Abstract: Apparatus for continuously feeding selected ratios of materials to be mixed together. Accurate proportioning of the component materials is facilitated through the advantages of the invention. Since all ingredients are introduced continuously in the selected ratios, overrun problems are resolved and the exact amount of the mix required can be produced. Dry particulate materials in granular, pellet or powdered form and also liquid components of a mixture are contemplated by the invention. Thus the inventive device accomplishes the precise control of the blending of dry granular, slurry and liquid components on a continuous feed basis. The invention achieves this result through the maintenance of precise voltage ratios rather than voltage levels. Applicability is to vibrators delivering dry materials, augers delivering dry and/or slurry materials and also to pumps delivering liquid materials.

Abstract: A flashlight is equipped with rechargeable batteries inside its main housing. A removable tail cap contains an electronic circuit for recharging the batteries, the circuit being actuated and energized by means of a switch assembly which is accessible through the outer end of the tail cap.A mechanical isolation means is included for protecting the electronic circuit from being damaged by any physical movement of the batteries that may occur.One embodiment of the invention also includes a spare bulb holder assembly which also constitutes the mechanical isolation means.

Abstract: A motion picture printing machine is equipped with separate printing modules for the picture track and the sound track. Each module can be removed from the machine. It is therefore possible to use one set of printing modules for printing one size of film, and then to change to a different set of printing modules for printing a different size of film.More specifically, the machine has a vertical frame member with drive and control mechanisms that are supported on its rear side, while the removable printing modules are attached to its front side. Each printing module includes at least one driven sprocket that is carried on a sprocket drive shaft. The sprocket drive shaft is aligned concentric with, but not directly attached to, a driven shaft that is rotatably supported on the rear side of the frame member. The two plates of a friction clutch are carried on the adjacent ends of these two shafts. A means for activating the clutch is a permanent part of the machine carried on the rear side of the frame member.

Abstract: A non-visual ball and paddle game played through the medium of sound. Ball location, paddle position and playing field are defined by variations of volume, tone, pitch, frequency and stereo separation by means of stereo earphones worn by each player.

Abstract: A manicure table providing for the automatic removal of harmful and/or offensive fumes, dust and other materials of like nature resulting from the manicuring process. Where necessary, the harmful materials may be treated so as to render them more easily removable; as, for example, by exhaust.

Abstract: An automatic douche device in which a douche can be administered for extended periods and in which medication can be metered into the main douche fluid flow even when the device of the invention is in operation. The device in adaptable for water inlet from a conventional water faucet or from a showerhead.

Abstract: Mechanism and method for mounting at least a pair of wiper contact springs to a rotor such that the angular relationship between the two wiper contact springs may be very closely controlled. In one embodiment a first contact spring is permanently attached to a rotor, while a second contact spring is initially attached to the rotor by heat staking one end about a pivot point and placing the other end in a latch which holds the spring in place but permits it to be pivoted to some extent as desired. The rotor is then tested to determine the exact angular displacement between these contact springs. If the measured displacement is different from that desired, the second contact spring is pivoted to a corrected position and then cemented in place. Extension to more than a pair of contact springs is obvious.

Abstract: A total assembly system combining the fabrication of multiwire contact springs into a wiper contact with the assembly of the wiper contact so fabricated into a potentiometer rotor blank. A radius-truncated cone projection acts as a reducer of the heat power required to make a multiwire weld. By allowing the radius truncated cone projection to be pressed into the wires to achieve the weld, the interference nubs, heat staking, epoxy and ultrasonic staking operations required in the prior art are eliminated. The wiper contact is itself assembled to and retained by the rotor blank in an integrated process by means of a mechanical interference fit.

Abstract: The valve assembly employs a peak flow valve with a first adjustable orifice which restricts gas flow through a conduit to establish a peak flow, a peak flow control for adjusting the size of the orifice, a separate valve which progressively closes a second conduit orifice in response to increases in the conduit pressure so as to achieve a desired decay rate for periodic gas flow, and a decay rate control which adjusts the initial closure of the second orifice. The valves are interconnected by means of a coupling which, in response to the decay rate control being adjusted, automatically adjusts the size of the first orifice by an amount sufficient to substantially compensate for changes in the peak flow rate caused by the decay rate adjustment.

Abstract: A releasable locking and sealing assembly for a cylindrical casing which fits over a body. The body includes a cylindrical portion about which an O-ring formed from a stiffly deformable, springy material is disposed. The casing is dimensioned to compress the O-ring as it is slid over the body, and includes an annular groove around its interior cylindrical wall, the width of the groove being no greater than the width of contact between the casing wall and the O-ring when compressed. When aligned with the groove, an annular portion of the O-ring is crimped to form a seal between the body and casing which resists axial movements of the casing relative to the body. However, the seal yields to an axial force coupled with a twisting force on the casing, thereby permitting the casing to be locked in sealing relation to the body but readily removed when desired. The invention is of particular usefulness in a linear motion potentiometer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for amplification of amplitude-modulated, ultrasonic frequency, electronic signals providing superior loss-of-carrier signal detection. Low noise integrated circuits are employed to provide high amplification of low level input signals without adding appreciable electrical noise during the amplification process. An automatic gain control (AGC) circuit ensures a nearly constant level of ultrasonic signal amplitudes from the amplifier without excessive amplification of electrical noise under conditions of low applied input signals. The electrical noise, inherent in the system, has only minimal effect on the loss-of-carrier detector.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting marks or other objects by comparing a decrease in reflected light while the mark or object is moving across optics, to the light reflected before the mark or object was encountered by the optics. A threshold reference voltage level is derived directly from the conductance level of a phototransistor prior to the introduction of the mark or object to be detected. This reference level is developed in such a manner as to cause it to be a dynamic voltage, varying percentage-wise as the conductance of the photo-transistor. The dynamic reference level so determined is thus always directly a portion of the level present before the mark or object to be sensed was introduced.

Abstract: A differential pressure transducer utilizing fluid-filled chambers as pressure transfer linkage to an isolated, fluid-filled aneroid sensing system. Isolation diaphragms are spread by means of internal fluid pressure fill of transfer chambers, thus providing elevated line pressure mode and pressure-biased operation. Construction offers media isolation from sensitive interior elements of the transducer. Material to come into physical contact with a pressure medium may thus be chosen for specific application. Dual, nested aneroid sensors cooperated to produce a linear displacement in response to an applied pressure differential. A cantilever beam assembly responds to the linear displacement so caused by flexing in a degree proportional to the applied pressure differential. The fluid-filled sensing system may comprise nested, aneroid capsule diaphragms, carrying a sufficient amount of incompressible fluid to support the capsule diaphragm for high line pressure use.

Abstract: A transducer monitoring system facilitating at least two measurements in locations which are difficult to access. Advantages include the capability of making the measurements in remote locations where severe environmental conditions exist. A feature of the invention is in its implementation at these remote locations without requiring additional conductors over the requirements for one-parameter measurements. An additional feature of the invention is the simplicity of the installation required at the difficult-to-access location. An additional significant advantage lies in the elimination of cross-talk, so often a serious problem in remote measurement systems. The invention presents a unique arrangement featuring a simple yet effective transducer configuration having few parts and thus high reliability.

Abstract: A respirator system with both assisted and spontaneous breathing modes. A control circuit responds to the patient's breathing pattern to alternate the system between the two modes in accordance with a predetermined alternation pattern. The control circuit is adjustable, enabling the frequency of assisted breaths to be gradually reduced so that the patient can be weaned away from the respirator and safely resume normal breathing under his own power. The invention also includes the operating method contemplated for such a system.

Abstract: A piezoresistive differential pressure transducer in which the need for convoluted isolating diaphragms and oil fill is eliminated. The instrument as contemplated by the invention does not require O-ring seals or springs to provide over-pressure protection. The absence of convoluted diaphragms and oil minimizes inherent errors due to temperature variations and static line pressure effect.

Abstract: A potentiometer and switch combination suitable for use as a hearing aid volume control. A control cap positioned over the potentiometer body is provided with an integral cam which performs the function of switch actuation. Positive seal is provided by an O-ring formed from a flexible, resilient material. The body of the potentiometer holds the control cap in place by means of heat stakes over a lip on the housing and a post having a chevron at its upper end which mates with a recess in the control cap. The cap is positioned by heat staking to press the stiffly flexible, resilient material of the O-ring into frictional sealing relation with an abutting member and thereby seal the interior of the potentiometer housing. The sealing arrangement also introduces a torque which opposes the rotation of the control cap, thus providing positional stability and positive operating feel.

Abstract: A lead screw type control for a miniature worm gear actuated potentiometer having a rotor with a main drive spur gear and a ratcheting drive rack gear. The invention contemplates rack gear teeth formed with a gentle ramp opposed to a more acute ramp such as to resemble a sawtooth configuration in profile. The main drive spur gear is formed on less than the total of the rotor circumference. The ratcheting rack gear is mounted on a portion of the rotor circumference that does not include the spur gear. The main drive spur gear teeth are functional in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the ratcheting rack gears are effective. Ratcheting is accomplished when the driving lead screw has driven the main-drive spur gear to one of its limits in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. At this point, if the same direction of rotation is continued, the ratcheting rack gear is urged into engagement with the driving lead screw by the force of a contact spring.

Abstract: A worm gear drive and ratchet system in which a flexible, two-piece, toothed drive wheel is driven by a threaded drive shaft. The two-piece, toothed drive wheel comprises identical halves that are keyed and bonded into a fixed relationship. Upon reaching a stop, gear teeth embossed on the flexible drive wheel ratchet over the threads on the threaded drive shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dual mode amplifier for use as the output amplifier of a sample and hold circuit. The dual mode amplifier described by the invention is controlled by a sample and hold gate. In one of its modes the characteristics of the amplifier are optimized for best slew rate and transient performance, while in the other mode the amplifier characteristics are optimized for settling time.