Abstract: In a method of grinding a workpiece employing a metallic grinding wheel sorting a non-conductive abrasive medium, a cathode is provided in spaced relationship with the abrasive surface so as to define a gap therewith. Electrolyte is caused to flow through the gap, and a low direct current is passed between the grinding wheel and the cathode through the electrolyte so that a small amount of metal is continually removed from the grinding wheel so that material trapped in the abrasive surface is dislodged and flushed away by the electrolyte flowing through the gap.

Abstract: A non-pressure-dependancy infrared absorption spectra recording, sample holder comprises a sample holder having an infrared light beam transmitting passage, two windows of infrared light transmitting material in the passage in face-to-face contact, with at least one window having an inner surface portion contoured to provide between the windows a sample space shaped to provide adjacent light beam paths which are different in length and a clamp for resiliently clamping the windows in the sample holder. A deformable sample is lightly compressed to fill the sample space, and an infrared light beam is passed through the sample. The adjacent light beam paths being of different lengths avoids optical interference fringes so that absorption spectra of the sample can be recorded.

Abstract: Various halogenated aromatic compounds, particularly polychlorinated biphls, and the like, are dehalogenated by reaction with alkali metal in the presence of liquid hydrosiloxane. A selected solvent or diluent may be present. The alkali metal halide reaction product may be removed by washing. It has been found substantially complete dehalogenation is achieved readily at ambient temperatures when the hydrosiloxane is present. The dehalogenated aromatic moiety normally is recovered intact. This method has been found very effective in the destruction and removal of PCB contaminants.

Abstract: In active range finder apparatus wherein an object to be inspected is illuminated by a laser source and light reflected by the object is detected in an imaging photosensor, a system is provided for increasing the dynamic range of the apparatus. This system provides for integrating over each of a series of measuring time periods light reflected from a window of the photosensor and hence proportional to the light received by such photosensor. When such integrated light exceeds a predetermined amount, a saturation signal is generated that immediately de-energizes the source. If this amount is not reached by the end of each period, the system is reset. The source is gradually re-energized at the commencement of each subsequent period. The virtually instantaneous de-energization and gradual re-energization combined with use of a saturation detector separate from the main photosensor ensures rapid action that is quick enough to substantially avoid saturation of such main photosensor.

Abstract: A track wheel consisting of a longitudinal curved track mounted in an oval eometry on two support rollers. The track wheel is in effect an oval wheel with two axles. The axles of the two support rollers are mounted either directly or indirectly to the vehicle. The rollers support and guide both ends of the track in the small curvatures and transfers vehicle load to a surface at the lower curved part of the track. The track will withstand a high bending load in one direction, where it engages a surface, but it will also bend easily in the other direction, as it is guided over the two support rollers.