Abstract: An oil-filled thermometer tube is heated out and sealed. The tube is mounted with the bulb in a reference bath and sequentially moved through a reference station, a column height measuring station, a marking station and a sorting station. The measuring station includes a photosensitive camera having a columnar light source and a line array of photosensitive devices, which are electronically scanned to measure the column height. A plurality of sequential scans are made as a part of a pattern recognition system to insure a measurement only when an oil column has been scanned. The camera produces a digital output which is converted to an output signal to actuate a marker and a sorter at the respective stations.

Abstract: An operator prompting system for a calculator of the type having stored program control for performing a limited number of pre-programmed calculations, the prompting system being adapted to guide an operator through the different programs by directly indicating the need for a data entry and the nature of such entry. In a preferred embodiment, the calculator display is of the alpha-numeric variety, and means are provided for driving the display to directly indicate upon such display the nature of the data required. The program module within the calculator may be configured to carry out complex calculations in various specialized fields, such as navigational, financial, scientific or engineering, the alpha-numeric display being used to display the numerical data as entered and the results, and also to directly call for the data required for the different programs or uses.

Abstract: An electronic computer having a limited stored program capability and adapted to perform a plurality of problems particularly useful to aircraft pilots. The unit includes an electronic calculator and a stored program controller for instructing the calculator. The programs stored in the controller cause sequential operation, including the demand for manual entry of necessary data, to calculate a desired result. The calculator includes a plurality of program selector keys operative upon the program controller for selecting the program associated with the desired result. The operating panel further includes a plurality of data entry indicators adapted to be illuminated by the controller for indicating to the operator the nature of each data entry required. The calculator is programmed to solve at least each of the following navigational and performance problems: effects of winds aloft on aircraft progress and maintenance of course, and effect of nonstandard atmospheric conditions on aircraft performance.