Abstract: A gas purging, eye fixation hand piece (10) includes a vacuum ring (15) evacuated by a suction line (21) through a handle (20) via which a purging gas is delivered to an array of purging nozzles (36-38) aimed into the vacuum ring from around an inner perimeter of the vacuum ring to direct purging gas jets towards the proximal side (16) of vacuum ring (15) attached to an eye that is held steady in a reference position for laser surgery. A preferably disposable and resilieint eye-engaging ring (25) is removably mounted on the vacuum ring to engage the eye around the cornea, and a spring-biased suction release valve (24) is preferably mounted on hand piece handle (20) for finger operation by the surgeon to release hand piece (10) from the eye when surgery is completed. Mounting of gas purging nozzles (36-38) on the hand piece automatically positions them properly for keeping the cornea clear of particles formed by laser ablation of eye tissue, once hand piece (10) is properly fixed to the eye.

Abstract: A microscope having two optomechanically coupled observation barrels to permit simultaneous use by two individuals. While each barrel is provided with its own eyepieces and its own magnification system, they share a common optical axis including a single objective lens and a specially designed composite prism which allows part of the observation beam (the light reflected by the object) to pass through it, undiminished, to one of the observation barrels, while the other part of this light is deflected to the other observation barrel by a mirror layer within the prism. The microscope's illumination beam is directed onto the object field along the same common optical axis followed by the returning observation beam, and this illumination is deflected into this optical axis at a point between the object field and the objective lens.

Abstract: A pull strap handle (10) for an automotive interior is fully cushioned by forming a foamed resin cushion (20) that is fit around and over both faces of a strap (15) for the handle. A backing bar (30) is then positioned to extend over cushion (20) and be spaced from strap (15), and a resin cover (25) is wrapped over the cushion and over backing bar (30) so that edges of the cover overlap adjacent the backing bar. Then a dielectric bonding bar (31) presses the overlapping edges of cover (25) against the metal backing bar so that the cover edges are dielectrically bonded together in a seam that preferably has the same surface texture pattern as the rest of the cover material, so as to be inconspicuous. Then backing bar (30) is slid endwise out from under cover (25), to leave the seam (32) spaced from strap (15) by the thickness of cushion (20) which can extend all around and over both faces of the strap. Handle ( 10) is then completed by forming the strap and providing end anchorages, as is generally known.

Abstract: Several alternative forms of construction are disclosed, for enhancing build-up of solar-generated heat into a building or part thereof, while the sun is shining or the outside temperature is relatively hot, and for minimizing heat loss from the building when the sun is not shining or the outside temperature is lower. In the preferred form of disclosed construction, a member which is blackened for maximum heat absorption from the sun's rays changes its shape when it becomes heated, and acts as a valve, opening up for maximum inflow of solar heated air when the sun's rays fall on the blackened surface or it becomes heated from surrounding air, and closing when the temperature falls or the sun's rays no longer heat the blackened surface, so that flow of warm air to the outside or to a colder surface is halted, to minimize heat loss.

Abstract: Fast and versatile autofocusing for microscopes is achieved by the interaction of two known systems: a first, active autofocusing system (12) which projects at least one light dot on the object and develops a focusing signal dependent upon the character of a reflection of the dot; and a second, passive autofocusing system which creates a video signal representative of an image of the object and then uses the image contrast of that video signal as a focusing criterion. Provided for both systems is a joint control unit (45) to which the signals (g), (f) of both focusing systems are transmitted and which, successively, activates first the active and then the passive autofocusing system. The process can be used to focus on both covered and uncovered objects illuminated by transmitted as well as reflected light.

Abstract: A microscope (1) arranged for measuring microscopic structures uses punctiform bundles of rays from a point source (31, 34) of light focused by an optical system on a structure to be measured so that a photoelectric detector (15) can receive the ray bundles reflected from the structure. Plane plates (30a,30b) arranged in a non-parallel ray portion of the path of the optical system can be pivoted through predetermined angles for moving the focal point of the ray bundles on the structure. Encoders (61a, 61b) are coupled with the plates and arranged for measuring the pivot angles used in moving the focal point; and a processor (20) supplied with signals from the encoders and from the detector (15) is arranged for calculating the linear dimensions of the structure over which the focal point has moved.

Abstract: A microscope objective adjustable for different thicknesses of cover-glass includes a second lens (L2 and L3) movable between a first lens (L1) and a third lens (L4) and a fourth lens (L5) movable with the second lens, but in an opposite direction. A ring that accomplishes movements of the second and fourth lenses also resets the focus of the objective. All movements are linear and are arranged to maintain the correction of image error while the objective is adjustable over a wide range of cover-glass thicknesses from 0 to 2 mm.

Abstract: For producing phase-contrast images with a microscope which scans the object point-by-point with a beam of illuminating radiation, the illuminating radiation is focused by an objective (31, 32) including a phase-shifting element (33) of preselective geometry. A radiation-sensitive detector (36) is positioned directly behind the object plane (34), seen in the direction of the light; and the shape of the radiation-sensitive area of the detector is adapted to encompass the path of the radiation passing through the geometry of the phase-shifting element (33) of the objective (31, 32), e.g., where the phase-shifting elements (33) comprise an annular aperture, an appropriately conforming annular diaphragm (35) is arranged in front of the detector (36). The advantage of this arrangement is that it does not use any radiation-collecting lens system between the object plane (34) and the detector (36).

Abstract: A double-walled plastic box (20) is molded from a single parison (50) in an unlimited depth by closing the bottom of parison (50) and draping it downwardly over a core (60) so that a leading part of the parison forms an inside wall of the box and a following part of the parison forms an outside wall of the box. After parison (50) is draped over core (60), outer mold parts (61) close around the core and the draped parison; and the box is blown in a cavity between the core and the outer mold parts. The parison can be ballooned while draping down over the core to enlarge the parison to stand out from and surround the core, which can be raised during the draping process. Parison (50) can also be deballooned after draping to stay within the confines of outer mold parts (61) while core (60) raises and while the outer mold parts close.

Abstract: A lift-off shoe system uses non-locking sash support shoes (30) movable vertically and spring biased upwardly in a tilt window. Sash pins (25) have heads (26) that interlock with open top slots (31) in sash shoes (30) so that the sash pins are removable from the shoes only by lifting the pins vertically from above the uppermost position of the shoes. This simplifies the shoes, eliminates damage caused by shoe-locking mechanisms, and makes sash removal and replacement simple and convenient.

Abstract: This invention relates to slit lamps of the type incorporated in instruments used to illuminate eyes for ophthalmic examination and/or photography; and, more particularly, it relates to controlling the illumination produced by such slit lamps.

Abstract: A laser sight for a firearm (10) having a recoil spring guide (15) mounts components on the spring guide so that a light beam (18) is directed along the axis of the spring guide. This automatically makes light beam (18) parallel with the barrel (11) of firearm (10). Several mounting alternatives are possible, including a collimating lens (21) arranged on the axis of the spring guide to receive light from a laser diode (20) that is either mounted on the spring guide with the collimating lens or mounted remotely and arranged for directing light to collimating lens (21) via a fiber optic cable (25). These arrangements can also conceal the laser light within the firearm, where it is well protected and not noticeable.

Abstract: An hourglass worm wheel and method of hobbing same wherein the finished worm wheel (70) includes a mid zone (B) where the root surface and outside helix are cylindrical for a predetermined distance along the axis of the worm wheel. The method forming the mid zone includes a combination radial and axial feeding of a hobbing tool (58) rotating in synchronization with the rotating worm wheel blank (50).

Abstract: A releasable retainer for a replaceable top lift (30) of a shoe heel (10) includes a threaded wedge (25) threaded into a retainer hole (18) that intersects a mounting hole (15) for the top lift. There, a dowel rod or tube (20) holding the top lift at its bottom end (23) has a slot (21) at its upper end (22) engaged by a conical wedge tip (26) of threaded wedge (25) threaded into retainer hole (18). The wedging action of conical tip (26) in slot (21) of tube (20) or rod (50) spreads the tube and holds it firmly in mounting hole (15), against both rotary and axial movement.

Abstract: A drill (10) for flexographic plates and negatives includes a table (15) movable in a Y direction under a drill bar (30), and a pin bar (25) movable in an X direction on the table so that negatives can be supported on the table, moved to an appropriate positon underneath the drill bar, and held in place by clamping the table and the pin bar. Drill bar (30) moves up and down and rotates a linear array of hollow spindles (35) holding hollow drill bits (40) for boring a suitable array of holes. The same array bored in the negatives is then bored in a flexographic plate corresponding to each negative, and these are pinned together while the plates are imaged. Drill (10) includes slug rods (32) extending downward through spindles (35) and bits (40) to push out drilled slugs when the drill bar raises. The spindles are preferably rotated by a drive chain (55).

Abstract: Hand tabs (25) are reinforced by adhering a reinforcing band (14) to a head region (22) of a tab strip (11) while the adhesive coated surface of the tab strip is separated from a release liner (13). Tab strip (11), with its reinforcing band (14), is then rejoined with its liner (13); and hang tabs (25) with reinforced head regions (22) are die cut so that the tabs are secured in rows on the liner. This places reinforcing band (14) on the front faces of tabs (25), where their adhesive coating adheres them to objects or packages.

Abstract: A housing (10) encloses a dual outlet, dual rotor blower between two cast parts (11 and 12) having internal partitions (31) dividing a volute region (30) of the housing. Flanges (32) on opposite ends of the motor (15) nest between the partitions for mounting the motor and its rotors (16) in the volute region. A discharge plenum (35) communicates with each of the rotors and spans the distance between them, and partitions (31) extend into the plenum. A pair of conveying nozzles (40) discharge from the plenum; but some of the air passes around the ends (33) of partitions (31), where it flows over motor (15) and out through vent openings (34). Confronting flanges (13, 14, and 24) are fastened together to assemble the motor and rotors within two cast parts (11 and 12).

Abstract: A blow molding parison (10) being draped around a generally rectangular mold part (12) is spread from its extruded cylindrical shape into a generally rectangular shape (14), as it descends from an extrusion head (11). Before the open bottom (20) of the parison reaches a clamp (25) on the mold part, a jet of air is blown downward through the open bottom to draw in the parison's side and end regions (21 and 22 respectively). This reduces the size of parison (10) and helps it fit within the clamp and also forms the end regions (22) of the parison into a pair of opposed pleats (23) extending inward from the ends of the pinch-off line when clamp (25) closes. Further descending of the parison unfolds the pleats into gussets (24) extending toward corner regions (27) of mold part (12) so that the parison can drape around the mold part corners.

Abstract: Differential reduction drives on opposite sides of a vehicle are steer driven by a pair of worm gears (110) meshed with worm wheels (111) inputting steering torque into each reduction drive. The worm gears are rotationally interconnected so that the steering torque applied to the reduction drives is respectively equal and opposite. The arrangement allows a simple steering control shaft (46) to receive steering control torque for normal turning and driving torque for propulsion drive-assisted pivot turning. A pivot turn brake (120), applied to the drive torque train, can make pivot turning precise.

Abstract: A hang tab (10) is folded on itself, and its hanging region (15) is adhered to its stick-on region (20) so that it lies flat against a package (30) during shipment. The adhesive (25) between the hanging region and the stick-on region is arranged so that the hanging region can be unfolded after shipment to be upstanding from object (30), for hanging the object on a hanger wire. The adhesive bond can be made weak enough to break when the hanging region (15) is unfolded, or the bond can be stronger and can adhere an opening flap (16) to stick-on region (20) so that the unfolded hanging region has an opening (26) ready to receive a hanger wire.