Abstract: A cable leveling device is attached to a streamer cable by providing an adapter module secured between two seismic streamer cable sections with one of the cable strain members secured to the adapter. An overlying coaxial housing is mounted for rotation about the adapter module so as to rotate with respect to the module. The overlying housing carries leveling apparatus in the form of paravanes as well as depth sensing and other apparatus, with the top part of the overlying housing containing a hollow or foam-filled buoyant portion, and with the bottom portion of the housing containing batteries, electronics and sensing devices, such that the housing is maintained in a vertical orientation because of its buoyant top portion and weighted bottom portion.

Abstract: This invention provides in a compact roll film type camera a data processing system for recording at least one line of information along the edge of a picture, to present variable and manually entered data relating to the picture. It contains entirely within the camera cover the keyboard and film recording equipment. The line of information is recorded by programming stored data for synchronous presentation along the edge of a frame when it is being moved to frame another picture. Only seven keyboard keys are needed to give a full range of alphanumeric data entry with each entry requiring two successive keystrokes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a magnetic compass, and system to accurately calibrate the compass with a rotation of the vessel on which the compass is mounted through a single rotation of 360 degrees. The compass comprises gimballed field sensing elements, and processor to provide a signal which is corrected for compass offsets, for permanent magnetic field anomalies and for induced magnetic field anomalies.

Abstract: A mold and process for integrally forming a modular helical shaped device such as a screw conveyor is disclosed. The mold has a center operating axis (26) and includes a first section (20A) which forms a portion of the axial member (33). The first section (20A) also forms one of the helical surfaces (36A) disposed around the center axis (26) which has an amount of rotation no greater than 360 degrees. In a similar manner, a second section (20B) is adapted for reciprocating movement along the center axis (26) between an open and closed position with respect to section (20A). The second section (20B) forms the other one of the helical shaped flight members (41). Thus, the two mold sections define a substantially enclosed cavity having an elongated axial portion and a helical shaped flight portion with a selected cross-section that forms the helical shaped device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling the drive shaft of an integrally molded modular screw conveyor is disclosed. A non-circular elongated drive shaft includes a non-circular axially extending aperture for receiving a first end of a coupling member having a corresponding size and shape such that rotation with respect to the shaft and coupling member is not possible. In addition, both the shaft and the coupling member define aligned recesses for receiving a locking pin so as to also prevent axially movement between the two. An integrally formed screw conveyor module includes an axially extending aperture with a size and cross-sectional shape for slideably receiving the drive shaft such that rotation is prevented between the drive shaft and the module. The locking pin is held in position by sliding the module over the locking pin when it is in place within the shaft and coupling member.

Abstract: A position determining system for providing electrical signals representative of the positions of a light source movable within a defined area. The system may be implemented for purposes of data entry or for purposes of object location or surveying. When embodied in a data entry tablet, the invention provides signals representative of the positions of a stylus movable within the area of the tablet and comprising first and second photodetectors spaced along a base line by a predetermined distance, and means associated with each photodetector and operative to provide a movable narrow field of view for each photodetector. Means are provided for monitoring the angular position of each of the fields of view with respect to the base line and for providing a signal indication of the respective angular positions. A stylus having a light emitter at the tip thereof is movable within the area of the tablet and provides light detachable by each of the photodetectors.

Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of interconnected like modules of integral molded construction. Each of the modules has a flat conveying surface and first and second link ends spaced along the width of the module, each of the link ends including segments having circular bores aligned on a pivot axis across the width of the module and which segments are operative to provide a pivot bearing surface, and to cover a pivot rod on the conveying side of the module, the pivot rod remaining substantially exposed on the bottom side of the module for inspection and cleaning and for more uniform temperature cycling.

Abstract: The number of keys on a keyboard are reduced by employing the decimal point key as a control key when stroked the second time in the entry of a decimal number word. This eliminates the need for a key standard in the computer arts which is either designated as an "enter" key or as an "=" key depending upon the computer arithmetic process. It thereby becomes possible to use only twelve keys on a keyboard to control a modern computer with the order of 133 built-in programs or execution commands. This is done by providing in addition to ten decimal keys 0 to 9 and the decimal point key one additional control or execute key which initiates a two or more sequential key program step select mode in which any of the twelve keys are then stroked to designate a particular execution command. An accompanying graphic display of the various execution choices available makes the keyboard usable without necessity of frequent consultation of an instruction manual.

Abstract: A staircase stringer fabricating apparatus includes a structural machine frame having a carriage moveably mounted with respect to the frame for supporting an elongated stringer work piece. A track mounted upon the structural frame defines a guide for the carriage so that the carriage can move on a controlled path with respect to the frame. Material working stations, such as wood routers, welding torches or the like are spaced upon the machine frame for simultaneously preparing the work piece with selectively spaced apart tread assembly positions that define the horizontal stair step positions (including the spacing and angular positions) upon the stringer during use. The tread positions are preferably formed responsive to the movement of the carriage and work piece upon the track along the controlled path so that the work stations traverse the work piece.

Abstract: A combined heading and depth sensor for acquisition of both compass heading and depth data and transmission of the combined data over a two wire communication link as a single packet of information to a remote data acquisition unit. The sensor includes a remote reading compass assembly, a depth sensor and circuitry to interface the compass and depth sensors to the communication link. A communication protocol is defined permitting addressable interrogation of a plurality of combined heading and depth sensors over the two wire link.

Abstract: A cabinet for use with a visual display for eliminating reflections and glare with respect to an observer having a selected eyepoint is disclosed. The cabinet includes a housing 9 having means mounted to housing 9 for adjustably positioning a visual display having a viewing plane 30. The viewing plane 30 is oriented with respect to a nominal eyepoint 28 of an observer such that the viewing plane 30 is at a selected angle between 65.degree. and 30.degree. with respect to a line of sight extending from the selected nominal eyepoint 28. A support shelf 22 secured to housing 9 supports and locates a keyboard 24 at a viewing position juxtaposed to the visual display CRT 18 such that minimal eye motion is required for an observer to view both visual display 18 and keyboard 24. Also included is an adjustable light obstructing shield 16 having a front edge 26 and a light absorbing inside surface 44.

Abstract: A computer keyboard matrix overlay panel carries indicia indicating the functions of keys and other operating instructions, to replace a significant part of the information formerly set forth in an external instruction manual. Individual panels are coded by incorporated switch parts acting with cooperating computer switch parts to set up a particular operating mode for which the respective key functions are identified when the panel is in place over the computer keyboard keys, the functions being selected by the use of two sequential, non-simultaneous keystrokes involving any of the keys on the keyboard. The panels also serve as software media by incorporation of data strips along panel edges to permit carrying program and data information external to the computer memory which is readable into the computer by corresponding transducers. The panel codes can change the comptuer mode and enter corresponding programs, subroutines, constants, and variable data.

Abstract: A cartridge carrying electronic or other components is removably mounted in the breech of an adaptor module connected either in a streamer section or between opposing ends of adjacent streamer sections of a towed array. The adapter module is provided with channels for loosely guiding all but one strain member, one strain member being clamped to the module, with the longitudinal axis of the module breech being established by the longitudinal axis of the clamped strain member such that alignment of the cartridge is uniquely keyed to the single clamped strain member, the loose mounting of the unclamped strain members preventing differential forces being applied to the adapter module. In one embodiment, a spring-loaded pin and shuttle connector arrangement severs connection for an empty breech and provides for both point contact to an inserted cartridge and relatively long leakage paths so that any entrained sea water will not short out the adapter module or connector system.

Abstract: A stair having a central stringer and two side stringers adapted for mounting between an upper level and a lower level at a relatively steep angle of inclination. A plurality of tread members are disposed in alternating arrangement on respective sides of the central stringer and each tread member extends laterally from the central stringer to the respective side stringer. The tread members, which are substantially identical in shape, mateably join the central stringer and respective side stringers at tread member ends with a dovetail joint having a recessed mortise defining tread supporting shoulders. Handrails are provided at an angle substantially parallel to the stringers and of a height to support a user while descending the stair. Typically an upper tread member is provided which is even with the upper level. The stair is of a structure which permits disassembled shipment as a relatively compact, lightweight package and ease of assembly at a location of intended use.

Abstract: A color ink jet printing mechanism provides either continuous stream or drop on demand color ink jet printing utilizing a single stream flow of ink. A flow of colored ink is produced, pumped, and synchronized to the operation of a ink jet printer head drop producing mechanism. The ink is produced by mixture of an optional carrier fluid which flows past an injection port chamber, together with dyes which are synchronously injected, mixed with the carrier fluid, to form the colored ink. The ink is then ejected as a dot stream which is impacted upon a paper or other sheet material, forming a continuous flow of colored image. The mechanism uses a single flow of material; it is capable of a wider range of color tonalities, due to the premixing capabilities, than is possible using dithering techniques with three colored inks.

Abstract: A transmission or conveyor chain composed of a plurality of interconnected identical links which are attachable and detachable without need for pivot pins or other separate connecting hardware. Each link is preferably molded as a unitary structure of plastic material.

Abstract: The number of keys on a keyboard are reduced by employing the decimal point key as a control key when stroked the second time in the entry of a decimal number word. This eliminates the need for a key standard in the computer arts which is either designated as an "enter" key or as an "=" key depending upon the computer arithmetic process. It thereby becomes possible to use only twelve keys on a keyboard to control a modern computer with the order of 133 built-in programs or execution commands. This is done by providing in addition to ten decimal keys 0 to 9 and the decimal point key one additional control or execute key which initiates a two or more sequential key program step select mode in which any of the twelve keys are then stroked to designate a particular execution command. An accompanying graphic display of the various execution choices available makes the keyboard usable without necessity of frequent consultation of an instruction manual.

Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of interconnected identical modules of integral plastic molded construction. Each of the modules includes a multiplicity of elongated parallel spaced link elements terminating in respective link ends and an intermediate section between the link ends of grid-like structure. The link ends each include a generally cylindrical projection which extends from one side of each of the link elements along the pivotal axis of the module. The projections extend from the same facing side of each link element. The modules are linked together with each module rotated 180.degree. with respect to adjacent modules such that the projections of each adjacent module extend in opposite directions. The flat sides of the linked ends of mated modules are in engagement to provide only a very small offset in the line of pull through the adjacent link elements to minimize bending forces in the links and link ends.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed valve has a magnetically actuated rolling diaphragm valve mechanism, and providing an in-line variable opening valve that is completely sealed and requires no shaft, bushings or moving components through the valve body. This provides a valve with a generally in-line flow, which may be completely isolated from contaminants or from the outside environment. The magnetic actuating mechanism permits precise gradual positional control of the valve and at the same time provides considerably greater actuation force against differential pressure across the valve than has previously been possible. The valve actuation mechanism is readily adaptable to digital control techniques.