Abstract: A probe for measurement of an electrically conductive surface covered by an insulating cover layer has a pair of electrically conductive pads for capacitive coupling to the conductive surface. The pads may be formed by photolithography as part of a disk of a metallic layer disposed on a substrate of low dielectric material such as fibrous glass in an epoxy binder, the pads being separated by a relatively narrow gap. Included within the probe is an electrically insulating holder for supporting the substrate and the pads, the holder being configured to facilitate manual manipulation of the probe. The probe connects with a signal analyzer which provides a test signal coupled to the pads via a coaxial transmission line. During a sliding of the pads along the cover layer, electrical characteristics of a signal coupled capacitively via the pads to the conductive surface are analyzed by the analyzer to provide information on electrical continuity and resistivity of the surface.

Abstract: A vapor pressure control system for controlling the vapor pressure in a fuel storage tank is provided which comprises a cooling chamber for cooling the fuel vapor, wherein the temperature of the cooling chamber is maintained at a point slightly above the freezing point of water. Vapor intake and return lines provide for communication of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. A fan interposed in the intake line causes the circulation of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. The fan is operated by a pressure sensitive switch which causes the fan to run when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure falls below a certain minimum level, and which causes the fan to stop when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure rises above a certain, maximum level. The fan is shut off by a temperature sensitive switch when the ambient temperature approaches the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A sheet material holder includes a vacuum platen defining a plurality of arrays of vacuum channels corresponding in number and size to a plurality of sheet material sizes on one surface thereof and including a corresponding plurality of distinct vacuum plenums communicating with the arrays of vacuum channels; a vacuum pump; a corresponding plurality of remotely actuatable valves connected between the vacuum plenums and the vacuum pump; a corresponding plurality of flow sensors for sensing the flow of air between the plenums and the vacuum pump; and logic and control means connected to the flow sensors and the valves for sensing air flow between a plenum and the vacuum pump and actuating the corresponding valve. Sheet size is automatically inferred by the pattern of valves that are actuated.

Abstract: A proportioning pump for liquid additive metering having a housing with a diaphragm piston therein and inlet and outlet primary fluid lines to the housing and inlet and outlet valves in the housing for moving the piston up and down. A pair of additive pistons for pumping an additive liquid into the primary fluid with the additive pistons being moved by the diaphragm piston. An overcenter spring loaded connection connects the diaphragm piston to the inlet and outlet valves and a fail safe mechanism opens both the inlet and outlet valves in the event the spring in the overcenter connection fails. One of the additive pistons has an O-ring therein which acts as a seal and a check valve.

Abstract: A proportioning pump for liquid additive metering having a housing with a diaphragm piston therein and inlet and outlet primary fluid lines to said housing for moving said diaphragm piston up and down. Additive pistons for pumping an additive liquid into said primary fluid with said additive pistons being moved by said diaphragm piston.

Abstract: A bird feeder tree includes an artificial tree trunk having an internal compartment in which bird feed is contained. Multiple feeding ports are provided on the trunk. Multiple artificial branches are mounted on the trunk adjacent the feeding ports. Birds perch on the branches and feed on the contained bird feed through the feeding ports.

Abstract: A rigid cylinder is rotated about its axis of symmetry at a relatively high rate of speed by means of a motor. Around a portion of the circumference of the rotating cylinder is wrapped a flexible imaging medium such as photographic film, to which is applied longitudinal tension through means of a film transport. The film conforms to the curvature of the drum, but is held a small distance above the surface of the cylinder in equilibrium between the aerodynamic forces created by the rotating cylinder and the applied tension of the film transport, thus effecting a compliant surface air bearing. A scanning beam is used to write on the film in the line direction. Longitudinal movement of the film is used to affect scanning in the page direction.

Abstract: A rigid transparent cylinder is rotated about its axis of symmetry at a relatively high rate of speed by means of a motor. Around a portion of the circumference of the rotating cylinder is wrapped a flexible imaging medium such as photographic film, to which is applied longitudinal tension through means of a film transport. The film conforms to the curvature of the drum, but is held a small distance above the surface of the cylinder in equilibrium between the aerodynamic forces created by the rotating cylinder and the applied tension of the film transport, thus effecting a compliant surface air bearing. A stationary lamp within or behind the transparent cylinder passes light through the cylinder to project an image from the film onto a scanning element by use of a conventional optical system.

Abstract: Safety mechanism for forklift attachment, prevents the premature dumping of a container residing on the attachment in situations where the container is not adequately secured to the attachment because of operator error or nonuniform size containers.

Abstract: A tiltable and/or rotatable support for a display device which includes a locking mechanism 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 operable to lock the support in a selected tilt position while still permitting swivel adjustment. The support may be provided as a stand-alone unit or formed integral with the base of the display device.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for securing a sheet-like material to a wall comprising an elongated stud having an inner end welded to the wall and extending outwardly therefrom so as to be perpendicular to the wall, the stud having a pointed outer end whereby the sheet-like material can be impaled thereon and positioned so as to be adjacent the wall, the stud being provided with a longitudinal slit extending from the outer pointed end to a location adjacent the inner end so as to form a pair of longitudinal fingers, the stud being bent adjacent the inner end whereby the fingers are laterally offset from each other, the fingers being provided with alternate outwardly extending teeth and recessed notches along the longitudinal sides of the fingers opposite from the slit, and a retainer plate provided with a central opening therein such that the pointed end of the stud can be inserted through the opening to permit the plate to be slidably received on the stud, the opening in the plate being approximately equal to the dist

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of deriving mechanical work from a combustion gas in an internal combustion engine and reciprocating internal combustion engines for carrying out the method. The method includes the steps of compressing an air charge in a compressor of the engine, transferring the compressed charge to a power chamber of the engine such that no appreciable drop in charge pressure occurs during transfer and admission to the power chamber, causing a predetermined quantity to produce a combustible mixture, causing the mixture to be ignited at substantially maximum pressure within the power chamber and allowing the combustion gas to expand against a piston operable in the power chamber substantially beyond its initial volume.

Abstract: A method of making a rotor, for a dynamo-electric machine, which has a number of arcuately formed rectangular loop coils arranged edgewise in a cylindrical configuration, employs injection moulding. Moulding material is injected between adjacent coils and penetrates between and around them to form an encapsulating framework. Entry of moulding material into the central apertures of the coils is prevented by inserts. By directing the moulding material inwardly, and spacing the coils slightly from the mould core, encapsulant also penetrates behind the coil faces to form a thin skin. By use of a shutter member, which may be an integral end cap, coil terminations can be led out of the mould cavity through apertures in the shutter to protect them from damage during the moulding process.

Abstract: A push-type sweeping broom having a handle with a connector end terminating in a reduced-diameter threaded section and a broom block, preferably of molded plastic material, with a raised inclined mound on the upper surface thereof surrounding a blind bore adapted to receive the connector end of the handle. The bore has an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being of reduced diameter in comparison with the upper portion and having threads on its walls. The connector end of the handle is inserted into the bore until the threaded terminal section thereof engages the threaded lower portion of the bore, and the handle is then tightly screwed into the bore, with the upper portion of the bore and the surrounding mound snugly receiving and supporting a portion of the connector end of the handle. The broom block has a plurality of discrete groupings of bristles distributed across its lower surface.

Abstract: A hand held tool for installing a threaded fastener in which the tool is adapted for use solely as a drill bit, solely as a screwdriver, and as a combination thereof, wherein the threaded fastener has a central bore extending therethrough. Extension of the drill bit beyond the end of the screwdriver blade may be selectively controlled, and the drill bit may be maintained in its entirety within the shaft of the screwdriver when not in use to thereby preserve the sharpness of the drill bit. A unique locking collar is also provided.