Abstract: A system to measure geometric and electromagnetic characteristics of objects. Wave energy of a single frequency (or very narrow band of frequencies) is directed upon an object which reflects (or otherwise interacts with) the wave energy. The reflected wave energy is sensed by many spatially spaced sensors to provide electric signals whose amplitude and phase components are combined to give a quantity from which geometric and/or electromagnetic characteristics of the object can be ascertained.

Abstract: A process for hydrolysis of biomass wherein the biomass is mixed with a small amount of an aqueous acid to produce a wet meal. A non-aqueous carrier fluid is used to form a slurry of the biomass, and the temperature and pressure are established at appropriate levels to effect hydrolysis of the biomass to decomposition products that include sugar for a time period that is sufficient for the hydrolysis to occur.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating complex sounds having a more natural and agreeable quality wherein fundamental and higher order components may be uniquely and independently controlled to inexact integer relationships.

Abstract: A side and heel lasting machine. The machine serves to adhere the unwiped margin of a shoe upper assembly, whose toe portion has been wiped, to the periphery region of the assembly insole. Lasting pads are employed to keep the margin in position during application of adhesive from nozzles that are spring loaded to press outwardly and track the upstanding margin when adhesive is applied in the region between the insole and the margin. The pads are then raised and urged inwardly to press the margin onto the insole. The top edge of inner lasting pads are folded onto the insole to achieve during wiping action; the direction of forces upon the top edges of the lasting pads is changed during wiping to increase downward wiping forces upon the margin. A quick-release mechanism is provided to permit removal and replacement of the lasting pads without need to remove any screw-type fasteners.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing levels of organic contaminants present in water or other fluid. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced activated carbon beds and a bed of cross-linked organic polymer particles (i.e., Imbiber Beads). The bed of polymer particles is serially disposed between the activated beds of carbon to receive and absorb organic contaminants when all the adsorption sites on the first activated carbon bed reach saturation. A second activated carbon bed receives and adsorbs contaminants which escape the absorption of the polymer particles. The polymer particles swell on contact with organic contaminants to decrease and then terminate flow of water or other fluid through the apparatus.

Abstract: A windsurfing mechanism that comprises a plurality of gliding parts to permit travel at the surface of a medium and adapted to prevent the windsurfing mechanism from sinking into the body of the medium, said plurality of gliding parts being mechanically secured to one another to form an elongate but flexible structure having a surface to support a surfer. To provide propulsion of the mechanism along the surface of the medium a sail is secured to the ski like gliding parts. To the flexible structure is also secured a fin extending rearwardly from the flexible structure to engage said medium. The fin is vertically flexible and laterally bendable.

Abstract: A device for toe and ball lasting a shoe unit consisting of a last with a shoe upper superimposed thereon and an insole arranged on the last bottom comprises main wipers seated above the shoe support for linear movement and pivotal movement about a fulcrum point and carrying, on their side opposite the fulcrum point, ball wipers arranged for longitudinal displacement.In order to achieve perfect wiping results in the ball area, irrespective of the length, i.e., size of the shoe unit being processed, without the need to perform troublesome adjusting or setting work on the wipers, the device is provided with a sensing element for scanning the length of the shoe unit placed upon the shoe support, and for emitting a signal indicative of the length of the said shoe unit, the said sensing element coacting with adjusting means which are controlled by the said signal and which serve to automatically adjust the initial position of the ball wipers on the main wipers to the respective length of the shoe unit.

Abstract: A footwear forming machine wherein a shoe (or other footwear) upper assembly comprising a shoe upper draped about a last and an inner sole at the bottom of the last, is presented to the machine for applying adhesive and wiping of the lasting margin. The machine includes an inner sole support or footrest to receive the shoe upper assembly, means for stretching and forming the upper about the last and means for wiping the upper margin against the inner sole. An adhesive applicator mechanism is provided that include two extruder sections operable to apply adhesive to the bottom of the inner sole respectively near each edge of the toe portion of the shoe upper assembly.

Abstract: A process for electrodeposition of a material on a substrate that includes the steps of establishing a liquid halogenous electrolyte containing the material to be plated on the substrate and a solute, said electrolyte having an appropriate electrical conductance in a cryogenic environment; and establishing an electric field within the electrolyte to effect migration of ions of said material to the substrate where they deposit.

Abstract: A composite band for use in a footwear-forming machine. The composite band includes an elongated pad formed to have a bight portion and a pair of legs extending outwardly from the bight portion. A flexible elongated metal is secured at the outer surface of the elongated pad. The composite band is subjected to flexing forces whereby, in the footwear forming process, it is repeatedly bent to conform to the shape of the footwear and then relaxed to an unflexed condition. The metal strip contains three (or more) spaced loops, one at each leg and one at the bight portion, to prevent undue stress during flexure. The loops serve also to permit inwardly-directed forces to be applied to the composite band.

Abstract: Apparatus for adapting a standard telephone set for use in an intercom system communicating over the two "extra" conductors of the four-conductor wiring typically provided on the premises of a telephone subscriber. The adapter is inserted between the telephone and the premises wiring. A hold button, intercom signaling button, intercom select switch, and various indicators are provided by the adapter, which provides these features without requiring separate connection to a power source. The hold function automatically releases at the end of a conversation. Indicators warn the user to switch from intercom to central office when an incoming call is present and the intercom is selected. The intercom is usable even when the central office line is out of order.

Abstract: Self-organizing circuits to receive input signals from transducers and the like and operable, under guidance from other inputs thereto, to operate in a learning mode and systems embodying such self-organizing circuits.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model-making system that employs a cutting wire under tension and acting in a reciprocating mode to shape an easily-machinable material. The machine has three servo-driven axes including an x and y axis and a rotational axis.

Abstract: A digital min-max thermometer that periodically records temperature and the corresponding time of that temperature and rates minimum and maximum values of temperature for a predetermined time interval (e.g., a 24-hour period). The minimum and maximum values can then be displayed on demand. The apparatus disclosed includes, as well, degree-day information and frost alarm capabilities.

Abstract: A dc ground fault detector in which ground fault is sensed by noting an imbalance of magnetic flux due to a pair of windings on a toroidal core.

Abstract: An energy absorber in which impact energy is converted into heat and stored elastic energy in a multitude of individual elastomeric fibers or the like which are disposed individually in tension about a plurality of mechanical members that are moved by the impact to effect distortion of the fibers or the like and provide energy dissipation and containment.

Abstract: A musical note oscillator producing notes at musical intervals having high resolution and high frequency stability achieved with an economy of components and control signals. The oscillator may be operated to provide multiple notes simultaneously and independently; and it is described in the context of a musical instrument.

Abstract: A mixture of avian intestinal microflora for adminstration to poultry to prevent or inhibit paratyphoid salmonella infection (including infection by the arizona groups) in the poultry or in the presence of infection to reduce the incidence and excretion rate of paratyphoid salmonella, is disclosed.

Abstract: A digital min-max thermometer that periodically records temperature and the corresponding time of that temperature and rates minimum and maximum values of temperature for a predetermined time interval (e.g., a 24-hour period). The minimum and maximum values can then be displayed on demand. The apparatus disclosed includes, as well, degree-day information and frost alarm capabilities.

Abstract: The disclosure describes improved apparatus for sampling a digitally-stored waveshape only at a rate 2.sup.N times the fundamental frequency of a note synthesized, where N is an integer. The apparatus includes a digital memory for storing a digital representation of the waveshape. A top octave synthesizer produces clock pulses at a rate 2.sup.N times the fundamental frequency of a desired note. An octave oscillator generates addresses for the digital memory in response to at least some of the clock pulses depending on the octave in which the desired note is located. A digital-to-analog converter converts the output from the digital memory into an analog signal suitable for sound production.