Abstract: A rotary type capping apparatus for screwing caps onto the mouths of containers includes a turn table provided with a plurality of container holders fixedly mounted along the periphery thereof, a main motor for rotating the turn table in a predetermined direction and a capping head assembly including a plurality of cap holders, each of which is disposed above the corresponding one of the plurality of container holders, so as to be movable closer to or away from the turn table. In one aspect of the present invention, the capping apparatus includes at least one motor exclusively used for rotating the cap holders for causing the caps held by the cap holders to be screwed onto the mouths of containers. In another aspect of the present invention, the capping apparatus is so structured to increase the torque applied to a cap until it has reached a predetermined level during the cap screwing operation thereby insuring that all caps may be screwed on as tightly as desired.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package magazine and receptacle is provided in which one or both ends of a longitudinally elongated magazine tube (10) are cut-out to form inwardly facing spring gates (16) which have ends (18) abutting ends (22) of a series of integrated semiconductor packages (20) slidably contained on a rail surface (13) in the interior of the magazine. In its neutral inward position spring gate 16 functions to prevent egress of the semiconductor packages while allowing easy ingress of the packages by spring movement of the spring gate upwardly into a position in the same plane as the top wall (15) of the tube. The tube may take various exterior and interior configurations. Automatic release of semiconductor packages from the tube is provided by utilizing the tube in conjunction with a receptacle (30) having a longitudinal rail (34) onto which the magazine is insertable.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes an electrode array (1) comprising multiple platinum ring electrodes in a silastic carrier to be implanted in the cochlea of the ear. A receiver-stimulator (3) containing a semiconductor integrated circuit and other components is implanted in the patient adjacent the ear to receive data information and power through tuned coil (5) using an inductive link (6) from a patient-wearable external speech processor (7) including an integrated circuit and various components which is configured or mapped to emit data signals from an EPROM programmed to suit each patient electrical stimulation perceptions through testing of the patient and his implanted stimulator/electrode using a diagnostic and programming unit (12) connected to the processor by an interface unit (10).

Abstract: Alignment apparatus particularly for a semiconductor wafer (140) includes a horizontal support plate (134), a horizontal rotatable theta plate (106) below the support plate and a horizontal x-y motion plate below the rotatable plate. Three piezoelectric linear drive motors (128-130) are mounted depending from the rotatable plate and having linear shafts (128a, etc.) extending thereabove to support the support plate, drive the support in the z-axis and then differentially operated to tilt the support plate. A pair of linear piezoelectric motors (110,115) drive the motion plate in x- and y-directions. A theta drive linear piezoelectric motor (137) functions to rotate the theta plate (106). Flexure connections (113, 117, 119, 121, 138, 144) are provided between the various motors and plates. Mask registration means (124, 125) extends upwardly past the edges of the plates to initially gap the wafer-to-mask distance.

Abstract: A shipping container for computer peripherals such as disk drives or other payloads is provided in which a bottom cap (21a) and apertured block (23a), both of resilient foam material, are partially adhesively bonded (as to 27, 28) and inserted separately or as a unit into a closed end of an outer box (10). The payload, contained in an inner box (30,50), is inserted into an aperture (25) in the block (23a). A second spaced apertured block (23b) and partially bonded top cap (21b) are inserted into the top of the box (10) separately or as a unit with the aperture (25) in block (23b) holding the top (31) of inner box (30, 50) in suspended position. The box (10) flaps are then closed over the top of block (21b). Slits (40) are provided at the corners of the apertures in the blocks to prevent tearing due to repeated shocks to the package.

Abstract: A stepped piston for an engine of the kind having one or more cylinders, the or each cylinder containing a stepped piston having a pumping part of larger diameter, and a working part of smaller diameter, the working part of the piston being slidable in, and associated with, a working part of the cylinder in which combustion of a fuel/air mixture takes place, and the pumping part of the piston being slidable in, and associated with, a pumping part of the cylinder, the piston having a body with an interior hollow opening to the outside of a lower end of the piston, the body comprising a smaller diameter working, part, extending from the top of the piston to a step, and a larger diameter, pumping, part extending from the step to a lower end of the piston, at least one piston ring groove formed in an outer surface of the smaller diameter part and at least one piston ring groove formed in the outer surface of the larger diameter part, each piston ring groove, in use, receiving a piston ring the smaller diameter pa

Abstract: In an x-ray source having a cathode emitting electron beams (15, 16) bombarding inner surfaces of an inverted conical anode target cooled by flowing water on its exterior, providing in place of the apex (14b) of the conical anode (34) a rearwardly facing upstream cylindrical extension (34b) which insures against apex tip burn-out by extending the cooling structure, area and mass to an upstream position to further dissipate heat energy flux generated by impingement of the electron beam. Portions functioning to effectively cool the anode target extend into non-beam illuminating regions of the target anode.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a rake arm and rake structure employed to move sediments settling out from a solids-liquid slurry in a sedimentation tank, includes a fixed center column (27) in the tank and a concentric movable column (28) in telescoping relation to the fixed column. A first series of sheave assemblies (40) are attached to or fixed with respect to the fixed column and a second series of sheave assemblies (51-55) attached to the movable column at a vertically displaced distance from the first series. The respective sheave assemblies may extend in part in an annulus (34) between the fixed and movable columns and are positioned around the peripheries of the respective columns. A continuous cable (45) extends alternately between individual sheaves in each series and the ends of the cable are attached to a vertical take-up drum (38).

Abstract: A lithography system for X-ray or other beam printing on a substrate such as a silicon semiconductor wafer comprises a beam chamber (301), a beam source (302), means (309) for mounting a mask, means (308) for mounting an image sensing means (342) interiorly of the chamber, means (317, 318), for mounting a substrate (307) in multiple including six degrees of freedom and means (308, 292, 320-322) including the image sensing means to align the mask and substrate relative to one another utilizing alignment patterns on the mask and substrate, images of which are brought into registration and sensed by the image sensing means. In a preferred embodiment three sets of target images are provided so as to adjust the substrate and mask relative orientation in six degrees of freedom. The mask seals helium within the chamber. The mask and the substrate are aligned in situ in the same position in which the mask and substrate are to be exposed to the beam.

Abstract: A lithography system for X-ray or other beam printing on a substrate such as a silicon semiconductor wafer comprises a beam chamber (301), a beam source (302), means (309) for mounting a mask, means (308) for mounting an image sensing means (342) interiorly of the chamber, means (317, 318), for mounting a substrate (307) in multiple including six degrees of freedom and means (308, 292, 320-322) including the image sensing means to align the mask and substrate relative to one another utilizing alignment patterns on the mask and substrate, images of which are brought into registration and sensed by the image sensing means. In a preferred embodiment three sets of target images are provided so as to adjust the substrate and mask relative orientation in six degrees of freedom. The mask seals helium within the chamber. The mask and the substrate are aligned in situ in the same position in which the mask and substrate are to be exposed to the beam.

Abstract: A wall command switch (10) comprising a main frame (9) insertable over a conventional switch plate (50) and having a base portion (20) and an essentially planar pressure plate (15) rockably mounted within the base portion and substantially co-extensive therewith. An electrical switch (28) is mounted on the bottom surface of the main frame and a switch operator (35) is attached to the pressure plate in alignment with operable portions of the electrical switch so that rocking of the pressure plate moves the operator into engagement with the electrical switch. Structure in contact with the pressure plate to return the pressure plate to an unrocked position is provided. The base portion (20) also mounts a vertically moving override switch operator (55) which in turn moves through an actuator (70) an inwardly located position switch (77) which can allow automatic-manual or off functions of a light electrically connected to the command switch.

Abstract: A cap and seal including a central cap (20) to be positioned over an electronic component such as an integrated circuit chip (12), has a spaced upstanding wall or dam (22) which may be staked to the circuit board in assembly forming with the peripheral side wall (21) of the cap a channel or moat (19). Bridging means (24) extend between wall (21) and wall (22) onto which is placed a preform ring (30) of solid sealant material. Heating of the assembly, more particularly ring (30), allows melted sealant material to flow under and around bridging means (24) to form a confined seal between wall (21), wall (22) and an annular surface (29) on the circuit board surrounding cap wall (21).

Abstract: A fixed disc drive type of rotating disc memory storage device includes an annular elastomeric pad that is engaged between the actuator base plate and a bowl-shaped casing. The base plate has a circular platform portion with the boss for the spindle shaft for the discs being formed at its center. The annular pad forms an air-tight seal at the edge of a circular opening in the lower casing to prevent dust from entering the housing. The annular pad is engaged against the entire side marginal area of the base plate so that it dampens resonant vibrations in the base plate thus providing stable servo response within the range of said resonant vibration range.

Abstract: A CMOS push-pull output buffer (171) is constructed utilizing a plurality of N channel transistors (74, 75, 76) and a plurality of P channel transistors (71, 72, 73) connected in series. The voltages applied to the gates of the N channel transistors and P channel transistors are selected to divide the high voltage (+V) substantially equally across the P channel transistors, when the P channel transistors are turned off, and substantially evenly divide the high voltage across the N channel transistors, when the N channel transistors are turned off.In another embodiment of this invention, selected ones of the N channel and P channel transistors are formed in order to have a high drain to bulk breakdown voltage.In another embodiment of this invention, a plurality of N channel and a plurality of P channel transistors are connected in series and driven by a single ended control voltage (C.sub.

Abstract: A disk drive assembly includes an internal air filter which is placed adjacent to but downstream from, the actuator assembly area thereby to pass air which has been decelerated from the rotating disk and passed through the actuator assembly area to the rotating disk while simultaneously filtering this air to remove particles. By passing through the actuator assembly area the air cools the actuator assembly and removes certain particles from this area as it is filtered.

Abstract: A touch tablet for use in entering data into a computer or graphics display device comprises a first four-sided sheet containing a resistive material on one surface thereof, a second four-sided sheet containing a resistive material on one surface thereof and a spacer for holding the first sheet apart from the second sheet. The first sheet is oriented relative to the second sheet such that the resistive material on one of the two sheets faces the resistive material on the other sheet. Each sheet contains conductive strips formed on two of the four sides of the sheet in contact with the resistive material. A potential is applied across the conductive strips on one of the two sheets. The input lead to an output amplifier is connected to the two conductive strips formed on the other of the two sheets. A user presses the first sheet into conduct with the second sheet and the output voltage from the output amplifier is representative of one of the two coordinates of the point of contact between the two sheets.

Abstract: A substance to be treated is brought into a treatment column (10) and kept in suspension (11) in the latter by the injection (A) of a fluidizing gas into the bottom part of the column.According to the invention, a plasma is injected (D) into the column in at least one direction within a radial plane relative to the column.Preferably, the plasma is produced by high-frequency induction and injected at a pressure of the order of atmospheric pressure, so as not to perturb the fluidization of the bed and so as to permit good interpenetration of the various gas streams.Applications to the synthesis of nitrogen oxides, to the gasification of a carbonaceous substance and to the reduction of ores, as well as to the roasting or drying of materials.

Abstract: A hinge cover (20) for a container having a housing top (11) and housing bottom (12), the top housing having two peripheral cut-outs (22) receiving two hinge leaves (21) integrally depending from cover (20). The leaves are insertable inwardly and downwardly at an angle (36) through the cut-outs, and pintles (35) inserted into apertures (23) extending through the leaves. The cover and leaves are then moved upwardly and outwardly at an angle (29) so as to have the pintle ends extend into half-round bearing surfaces (35) extending from the edges of the cut-outs and to a position between side walls (34) of a rectangular depression (37) which confines the pintles laterally. The cover is then closed to extend over a stepped surface (15) of the overall container (10) and the housing bottom (12) containing spaced upstanding post means (44, 45) affixed to the housing top (11).

Abstract: A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center portion and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrotechnic flares. A hollow support structure (1) receives a first pyrotechnic composition (2) with a delay action internally and axially, whereas it receives a second pyrotechnic composition (4) which is slower than the first, in holes (101 to 151), arranged radially and of decreasing length. An initiator (3) initiates the composition (2) on the side where the radial through-holes are longest. Located outside is an illuminating composition (5), which may thus be illuminated virtually at the same time over the entire length of the product.Application in particular as an optical or infra-red counter-measure.