Abstract: A pilot valve control for the drive motors of an excavator utilizes four pilot valves, each of which has a linear actuable plunger. A control body having a cam type member is mounted on a universal swiveling connection so that in a centered position none of the plungers are moved to actuate the respective valves, but upon tilting of the control body the plungers are actuated. A motion alarm actuator is connected to the control body and is associated with a normally closed switch so that in a centered position of the control body the normally closed switch is held open, but when the control body moves to any one of its positions actuating a pilot valve, the switch, which forms an alarm switch, moves to its normally closed position.

Abstract: A vapor generator (19, 62) and connected chemical vapor deposition chamber (28) for providing a vapor for operations such as chemical vapor deposition has an atomizer (16, 16A, 38, 50) for forming an aerosol or droplet spray (36, 58, 74, 80) separate from a vaporization chamber (19, 62). The aerosol is passed into a heated vaporization chamber (19, 62) wherein the particles or droplets are flash vaporized and larger droplets are vaporized by direct contact with heated surfaces. The resulting gas/vapor stream is then used for chemical vapor deposition, in a separate chemical vapor deposition chamber (26). The vapor and gas stream is preferably passed through a restricted passageway (22, 44, 68) for mixing before being introduced into the chemical vapor deposition chamber (26).

Abstract: A reel bat assembly has a plurality of reel bat tubes formed into sections so that the assembly of reel bat tubes can be disassembled for shipping and can be reassembled to provide for a long reel bat needed for modern harvesters. The reel bat assembly includes molded tines that have saddle-like hubs which attach to the reel bat tubes using a single screw that extends through the reel bat tubes and threads into a receptacle formed in a post of those tines. The post protrudes into the interior of the reel bat tube and expands as the screw is tightened to provide a secure, stable tine that is held securely with two parts, the tine and the screw.

Abstract: An electrical cable includes a second strand, and a third strand braided together. The first and second strands are electrically conductive and electrically insulated from each other, and the third strand is electrically non-conductive. The geometry imparted to the conductive strands by the braided configuration results in the cable exhibiting improved noise rejection, lower inductance per unit length, reduced signal attenuation and reduced resistance compared with cables having twisted or parallel pairs of conductive strands. The cable is particularly suited to audio, video and computer applications. Cables that have larger numbers of strands braided together, and multilayer cables are also described.

Abstract: Brake control apparatus and includes an electric motor arranged to drive a wheel and a brake operable to apply a braking force to inhibit the rotation of the wheel. An input signal indicative of a desired angular velocity of the wheel is provided to the control. The current flowing through the electric motor is monitored and a monitoring signal is provided. The power to the electric motor is controlled in response to the input signal by generating a control voltage. After setting the control voltage to zero the brake applies the braking force at a braking time. The braking time may be determined according to the magnitude of the monitoring signal when the control voltage is set to zero, according to the rate of change of the monitoring signal, or according to the polarity of the monitoring signal. An electric vehicle using the brake control apparatus is also disclosed, as is a method of controlling a brake for applying a braking force to inhibit the rotation of a wheel driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: A smart probe system for an aircraft receives an input from a heated total air temperature sensor. When on the ground, the heater for the total air temperature probe is cycled so that when a preselected temperature is indicated by the temperature sensing element in the total air temperature probe, the heater power is turned off, and as the total air temperature probe cools, changes. Changes in indicated temperature from the temperature sensing element are measured and the changes analyzed and used for determining outside air temperature. The outside air temperature can be calculated by determining the rate of change in the temperature while the probe cools. A complimentary method is to determine when the indicated temperature stabilizes, after the heater is turned off, and deriving outside air temperature from the stabilized temperature signal from the sensing element.

Abstract: An apparatus detects an air turbulence and wind shear encountered by an air vehicle having an accelerometer sensing air vehicle vertical acceleration. The apparatus includes a pressure sensor having a pressure sensing port for sensing a pressure parameter of a local air flow which changes with changes in the local airflow turbulence, and a fast time constant pressure transducer coupled to the pressure port for generating a transducer signal representative of the parameter. Differentiating means calculates a time derivative of the transducer signal and provides a turbulence signal representative of the time derivative. Subtracter means provides the difference between the turbulence signal and a vertical acceleration signal from the accelerometer, to provide a wind shear indicating signal indicative of an increase in air turbulence.

Abstract: A self-contained, implantable device for controlling passage of material through internal body conduits, and in particular to control the material passage through a closure point commonly referred to as a sphincter, such as flow through the urethra from the bladder, movement through the bowel, or flow of medications from an artificial conduit that is implanted. The magnetic occluding device comprises a fixed magnetic pressure plate assembly, positioned on one side of a conduit, and a permanent magnet on an opposite side of the conduit. The permanent magnet can be moved so that the magnetic force between the pressure plate and the magnet can be altered from a position wherein the attraction between the movable magnet and the pressure plate carries the conduit between the magnet and the pressure plate to collapse to close off flow through the conduit, to a position wherein the conduit can open.

Abstract: A device for image shifting to permit tracing a drawing or other configuration from an original onto a sheet that is positioned at a location shifted from the original. The device includes a mirror which reflects an image onto a reflective surface of a partially reflective or semi-transparent panel, and the viewer then sights through the part-reflective surface so that the line of sight projects the image onto a surface displaced from the original. This provides for amusement and rapid free-hand sketching. The displaced image as viewed remains properly oriented on the sketch paper.

Abstract: A humidifier system where atomized water is caused to be rapidly evaporated as a result of being strategically located in the path of high velocity turbulent air created by converging deflector vane sets, and delivered to an outlet duct end for further distribution. An alternative embodiment illustrates a humidifier system where a central steam tube is substituted for the atomizing nozzles and steam fog is discharged into the high velocity turbulent air plane. Angled orifices in the central steam tube disperse steam against the air flow to further disperse steam within the humidifier assembly.

Abstract: A cell for sensing differential pressures has a single brittle material diaphragm mounted on support plates positioned on opposite sides of the diaphragm. The diaphragm surfaces when at zero differential pressure facing the support are concave and shaped to conform very closely to the shape the diaphragm has when it is deflected so that when the diaphragm is under a selected pressure and it is forced against one of the supports in either direction, the diaphragm is substantially planar or flat and supported fully on its support plate. The diaphragm may be shaped by placing it under a pressure so that it bows or deflects and then grinding the surface opposite from the applied pressure flat. When the pressure is removed, the diaphragm relaxes and a cavity with the exact required shape is produced on the surface that had been bowed out and ground flat. The same procedure can be done to the other side of the diaphragm or two diaphragm sections may be fixed together.

Abstract: A temperature probe has a tubular sheath open at one end and a mounting body for mounting the probe in an operational location. The sheath is secured to the mounting body by means of a clamping member in screw-threaded engagement with the mounting body and trapping an olive encircling the sheath. The clamping member and mounting body are screwed together to compress the olive onto the sheath and form a fluid-tight seal between the sheath and the mounting body.

Abstract: A system which aids the driver of an automobile in forming driving habits which result in better fuel economy includes apparatus for measuring the rate of absolute pressure change in the intake manifold of the automobile engine, together with a gauge or other visual display which provides the viewer a visual indication of the rate of change of intake manifold pressure. The gauge or display provides the driver with useful information as to the steadiness of his driving, and helps the driver to form the habit of smooth, gentle acceleration and deceleration.

Abstract: A catalytic gas detector is formed as a sandwich and comprises two flat printed film resistance thermometer sensors back-to-back with a layer of thermally insulating material between them. A coating of a suitable catalytic substance covers an exposed flat face of one of the two sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coordinate measuring machines which are used for determining the location of a point in the X, Y and Z axes in order to permit inspection, checking, or performing other operations on work pieces. The measuring machine includes a probe for engaging the work piece and providing position information of points on the work piece. The probe is mounted on a cantilever arm that is supported on two parallel dual granite ways or rails through air film bearings. The probe is counterbalanced in a unique manner with an air cylinder and is also mounted on air bearings on its cantilevered support arm, and the probe may be rotated 360.degree. for maximum flexibility and ease of operation.

Abstract: A digital output capacitive transducer wherein two capacitors are used, one providing a reference current and the other providing a varying signal current. The signal current is obtained from an oscillator through a capacitor, which varies in capacitance as a function of the parameter to be measured. The reference current offsets the signal current to attain a known relationship between the sampled parameter and the signal current. The circuit has a small number of components and operates on a relatively low voltage with an accurate digital output.

Abstract: A self feeding bunk or barrier used for permitting cattle to eat directly from stacks of forage such as hay, and which comprises a modular member having an upright, slat barrier through which the animals can feed from a forage stack that the sections surround. The barrier modules include a horizontal support deck attached to the upright barrier and held by end frames. The horizontal floor or deck is of sufficient lateral width (outwardly from the stack) so that the animal which is feeding cannot reach through the upright barrier for eating unless it is standing on the deck. The barrier module is securely held by the animal itself as it eats so that the barrier cannot be dislodged.

Abstract: A support cradle for supporting a person seated in a chair by cradling the upper legs of the person, and maintaining the legs in a desired passive restraint arranged so that if the person moves the hips or legs in an abnormal degree such as excessive hip flexion, hip adduction, hip internal rotation, hip extension, scissoring or the like, the cradle will restrain such movement. The cradle provides no restraint so long as normal sitting posture is maintained. The cradle is especially useful in treatment and management of patients with neurogenic movement disorders which manifest with spasticity and abnormal movement patterns such as with spinal cord injury or in cerebral palsy.