Abstract: The operability of a photoelectric sensor is tested by creating both an ON TEST and an OFF TEST. During the ON TEST a test light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), located in the vicinity of the light-detecting elements of the photoelectric sensor, is enabled to be energized. Alternatively, the light-detecting elements of the photoelectric sensor are by-passed and the output of the light-detecting elements directly energized. The ON TEST LED (or the by-pass) is interconnected with the circuit that controls the energization of the normal or operational light source(s) of the photoelectric sensor such that the ON TEST LED will only ignite (or the by-pass will only operate) if current flows through the operational light source(s). If the operational light source(s) are damaged and, thus, current cannot flow, the ON TEST LED will not light (or the by-pass will not produce an energizing voltage).

Abstract: A compressed analog signal strength indicator that produces a light signal proportional in intensity to the relative alignment of an associated photoelectric transmitter and photoelectric receiver pair is disclosed. A sensor (10) detects a light signal (18) received from the associated photoelectric transmitter and produces an electrical signal. A nonlinear circuit (12) compresses the electrical signal and supplies an output to a peak hold circuit (13), which controls the current flow to an indicator (14). A threshold detection loop, which includes: a demodulator (15); an integrator (16); and, a comparator (17), senses the amplified signal of sensor (10) and produces a noticeable step increase in the brightness of the indicator (14) when the light signal (18) is first detected by the sensor (10).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for purification of liquids, particularly hydrophobic oil-water emulsions which includes heating the emulsified liquid to a process temperature where accelerated stratification occurs and passing the fluid through a fiberous media which is maintained at a selected compressed condition which allows flow through the media to separate the oil and water phases. Additionally, within the scope of the present invention organic fluids containing significant amounts of water can be heated utilizing a vacuum in order to reduce the water content to the range of 0 to as much as 8% prior to passage through the media at the process temperature.

Abstract: A ball and socket mount (13) for supporting the housing (11) of a light source and/or detector device is disclosed. The ball and socket mount (13) includes: a ball (23) affixed to one end of the housing (11); and, a socket formed by a collar that surrounds the ball. The collar comprises two identical U-shaped pieces (31a and 31b). When joined, the two collar pieces (31a and 31b) define an aperture having a spherical inner surface that mates with the spherical outer surface of the ball (23). The ball (23) includes a circumferential groove (29) oriented so as to be surrounded by the collar. A pair of mounting bolts (39) pass through the aligned holes in the collar pieces and the groove. The width of the groove (29) is substantially greater than the diameter of the bolts (39). As a result, the ball (23) and, thus, the photoelectric device is alignable in three dimensions when the bolts are loose. Specifically, the groove ( 29) allows rotation through 360.degree.

Abstract: A first conveyor moves cants to a delivery position adjacent to a second conveyor whose axis of movement is transverse to that of the first conveyor. A cant movement and aligning mechanism, which includes an overhead support that supports at least two positioning heads for movement in a direction transverse to the axis of movement of the second conveyor, moves the cant onto the second conveyor. The positioning heads are moved between a position beyond the trailing edge of a cant located at the delivery position and a position overlying the second conveyor. Each of the positioning heads includes a pusher pin and a hold-down pin mounted such that the longitudinal axis of the pusher and hold-down pins are vertically oriented and such that the pusher pin lies beyond the trailing edge of a cant located at the delivery position and the hold-down pin lies in a position between the pusher pin and the second conveyor.

Abstract: A balanced low impedance differential input line preamplifier comprising a differential amplifier and a pair of high gain common base input stages. The input signal is directly applied to the emitters of the common base input stages and the collectors of the common base input stages are each connected to one input of the differential amplifier. Capacitors are used to DC decouple the common base input stages to the differential amplifier.

Abstract: The outputs of one or more interconnected, unbiased photovoltaic devices mounted to receive light generated by one or more modulated light sources are connected via a long cable to the input of a balanced low impedance differential input line preamplifier. When multiple photovoltaic devices are included, their outputs can be directly interconnected and the thusly combined output will provide information about the intensity of light impinging on their photo conductive surfaces. The balanced low impedance differential input line preamplifier comprises a differential amplifier and a pair of common base input stages, one connected to each input of the differential amplifier. In a DC decoupling embodiment, capacitors are used to couple the common base input stages to the differential amplifier. The output of the balanced low impedance differential input line preamplifier is connected to a detector that provides an output indicative of the state of the output of the photovoltaic devices.