform cross-sectional area throughout its entire length, with easily accessible, firm, supportive filler material disposed within an enclosing cover in order to allow the amount of filler material to be adjustable to one's particular needs.

Abstract: Lightweight, economical and highly effective solar energy collector panels are formed with a sheet of transparent plastic exposed to solar radiation and spaced by a rigid lightweight spacer frame above a sheet of metallic foil, which embraces in heat conducting relationship a spaced array of metal water-carrying tubes all supported by an underlying plastic foam slab, with the overall assembly being encircled by a channel section peripheral frame.By completing the panel assembly with foam material which substantially entirely encapsulates the panel components internally in an inexpensive, lightweight, and completely effective framed unit, a unique panel construction is achieved by a unique manufacturing process.

Abstract: A burner can assembly for retrofitting a conventional gun type fuel burner to preheat primary air and effect a fuel/air mix within a frustoconical mixing zone and project a generally cylindrical flame pattern.