Abstract: An electronic orchard tree measuring system based on ultrasonic range transducers may be used to determine the amount and vertical distribution of sensed load centroids in vertical sectors of orchard trees. The ultrasonic transducers may be operated independently of any processor or memory which receives their distance data outputs. Displacement sensing of the apparatus relative a row of target trees may instead be used to select ultrasonic distance data at predetermined incremental distances of travel relative the trees being sensed. Thus, the most recent value of sensed data is always available as input to the processor or memory, without requiring any timing circuitry between such sensing and control circuits. The detection data may be stored in memory for subsequent processing to create a map of foliar volumes of the sensed target trees.

Abstract: Special C-shaped carbon fibers, melt spun from mesophase pitch, were used as micro-molds to form nested dual fibers and ceramic fibers. By wetting these carbon fibers in a wet chemical precursor, and subsequently heat treating, ceramic fibers of various compositions were formed. Also, through proper control, carbon-ceramic nested fibers were produced. The ceramic materials were silica, alumina, silicon carbide, hydroxyapatite, and zirconia. The ceramic fibers could be formed with non-circular transverse cross-sectional perimeters.

Abstract: Special C-shaped carbon fibers, melt spun from mesophase pitch, were used as micro-molds to form nested dual fibers and ceramic fibers. By wetting these carbon fibers in a wet chemical precursor, and subsequently heat treating, ceramic fibers of various compositions were formed. Also, through proper control, carbon-ceramic nested fibers were produced. The ceramic materials were silica, alumina, silicon carbide, hydroxyapatite, and zirconia. The ceramic fibers could be formed with non-circular transverse cross-sectional perimeters.

Abstract: Proximity sensors are used to sense impending contact, i.e., a point of close approach, between a finger of a robot hand and an object. Each finger is equipped with force sensors so that finger touch force with the object can be measured and controlled. The hand is controlled by a dedicated microprocessor, which communicates with a robot arm controller through 8 digital input/output lines. A novel "bi-modal" control system uses information from the proximity sensors to control both solenoid (on/off) valves and a proportional servovalve which are alternatively switched into an operative mode in a pneumatic circuit which powers the pneumatic actuators of the hand. This control design achieves the two goals of rapid object acquisition and low interaction forces. Each finger of the hand is capable of implementing an acquisition strategy in which mislocated objects can be acquired.

Abstract: A method of attaining a desired engine performance comprises the steps of changing the angular position of a variable camlobe (or cam) member relative to a fixed camlobe (or cam) member from a first angular position to a second angular position. In changing from the first to the second angular position, the variable camlobe (or cam) member moves in a predetermined direction relative to the direction of rotation of a camshaft. The predetermined direction and the magnitude of the angular movement of the variable camlobe (or cam) member is dependent at least in part upon at least one desired operating condition of the engine. The method further comprises changing the angular position of both camlobe (or cam) members relative to a reference point of a drive pulley. This change in the angular position of both of the camlobe (or cam) members relative to the reference point involves movement of the camlobes (or cams) in a direction relative to the direction of rotation of a camshaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for cyclically actuating an actuation member comprises a hollow shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation and defining therein a cam opening therethrough, an inner shaft rotatably carried within the hollow shaft, a cam member fixed to the hollow shaft adjacent the cam opening, a cam member fixed to the inner shaft and projecting through the cam opening of the hollow shaft, a variable transmission having a reference element connected to one of the shafts and an output element connected to the other of the shafts, and an input element; a pulley wheel connected to the shafts for rotating same about the axis, and an electric motor connected to the input element of the variable transmission for rotating same, the electric motor being controlled by an electronic control unit which can include one or more microprocessor units.

Abstract: An improved process for obtaining juice from fruit. The fruit is processed to provide a pumpable fluid puree of fruit and juice which is pumped at pressures in a range of from about 100 to about 1000 pounds per square inch in a single pass through a rigid porous tubular housing having a diameter of from about 5/8 inch to about six inches and having a food grade ultrafiltration membrane deposited on inside surfaces of same. Initial permeability (P) of the membrane to water is from about 1 to about 15 according to the formula ##EQU1## where permeate flux is gallons of water passing through a square foot of membrane area per day and pressure is measured in pounds per square inch. Exit pressure from the housing is maintained in a range of from about 50 to about 100 pounds per square inch. Clear, commercially sterile juice with the taste and aroma of fresh fruit can be obtained at juice yields of at least about 78%.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for translating an object held by at least two fingers of a robot hand to a predetermined position relative to a fixed point of the robot hand is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a linear potentiometer for sensing the position of each finger relative to the fixed point on the robot hand. A microcomputer identifies the finger at the greater distance from the predetermined position as the position-controlled finger, and identifies the other finger as the force-controlled finger. Pneumatic cylinders and valves impart movement to each finger. A pneumatic servovalve controls movement of the position-controlled finger according to the position of the position-controlled finger relative to the fixed point of the robot hand. In an alternative embodiment, the movement of the position-controlled finger is controlled according to both the position of the position-controlled finger and the position of the force-controlled finger.

Abstract: An improved hip prosthesis designed to simulate forces on a femur like those experienced by a normal, healthy femur. A ball is located atop the prosthesis at a proper anatomical angular relationship with a neck and collar therebelow. The prosthesis stem extends from the collar to a distal tip and includes a buttress section, a middle section and tip section. An inner surface of the buttress section is relieved and a compressible material is located thereat. The middle and tip sections of the stem are smooth, of common cross section, without any significant taper and the tip is adapted to avoid transmission of significant axial forces to the femur therebelow. When implanted with a luting agent, the majority of forces are axial compressive forces applied to the calcar and there is little or no wedging of the prosthesis in the medullary canal; little or no shear forces across the prosthesis - luting agent interface; and little or no axial stresses from the prosthesis tip distal to same.

Abstract: A harvester for bulb, root and leafy vegetable products including stationary blades (31, 32), rotatable discs (131, 132) or the like which are transported at an angle through opposite sides of a product plant bed to loosen the soil, cut the root system, and prepare the products for removal from the plant bed; a pair of opposing, rotatable belts (51, 51') which follow an inclined path and cooperate to define a product passageway therebetween, said belts (51, 51') defining a product lifting and transport section (41) in which adjustable, pressure pulleys (48, 48') ensure proper gripping pressure on the products, and a product orienting section (42) in which the products are transformed from a vertical to a horizontal disposition; support means (70) adjacent said product orienting section (42) for receiving tops of products oriented to a horizontal disposition; and conveyor means (75) adjacent an end of said product passageway for receiving freed, horizontally disposed product.

Abstract: A seeding implement which includes a cylindrical container having a bottom with a centrally located opening therein. A metering plate is located beneath said container, preferably defining a plurality of different sized orifices that are locatable beneath and concentric to the bottom wall opening of the container. An elongated, adjustable seed metering rod is provided which includes a flattened tip that resides within said bottom wall opening, and eccentric thereto, and with the rod being mounted for oscillatory motion. Removable mounting of a plurality of seeding implements on a soil renovating implement is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An improved process for orthopedic implantation of a prosthesis where the prosthesis has a polymer coating on substantially the entire surface of same that is to be affixed to the bone by bone cement, the polymer coating being substantially completely polymerized and exhibiting a virtually pore free outer surface. After preparation of the bone cavity, a bone cement, preferably a self-curing acrylic is inserted into the bone cavity, after which the precoated prosthesis is properly positioned therein. The polymeric coating on the prosthesis should be compatible with the bone cement to achieve a chemical bond therebetween. A precoated prosthesis is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A two step surgical technique for implantation of a joint prosthesis. A bone cavity adjacent the effected joint is prepared for receipt of a prosthetic stem having porosities therealong for dynamic bony interfacial fixation and a tip adapted for subsequent removable securement to a joint element. The effected joint is resectioned in a subsequent second surgical technique and the opposing joint component is prepared for receipt of a prosthetic joint. The prosthetic joint is then implanted and removably secured to said previously implanted stem. A two piece implantable prosthesis is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for marine bivalve mollusks and the like. A harvester head is provided for movement along a bottom to be harvested, which head includes driven tined elements for dislodging mollusks from the bottom and for removing dislodged mollusks and conveying same away from the bottom. The harvester head is supported by a cable system, preferably from a marine vessel, that is adapted to impart a substantially constant lifting force on the harvester head over a predetermined range of water depth, such that a predetermined pressure only is applied by the head against the bottom during harvesting, whereby damage to the bottom that would hinder replenishment of marine life is avoided. The harvester head is also capable of pitch and roll movement to follow the contour of the bottom during harvesting.

Abstract: Orchard fruit handling apparatus for conveying and delivering harvested fruit into a plurality of storage bins comprising a first conveyor for adjustable attachment to a conventional farm tractor for receiving and transporting fruit received thereon in a generally linear direction rearwardly of the tractor, and trailer means for attachment to the tractor containing a second conveyor for receiving harvested fruit from the first conveyor and selectively directing the fruit into a plurality of storage bins carried on the trailer. A plurality of deflecting blades or bars are selectively positionable across the second conveyor to selectively intercept and deflect the fruit into corresponding bin filler mechanisms located along the side of the second conveyor and above corresponding collection bins.

Abstract: Crop uprooting and cultivating apparatus which includes at least one bar having at least one angled edge thereon that extends from a support at least partially across a row to be cultivated or from which crops and/or foliage are to be uprooted. The bar is rotatably supported by a support structure in cantilever fashion, leaving an outer end of the bar free. The bar may extend across a crop row in a direction generally transverse to the direction of movement of the apparatus along the row, or may be angled rearwardly with respect thereto to provide a self-cleaning action. The bar rotates beneath the surface of the soil and uproots crops and foliage as it moves along, the direction of rotation being in a direction opposite the direction of travel of the apparatus. A pair of bars may be provided, one being located on each side of a row being cultivated or where crops are to be uprooted with at least one of the bars extending a distance of more than 50 percent of the width of the row.

Abstract: A device operable for engagement with selected tree portions to convert rotary motion to a linear shaking motion for use in a fruit harvesting operation. The tree shaker includes tree gripping elements with a motion converter operatively connected thereto, the motion converter including a rotary mass having an input drive thereto operable to displace the mass in a first direction with control means to effect a counter-rotation of the mass in response to the first direction displacement, whereby the combination drive control results in a linear reciprocating motion of the mass which is transferred to the associated gripping means for shaking the tree portion. The apparatus can include a single motion converter for use in shaking a tree or limb or a pair of motion converters for use in shaking a tree trunk or a large tree limb.

Abstract: An elongated bar soil working apparatus constructed so that a plurality of bars are supported in a parallel relationship for rotation in one or more horizontal planes and positioned closely adjacent each other whereby the corners of one bar will cooperate with the corners of an adjacent bar to effect a severing action on vines or other foliage moving therebetween whereby the bars are self-cleaning. Power drives are operatively associated with the bars for syncronous rotation of the bars whereby the corners of the bars will be simultaneously advanced through a common plane in closely positioned relationship to effect the severing action on the vines and other foliage located therebetween and prevent vine and foliage build up on the bars. The present apparatus includes a frame which will allow the apparatus to be removably supported by conventional tractor operable tool bar whereby the bars can be advanced through the soil to perform plant uprooting or other soil working operations.

Abstract: An improved heating or cooling system based on absorption principles is disclosed and claimed herein. A closed system is provided with a refrigerant-absorbent solution where separation of the refrigerant-absorbent is accomplished by a semi-permeable membrane. The refrigerant-absorbent solution at its normal concentration is pumped under pressure to a membrane separation unit where the refrigerant is selectively passed through a membrane separator in some proportion while a remaining absorbent enriched refrigerant-absorbent solution is rejected. The membrane separated refrigerant is then circulated through a heat exchange leg of the system for heating and/or cooling of affected areas depending upon the particular treatment of the refrigerant. At the end of the heat exchange leg, the refrigerant is fed to an absorber where it is recombined with the absorbent enriched solution to reconstitute the original refrigerant-absorbent solution which is then recirculated by the pump and the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: A tobacco harvester is disclosed that utilizes an endless defoliator belt having defoliating apertures therein. Tobacco stalks pass into the apertures and during a downwardly moving segment of the defoliator belt leaves are stripped therefrom. A front downwardly inclined portion of the defoliator means includes a first angular section and a second angular section where the angle of the second section with respect to horizontal is greater than that of the first. Using this arrangement the plant is better prepared for defoliation in the first section while normal defoliation takes place in the second section. Further improvements to the tobacco harvester are included such as horizontal and vertical sensors for proper positioning of the defoliating means. Attendant indicator means alert an operator of the need for any necessary adjustment to the defoliator means.