Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring radiant energy, particularly relatively high energy levels of coherent radiation, in which the energy impinges upon an absorber surface, the energy transferred from the absorber surface to a fluid coolant in thermal association with the absorber surface, and the energy carried away by the coolant measured by means of a temperature difference measuring device, preferably a thermopile, positioned in thermal contact with a portion of the inlet leg of the coolant conduit and the outlet leg thereof, in order that high energy levels may be measured at a cool absorber surface while flowing relatively small amounts of heat energy through the temperature difference measuring means.

Abstract: Spectrum conservation in encoded color TV signals is disclosed. An encoded color video signal is orthogonally re-encoded to eliminate the high frequency color subcarrier component to enable transmission or recording of the resulting video signal without distortions in the amplitude or phase characteristics of the encoded color chrominance component as might be introduced without re-encoding of the signal. Re-encoding is achieved by orthogonally converting the incoming color video signal at a predetermined rate, and specific embodiments are disclosed for achieving an optimum orthogonal pattern of the color subcarrier information. After transmission or recording, the original high frequency color subcarrier information and picture luminance component is reconstructed in a video memory device. Orthogonal re-encoding is shown to be generally useful for re-encoding color TV signals including providing an orthogonally encoded color slow-scan TV signal without use of intermediate memory devices.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming bulk conveyed or stored cylindrical articles, such as thin walled cans, into a single file conveyed row the apparatus being formed of two preferably mirror imaged perforated plate members spaced apart a slightly greater distance than the height of the articles being conveyed, but less than the diagonal dimension thereof the perforated plate members having plenum portions adapted to exhaust air through angled openings primarily in the direction of a peripheral guide member, but with the openings adjacent the guide member being angled in a direction substantially parallel to the guide member in order that the cans may be conveyed along the guide member in a single file fashion with articles not single filed being split away from the single file row and displaced towards the portion of the spaced plates having angled openings directed towards the guide member.

Abstract: Composite materials formed of bonded silicone elastomers and polyolefin films, for uses including catheters, closures for piercing by medical needles, and medical containers, the bonding between the normally inert unbondable materials being accomplished by corona discharge treatment of the polyolefin film and the use of an ethyl silicate, ethyl ortho silicate and tetra butyl titanate solution primer on the treated polyolefin adjacent the uncured silicone elastomer such that the materials may be securely bonded one to the other by curing through the application of heat and pressure.

Abstract: A slotted catheter emplacement guide of one piece construction which simplifies emplacement of a peritoneal catheter and also permits insertion through a very small abdominal opening.

Abstract: A personnel monitoring and locating system is disclosed that is particularly well suited for monitoring and/or locating underground miners. A plurality of remote terminals having transceivers associated therewith are positioned in a mine and periodically are caused to transmit interrogation signals. Each miner to be monitored is equipped with a transponder that replies to the interrogation signal with the reply signal being timewise delayed by a predetermined amount of time that is different for each of the transponders in use so that the reply from each transponder is timewise spaced from every other interrogated transponder. A host computer at the surface is linked to each remote terminal for transmission of information with information from the remote terminal being indicative of the location of each transponder equipped miner.

Abstract: A microporous lubricating composition is disclosed that includes an ionomer polymer and a liquid lubricant. The ionomer polymer can be combined with other polymers and the composition can include various additives to modify the performance and properties of the formed composition. The formed composition is useful for lubrication of mechanical components including wire rope and bearings such as journal bearings.

Abstract: A foldable protective cover and carrier is disclosed that is particularly useful for sports equipment. The cover includes an outer layer of environmental protective material such as nylon and an inner layer of cushioning material such as foam plastic. A pocket is provided at each longitudinal end of the cover at the inner side, and four laterally extending straps are spaced along the outer layer of material with two straps being at the longitudinal ends and the other two inwardly thereof. Reinforcing strips extend laterally across the longitudinal ends of the cover and a third reinforcing strip having a fifth strap connected therewith extends between the inwardly positioned straps to form a handle at one side edge when the cover is fully assembled.

Abstract: Crampons formed of straight-sided frame members with at least one such member on each side, but preferably joined together in pairs at each side for lateral and/or longitudinal adjustment to provide for changes in the dimensions of the crampon to suit boots of various sizes, or, if desired, articulation around a horizontal axis, further including integral depending pointed members located and arranged in an aligned configuration for the purpose of piercing snow and ice to provide additional traction for climbers and hikers, and preferably having improved means for quickly and securely fastening the crampon to a boot to stress the sole thereof and thus afford greater rigidity to the crampon.

Abstract: A signal processing system is disclosed for a pyroelectric camera having a mechanical chopper in the optical path for causing information sensed by the camera to appear as dynamic information. The pyroelectric camera includes a pyroelectric vidicon tube which senses thermal energy emitted by a target and provides an electrical output signal indicative of the received thermal information. The output signal developed by the pyroelectric vidicon tube includes a relatively large pedestal signal component that is established during flyback due to secondary electron generation and a slightly wider but relatively small pedestal signal that is established due to differences in temperature sensed by the pyroelectric vidicon tube, which pedestal signal is timewise aligned with the relatively large pedestal signal generated due to secondary electron generation.

Abstract: A remote controller is disclosed for controlling the throttle, brake and steering mechanism of a conventional motor vehicle, with the remote controller being particularly advantageous for use by severely handicapped individuals. The controller includes a remote manipulator which controls a plurality of actuators through interfacing electronics. The remote manipulator is a two-axis joystick which controls a pair of linear actuators and a rotary actuator, with the actuators being powered by electric motors to effect throttle, brake and steering control of a motor vehicle adapted to include the controller. The controller enables the driver to control the adapted vehicle from anywhere in the vehicle with one hand with minimal control force and range of motion. In addition, even though a conventional vehicle is adapted for use with the remote controller, the vehicle may still be operated in the normal manner.

Abstract: An improved absorber unit is provided for a solar collector, said absorber unit being comprised of a unitary conductive perforated sheet, folded so that segments thereof are disposed adjacent one another and perforated so that air flow is facilitated along both sides of the absorber sheet, thereby greatly increasing convective heat transfer and efficiency of the absorber.

Abstract: Dual mode particle detection apparatus is disclosed for a spectroscopy system. An ion detection unit for a mass spectrometer data acquisition system is shown to include a dual channel channeltron providing an analog signal output that is coupled to a current-to-frequency converter for forming a digital TTL pulse train, and a pulse output which is applied to a pulse counting amplifier/discriminator. The resulting digital signals from the current to frequency converter and the amplifier/discriminator are multiplexed to a pulse counter which interfaces with the central computer of the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing flowable, usually fluid, material contained in a bladder, the apparatus comprising an exterior resilient container adapted to receive and secure the bladder, the exterior container including a first one-way check valve communicating with the interior of the bladder and positioned to permit flow of the contents of the bladder to the exterior of the apparatus, and a second one-way check valve positioned to permit air to flow between the container and bladder. Preferably, the container includes a cap portion removable from the body portion of the container proper, and comprising a probe adapted to pierce and seal with the bladder when the cap portion of the container is secured to the body portion with the bladder disposed for engagement of and securing by annular surfaces defined on the body portion and the cap portion.

Abstract: An improvement for a variable volume device in the form of a rectilinear case having disposed therein a rectilinear outer piston structure and a rectilinear inner piston structure within the outer piston structure, the inner piston being carried for rotation on a crank shaft and in turn inducing a reciprocal movement of the outer piston structure in the case, the improvement comprising rollers positioned between the outer piston structure and the case, and the inner piston structure and outer piston structure to facilatate thrust and force accomodation therebetween, and sealing strip means positioned in sealing relationship between the outer piston structure and rectilinear case, and inner piston structure and outer piston structure, and particularly an embodiment in which the sealing strips means of the inner piston structure bear against the side portion of the outer piston structure sealing ring means and a bearing plate positioned to support the rollers, whereby the rectilinear innerrunning pistons may be

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming particles into shaped preforms by confining the loose particles in a shaped closure having at least one moveable side, subjecting each particle of the mass and at least a portion of the mold to an acceleration of a magnitude of at least 25 to 50 G's, and preferably in the range of 500 G's to 5000 G's, or greater, to generate at each particles a force causing such particle to impact with adjacent particles and form a homogeneous, fused article, and articles so formed.