Abstract: A doppler radar and infra red sensor focused by common means onto a region, will, with appropriate cross correlation, provide improved velocity and presence sensing in a complex uncontrolled environment. The illustrative overhead, roadside traffic sensor employs a common microwave/infra red parabolic reflector and illuminating feed. The sensor can be conveniently mounted onto utility poles without cutting up the road or hanging overhead arbors. The velocity and presence data it provides can be used to determine vehicular headway, density, volume, vehicle size, aggregate momentum, aggregate congestion, platoon arrival, queue length, etc. This novel sensor reduces spurious indications, permits oblique angle viewing of vehicles, reduces doppler transmitter power levels so as to be well below normally accepted environmentally safe levels, and discriminates against vehicles moving in the wrong direction.

Abstract: For fixing conveyor elements (7) to the chain strands (5, 6) in a chain conveyor having two chain strands (5, 6) running over sprockets (1, 3), pairs of projections (9, 10) are used which grip one chain link in each case and which each have an arcuate outline on one side and are pivotably mounted on the conveyor element (7).

Abstract: A seismic energy generating assembly includes a seismic energy generator positioned within a cage-like frame and adapted for vertical movement within the frame in reaction to the powerful seismic energy impulses that are transmitted downwardly into the earth. The assembly further includes hydraulic catch cylinders for easing the seismic energy generator back down to the ground within the frame after each impulse is generated. Horizontal extensions from this frame ride in guides formed by tubular channels for guiding the entire seismic energy generating assembly when lifted up from the ground by hydraulic lifting cylinders so that the assembly can be readily moved from place to place during seismic exploration. The tubular channels are pivotally mounted to an outer supporting frame on a land vehicle.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated IC voltage reference comprising a Zener diode serving as the principal voltage source, in combination with a compensating voltage source including a transistor providing a forward-biased junction, and control circuitry. The compensating voltage is summed with the Zener voltage to produce a reference voltage. The compensating voltage source includes an adjustment element for trimming the reference output to a specified voltage, and the control circuitry operates with that adjustment element to automatically produce optimum temperature compensation when the output has been adjusted to the specified value.

Abstract: Multiple capacitors wound from two thin metallized dielectric films on a common core are provided with electrostatic shielding therebetween. A first capacitor is wound in the usual manner using two metallized films. After the winding of the first capacitor, the metallized layers are removed from the first and second metallized films over predetermined intermediate regions of the films. A film of insulating material and a metal shielding layer are then wound between the first and second films with the insulating material and the metal shielding layer extending outwardly from one end of the cylindrical form. The film of insulating material and the metal shielding layer are wound to encircle the capacitor at least once, with the film of insulation material encircling the metal shielding layer on each side thereof. After the metal shielding layer has been wound, the winding of the first and second metallized films is completed to form a second capacitor on the first capacitor.

Abstract: Signal-processing apparatus for use with industrial instrumentation systems and the like, and comprising a memory to maintain a signal level for long time periods without drift. An input signal level is translated into the positioning of a movable member, through the use of an actuator motor controlled by the input signal and a position feedback signal. A friction device is coupled to the movable member to hold it in any given position, thereby to serve as a memory for the input signal level. The friction device comprises a thin vane-like element which is secured to the movable member and disposed in the air-gap of a permanent magnet. The air-gap also includes a mass of tiny magnetizable particles which, under the influence of the magnetic field, engage the surfaces of the vane-like element to develop a frictional restraining force.

Abstract: An integrated-circuit 12-bit digital-to-analog converter comprising binarily-scaled constant-current sources with associated switch cells employing bipolar transistors to direct the bit currents either to a summing bus or to ground. The switch cells include a first differential transistor pair to translate a single-ended binary logic signal to double-ended (balanced) format, and a second, fully-balanced differential pair operated by the balanced logic signal to direct the bit current correspondingly. A bias-generating circuit maintains a constant collector-base voltage at the constant-current source. The threshold voltage for the logic signals can be set for TTL logic or, by pin-programming, for CMOS logic of either low-voltage or high-voltage type.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus for making vacuum or gas-filled packages of the type including a flanged cup-shaped receptacle with a closure film sealed to the flanges and stretched down into the cup to engage and press against the product. The apparatus comprises a first packaging station where the film is sealed to the cup flanges part way around the cup mouth; simultaneously the film is heated in pre-selected locations to soften it for subsequent stretching. In a subsequent station, the partially-completed package is placed in a vacuum chamber and evacuated. Thereafter, a plug is driven against the still heated film, to force it down into the cup interior adjacent the product. Before or after the plug movement, the film is fully sealed to the cup, to make a hermetically-sealed package.

Abstract: The efficient and secure operation of facilities such as roads, pipelines, etc., will increasingly require reliable and low cost means for distribution and collection of operational data along the facility. A method using simplex, party-line transmission of electromagnetic signals for distributing and collecting data packet messages is described which, in the case of random failures, automatically seeks out alternate routes. The system incorporates double and single end-of-message codes that cue the insertion of new messages, primary and secondary routes that are pre-determined by relative path losses and no-message timing signals, transmitted for phase locking and received signal level referencing purposes. The alternate routes are established by adjustable, enhanced antenna, or lens, side lobes. Alternate routing is triggered by an automatic gain control circuit. A preferred binary modulation, message format and station design are described.

Abstract: In order to overcome the unexpected dynamic lifting action of an easily installed rotary cutter tool in a food processor as the lower blade revolves at relatively high velocity through food material, such as shelled nuts in making nut butter, a downward inclination in a forward direction is provided in at least the lower blade, near its outer tip. If desired, such an inclination may be incorporated into both blades of the cutter tool. This downward inclination of the blade surface to provide a negative angle of attack (-A) relative to the direction of rotation may be accomplished in a preferred embodiment by twisting the outer blade portion into a negative angle of attack relative to the remainder of the blade or by mounting the whole blade onto the hub at a negative angle of attack.

Abstract: A connector for chains, particularly tire chains, comprises a substantially C-shaped main body (1) whose free arms (3,4) define an insertion gap (5). In a position lying opposite the insertion gap (5) the yoke portion (2) of the main body (1) has roof shaped surfaces (11,12) the apex line of which is intersected by the axis of a stepped bore (6) for receiving a retaining pin (7,14,19) and extends at a right angle to the place of the arms (3,4) and the yoke portion (2). The retaining pin (7,14,19) has an annular flange (8) and is held in its retaining position by means of at least one securing element (10) which is seated in a bore (9,17,18) intersecting the stepped bore (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved meter installation for a deep underground pipeline employing a meter pit. Pre-coiled, flexible tubing lengths are coupled between the ends of the pipeline in the pit and a flowmeter which is also housed within the pit. The meter is vertically movable within the pit. As the meter is raised, the pre-coiled tubing uncoils or expands, and as the meter is lowered, the pre-coiled tubing re-coils or contracts.The meter installation of this invention is particularly useful for water metering in pipelines laid a substantial depth below ground level--as, for example, in cold plains states. The present system provides a meter reader, repairman, or the like, with ready access to the meter without the necessity of physically entering the pit. The meter is easily raised to ground level without interrupting the flow of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: A telephone electronic answering device (TEAD), interfaced to the standard telephone mechanism, resembles a pocket calculator in size and shape and receives and records messages sent to it from a caller's telephone. It receives either dual tone frequencies or rotary dial pulses fed from the caller's telephone, converts such signals into the caller's telephone number, searches for the caller's name indicated by the same phone number stored in memory and records the caller's name, telephone number and time of call in memory.

Abstract: Toll collection facilities for tunnels, bridges and turnpikes slow traffic, waste time and fuel, and increase air pollution. Eliminating the need for a toll payment stop would avoid this waste and reduce toll facility operating costs. A single, universally applicable system and apparatus is described that can eliminate most toll stops and simplify funds transfers. The system starts with a lump sum paid in advance to a permanently assigned collection agency's representative. This sum is inserted, electronically, into the memory of a microwave transponder-data-processor, normally kept in the vehicle. As the vehicle passes suitably equipped toll collection facilities, a toll transponder receives billing information from the vehicle transponder, calculates the toll, transmits it back to the vehicle transponder where the toll is electronically subtracted from a stored balance. If the resulting balance is not negative, a pass signal is flashed.

Abstract: In a tire chain comprising a running network (3) with steel links between chain strand portions of the running network and the tread of the tire supporting members (4) provided with guide hollows (5) are disposed. By varying the state of at least one lateral retaining strand (1 or 2) of the running network (3) it is possible for the purpose of varying the operating behavior of the tire chain to vary the position of the supported chain strands transversely to the guide hollows (5) in a way that enables the chain strands to project more or less over the outer surfaces of the supporting members (4).

Abstract: An industrial process control system for use with complex processes having many variables to be controlled.The system includes a CRT screen on which any of a series of predetermined displays can be presented to the process operator.The displays are arranged in hierarchical fashion, from plant summary information down to detailed data for individual process loops.The operator's console includes a variable function keyboard the keys of which perform functions determined by the particular displays being presented on the CRT.The CRT display includes symbols positionally correlated with the keys and which identify the key functions for the corresponding display.The operator is enabled to control the display and the process through use of the keyboard controller with the display presentations.

Abstract: A variable reluctance type firing sensor is mounted on an air gun for providing an electrical signal indicative of the instant of firing of the air gun. The firing sensor has a magnetic circuit which includes a permanent magnet, a pair of pole pieces and an armature including magnetically permeable material and which is free of mechanical restraint in its normal operating position, being held by magnetic attraction in position in the magnetic circuit. The armature freely "floats" on its "magnetic springs" within a thin walled chamber in which it is housed between the pole pieces, assuming a predetermined position of least magnetic reluctance. The armature which is acceleration-responsive is suddenly displaced from its predetermined position upon the firing of the air gun, and thus the reluctance of the magnetic circuit abruptly increases at the instant of firing.

Abstract: An industrial furnace with insulating walls comprising side-by-side pre-formed panels each including a plurality of ceramic insulating modules. The side wall panels include vertical buckstays to which the modules are secured by retainer clips including sharp spikes inserted into side edge surfaces of the insulating modules. Modules with offset stepped side profiles are disclosed, arranged to provide for ready removal of a single module without disturbing adjacent modules. Atmosphere furnace insulation arrangements also are disclosed utilizing ceramic modules secured to the furnace shell by special retainer clips embedded in side edge surfaces of the modules.

Abstract: A force transducer is provided comprising a vibrator having a pair of plate-shaped vibrating pieces parallel with each other, coupling pieces for joining the respective ends of the vibrating pieces, and attachment portions connected to the coupling pieces, exciting means for causing the vibrator to resonate, and sensing means for detecting the vibrations of the vibrator. An input force to be converted is applied in the longitudinal direction of the vibrating pieces. This force transducer is capable of converting an industiral process variable such as force, pressure, difference pressure, weight or level into a proportional frequency signal at a high efficiency.