Abstract: A photoelectric measuring system includes a graduation field in the form of a phase grid. An outer field is provided for the graduation field, and this outer field is likewise formed as a phase grid. The phase grids of the graduation field and the outer field have different grid constants, so that the diffraction images generated by them impinge in different places on an array of photodetectors which are circuited together antiparallel to one another. In this way a push-pull signal is generated which can be reliably evaluated and is well suited for use as a reference signal.

Abstract: An axial bore which extends through the spool and receives a control rod. Channels formed in the control rod cooperate with radial passageways in the valve spool. A pair of torsion rods extend axially from the control rod. One is coupled to a stepping or torque motor, the other is coupled to a rotatable drive member. An assembly for converting axial motion to rotary motion couples the valve spool to the drive member. In the preferred embodiment, this assembly takes the form of a rotatable threaded member secured to the end of the torsion rod and receiving a complementarily threaded end portion of the valve spool. One alternate embodiment comprises a pair of threaded rods extending from the spool, which drives a centrally disposed gear through a pair of complementarily threaded pinion gears. In another alternate embodiment a pressure control valve is achieved. Output fluid from the spool valve is applied to opposite sides of a threaded piston, which is spring biased by opposed compression springs.

Abstract: A reusable energy absorbing apparatus comprising a plurality of air chambers and valve members. The air chambers and valves are constructed so that the valve members close upon the application of an axial force, thereby sealing air within the air chambers. After the energy absorbing apparatus has reached the end of its compressive stroke, the valve members release sequentially, thereby venting the pressurized air in the air chambers to minimize rebound.

Abstract: The invention is an open-ended package for an article comprising a sleeve of generally rectangular cross-section. Resiliently hinged tabs are provided for retaining the article within the sleeve. The tabs are positioned so that their hinge lines are adjacent and perpendicular to the external edge of the panel to which it is hinged. The tabs are of a length greater than the depth of the sleeve. As a result, when the tabs are bent into the interior of the sleeve in an over-center position, they press toward the opposite panel of the sleeve and are thereby retained in a position traversing the open end of the sleeve so as to effect retention of the article in the package.

Abstract: A platform for use as an artifical island wherein the platform comprises an immersed base of floats, vertical pillars and an emerged structure supported by said pillars. The floating base is formed by a disk of caissons. The vertical pillars are imbedded in the caissons and form the generating lines of a cylinder of substantially circular base. The emerged structure comprises a lower disk-shaped part traversed by the pillars, and an upper part comprised of modules which are joinable together to form a cylindrical assembly resting on the pillars. The floating disk may be dimensioned in relation to the platform and to the marine characteristics so as to offer low draft and high stability. Such dimensioning enables the platform to be entirely constructed in a shipyard and subsequently towed to the installation site.

Abstract: A food-grade shellac is used as an encapsulating agent for high potentcy sweeteners in chewing gum compositions. The shellac provides an impermeable, hydrophobic coating which is substantially insoluble in the chewing gum base.

Abstract: In a hand-held circular power saw, a mechanism whereby a blocking pawl moves into the path of a projection fixed to the rotatable blade guard of the saw, preventing motion of the blade guard and protecting the operator. The blocking pawl is moved into the blocking position during the opening of the blade guard, when the projection fixed to the blade guard tangentially forces a cam-shaped surface to rotate, the cam-shaped surface thereby forcing the blocking pawl into the return path of the blade guard projection. The pawl is kept in this position by means of a spring biased arm which is forced against a toggle such that motion of the lever is prevented.

Abstract: A sub-miniature snap-action switch which can be manufactured efficiently and reliably with minimal reliance on tedious hand assembly. The switch includes a novel pivot bracket assembly comprising a pivot bracket, a blade and a spring coupling the bracket to the blade.

Abstract: Carbohydrate syrup-plasticizer compositions for use in chewing gums to improve flexibility and methods of preparing the compositions are disclosed. The syrup comprises carbohydrate solids and water, with less than 30% of the solids having a degree of polymerization (DP) of 1 and more than 20% solids with a DP of 4 or greater. The ratio of carbohydrate solids to plasticizing agent in the composition is between 0.5:1 and 100:1 and the total water content of composition is less than 20%. The syrup-plasticizer composition is prepared by providing a carbohydrate syrup or combined syrups with the proper carbohydrate solids distribution, combining a plasticizer such as glycerine or propylene glycol and evaporating water from the combined syrup composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotatably mounting an arrowhead on an arrow shaft wherein a biasing force acts to keep the arrowhead in alignment with the arrow shaft. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a flanged support sleeve in the end of a hollow arrow shaft and an arrowhead connector, wherein the shank of the connector is retained in the support sleeve with a biasing force acting to pull the connector and attached arrowhead back against the flange of the support sleeve. The biasing force is of adjustable magnitude for use with arrowheads of differing weights.

Abstract: A multiple speaker loudspeaker of the type comprising a larger speaker including a larger frame and at least one smaller speaker including a smaller speaker support structure is provided with first and second rigid power conductors which are rigidly mounted both to the larger frame and to the smaller speaker support structure such that the power conductors support the smaller speaker permanently in place in front of the larger speaker. These power conductors are electrically interconnected both to the smaller speaker and to power input terminals of the loudspeaker such that the first and second power conductors conduct electrical audio signals from the input terminals to the smaller speaker.

Abstract: Chewing gum compositions and methods of preparation using carbohydrate syrup-plasticizer compositions to improve flexibility and shelf life characteristics are disclosed. The syrup comprises carbohydrate solids and water, with less than 30% of the solids having a degree of polymerization (DP) of 1 and more than 20% solids with a DP of 4 or greater. The ratio of carbohydrate solids to plasticizing agent in the composition is between 0.5:1 and 100:1 and the total water content of composition is less than 20%. The syrup-plasticizer composition is prepared by providing a carbohydrate syrup or combined syrups with the proper carbohydrate solids distribution, combining a plasticizer such as glycerine or propylene glycol and evaporating water from the combined syrup plasticizer composition.

Abstract: A composition of ground clay and crushed limestone is disclosed. The composition is particularly useful as a cat litter.

Abstract: Single and dual brake feel augmentation valves for use in a vehicle skid control system are disclosed. The brake feel augmentation valve has a first port which receives hydraulic fluid from a constant source, a second port which receives hydraulic fluid from a pilot operated pressure metering valve, a third port which supplies hydraulic fluid to the brakes, and a hydraulic return port. A pressure balancing spool valve, with a brake pressure feedback channel, controls the supply of hydraulic fluid to the brake pressure port from the constant source port as a function of the metered pressure and fedback brake pressure. When the metered pressure is greater than the fedback brake pressure, the spool valve allows hydraulic fluid from the constant source to flow into the brake pressure port, thereby filling the brakes.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling parts having a table disposed in a generally horizontal plane, a plurality of first and second part carriers spaced angularly around the upper side of said table, and means for continuously rotating said table about its upright axis. Parts are automatically loaded onto the first part carriers as the table rotates. Subsequently, transfer mechanisms associated with each pair of first and second part carriers cooperate with transfer cams mounted adjacent the table to turnover and transfer parts from the first part carriers to the second part carriers. Parts are then automatically unloaded from the second part carriers as the table rotates.

Abstract: An improved recirculating roller bearing and a roller element therefor is disclosed in which the end members of the rollers have an axial bore within a portion of the cylindrical end member. The axial bore extends between 30% and 50% of the length, and between 20% and 30% of the diameter of the cylindrical end member.

Abstract: A position measuring system for measuring the relative position of two objects movable with respect to one another includes a housing which rotatably supports a shaft connected with the first object. A first graduation disk with a first incremental graduation and at least one absolutely positioned first reference mark is mounted to rotate with the shaft. A first scanning unit for the scanning of the first incremental graduation and the first reference mark is rotatably mounted on the shaft to rotate relative to the first graduation disk and the housing. A second graduation disk is firmly connected to the first scanning unit. The second graduation disk defines a second incremental graduation and at least one absolutely positioned second reference mark. A second scanning unit is fixedly mounted to the housing which is connected to the second object.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus is provided to dissipate the energy of an impacting vehicle. An energy absorbing sheet having a plurality of expanded cells is wrapped at least partially around a rounded hazard, or an adaptor attached to a non-rounded hazard. When secured to a rounded hazard, or the adaptor, each cell defines a longitudinal space having a cross-sectional diameter that is smaller nearest the hazard or adaptor and larger away from the hazard or adaptor. A plurality of sheets may be used in a stacked relationship to provide a shear plane.