Abstract: A pipe connector load element interconnects a pipe element and a connector retention member. The load element is mounted in an annular groove on the outer circumference of the pipe element and in a groove adjacent to an internal bore in the retention member to secure the retention member to the pipe element. The load element includes a plurality of elongated components each having a slot extending lengthwise, and a flexible ribbon for threading through the slots. A pair of retention members are interconnected to connect a pair of pipe elements in an end-to-end arrangement.

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 low-cost strainer tube which can be quickly replaced in a citrus fruit juice extractor. The tube includes a hollow perforated sleeve which can be quickly inserted into a hollow body member and can be quickly removed. The sleeve has a plurality of groups of radial perforations which align with corresponding radial holes in the body member to allow juice to flow from an inside of the sleeve to an outside of the body member. To the amount of pulp which flows through the perforations it is necessary to remove only the sleeve and substitute another sleeve with different size perforations.

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 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for a tire changer having a support table for tire/rim assemblies and a tire inflation system includes a post having a quick disconnect mechanism for engagement with and release from the support table. The post has high pitch threads which receive a restraining cone with mating threads. The post is engaged with the table through a central rim opening and the restraining cone is moved on the threads to engage the edges of the rim opening. The post-table engagement actuates an air interlock which enables the tire inflation system. The cone is trapped on the post by structure on either end of the post.

Abstract: A current and torque feedback system for use with sine-wave controlled brushless servo motors each having a plurality of stator windings, a permanent magnet rotor and a rotor position sensor. Current sensors detect instantaneous values of electrical currents in each of the stator windings; and circuitry computes peak current values and electrical polarity of each current. Circuitry uses sensor signals from the rotor position sensor to divide the electrical revolution of the brushless motor into a number of regions equal to the number of phases of the brushless motor with each of the regions centered about the peak values of the sensed currents. The peak values of the currents and the current polarities are coupled to circuitry which generates an output signal having a value proportional to the peak values of the currents and having a polarity indicative of the direction of the torque generated by the brushless motor.

Abstract: A rotary film sealing and severing device for use with thermoplastic film for forming packages. The device includes a rotating anvil assembly and a counter-rotating film cutting assembly having a heated sealing and cutting knife. First and second liquid cooled clamping bars on either side of the knife hold the layers of film together while the film is being sealed and cut. Cooling the clamping bars prevents the film from adhering to the clamps and causes the layers of film to quickly fuse together and allows high speed operation by preventing separation of layers of film due to slow cooling.

Abstract: An oscillating sealing wire for high speed sealing of thermoplastic film. The sealing wire curved in the shape of a bow rocks back and forth across the moving surface of a thermoplastic film so the wire continuously presents a hot surface to the film. The film removes heat from the wire surface which touches the film. The oscillating wire continuously presents a new hot surface to the film to allow high speed movement of the film and still obtain a good seal.

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 cartidges 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 rim engaging finger is configured to engage a wide variety of passenger vehicle and truck wheel rims, so that a wheel clamp upon which an array of three of the fingers are mounted may be attached to the wheel rims. The clamp is configured to carry a variety of wheel alignment devices. The rim engaging finger is rotatable in its position on the clamp so that its tip may be put in contact with the inside or the outside of the periphery of a vehicle wheel rim. Additionally, fallow grooves on the finger may be put in contact with the fallow of a vehicle wheel rim for supporting the clamp on the wheel. An inner knife edge is also included to provide contact with certain wheel rim configurations by the array of fingers for clamp mounting purposes.

Abstract: A tire changer has a base on which is mounted a rim and tire assembly support table upon which tires are inflated through an air inflation hose. A rigid arm-like member is pivotally attached to the base of the tire changer in a position so that it may be pivoted between a safety position overlying the support table and a rim/tire assembly thereon and a stowed position away from the support table. In one embodiment the rigid arm pivots from an overhead position to the safety position and in another embodiment the rigid arm pivots from a lateral position to the safety position. The rigid arm carries the air inflation hose with a short length of the hose extending therefrom, so the arm must overlie the support table for the hose to reach the inflation valve on a tire supported on the table.

Abstract: A drum rotation indicator for indicating the speed of raising and lowering a load by a crane winch. A rate generator connected to the winch develops electrical pulses having a frequency proportional to winch rotational speed. A solenoid having a movable plunger is mounted in the cab of a crane where the vibration of the plunger can be sensed by a crane operator. Pulses from the rate generator are amplified and coupled to the solenoid to cause the plunger to vibrate at a rate corresponding to pulse frequency.

Abstract: A tire changer has a base on which is mounted a rim and tire assembly support table upon which tires are inflated through an air inflation hose. A rigid arm-like member is pivotally attached to the base of the tire changer in a position so that it may be pivoted between a safety position overlying the support table and a rim/tire assembly thereon and a stowed position away from the support table. In one embodiment the rigid arm pivots from an overhead position to the safety position and in another embodiment the rigid arm pivots from a lateral position to the safety position. The rigid arm carries the air inflation hose with a short length of the hose extending therefrom, so the arm must overlie the support table for the hose to reach the inflation valve on a tire supported on the table.