Abstract: An article sensor which defines an opening through which articles to be measured are propelled in a non-supported condition. Bounding the opening are at least two mutually perpendicular arrays of light sources and of photodetectors. The photodetectors constitute the inputs to a microprocessor controlled circuit so that the number and identity of photodetectors that are obscured by a passing article can be determined rapidly thereby enabling plural measurements of articles dimensions to be made during traversal of a single article. The microprocessor can be programmed to compute the volume of an article, the weight of an article or virtually any other characteristic of an article. A circuit for controlling and interrogating the photodetectors which permits interrogation of the photodetectors at a rate corresponding to that at which the microprocessor operates.

Abstract: An article sensor which defines an opening through which articles to be measured are propelled in a non-supported condition. Bounding the opening are at least two mutually perpendicular arrays of light sources and of photodetectors. The photodetectors constitute the inputs to a microprocessor controlled circuit so that the number and identity of photodetectors that are obscured by a passing article can be determined rapidly thereby enabling plural measurements of articles dimensions to be made during traversal of a single article. The microprocessor can be programmed to compute the volume of an article, the weight of an article or virtually any other characteristic of an article.A container filling machine which is controlled by the abovementioned microprocessor so that the aggregate weight applied to each container can be carefully measured and controlled, thereby assuring compliance with relevant fair packaging and labeling regulations without the waste attending overfilling of such containers.

Abstract: A shell for a connector for flat shielded cable. The shell is formed of conductive material and is constructed so as physically and electrically to contact the shield so that grounding the shell will ground the shield. The shell also includes portions to grip firmly the cable so as to relieve strain from the cable-connector connection. Finally the shell defines a cavity for the connector; the cavity has one or more irregularities corresponding to mirror image irregularities in the connector cavity to assure proper positioning of the connector within the shell cavity. Associated with the receptacle adapted to receive the connector are two toggle latches; the shell is provided with external hooks adapted to cooperate with the toggle latches so as to achieve firm connection between the connector and the receptacle as well as connection of the shell to ground.

Abstract: A prime mover or motor having one or more compartments in which pressure variations are produced by transporting molecules into and/or out of the compartment by means of an electrolytic membrane. Devices for converting the pressure changes to mechanical motion without adversely affecting the sealed condition of the compartment. The mechanical motion produced by the apparatus of the invention is typically reciprocating linear motion and means are disclosed for converting such motion into a pumping function, a rocking function or a rotating function. Disposed within the compartments is an electrochemically active material that can exist in the gaseous phase and that can enter into an oxidation/reduction reaction in order to form ions that move across an electrolytic membrane so as to increase or decrease pressure in a compartment in response to application of a voltage gradient of proper duration and polarity across the membrane. Hydrogen and oxygen are materials for use in the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for gathering topographic data for use in computer generation of topographic maps of various forms. This system includes equipment mounted in an aircraft which can be flown over a terrain area which is to be surveyed. The equipment comprises a low frequency radar which is capable of penetrating foliage in the survey area for generating a signal representative of the distance from the aircraft to the terrain surface, a precision altimeter that produces a signal representative of the altitude of the aircraft with respect to a reference plane such as sea level, temperature and humidity sensors for producing signals representative of those quantities, a clock for producing a signal representative of a standard time, and a digital recorder for recording the previously named signals which are produced during over flight of a survey area.

Abstract: A mounting device for a heater module which permits rapid installation and removal of the device from a ferrous surface. The mounting device includes a pair of oppositely disposed assemblies each of which has a magnet and a spring loaded structure for mounting the magnet so that the magnet surface can be quickly and conveniently positioned in engagement with the ferrous surface so as to retain the heater module in close heat transferring contact with the surface. Each assembly is provided with a handle to facilitate installation and removal of the module from the surface.

Abstract: Load lifting and transporting apparatus which comprises plural individual units that can be combined into a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the load. There are load lifting units equipped with a jack screw and there are load engaging units equipped with plates for engaging the load. Each of the units is provided with sleeves through which elongate bars can be introduced to retain the lifting and engaging units in a framework surrounding the load. The load engaging units can be provided in various forms such as a unit with a plate that can be positioned beneath the periphery of a rigid load, a unit having flexible belts or the like that can be passed beneath irregularly shaped loads, a unit specifically adapted to pass beneath the wheels of a vehicle, and a unit including a truss that can be positioned above a load.

Abstract: An article sensor which defines an opening through which articles to be measured are propelled in a non-supported condition. Bounding the opening are at least two mutually perpendicular arrays of light sources and of photodetectors. The photodetectors constitute the inputs to a microprocessor controlled circuit so that the number and identity of photodetectors that are obscured by a passing article can be determined rapidly thereby enabling plural measurements of articles dimensions to be made during traversal of a single article. The microprocessor can be programmed to compute the volume of an article, the weight of an article or virtually any other characteristic of an article.A container filling machine which is controlled by the abovementioned microprocessor so that the aggregate weight applied to each container can be carefully measured and controlled, thereby assuring compliance with relevant fair packaging and labeling regulations without the waste attending overfilling of such containers.

Abstract: A planar electrical heating unit that is sufficiently flexible to be conformable to nonplanar surfaces such as the exterior of pipes and tanks. The unit is formed of plural layers. There are two glass fiber reinforced silicon rubber layers between which is sandwiched an electric resistance heater element. On one outside surface is adhesively secured an imperforate metal plate. Mounted to the plate is a junction box for electrical connections to the heating element and for ground connection to the metal plate. A thermoelectric sensor is housed within the junction box and serves to interrupt current to the heating element when a prescribed temperature has been reached. Adjacent the edge margins of the unit are a plurality of grommets which prevent delamination of the layers of the device and facilitate mounting the device to the exterior surface of a pipe, tank, or the like.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for a data disc drive having a carriage on which is mounted one or more read/write heads for cooperation with a data disc. The carriage is supported in the housing for movement on an axis that is oriented radially of the disc. The end of the carriage remote from the read/write head is of hollow rectangular cross-sectional shape; there is a voice coil mounted on the end of the carriage. A magnetic housing defines a cavity in alignment with the carriage and the coil so that the carriage and coil can move within the cavity. The housing is constructed of magnetic material, and in magnetic circuit with the housing is at least one permanent magnet. The permanent magnet has a surface that confronts the path along which the coil moves.

Abstract: A tester for conductors in a multiconductor cable which afford identification of the respective ends of each pair and tests each pair for shorts and opens. A transmitter unit for connection to one terminus of the cable and a receiver unit for connection to the opposite terminus of the cable. The transmitter has a plurality of integrated circuits forming a sequencer to apply in sequence a test signal to one end of each of the conductors. The transmitter has a power supply and there is a connection over a conductive path independent of the cable to connect the power supply to the receiver whereby the receiver is extremely compact. The receiver contains a plurality of light emitting diodes that constitute signal detectors, there being one detector for each conductor. The transmitter is supplied with controls for controlling the mode of operation of the equipment and for affording variation in the number of conductors that can be tested.

Abstract: An improved finned heat exchanger tube wherein the upper circumferential portions of the fins are foreshortened to enhance axial movement of liquid introduced onto the top of the finned tube. Accordingly, the liquid can gravitate both axially and circumferentially of the finned tube and thoroughly wet the entire external surface thereof.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling the flow of hot melt material such as hot melt adhesive. The valve includes an aluminum body in which is disposed a heater cartridge for supplying heat energy to the body. The body is bored to receive an insert constructed of brass of like material having good heat conductivity and the insert defines a cylindric passage. Extending through the cylindric passage is a valve stem that has an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the cylindrical passage so that an annular flow path is formed. Hot melt material supplied to one end of the annular flow path flows to a valve seat at the other end of the flow path. The diameters of the cylindric passage and the valve stem are established so that the annular path has a sufficiently small radial dimension (e.g. 0.004 inch) that the hot melt material in the path is rapidly and efficiently heated so that when discharged through the valve seat it will be at a suitable operating temperature.

Abstract: A pallet puller for effecting engagement with a cargo pallet for sliding the same over a vehicle bed or like surface. In one form there are two pivotally mounted arms having cross pieces on their inner end. The cross pieces have lateral protrusions that fit beneath the stringer in the pallet so as to retain the pallet puller in place under virtually all conditions. There is mechanism for controllably pivoting the two arms between an open position and a closed position. In another form there is a single elongate arm with a cross piece on the end. The cross piece has lateral protrusions that fit beneath the pallet stringer to retain the pallet puller in place.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for an endless traction band system in which the endless band is supported on and driven by a pair of laterally spaced roller chains. The mounting mechanism supports a double sprocket for engaging the chains and is adapted to permit a limited degree of skewing by the sprocket wheel shaft so as to maintain the sprockets in alignment with the roller chains even when the roller chains are deformed in response to laterally imposed loads.

Abstract: A prime mover or motor having one or more compartments in which pressure variations are produced by transporting molecules into and out of the compartment by means of an electrolytic membrane. Devices for converting the pressure changes to mechanical movement are disclosed; the devices effect conversion to mechanical motion without adversely affecting the sealed condition of the compartment. The mechanical motion produced by the apparatus of the invention is typically reciprocating linear motion and means are disclosed for converting such motion into a pumping function, a rocking function or a rotating function.Disposed within the compartments is an electrochemically active material that can exist in the gaseous phase and that can enter into an oxidation/reduction reaction in order to form ions that move across an electrolytic membrane so as to increase or decrease pressure in a compartment in response to application of a voltage gradient of proper duration and polarity across the membrane.

Abstract: A spindle assembly comprising a hub rotatably supported about a fixed shaft by a pair of ball bearings disposed along the shaft and having a preload spring compressed between a member on the shaft and the inner race of one of the bearings to establish back to back mounting of the bearings for holding the shaft axis in collinear alignment with the centerline of the hub which includes inner and outer laterally connected cylinders with the shaft extending through the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder being adapted for mounting thereabout of members to be rotated.

Abstract: Circuitry for affording access to a common passive bus by a plurality of computer devices connected to the bus. Each of the devices is provided with the circuitry, which operates in three sequential phases: a bus request phase, an address phase and a data transfer phase. Circuitry interconnecting the bus connections for permitting a device to initiate the bus request phase only if all devices superior to it are not in the bus request phase thereby establishing a priority ranking among the devices. The circuitry also includes a call back system wherein if a given device is unready to receive data when addressed by a source device, such device will, when it is ready, call back the source device that was previously and unsuccessfully attempting to transfer data to it.

Abstract: An interface circuit for effecting switchover between plural hot melt material delivery systems so that hot melt material can be continuously supplied to applicators or the like. There are two similar relay circuits which are interconnected so that upon depletion of hot melt material from one system, operation is automatically transferred to another system. The relay circuits each include disconnect contacts for disconnecting the depleted system, transfer contacts for activating the new system, lock-out contacts for preventing operation of the system that is not activated and lock-in contacts for activating the new system without attention by the system operator. The coil of the disconnect relay can be connected to a delay circuit so that deactivation of the depleted system can be delayed by delay interval after activation of the new system. The delay circuit affords a fixed delay interval or a variable delay interval.