Abstract: A multiple link conveyor having identical flat links each composed of interleaved identical sheet members, each link being interleaved with adjacent links for pivotal movement of adjacent links in the plane thereof.

Abstract: An automatic piloting system for the automatic steering of a marine or other vessel along an intended course in which a digital signal representing an intended course is processed to provide rudder commands for steering the desired course.

Abstract: A system and method for interrogating a plurality of data gathering devices for actuation of selected ones from which data is received. Transducers are typically remotely located from the interrogating and receiving apparatus and are connected via a single two-conductor path over which power is conveyed to the transducers and data signals conveyed between the transducers and the receiving apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing automatic correction of deviation errors in a magnetic compass. Data representing deviation corrections for respective compass headings are stored in memory and in response to a digital signal from the magnetic compass representing an indicated heading, the corresponding correction is provided from memory to yield a output signal representing actual heading and corrected for deviation error.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator having an array of horns each having converging reflecting surfaces which provide a multiple reflective path from a relatively wide entrance aperture exposed to incident solar energy and a smaller exit aperture from which intensified energy emanates. The energy received from the exit apertures of the horn array is of higher density than the incident energy density and can be used as heat or converted to electrical or other form of energy for use.

Abstract: A movable link conveyor having an elastomeric effectively continuous conveying surface capable of remaining substantially flat during movement of the conveyor through a curved travel path in the plane of the conveying surface.

Abstract: A chain link conveyor comprises modules pivotally connected to one another. Each module is designed to be molded as a unit, preferably of an organic plastic material and comprises a number of parallel, spaced links having end sections with aligned holes for snap-together pivot rods, and intermediate sections joined by integral cross members to form a rigid, supporting grid.

Abstract: A digital compass display readily movable to different intended mounting positions and including a multidigit numerical indicator mechanically and electrically connected to an end of an electrical cable and of a small size and configuration approximating that of the cable itself.

Abstract: A turbine engine provided within a hermetically sealed housing and operative as a closed system in response to applied solar or other thermal energy.

Abstract: A conveyor system employing a modular belt of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,141 in which the upper surfaces of the modules are shaped to provide guide channels for the teeth of a conveyor comb as the belt passes over a wheel. Upper surfaces of the module and/or the comb teeth can be shaped to minimize the rise and fall of the belt relative to the comb as the belt passes over the wheel.

Abstract: A remote reading magnetic compass operative with only two electrical connections for both power and data purposes. The compass includes a disc which is photoelectrically sensed to provide output signals representative of compass heading and is supported by a gimbal assembly including pivots which serve as electrical terminals by which energizing power is supplied to the compass electronics and by which data is read out from the compass.

Abstract: An automatic piloting system for the automatic steering of a marine or other vessel along an intended course in which a digital signal representing an intended course is processed to provide rudder commands for steering the desired course.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing calibration of automatic deviation-correction circuitry for a magnetic compass. Data representing deviation-corrections for respective compass headings are derived by comparing signals representative of the actual heading of the compass with the compass output signal at a plurality of headings to provide corresponding corrections which are stored in a memory to produce an output signal representing actual heading and corrected for deviation error.

Abstract: A remote reading magnetic compass in which a coded compass disc is supported for rotation by a single upper pivot bearing which maintains the disc and associated compass magnet submerged in a damping liquid with positive buoyancy and which provides a selected range of tilt without gimbal mounting.

Abstract: A magnetic compass system in which an output signal indication is produced of true heading. An electronic navigation receiver such as a Loran or Omega receiver is employed to provide sequential indications of present position which are processed to produce a signal representing the average course made good for a selected heading. The course made good signal is processed with a signal indication of magnetic compass heading to correct for deviation and variation errors and yield an output signal representing true heading.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method and machine for peeling shrimp for the fantail and butterfly shrimp market in which only certain desired segments of the shrimp shell are removed from the raw uncooked shrimp. The method assumes that prior to peeling the desired shell segments 1 through 5 from the raw shrimp that the back of the shrimp shell of segments 1 through 5 has been cut open and the condyle hinges between shell segments 5 and 6 have been broken. In the method of this disclosure the shrimp are fed lengthwise and individually one after another to a friction type peeling nip of short length.

Abstract: A compass housing capable of withstanding high external pressure such as encountered in deep submergence applications. The housing includes a pair of hemispherical portions interconnected to form a sealed enclosure and at least one portion being formed of a resilient material capable of expansion and contraction in the presence of varying differential pressure conditions. The housing is completely filled with a damping liquid under pressure to provide an internal pressure higher than atmospheric pressure such that in the presence of higher external pressures, the inner and outer pressures tend to equalize, thereby minimizing the differential pressure on the housing itself.

Abstract: A gyroscopic directional reference system comprising a two-degree-of-freedom gyroscope including a tuned single flexible hinge rotor and capacitance sensors for measuring the torsional displacement of the rotor about its hinge. The sensors are arranged to provide two orthogonal signal output axes and the gyroscope is suspended, for the sake of convenience, with the rotor spin axis parallel with the local earth gravity or, in order to provide maximum signal gradient, perpendicular to the earth rotation axis. A signal summing system produces an output signal which is nulled when the input axes are angularly oriented at 45.degree. with respect to the earth rotation axis and a servo system is provided for rotating the gyroscope about its spin axis to null the output signal. Alternatively, a capacitance sensing transducer system produces an output signal representing the angular orientation of the gyro relative to the earth rotation axis.

Abstract: A solar engine including a vessel disposed for motion along a predetermined path and having an array of discrete expandable and contractable chambers disposed in spaced relation along the path. The vessel contains relatively non-expandable fluid while the chambers each contain a relatively expandable and contractable fluid which is of lesser density than the non-expandable fluid. The chambers along a predetermined section of said vessel are maintained at a cooler temperature than those chambers exposed to solar energy. The chambers exposed to solar energy are caused to expand upon heating of the fluid therein, causing displacement of the non-expandable fluid. At the same time, the cooled chambers are caused to contract in response to cooling of the fluid therein and permitting the inflow of an additional quantity of non-expandable fluid into the cooled section of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing fresh water which utilizes the energy of surface waves in an ocean, and comprises a buoyant helical member mounted for rotation about an axis. The pitch of the helical member approximates the length of the expected waves and the member is floated on the surface with its axis oriented so that each wave traverses the helix lengthwise and buoyantly supports successive sections thereof causing it to rotate about its axis. The helix is coupled with transducer means for using the rotational energy of the helix to distill the sea water. The ocean is used also as a cooling medium in the distillation process.