Abstract: A machine for vending newspapers and the like singly wherein a closed cabinet has an oblong dispensing opening in an upper portion of a side wall thereof. A newspaper supporting tray is mounted for vertical travel in the cabinet via the action of a spring and cable system which raises the newspaper stack progressively to dispose the topmost newspaper opposite the dispensing opening. A verticlly movable pushing finger assembly is mounted for vertical travel on a dispensing pusher frame which also includes a top stop for limiting upward travel of the stack.

Abstract: Ground control system for use with a spreader of dry bulk material at a predetermined rate and speed. The spreader mounts on a vehicle or like structure. The ground control system has input variables of travel rate of the vehicle and conveyor rate of the conveyor running through the spreader, and an output signal for controlling height of a feedgate movable at an exit port of the spreader. The travel rate input signal includes sensing the speed of the vehicle and accounts for calibration signals dependent on vehicle components such as tire sizes and other constants, and includes variable inputs such as the swath width and the application rate of spreading. The conveyor speed input signal includes the speed of the conveyor, predetermined constants such as conveyor width, gear ratio, etc., and input variables including the density of the material and the weight of the material. The input signals are differentiated for controlling the servo coupled to the feedgate.

Abstract: A universal input-output apparatus has: a controllable source of electrical energy including at least one drive source having an output terminal and a return terminal; an electrical energy measuring device including at least one energy sensor having an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the controllable source of electrical energy; a twin leaded line having the first ends thereof connected to the output and return terminals of the drive source, respectively; and an integrity tester in the form of a zener diode connected across the second ends of the first and second leads, respectively, a first terminal connected to one of the second ends, a second terminal connected via a unidirectional conductor to the one second end and a third terminal connected via a resistive device to the one second end.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for monitoring the diameter and length of a helical corrugated metal pipe while the pipe is being formed from a strip of corrugated sheet metal. The apparatus includes a sheet metal strip length sensor located on a corrugated helical metal pipe forming machine. A series of length sensors are located along a formed pipe axis and are responsive to presence or absence of the formed pipe at their locations. A digital computer receives information from the sensors and is connected to various peripheral devices. The process of monitoring the diameter and length of the pipe involves measuring sheet metal strip length, determining presence of formed pipe at the various length sensor locations, and determining pipe length and diameter as a function of sheet metal width and length of sheet metal strip used.

Abstract: A test instrument for generating controlled bursts of electrical noise for use in testing the response of electronic equipment to such noise. A high voltage induction coil has its primary winding connected in circuit with a semiconductor switching means across a source of DC potential whereby when the current flow through the primary winding is interrupted, a relatively high voltage is developed across spark electrodes connected in the secondary winding of the coil and a spark discharge results. The spark discharge is, of course, rich in high frequency noise components which radiate therefrom to the system under test. The test instrument includes controls for causing the spark discharge to be generated either when triggered by a signal from the system under test, or by the manual operation of a push button switch, or at rates which may be varied by the operator.

Abstract: A speed retarder used in combination with a flexible member such as rope, cable, or chain to control the speed of the flexible member relative to the speed retarder. The speed retarder is particularly suited for use in applications where it is desirable to lower a load at a controlled rate of speed from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. Such applications include fire escape devices and safety backup devices for elevators.One specific embodiment of the speed retarder comprises a frame having an axle on which is mounted a pair of rollers each having a tapered surface around which a flexible member is trained and retained between the surfaces by means of guides. The wheels are mounted on the axle for combined rotary and outward sliding motion into brake pads carried by the frame outboard of the wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for precise positioning of a control device, such as a valve actuator. A double-acting, hydraulic cylinder, which operates the control device, is held in any set position by a hydraulic lock ensured by one-way check valves which prevent interflow between the chambers on opposite sides of the piston. Occurrence of a signal indicating a need to change position activates one of two three-way directional control valves allowing exhaust flow from the appropriate cylinder volume. Connected in parallel in the exhaust line is a plurality of on-off valves, each having a flow capacity that is some multiple of that of the next smaller valve, e.g. twice as large. This provides a wide range of distinct and precise flow capacities to provide close and instantaneous control over rate of movement of the positioning device.

Abstract: An odor control system for a holding tank of liquid and solid excrement wherein one or more pairs of electrodes formed of highly conductive material and generally rectangular in shape are mounted on opposite sides of the holding tank. A source of electrical power is connected in circuit with such electrodes through a timing device which automatically connects said electrodes to said source for a predetermined length of time and then disconnects the same for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing the same are provided for digitally synchronizing the timing of a sequence of electrical output pulses in accordance with a selectable, permissably non-linear function of the timing of a sequence of electrical input pulses. The method and apparatus are illustrated with reference to application thereof to overcoming the problem of degradation of synchronization caused by so-called "peak shift" due to the adjacent data effect in the reading of binary data stored on magnetic disks or the like. Pulses of a timing reference signal having a uniform interval equal to a sub-multiple of the normal average interval of the desired output pulses are continuously counted to a number base equal to the denominator of said sub-multiple, and output pulses are produced whenever a pre-selected count value occurs. Output pulse timing correction values in accordance with the synchronizing function selected are stored in memory.

Abstract: Automatic braking apparatus for controlling the speed of a vehicle travelling downwardly on an inclined slope. The apparatus comprises a wheel housing, a pair of specially designed wheels mounted in the housing for combined rotary and axial motion, and a rail engageable between the wheels and moveable longitudinally relative thereto. The wheels have tapered camming surfaces which confront one another and annular braking surfaces facing outwardly in juxtaposition with respect to pads of friction material carried by the housing. A load applied between the rail and the wheels forces the wheels axially outward into engagement with the friction pads to retard rotation of the wheels and thereby to limit the relative velocity between the rail and the wheel housing. In one embodiment, the wheel housing is carried by a pallet and the rail is mounted stationary. Wedge means is provided at the lower end of the rail for engaging between the wheels relatively close to their rotational axis to arrest motion of the pallet.

Abstract: A fluid introduction unit adapted to be mounted in a well production flow assembly, sometimes referred to as a christmas tree, for the introduction of highly corrosive fluids into high pressure wells without damaging the production tubing.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a selective-mode valve operator comprising a handwheel adapted to be mounted on a valve body with an output sleeve keyed onto the input shaft or stem of the valve. A motor may be mounted directly onto the handwheel, and locking means selectively lock the handwheel to the output sleeve or to a stationary member. When the handwheel is locked to the output sleeve, shift means prevent motor operation, and when it is locked against rotation the shift means enable motor operation. The shift means pass through a neutral condition whereby one mode is inactivated before the other mode is activated.

Abstract: An emergency hydraulic ram valve actuator having redundant power sources and controls. At least two pressure fluid sources, such as hydraulic accumulators, are connected through separate controls to the cylinder head. Check valves in the cylinder head and base prevent outward flow to insure containment of the fluid even when dismantled for service. Both sets of controls are contained in manifolds connected between the pressure sources and pressure and exhaust lines to and from the cylinder. Flow from each accumulator is normally prevented by a pilot check valve, but selectively operated valves initiate flow which, in turn, biases the pilot check valves to full flow. As full flow commences a portion thereof is diverted to open the exhaust pilot check valves which allow cylinder evacuation. In the event one power and/or control system is disabled, the other will function independently. The pressure and exhaust lines are contained within protective shields throughout their lengths.

Abstract: A pulse plating system wherein the duty cycle is controlled by skipping pulses in producing the output signal. The circuitry for controlling the skipping of the pulses can either be analog or digital type circuitry.

Abstract: Delivery tubes used with air caloric stimulation systems, when measuring vestibular responses. The delivery tubes fit into the patient's ears at the nozzle end thereof. Silastic tubing is provided narrower at the nozzle end for forming a higher velocity narrower stream of air directed at the tympanic membrane to produce more effective and consistent heat exchange with the labyrinth. A shield is provided to prevent the tubing from impinging on the tympanic membrane and to retain the apparatus in place. A handle is also provided to aid in the insertion of the delivery tube into the air canal, and to aid in attaching the delivery nozzle of the delivery head regularly used with the air caloric stimulation system.

Abstract: A standby power supply system utilized for continuously supplying alternating current power at a regulated value to a load independent of the line power amplitude of continuity. The standby power supply includes an inverter utilizing a direct current source. Direct current feedback circuitry is provided for improving the AC - DC synchronization, minimizing the drain on the source and for holding the direct current relatively constant thereby reducing the requirements of the direct current source.

Abstract: A device for separating liquids of lower density than water, in particular oil, from water, comprises a pump and a separator receiving the liquids from the pump. The separator comprises a settling chamber and a filter pack arranged behind the latter. A line between the pump and the settling chamber feeds the liquids exclusively to the latter. The line includes a vent valve. An overflow opening device is provided between the settling chamber and the filter pack. A shut-off member is provided for closing the overflow opening in response to the thickness of the layer of liquid of lower density collected in the settling chamber.

Abstract: A switching adapter that provides a rapid and convenient apparatus for selective recording of vertical eye movements with a single channel recorder in electronystagmograph apparatus. A number of single channel recorders are used in the field to observe the horizontal eye movements elicited by thermally induced vestibular unbalance. In certain types of pathological unbalances, vertical eye movement is also present, therefore, it is highly desirable to be able to also record the vertical eye movement. The switching adapter conveniently converts single channel recorders that are normally used for recording horizontal eye movement for recording vertical nystagmus.

Abstract: The air caloric stimulation system provides an adjustable air system with accurate and automatic control of the delivery and temperature of air. A thermal electric device utilizing the Peltier effect generates or absorbs heat depending on the difference between the temperature of the air at the outlet and the "set" or desired temperature of the air at the outlet. Further, the Peltier units are aided in controlling the temperature of the air using a radiator system in conjunction with a liquid circulating system. The current to the Peltier units are controlled using unique proportional phase controlled signals. Safety circuitry prevents the air or liquid from overheating.