Abstract: A filler and sealer with an endless two directional flexing chain having carriers thereon are capable of being driven about vertical axes of a rotary filler and also about horizontal axes of end discs. Each carrier movably supports a tray supporting head which is accurately maintained in filling positions relative to rotary and reciprocating tray fillers, and is thereafter accurately maintained in position to have a lid sealed on the container. Arcuate guide shoes on each carrier ride in linear and arcuate tracks to guide the carriers. A push bar conveyor includes spacer rollers which engage each carrier and push the carriers around their paths of movement at uniform speed.

Abstract: A spall backing material contiguously attached to an armor plate at least suppresses the formation of lethal armor spall from being propelled from the inner surface of the armor plate when the outer surface of the armor is impacted by a weapon with sufficient impact to release high velocity spall from unprotected armor. When the impedance of the spall suppression armor is equal to or greater than the impedance of the armor plate, the formation of lethal spall in the armor will be prevented. When the spall backing material is reduced in thickness to minimize weight and has an impedance lower than that of the armor plate, or a more powerful weapon is used, armor spallation will occur but will be suppressed by the spall backing material to minimize lethality.

Abstract: A wide angle trapezoidal periscope is disclosed having an upper trapezoidal housing and a smaller lower trapezoidal housing secured to said upper housing having optics sealed therein which include parallel upper and lower windows and parallel upper and lower mirrors. When used on military vehicles, the lower trapezoidal periscope housings are inserted within evenly and closely spaced trapezoidal openings in the rim of a hatch and are secured to the hatch with corner connectors to clamp non-parallel walls of said upper housings within about 1/8 of an inch of the adjacent non-parallel walls of the next adjacent trapezoidal housing. Each periscope provides a vertical field of view of about 43.degree. and a horizontal field of view of about 140.degree..

Abstract: A wheel alignment system includes either four wheel mountable alignment heads or two alignment heads and two retroreflectors or two alignment heads alone together with a control console and display. A main processing unit is included in the console for performing calculations and for controlling systems function control components communications sequences. Each console function control component includes its own controller. The control console further includes a CRT display module and optional voice instruction and printer output modules. A bar code reader is available for quick specifications entry. Communications and decision making instructions are downloaded from the controller in each console function control component to the main processing unit at initialization. Communication between the heads and the console is accomplished either through the use of conducting cords or infrared transmission and reception.

Abstract: A thrashing system for a vegetable harvester including a plurality of tines on an oscillating shaker head which engage vines and shake the fruit such as cucumbers, from the vines. The fruit is collected on a cross conveyor and the vines are pulled through at least one pair of pinch rolls for discharge on the ground. A full width blower directs high pressure air across the cross conveyor to lift and spread the vines allowing disconnected fruit to fall therethrough onto the cross conveyor.

Abstract: A splitt clamp assembly for pipe flanges, comprising an outer ring with internal threads for securing it to an externally threaded first pipe flange, and a plurality of arcuate segments interconnected by keys into an inner ring, means to secure the inner ring to a second pipe flange, and means to secure the inner and outer rings together in a relative non-rotable manner.

Abstract: A system is provided which operates to compare three-dimensional models of inspection gages constructed from computer aided design (CAD) data for a manufactured part and standard geometric dimension and tolerance call-outs to three-dimensional models constructed from inspection data obtained from the manufactured part. The comparison is made both graphically, to assist an operator, and mathematically to determine part condition. Parts are found to be either in tolerance or out of tolerance. If out of tolerance they are found to be either reworkable or scrap. Additionally, the system is capable of determining syntax correctness for tolerance standards, defining the sequence of steps for a specific job prior to job execution, performing individual part tolerance conformance analyses and statistical part tolerance analyses for a population of parts, tolerance analyses for mating parts, and generation of tolerance call-outs for fixed and floating fastener features on parts.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling the movement of flat bottomed articles in a plurality of different directions relative to a supporting platform. The article is supported on a plurality of clusters of helical, freely rotatable rollers mounted on a plurality of shafts. Selected ones of the shafts, or groups of shafts, each lying in one of a plurality of zones, are selectively driven in a clockwise direction, a counterclockwise direction or are held stationary. Selective control of the shafts enable the apparatus to move the article parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform in two selected directions, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in two selected directions; diagonally of the longitudinal axis in four selected directions, and either clock or counterclockwise about an axis normal to the flat bottom of the article.

Abstract: A variable force tree shaker is disclosed which includes a non-rotatable housing having a two-piece shaft journaled therein. A fixed weight is rigidly connected to the shaft and an adjustable weight is pivotally connected to the shaft. At least one hydraulic cylinder is formed in the fixed weight and receives a piston which is connected to the adjustable weight by a piston rod. While the shaft is driven, an hydraulic controller directs hydraulic fluid into said at least one piston which moves the adjustable weight between a balanced position diametrically opposed to the fixed weight providing no shaking forces to the shaft, and a plurality of unbalanced positions imparting shaking forces of different intensities to the shaft.

Abstract: A data processor having a pipeline-parallel structure for rapidly solving optimization problems using relatively simple circuitry. A plurality of pipelines each have a circuit for adding a directional cost value to a directional sum value and the total value compared to an adjacent sum value to obtain an optimum value. The optimum result of each comparison in the pipelines is coupled to a processor control circuit. The process is repeated until an optimum path value is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting emergency disconnection of a fluid transfer arm from a marine tanker manifold or other vessel to which the arm is connected, including means to purge the arm of fluid prior to disconnection in order to prevent fluid spillage.

Abstract: An improved metal-to-metal seal packoff system for establishing a high pressure metallic barrier between concentric tubular elements, such as a wellhead housing and a casing hanger, including a seal element with a pair of annular metal sealing lips that are energized by the wedging force of an expander mandrel having a cross-sectional configuration resembling a tuning fork with depending legs.

Abstract: A variable force tree shaker is disclosed including a rotatable housing supporting a weight fixed to the housing and a movable weight, with the movable weight being capable of being moved between a balanced position and a plurality of unbalanced positions while the housing is rotating at a shaking speed. Hydraulic fluid is controllably directed into the housing between the fixed and movable weights to move the movable weight while the housing is rotating.

Abstract: A brushless servo motor for connection to a rotatable load without the need for initial adjustment and calibration of the external position servo loop. A plurality of keyways, keys, pins and projections ensure alignment of motor and position sensor rotors, motor and position sensor stators, motor and load shafts, and motor and load housings to eliminate the need for extensive adjustments. This also facilitates motor replacement without the need for readjustments.

Abstract: A tank for heating deicing fluid in a mobile aircraft deicer comprises a submerged heat exchanger coil through which heating fluid passes. Propellers near the heat exchanger circulate the bulk of deicing fluid while it is being heated to help distribute the heat. Pivoting shutters isolate an area beneath the heat exchanger from the bulk of deicer fluid and from which deicing fluid is withdrawn by a pump. This allows the bulk of deicer fluid to be further heated in a "last-pass" before being discharged upon the aircraft. A method of heating deicing fluid using this apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Three dimensional television viewing apparatus having an image chamber which produces images that can be viewed from a plurality of directions. An imaging phosphor is distributed in a three dimensional chamber. A pair of energy beams are directed by a pair of scanning systems inside the chamber to an intersection where visible light is released from the imaging phosphor. The point of intersection of the two beams is moved inside the chamber to produce a visible three dimensional image.

Abstract: A pipe connector device for interconnecting first and second pipe elements using a retention member removably secured to the first pipe element by load elements. The retention member is secured to the second pipe element by pipe threads or a second retention member can be secured to the second pipe element by load elements and the first and second retention members threaded together. A seal is extended along a portion of the length of the first and second pipe elements adjacent to an end portion of each of the pipe elements to prevent leakage. This provides a fluid-tight seal which is relatively independent of any pressure exerted between the first and second pipe elements by the retention member.

Abstract: A tire changer has the feature of therefor restraining vehicle tire/rim assemblies which are caused to explode due to tire overinflation or tire bead failure for any reason. A tire and rim assembly hold down bar is pivotally attached to one side of the body of the tire changer and is secured in position immediately overlying the tire/rim assembly on the tire changer by engaging a tongue in a buckle assembly mounted on the bar. The tongue is attached to the end of a web belt which is secured to the other side of the body of the tire changer. Engagement of the tongue in the buckle also actuates an enabling valve in a conduit for transmitting tire inflation air from a pressure source to the tire. Inflation air may then be provided at will to the tire by actuation of an inflation valve located in the air conduit between the pressure source and the tire.

Abstract: An autoloading method and apparatus is disclosed for a turret mounted gun that is pivoted horizontally relative to the turret and must be lowered to a substantially horizontal 0.degree. position for loading selected cartridges from a magazine conveyor, ejecting empty cartridge cases and misfired cartridges from the gun and turret, assisting in replenishing cartridges from outside the turret into the magazine, and off-loading cartridges from the magazine. A partition divides the turret into two compartments with a gunner and a commander located in one compartment and the mechanical components of the autoloader and breech of the gun located in the other compartment. When the gun is returned to the 0.degree. position for ejecting an empty case, the site of the director system remains on target. The turret is preferably mounted on a military land vehicle.

Abstract: A casing seal for use with a source of high pressure fluids with apparatus for preventing shredding of the seal with variations in fluid pressure. A T-shaped annular metal ring provides a multiplication of fluid pressure so pressure exerted on an elastomeric sealing ring is greater than the fluid pressure. This multiplication prevents gases from entering the elastomer and prevents shredding of the elastomer when pressure is released. The multiplication of pressure also forces the elastomer firmly against a casing and a casing head to provide a fluid-tight seal.