Abstract: Devices are disclosed for use in generating an acoustical warning signal in the event of an abnormal pressure in a pneumatic tire. A spring-loaded piston is mounted for reciprocation in a cylindrical chamber along an axis perpendicular to the radius of the tire for substantially eliminating the effects of centrifugal force on the operation of the device. The piston maintains the device closed until such time as the tire pressure drops below a predetermined limit at which point a small sampling of air is released into a whistle which produces a coded acoustical signal detected by an acoustical transducer mounted on the vehicle. The transducer converts the acoustical signal into an electrical signal which is processed and used to actuate an alarm for warning the driver. Cap seals are disclosed which protect the whistle from water dirt, etc.

Abstract: A self-calibrating obscuration smoke detector is provided along with a method for the operation thereof. A light source and a photodetector are mounted in spaced relation to one another with the output of the photodetector being a function of the amount of light sensed by the detector from the light source. The photodetector analog output is converted into digital signals by an A/D converter and digital signals are then delivered to a digital processor adapted to periodically calibrate the detector and to perform sampling operations between calibrations. Other sensing devices may be connected to the system with automatic self-calibrating capabilities with respect thereto including a temperature responsive element the output of which may be used to compensate for changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for composing a reference heart beat by synchonously summing heart beat signals detected by a high resolution radioactivity distribution detection system for non-invasive measurement of cardiac performance. A plurality of sensing devices form an array for detecting radioactive events emitted from a heart under study. A processor sums heart beat images of a continuous series of detected events and generates a reference heart beat by synchronizing the regrouping of the beat images as a function of the peaks at volumetric end diastole and the image troughs at volumetric end systole. The reference heart beat represents a statistical standard heart beat for the heart under study and defines a base signal for quantative measurements and qualitative analysis of the condition of the subject heart.

Abstract: A highly stable peanut paste for use as an extender to chocolate is produced by first pressing blanched peanuts to remove a substantial portion of the natural oil. The pressed nuts are then roasted in a first oil bath to reconstitute them and then drained. While still hot, the roasted nuts are transferred to a second quenching bath of a high stability oil. The nuts are then milled to a paste, degassed and cooled and then mixed with chocolate.

Abstract: Crop foods such as peanuts, soybeans, peas, and the like, are ground and processed in a rapid, continuous, in-line production system. The food material is converted into a thermally processed slurry rapidly by mixing the ground food with hot water and steam and then quickly cooling the slurry, preferably in a vacuum chamber. The heat treatment stops the activity of enzymes which normally produce undesirable flavors and odors in mixtures of water and ground peanuts and other foods. The rapid cooling treatment prevents damage to protein content and simultaneously strips away any raw peanut flavor that may have developed. The continuous process produces a slurry of peanuts, or the like, without the characteristic raw peanut flavor, and the bland slurry can be further processed by drying to produce a useful food product such as flour, food extender, or the like.

Abstract: Iron base alloys containing chromium and refractory metals as well as 0.8 to 1.3 wt % boron are disclosed. The alloys are subjected to a rapid solidification processing (RSP) technique, producing cooling rates of about 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.7 .degree. C./sec. The as-quenched RSP ribbon, or powder, etc., consists primarily of a single phase with a body centered cubic structure. After appropriate heat treatments, the rapidly solidified alloys have a microstructure consisting of ultrafine hard particles of metallic carbides and borides and mixtures thereof dispersed in an iron-rich matrix. These alloys exhibit excellent corrosion resistance combined with high hardness, wear resistance and high temperature stability. These heat treated alloys have superior properties which make them suitable for many applications, where high strength and corrosion resistance are required, in particular at elevated temperature, e.g. high temperature bearings.

Abstract: Nickel and iron-nickel base alloys are described together with a rapid solidification process used in the preparation thereof to provide materials useful in the fabrication of parts subject to high temperature operating conditions. The alloys include commercial nickel base superalloys to which a specified amount of boron is added.

Abstract: An integrated system and process for the continuous formation of p-n junctions in solar cells in a cost-effective manner and under computer control. The integrated system essentially comprises an ion beam implanter, an electron beam annealer and a combination vacuum lock-and-wafer transport system, all disposed within a unitary housing maintained under a common vacuum environment.The integrated system employs no wet chemistry operations and, is characterized by high reproducibility and narrow solar cell performance distribution.

Abstract: A balancing device for a portion (2), rotable about a horizontal axis (4) in a frame and provided with a lever arm (21) fixedly connected to the portion (2) to be balanced, a spring member (26) by means of a pull-or press member (40) connected to the lever arm (21) in which the pull-or press member (40) is directed through an approx. fixed point (30') in the frame and whereby in the position wherein the center of gravity (20) of the part to be balanced is positioned precisely above the hinge pin, the direction of the pulling or pressing forces (40) extends in longitudial direction of the lever arm (4-32-30'), the spring (26) having a linear characteristic and being biassed in a special way, the balancing device being especially suited for a platform sideboard or a tilting cab.

Abstract: The surface of a starting single crystal of specified composition (e.g., silicon) is etched to produce a relief texture; a stratum of release composition (e.g., aluminum) is deposited on the relief texture to acquire a replica texture and is released to provide a replica master; a replica stratum of the specified composition in the amorphous or polycrystalline state is deposited on the replica master in order to acquire the original relief texture. It has been found that, when the replica stratum is recrystallized, it assumes a replica single crystal structure corresponding to the starting single crystal structure.

Abstract: A modular natural lighting system having a microprocessor controlled heliostat which collects the sun's rays. The collected rays are directed towards a dielectric mirror that reflects visible solar radiation through an aperture in the roof of a building. The reflected radiation is directed by a distribution system towards a plurality of output stations positioned within the building for natural illumination of selected internal areas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the front surface metallization and encapsulation of solar cells of the type comprising p and n semiconductor strata separated by a barrier junction, and front and rear conducting strata constituting electrical contacts, wherein the front conducting stratum is a novel metallic grid permitting transmission of solar radiation to the semiconductor strata. This metallic grid is in the form of a mesh of wires of sufficiently high tensile strength to be self-supporting while being drawn from spools or the like into contact with one or more components of the solar cell before completion of the cell's fabrication.The method is characterized in that the metallic grid, in the form of the mesh of wires, is encapsulated between a transparent cover plate and the exposed front surface of the semiconductor strata, the mesh forming an electrical contact with the front surface of the semiconductor strata simultaneously that the plate is electrostatically bonded thereto.

Abstract: A method of fabricating aluminum alloys containing finely dispersed aluminum-transition metal intermetallic phases is disclosed. The alloys are subjected to melt spinning to form a brittle filament consisting in large measure of a metastable face-centered cubic solid solution; this is then pulverized to a staple or powder configuration; the power or staple is consolidated using conventional techniques. Upon heat treatment, the solid solution decomposes into a structure consisting of an aluminum alloy matrix of conventional composition containing a fine uniform dispersion of the intermetallic phase, the heat-treated alloy being ductile. The heat-treated alloys possess high strength, especially at elevated temperatures. Preferred alloys are disclosed which contain 10 to 15 wt % Fe.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatically applying and heat-sealing a lid of thermoplastic film to the top of a cup. The film is supplied in a roll and the leading end is fed into a position between the top of the cup and a heat-sealing head. When the apparatus is run through an operating cycle, the cup and the head are brought together to seal a section of film to the rim of the cup and sever the section from the roll. The head is characterized by an annular heated cushion and a slitting device to from a slit in the center of the lid which enhances the seal, particularly if the cup contains a hot liquid. In an alternative arrangement, the slitting mechanism is located along the path of the film and the center of the head is constructed to prevent exposing the center of the lid to high temperature.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously and independently controlling a plurality of electric motors from a number of dispersed stations. The system operates by transmission of duty cycle modulated selected frequencies superimposed on a DC track voltage on a common power line servicing the motors. The modulation is variable and determines the speed of the motors. Transmitters are portable and designed removably to plug into a common signal transmission cable anywhere along its length without interaction. Receivers, each tuned to a specific frequency and associated with and controlling a motor, are coupled to the common power line.

Abstract: A toy boomerang is provided in the form of a generally flat circular body having a plurality of spiral arms extending between a central hub and an outer annulus. Each spiral arm defines an airfoil providing lift to the toy when it is spun through the air. The toy is used by spinning it into the air by a swinging, snapping movement of the arm and wrist whereupon the toy will follow a rising straight trajectory to a stall point and then reverse its direction and return directly back to the thrower.

Abstract: A portable sawmill is provided in which a rigid straight channel support is placed on a floor or on the ground with one end slightly elevated. A pair of longitudinally spaced log supports are mounted in the channel piece at a distance corresponding to the length of a log to be placed thereon. A carriage with rollers is mounted to ride along the upturned edges of the channel piece and is adapted to roll by gravity from the elevated end of the channel piece to the lower end. The carriage includes a bandsaw driven by a low horse power motor and is equipped with a release mechanism for automatically disengaging the drive between the motor and the saw at the end of a cutting stroke. A jacking mechanism and adjustable shelves on the log supports are included for raising the log to a new height after each cut.