Abstract: A liquid distributor having a pair of variable displacement pumps driven by a single electric motor, the rotation speed of which is determined by a voltage from a controller in response to a predetermined ground speed and application rate which mixes a chemical with water in a desired proportion and delivers a solution to be directed into an open furrow just prior to the furrow being covered with dirt.

Abstract: In a regenerable collective protection system the turbine of an air cycle machine is driven by a potion of the clean air output of a pressure swing adsorber bed pair in the system. The beds in the pair are used alternately to cleanse contaminated air. They are then alternately purged of contaminant products. Valves are used to direct these alternate operations. The valve closures cause overpressures in the clean air output. The overpressures are predictable in relation to the valve actuation sequence and are removed by coordinating operation of a surge air bleed valve in the clean air output with valve actuation in the pressure swing adsorber bed pair.

Abstract: The invention provides a wheel balancer with a filtering system that reduces signal noise using a phase shift and subtraction circuit. In addition the inventive wheel balancer utilizes an automated parameter entry device, and a fast data refresh system which reduces the burden on the central processing unit CPU.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality of a coating on a plate. The invention uses a method of measuring the impedance of a coating on a plate, which uses the steps of placing the coating on a plate in a chamber, and then placing a counter electrode in the chamber so that the coating lies between the plate and the counter electrode. A reference electrode is placed in the chamber so that the coating lies between the reference electrode and the plate, and the chamber is filled with a fluid with an ionic substrate. A potentiostat induces a voltage between the plate and the reference electrode, and the impedance of the coating is measured to determine the quality of the coating.

Abstract: The invention provides a viscosity cup with an upward extending tube or lip, which provides a cut off point for paint draining through an orifice, providing more consistent viscosity measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed as a passive armor system for use on the side walls and sloping front wall of a military vehicle as reactive armor which adds the element of erosion and disruption of the flyplates thereby improves performance especially against kinetic energy threats but also by shaped charge weapons without substantially increasing the weight of the vehicle and without the aid of explosive charges.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is disclosed which may be used as lightweight armor or for other impact or wear resisting purposes. The ceramic composite may comprise distinct phases of AlN and SiC; may be a solid solution of SiC; or may contain AlN or SiC, or both AlN and SiC as residual phase(s) in a solid solution matrix of SiC and AlN.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing retort over-pressure during pressure cooling. The invention allows the specification of an initial cooling temperature and a final cooling temperature and a final cooling pressure. Using these values the invention provides a pressure ramping to manage retort over-pressure.

Abstract: A single head grape and raisin harvester is disclosed having a single driven oscillating shaker head mounted on a sub-frame enabling the shaker head to center itself on the row of grape vines being harvested. The single row harvester is also provided with a stretchable conveyor belt mounted on interconnected plastic chain links for reliably transporting grapes or raisins to an elongated discharge conveyor which is positioned transversely when collecting and discharging grapes from the harvester into trucks or boxes and is pivoted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when moving along roadways.

Abstract: A valve seat member in a gate valve has a circular or crescent shaped slot cut on the inside diameter parallel to and underneath the seat surface to create a seat with increased flexibility at areas on the seat surface where high compressive stress during valve operation is observed. As a result galling of the gate is reduced, and valve reliability and life are increased.

Abstract: A self-adjustable mobile force balanced grape and raisin harvester is disclosed having a pair of driven oscillating shaker heads mounted on sub-frames enabling each shaker head to center itself on the row of grape vines being harvested even when the foliage of the vines are not aligned in a linear path. The harvester is also provided with a pair of stretchable belts mounted on interconnected plastic chain links for reliably transporting grapes or raisins to an elongated discharge conveyor which is positioned transversely when collecting and discharging grapes from the harvester and is pivoted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when moving along roadways.

Abstract: A travel monitor for a rectangular sludge conveyor having a plurality of scrapers attached to and driven by a pair of chains, each of which is formed in a closed loop having an upper run. A pair of detector sprockets independently engage and are driven by the upper runs. Switches positioned adjacent the sprockets create a series of pulses in response to their rotation. The phase difference between the series of pulses resulting from rotation of the sprockets is detected, and a misalignment alarm is activated when the phase difference exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A trailer mounted sprayer having an air boom supported from the trailer frame by a four-bar linkage movable by a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the elevation of the boom and with ground-engaging wheels rotatably attached to bell cranks mounted on the frame and pivotable by cylinders to control the ground clearance. Accumulators isolate the frame from shock loads created as the wheels traverse uneven ground and also isolate the boom from shock loads that would otherwise be transmitted from the frame to the boom. A draft member pinned to both the trailer and to the tractor pulling the trailer has hydraulic jacks to determine which of the pinned connections will control the pivotal movement between the tractor and the trailer.

Abstract: The invention provides a canister which holds two missiles, which is the same size as prior art canisters that held a single missile. The inventive canister provides improved structural strength, simpler operation for the closure and electronics and an improved shock isolation system. The improved structure uses tubes and a lattice structure. The closure is hinged and uses gravity or the missile blast to complete closing. The electronics uses a flip flop switch. The shock isolation system utilizes urethane pads with apertures or air pockets and a silicon coating.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlling device which comprises a control box, a power box, a right sensor control unit attached to a plurality of proximity detectors, a left sensor control unit attached to a plurality of proximity detectors, and a valve box control unit, wherein each proximity detector comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a first circuit for handshaking, noise reduction and voltage regulation, and a second and third circuit for digital signal generation, analog reception and digital conversion, wherein the first circuit is connected between a left or right sensor control and second and third circuits of a proximity detector.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for purification and color sortation of waste glass, a glass beneficiation process and apparatus. The invention crushes the glass into pieces less than 3 inches in size, delables the glass, and then sorts the glass according to the light transmissive properties of the glass utilizing an array of lamps electrically connected to a control module.

Abstract: The invention provides a wheel balancer that is able to determine if its measurements are accurate. The invention takes a set of measurements and determines if the measurements are sufficiently consistent. If they are sufficiently close the invention uses the measurements to calculate wheel imbalance. If the measurements are not sufficiently close the invention uses the measurements to calculate wheel imbalance. If the measurements are not sufficiently close the invention rejects at least one data point and collects more measurements until either the invention yields sufficiently close data points or the machine is stopped. A display is provided for diagnostic messages.

Abstract: A pressure swing and temperature swing adsorption system is disclosed which continuously purges contaminants such as nuclear, biological and chemical warfare agents from intake air and provides cool clean air to the crew compartment of a vehicle by progressively directing contaminated air through a first adsorption bed to clean the air, while simultaneously directing hot exhaust gases at about 600.degree. F. through a second adsorption bed for purging contaminants therefrom, while simultaneously cooling a third adsorption bed for enhancing adsorption of contaminants in the purging bed upon repeating the cycles of operation.

Abstract: A propulsion system for using a pair of electric induction motors to power a pair of vehicle drive wheels. The motors are driven by pulses of electric current from a common dc bus. The inductance of stator windings cause electric current to power the motors during the time between pulses so power from the dc bus is low. When a vehicle is making a tight turn, an inside motor provides an electric current to the dc bus to supply additional power to an outside motor. Speed and steering signals operate the electric motors and control speed of an engine and an alternator which supply power to the dc bus.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) torch apparatus allows for welding on such surfaces that otherwise could not be welded with linear or 90.degree. bend welding torch apparatuses, by providing a bend greater than 282.degree..