Abstract: A fingerprint optical input apparatus comprises a contact image sensor for viewing a moving finger and providing a high contrast image. A narrow strip of the fingerprint touching a transparent platen is illuminated by sheet of collimated light at an oblique angle to the surface. The fingerprint image is viewed by frustrated total internal reflection by a GRIN rod lens array and projected onto a linear array sensor. Various embodiments of the platen provide a compact design by using TIR or mirror reflections of the fingerprint image.

Abstract: A changing device for changing a conveyance direction of a photosensitive material without causing it to move in a zigzag manner is provided. The changing device includes an endless belt in contact with a lower part of the outer surface of a turn roller. A tubular elastic member is fitted in the middle of the turn roller with respect to its widthwise direction. A photosensitive material fed between the turn roller and the belt by the rotation of the turn roller and movement of the belt is conveyed in a circumferential direction of the turn roller while being tightly held between the belt 12 and the elastic member 16. The photosensitive material can have its conveyance direction changed without being caused to move in a zigzag manner by the elastic member in substantially even contact therewith over the entire width thereof.

Abstract: An electric vehicle solenoid motor comprising a crankshaft disposed in a housing, at least one solenoid having a core operatively contacting the crankshaft; a power distribution control assembly disposed adjacent the crankshaft at the location of the protrusion; an electrical power source operatively connected to the solenoid so as to pass electric power through the power distribution control assembly to the solenoid; and wherein the power distribution control assembly has at least one power director disposed about the crankshaft. The power director has a contact moveable by the protrusion on the crankshaft such that rotation of the crankshaft causes displacement of the contact whereby the power director allows passage of electrical power from the electrical power source to the solenoid. This power energizes the solenoid and causes the core to retract into the solenoid pulling the connecting rod inwardly and moving the crankshaft to generate power.

Abstract: A bending fixture for gravity bending a glass sheet or sheets to produce, for example, automobile windshields. The bending fixture has a pair of fixture sections, each having a shaping surface segment with two ends. The fixture sections are hinged to each other at their ends to define a single hinge axis. The hinge axis is immediately adjacent the support surface at the ends of the shaping surface segments and is generally laterally centered in the fixture. The bending fixture supports a flat cold glass sheet or sheets at the hinge area and at points laterally remote from the hinge area. In the closed position after bending, the support segments together form a continuous peripheral support surface for the glass sheet.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a detection system for the quantitative analysis of chemical components of an aqueous phosphate conversion-coating bath, in particular, to a system for determining the concentration of zinc ions, phosphate ions, nitrite ions, and the pH of a purified sample of the bath. Optionally, the concentrations of other ions which might be present such as fluoride ions and nickel ions also can be determined. This detection system is preferably an automated on-line detection system employing X-ray fluorescence analysis, and flow injection analysis comprising specific ion electrodes and a flow through colorimeter or spectrophotometer. The automated, on-line detection system comprises computer means for automating said detection system and the computer means may be adapted for recording the resultant determinations and maintaining the chemical components at chosen concentrations in the bath.

Abstract: A cartridge case for a telescoped ammunition round has a generally tubular case wall and an axially extending elongate score line in said wall to provide pressure relief during firing of the round. The elongate score line has a radial depth less than the radial thickness of the wall.

Abstract: A metal to ceramic sealed joint which can withstand wide variations in temperature and maintain a good seal is provided for use in a device adapted to withstand thermal cycling from about 20 to about 1000 degrees C. The sealed joint includes a metal member, a ceramic member having an end portion, and an active metal braze forming a joint to seal the metal member to the ceramic member. The joint is positioned remote from the end portion of the ceramic member to avoid stresses at the ends or edges of the ceramic member. The sealed joint is particularly suited for use to form sealed metal to ceramic joints in a thermoelectric generator such as a sodium heat engine where a solid ceramic electrolyte is joined to metal parts in the system.

Abstract: A coupling (10) is disclosed for joining together a first tube (12) and a second tube (14) to form a continuous fluid passageway. The first tube (12) has a mount (20) a predetermined distance from its end (18) and the second tube (14) has a return bend on its end (36). Second tube (14) telescopically fits over first tube (12). A cage (22) having inclined locking tabs (30) is mounted by mount (20) externally of first tube (12). Locking tabs (30) cam to allow the return bend (36) of second tube (14) to pass the locking tabs (30). Tabs (30) return to their at rest inclination after the return bend (36) passes, to trap the return bend (36) between the locking tabs (30) and mount (18), thereby locking the first and second tubes (12,14) against disconnection and providing a visible connection to allow verification of the connection.

Abstract: A cable joining assembly (20) for easily joining push-pull and torsional cables by a hand assembly operation and without the use of tools is disclosed as comprising a first conduit section (22) and a second conduit section (26). First and second slide wires (24, 28) are relatively movable within respective first and second conduit sections (22, 24). A snap-together mechanism (30) joins the sectins as the relative movement of the first and second slide wires (24, 28) is affixed with respect to the first and second conduits (22, 26) respectively and by joining the first and second conduit sections (22, 24) simultaneously connecting the first and second slide wires (24, 28). Unfixing the relative movement of the slide wires (24, 28) with respect to the conduits (22, 26) allows the slide wires (24, 28) to be movable together and transmit forces thereby within the formed composite conduit.

Abstract: An improved active metal braze filler material is provided in which the coefficient of thermal expansion of the braze filler is more closely matched with that of the ceramic and metal, or two ceramics, to provide ceramic to metal, or ceramic to ceramic, sealed joints and articles which can withstand both high temperatures and repeated thermal cycling without failing.

Abstract: An electrochemical device and method measures the percentage of exhaust gas in the intake air/exhaust gas mixture going to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The electrochemical pump cells and a support structure form a restricted volume in communication through an aperture to an ambient of intake air and exhaust gas mixture. Constant current is passed through a first pump cell to cause a portion of oxygen molecules inside the restricted volume to be pumped out. A constant voltage across the second pump cell causes substantially all the remaining O.sub.2 molecules inside the restricted volume to be pumped out. Current flowing in the second pump cell is measured, the current being proportional to the percentage of O.sub.2 inside the restricted volume and hence proportional to the percentage of O.sub.2 in the intake air and exhaust gas mixture, which is a measure of % EGR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage and transportation rack for stacking and transporting generally flat components, comprising a framework mechanism; a plurality of support columns attached to the framework mechanism, the support columns including bearing slots; and a plurality of support arm assemblies pivotally disposed in selected ones of the bearing slots of the support columns. The support arm assemblies are positionable between a rest position and an extended position so that when a support arm assembly is in the extended position, the support arm assembly supports at least a portion of the flat component.

Abstract: A ball joint stud assembly comprising a shank having a ball formed at one end thereof, the shank having first and second axially separated surfaces with the first surface, which is located furthest from the ball, having a diameter smaller than the second surface, and the surfaces are separated by a circumferential groove. The assembly also includes a mounting component for receiving and securing at least a portion of the shank therein. The mounting component has (1) a first bore for receiving the shank, (2) a second bore perpendicular to the first bore and intersecting the first bore, and 3) a slot projecting radially from the first bore to an edge of the mounting component such that the slot intersects with the second bore. A clamping bolt is also included in the assembly for reducing the diameters of the first bore and securing the shank therein upon tightening of the clamping bolt.

Abstract: This invention is directed to composite coating for maintaining low moisture levels at the surface of solid substrates. One embodiment of the invention comprises a coating having a desiccant layer between layers of the same or different elastomeric polymers. Another embodiment comprises a layer of elastomeric polymer covered with a layer of an elastomeric polymer/desiccant mixture. The composite coating may be applied to integrated circuits to prevent corrosion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microscreen radiation shield which reduces radiative heat losses in thermoelectric generators such as sodium heat engines without reducing the efficiency of operation of such devices. The radiation shield is adapted to be interposed between a reaction zone and a means for condensing an alkali metal vapor in a thermoelectric generator for converting heat energy directly to electrical energy. The radiation shield acts to reflect infrared radiation emanating from the reaction zone back toward the reaction zone while permitting the passage of the alkali metal vapor to the condensing means. The radiation shield includes a woven wire mesh screen or a metal foil having a plurality of orifices formed therein.