Abstract: Method and apparatus for driving an apparatus by means of a drive motor and an infinitely variable transmission comprising an endless transmission member running on at least two V-shaped pulleys having conical sheaves spaced apart a distance controlled hydraulically by means of a pump, which provides the necessary fluid pressure for control of the transmission ratio. According to the invention means are provided for ensuring that the transmission member is tensioned before, and so long as, the transmission is mechanically loaded, using one and the same drive motor. This is achieved by driving the pump by the drive motor and providing a clutch between the drive motor and the transmission, which is hydraulically operated by means of fluid provided by the pump, so that the clutch does not connect the drive and the transmission unless there is sufficient fluid pressure for the transmission to function.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch having a contact movable to either of two operating positions. In the alternate action configuration, a leaf spring, acting upon a pivot block, retains the contact in either of its stable positions, permitting the pushbutton to sequentially actuate the switch to one of its operating positions each time it is pushed and released. In the alternative momentary configuration, an additional compression spring returns the switch to the first operating position whenever the pushbutton is released. Either configuration may be constructed as a single pole or as a double pole switch.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming a hot melt adhesive cartridge having a non-stick, thermoplastic outer coating. The hot melt adhesive cartridge is formed by extruding a sleeve of non-stick, thermoplastic material having a predetermined outside dimension, cooling the sleeve to cause setting of the thermoplastic and introducing a hot melt adhesive into the set sleeve.

Abstract: A removable stopper for a screw-neck bottle. The bottle has a radial projection arranged transverse to the thread forming a stop at the lower end of the thread. The stopper has a mating internal thread also having a terminal transverse radial projection at the lower end thereof. A second transverse radial projection spaced from and parallel to the terminating projection is formed on the stopper inner wall. The second projection resides on a weakened portion of the stopper wall to permit it to flex radially and pass over the transverse projection on the bottle neck when either applied to or removed from the bottle. The bottle neck projection is closely confined between the two projections on the stopper when in engaged position.

Abstract: A system is provided for the automatic measurement of red and white blood cell counts and other blood parameters. The system includes hydraulic apparatus for the aspiration of a blood sample and the proper measurement of the parameters thereof. During operation, the system directs an operator at each step of the procedure, allowing only permitted functions to be performed, thereby decreasing the opportunity for operator error. Each blood cell count is performed twice and the answers compared, an indication of instrument malfunction being presented to the operator if the measurements do not agree within a predetermined percentage. The system monitors itself to detect malfunctions which may occur and alerts the operator to the occurrence of a malfunction.

Abstract: A system and method for interrogating a plurality of data gathering devices for actuation of selected ones from which data is received. Transducers are typically remotely located from the interrogating and receiving apparatus and are connected via a single two-conductor path over which power is conveyed to the transducers and data signals conveyed between the transducers and the receiving apparatus.

Abstract: An instrument for applying a contact lens to a user's eye and for removing a contact lens therefrom. The instrument is especially adapted for use with soft contact lenses and comprises a central footplate having a curved surface on which a lens can be retained by liquid adhesion and having an illuminated aperture providing an accurate and easily visible target for alignment of the instrument with the eye, and a pair of resilient arms between which the footplate is disposed and having shaped end portions for engagement of a contact lens. The arms are movable toward each other to grasp the edges of a contact lens worn by the user for removal of the lens from the cornea onto the footplate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing automatic correction of deviation errors in a magnetic compass. Data representing deviation corrections for respective compass headings are stored in memory and in response to a digital signal from the magnetic compass representing an indicated heading, the corresponding correction is provided from memory to yield a output signal representing actual heading and corrected for deviation error.

Abstract: A high temperature coil heater which is supported throughout its length in a manner to achieve substantial exposure of the coil to the product. A helically wound coil of resistance wire is supported continuously along its length by an anchor of electrically insulative high strength high thermal conductivity material and which in turn is bonded to a support member of electrically insulative low thermal conductivity low density material. The anchor embeds only a small segment of each coil turn and a major segment of the coil turns is disposed above the support member for efficient direct radiation to the product. Undesirable heat flow rearward of the coil is restricted by the low conductivity support member.

Abstract: A method and system for anodizing and particularly for hard anodizing of aluminum and aluminum alloy articles in which a wide range of operating voltages can be employed without danger to personnel and without burning of the articles. For continuous (dynamic) processing, a plurality of electrolyte-containing tanks are employed with an associated cooling system for maintaining the electrolyte at a low operating temperature. Each tank, cathode, electrolyte and cooling apparatus are electrically insulated from ground, while each cathode, which can be the tank itself, is connected to a predetermined negative potential of a power source which source comprises one or more separate power supplies. A conductive conveyor system is provided to carry articles through the several tanks and is connected to ground to which is also connected a positive terminal or terminals of the power source.

Abstract: The device adapts the rate of flow of an automatic drinking bowl as a function of the pressure prevailing in the installation to which it is connected, and is constituted by a cylindrical part threaded at its two ends and provided with two oblique internal channels having different diameters, each being located in a radial plane of the part and opening to the outside of said latter on the other hand at one of its ends and on the other hand in its median, non-threaded zone; the part is inserted between an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the supply pipe of the drinking bowl at a union, by being screwed in a threaded hole made in the male element of the union and from the bottom of which issues the downstream portion so that the communication between the two portions is established through one of said channels. The invention finds advantageous application in equipment used in stock raising.

Abstract: A portable data entry device wholly contained within a small housing and for the manual entry of numerical and code data which can be conveyed to a remote data processor upon command. The device includes an electronic memory capable of storing a plurality of multiple character records and includes manually operable controls for sequencing through the memory for review and updating of previously entered data. A connector is provided on the housing by which the device can be directly connected to a data system for the readout of the stored data. The device is self powered and contains circuitry operative to conserve available energizing power.

Abstract: A method for mounting lead sockets in the holes in an electrical interconnection board. The lead sockets are hollow cylindrical elements having a tapered opening at one end and a plurality of normally converging flexible fingers at the other end. The lead sockets are force fitted into the holes in the board with the receptacle end of the socket opening into the component side of the board. The lead sockets are vibrated into place while a vacuum is applied to temporarily seat the lead sockets in the holes in the board. The lead sockets are then finally force fitted into the holes in the board by several alternative means. The apparatus for accomplishing the method of this invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaging system especially adapted for use with a press brake and which employs a direct drive servo motor directly coupled to a movable table and linear encoder directly coupled to the movable table for providing electrical output signals representative of actual gage position. One or more gage stop assemblies are supported by the movable table and are manually adjustable to both coarse and fine degrees. Closed loop servo control of gage position is provided to control motor drive in response to actual position signals derived from the linear encoder.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator having an array of horns each having converging reflecting surfaces which provide a multiple reflective path from a relatively wide entrance aperture exposed to incident solar energy and a smaller exit aperture from which intensified energy emanates. The energy received from the exit apertures of the horn array is of higher density than the incident energy density and can be used as heat or converted to electrical or other form of energy for use.

Abstract: A system for generating pulses of laser radiation which vary in frequency with time to achieve a "chirp" or frequency sweep. In a preferred embodiment, a variable-thickness, rapidly rotating disk of optically-dense material is placed in the optical loop of an injection-locked oscillator. Rotation of the disk in the optical loop of the injection-locked oscillator varies the loop optical path length, resulting in a frequency chirp. By appropriately choosing the shape of the optically dense material, a desired linear output chirp may be obtained.

Abstract: To ascertain the beam intensity threshold at which the intensity of a laser beam will just be sufficient to engrave a workpiece, the value of a beam-intensity control signal is progressively increased or decreased until engraving starts or stops, this being sensed by detecting the initiation or termination of ionization which occurs when the beam intensity is above the threshold value adjacent a part of the workpiece which is being subjected to the action of the laser beam.

Abstract: Stabilization apparatus for a tower crane or other mobile equipment includes several telescopic structures.Each structure includes an inner telescopic part and an outer telescopic part and an actuator for moving the parts to a fully extended position. The inner telescopic part carries a plate which is applied in use to the ground and is controlled by a secondary telescopic structure.When the main telescopic structure is extended there is some sag so that a detector intended to indicate achievement of the extended position is not actuated. When the secondary telescopic structure is actuated and the plate is in firm contact with the ground the sag is corrected and the detector is actuated.

Abstract: A torque reaction test system for evaluating the performance characteristics of a test motor by detecting its inertial reaction torque to acceleration and deceleration of the rotor. In one embodiment a test motor, typically at a final assembly stage and contained within a housing where it is inaccessible, is mounted in a rotatable fixture and the torque reaction of the test motor when accelerated and decelerated is obtained. The torque reaction is plotted against time or speed. A torque balance loop provides a feedback current which maintains the test motor housing within the fixture at a predetermined point of rotation and which provides an indication of torque reaction. A further embodiment provides a dynamometer in which a test motor is driven by a drive motor for a rapid run-up time and the torque response characteristics are plotted as a function of time or speed to provide nondestructive determination of system parameters.

Abstract: A process for cooling and raising the dew point of the flue gases in waste material incinceration plants. Secondary air and water mist are sprayed into the combustion chamber above the combustion grate. the flue gases entering the flue gas cooler are thereby preliminarily cooled. By increasing the dew point, the effectiveness of the flue gas cleaner is enhanced. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.