Abstract: A method for non-destructive chemical and tomographic structural analysis of an object by nuclear magnetic resonance wherein a nonmagnetic object which is substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation at the nuclear magnetic resonance frequency is subjected to periodic motion while transverse magnetization is generated, subjected to at least one magnetic field gradient pulse of sufficiently short duration that the object does not move appreciably while the pulse is on, and a resulting free induction decay signal is detected, collected in a computer and processed by Fourier transformation to obtain the chemical shift spectrum at various positions within the object.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods directed to transferring fluid from a supply container to a plurality of uptake containers are disclosed utilizing a common vacuum bore in communication with a plurality of channels adapted to receive the uptake containers for drawing vacuum in the uptake containers for delivery of fluid into the uptake containers. The apparatuses and methods further contemplate transferring a plurality of individual fluid samples, each contained in its own supply container, to a plurality of corresponding individual uptake containers in a one-to-one isomorphic displacement. Thus, the apparatuses and methods of this invention are capable of handling a large number of individual fluid samples in the shortest time possible without contaminating the homogeneity of the individual fluid samples being transferred. Additionally, the apparatuses and methods of this invention contemplate transferring fluid into a large number of samples in the shortest time possible.

Abstract: A switch for controlling the movement of trolleys on overhead tracks, which comprises a plurality of tracks intersecting with each other, wherein the switch is adaptable to be inserted between intersecting tracks and adjustable for handling trolley movement from one track to another. The switch is adaptable to be inserted between straight and curved tracks, curved and curved tracks, and to automatically handle the movement of the trolleys in one direction, and includes a unique cable transmission system for controlling trolley movement which provides positive movement of said lift pieces without relying on gravitational forces, thereby avoiding malfunctions.

Abstract: A robotic base compartment has an interior locating surface. A plurality of pins extend squarely from the locating surface. The pins are located by pre-assembly machining and the extending pin surfaces are coated with a release agent. A robotic component plate, such as a gear-carrying plate, is assembled in the base compartment, with clearance slots surrounding the locating pins. After adjustably positioning the gear elements with one another by shifting the component plate, the slots are filled, for at least a portion, with a pourable hardenable material such as epoxy which is then allowed to harden. The components may thereafter be disassembled and reassembled without the loss of precision location. The assembly method obviates the need for manual drilling and reaming of pin holes at assembly and the attendant chip contamination that results therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of making a silica-based membrane comprising the steps of:(1) pyrolyzing the material made of one of the class comprising polysilicone rubber, polysilane and polysiloxane at a temperature range of about 500.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. for about 2 hours (minimum) in an inert atmosphere; and(2) oxidizing the pyrolyzed material at a sufficient temperature range of about 300.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. to crosslink the material with oxygen. The membrane typically has a B.E.T. surface-area measurement of about 220 m.sup.2 /g which indicates a highly porous membrane--about 40 to 70% porosity.

Abstract: An endless belt type of conveyor for small flat workpieces (chips) provides a series of pockets on a perforate belt, each pocket adapted to support a chip during conveyance through a zone wherein high velocity air jets are directed against the chip. The pockets are formed by facing pairs of series of "H" or "I" shaped crossbars connected between a spaced-apart pair of roller chains. The perforate belt is formed by a Teflon (polytetraflouroethylene) coated fiberglass screen (alternatively silicon rubber) supported by the H crossbars. This construction permits the pockets to move readily around the sprockets about which the roller chains are wound.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for creating and revising programs for numerically controlled machines. First, generalized data block signals are produced, the generalized data block signals representing alphanumeric words defining block types, workpiece material types, work surfaces, workpiece features and machining operations. Then, machine control instruction block signals are produced in response to the generalized data block signals, the machine control instruction block signals represent alphanumeric words defining machine member motion in the form and format required by a particular numerical control. The generalized data program may be created by a machine operator using data obtained from the workpiece design data. Generalized data program creation and revision is accomplished without regard for the data requirements and limitations of a particular machine and control combination by which the workpiece is to be processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for providing for controlled oscillation of a tool centerpoint associated with a function element carried by manipulator simultaneously with motion of a workpiece feature relative to a predetermined location. The tool centerpoint describes a predetermined pattern relative to the workpiece feature as a result of the combined motion. Tool centerpoint oscillation occurs in an oscillation path between two extremes determined by pattern parameters defining pattern amplitude measured with respect to a pattern longitudinal axis. The direction of the oscillation path is defined by input signals representing angles measured relative to a rectangular coordinate system used for defining the predetermined location. The rate of tool centerpoint motion is defined by an input signal representing velocity.

Abstract: The combined base member and bit holder with protected retainer which comprises this invention includes a bit holder adapted to receive the shank of a suitable cutting bit. The bit holder has a head which permits movement of the bit holder within the base member so as to expose means to receive a retaining member while that portion of the bit holder protrudes beyond the base member. The base member is provided with an opening or recess to receive the retainer so as to prevent accidental dislodgement. After installation of the retainer the bit holder is moved within the base member so as to engage the retainer at least partly in the recess provided in the base member for it, whereafter a spacer is driven between the head of the bit holder and body of the base member to hold the bit holder in place. A boss may be provided on the base member to prevent undue movement of the spacer.

Abstract: Variations, due to aging, of resonant frequency characteristics of electromechanical resonators are compensated by an oscillator including the resonantor. An indication of the amount of time that the oscillator is operating addresses a table of values indicative of the manner in which the oscillator changes frequency as the resonator ages. From the table of values a signal having a value indicative of a correction factor for the resonator aging is derived. The frequency of the oscillator is controlled in response to the value of the correction factor. The table of values is stored in a re-programmable memory. The values stored in the memory are corrected by comparing the oscillator frequency with a standard frequency.

Abstract: A modular fixturing apparatus is provided for locating, orienting and holding a workpiece during a machining operation, having a workpiece specific mounting plate and a carrier apparatus provided with stop means and pusher means for accurately and reproducibly positioning the mounting plate on the carrier. The workpiece specific mounting plate has a workpiece specific pattern of threaded holes adapted to attach locating, clamping and supporting devices to hold the workpiece during the machining operation. Accurate, reproducible location and orientation of successive workpieces of the same geometry on the apparatus for the same machining operations is achieved quickly and positively. Reconstruction of the fixturing apparatus to hold subsequent workpieces of the same geometry in the same location and orientation is also readily achieved.

Abstract: A radar warning receiver is provided having an alarm indicator responsive to an electronic switch, the switch being activated and energizing the alarm in response to an alarm signal indicating the presence of a police radar signal, the switch being deactivated and de-energizing the alarm in response to a mute signal occurring during the occurrence of the alarm signal, the switch remaining deactivated until the alarm condition signal terminates and subsequently reoccurs.

Abstract: The tape laying head of a composite tape laying machine is rotatable around the tape laydown surface on circular guideways. The presser shoe assembly is likewise rotatable around the common radius point by means of circular cam faces journalled on cam followers supported by the tape head presser assembly. A feedback transducer signals rotation of the tape presser member while adapting to contour changes, and the signal is employed to effect rotation and realignment of the entire tape head with the presser shoe. The mechanism additionally embodies a brake assembly which is selectively energized to prevent presser shoe rotation at predetermined times.

Abstract: A machine for program controlled working a material with laser light is provided. The machine includes first movable members for effecting changes of position of a tool centerpoint associated with a function element carried by the machine. Second movable members effect changes in attitude of the function element through the tool centerpoint. A laser light beam is focused to a focus point by a focusing element supported by one of the second members. The laser light beam is conducted to the focusing element by an articulated light pathway from a laser light source. The articulated pathway comprises tubular segments connected at joints to redirect the laser light beam from one tubular segment to another. Each segment is mounted to the joint so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the segment. Adjustable stops are provided to limit the range of rotation of tubular segments as required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling interpolated linear motion of a tool centerpoint associated with a function element carried by a machine. The motion is defined by input signals representing locations relative to an input coordinate system and path velocities therebetween. The machine includes at least one member rotating about an axis which is subject to movement at a velocity greater than the path velocity. Control is effected by producing projected velocity signals for the machine axes for each interpolative iteration and reducing the iterative path velocity in response to detecting a projected axis velocity in excess of an associated axis velocity limit. The control is applicable to machines incorporating a structure in which members must instantaneously change position to maintain the tool centerpoint on the path.

Abstract: A deflection compensating assembly for deflection sensitive fabricating machine tools such as a press brake. In a press brake, for example, the deflection compensating assembly is mounted between the bed and the lower die or between the ram and the upper die. When mounted on the bed, the deflection compensating assembly, under load, will cause the lower die to become substantially parallel to the upper die. The deflection compensating assembly, under load, will cause the upper die to become substantially parallel to the lower die, when affixed to the ram. The deflection compensating assembly, is preferably a self-contained unit attachable to and detachable from the bed or ram and comprises a variable rate spring, the deflection of which, when under uniformly distributed full length load, is such that, when added to the combined bed and ram deflections, it yields a total deflection which is constant along the length of the bed and ram and will compensate for the bed and ram deflections.

Abstract: A carrier wave is frequency modulated to one of M different output frequencies that deviate from the carrier wave frequency by .+-.k.sub.1, .+-.k.sub.2 . . . .+-.k.sub.q. The carrier is modulated in response to a clocked digital signal having n data bits forming a data word, where M=2.sup.n. In response to the digital signal an n bit control signal is derived. M/2 clock frequencies synchronized with the clock data signal are simultaneously derived. An up-down counter responds to the control signal so that one bit of the control signal controls the counting direction of the counter and (n-1) of the bits control which one of the M/2 frequencies is applied to a clock input of the counter. In response to the count in the counter, orthogonal sinusoidal like waves at one of the frequencies k.sub.1, k.sub.2 . . . k.sub.q are derived. The M/2 clock frequencies are equal to k.sub.1 2.sup.P, k.sub.2 2.sup.P . . . k.sub.q 2.sup.P, where P is the number of clock frequency bits in the counter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating at least one component of a mixture from another without the aid of gravity comprises, in one embodiment, a heat pipe structure having an inlet and spaced outlets, a wick element disposed within the heat pipe for inducing a capillary flow of condensed phase mixture in liquid form therealong and spaced heating and cooling elements for creating zones of higher and lower temperature, respectively, within the heat pipe structure. In an alternate embodiment, a sorbent column is provided having an inlet and spaced outlets, a sorbent material disposed along the inner wall of the column for inducing a flow of adsorbed mixture therealong and spaced heating and cooling elements for creating zones of higher and lower temperature.

Abstract: Tooling clamps by which tooling having mounting tongues can be attached to and detached from the working edges of the ram and bed of a press brake. Each clamp comprises a clamp body affixed to the working edge of one of the ram and bed. The clamp body provides a clamping surface. The clamp body supports a plurality of clamping bars aligned end-to-end. Each clamping bar has a clamping surface opposed to the clamp body clamping surface. Each clamping bar is affixed to the body by bolts which pass through perforations in the clamp body with clearance, so that each clamping bar is shiftable between a tool-clamping and a tool-release position. Spring means bias the clamping bars to their tool-clamping positions. A housing is affixed to the rear of the clamp body and extends the length thereof. The housing has a longitudinal cavity containing an actuating bar in abutment with the heads of the clamping bar bolts and a high pressure hose.