Abstract: A laser for producing a beam of radiation which is then refined in cross sectional dimension by use of plano-cylindrical lenses. The refined beam of radiation falls incident on a part to be measured. The unobstructed portion of the beam is then bifurcated by a pair of reflective surfaces which produce non-parallel radiating beams; each beam comprised of the unobstructed portion of radiation-which has passed radially opposed halves of the part. The magnitude of radiation present in each non-parallel radiating beam is then measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in a liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a plurality of a predetermined locations that are each in optical communication with a photoelectric detector. The signals from the detectors are counted and when the number of bubbles exceeds a predetermined number, a signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photoelectric detectors into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber surface as it is submerged and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location indicating a leak. The photoelectric detectors may be positioned in the liquid adjacent the predetermined locations or positioned out of the liquid and coupled to the predetermined locations by fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in a liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a plurality of a predetermined locations that are each in optical communication with a photoelectric detector. The signals from the detectors are counted and when the number of bubbles exceeds a predetermined number, a signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photoelectric detectors into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber surface as it is submerged and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location indicating a leak. The photoelectric detectors may be positioned in the liquid adjacent the predetermined locations or positioned out of the liquid and coupled to the predetermined locations by fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A fully automated leak testing apparatus is disclosed in which the components to be tested are loaded on a water wheel for indexed movement through a water tank in which when the chamber is positioned at a test station within the liquid, bubbles of a leaking gas rising from the chamber are deflected by a panel to one of a plurality of predetermined locations at which is positioned a bubble detector device comprising a fiber optic cable for transmitting light to and across the predetermined location where it is received by another fiber optic cable and transmitted to a bubble detector. When a bubble passes the predetermined locations, the light transmitted across the location is interrupted producing a signal from the bubble detector of the bubble passing the predetermined location. When a predetermined number of bubbles are detected, a leak is indicated and that chamber is rejected. The water wheel then rotates the chamber to an unload position where the tested chamber is removed from the water wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a plurality of predetermined locations which are each in communication with a photoelectric detector. The electrical signals from the photoelectric detectors are counted and when the number of bubbles exceeds a predetermined number, a fault signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photocells into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber as it is submerged, and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location. The photoelectric detectors may be positioned in the liquid adjacent the predetermined locations or positioned out of the liquid and coupled to the predetermined locations by fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for leaks in fuel tanks. The method requires a vacuum be drawn around the fuel tank while a test gas is injected into the tank. Any leaks in the tank will permit the test gas to be drawn into the vacuum chamber, the output of which is tested by a sensor sensitive to the test gas. The entire test is conducted assuring speed, accuracy and safety. The device contains a vacuum chamber which is molded directly upon the tank to be tested, thereby minimizing the size of the vacuum chamber. The device also contains a sealing system which is adjustable. An optional addition to the system is a method of localizing a leak that is detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for leak testing a fluid containing chamber wherein the chamber is pressurized with a gas and is submerged in liquid. The bubbles of gas rising from the submerged chamber are directed past a predetermined location which is adjacent to a photoelectric detector. The electrical signals from the photoelectric detectors are counted and when the number bubbles exceeds a predetermined number a fault signal is activated indicating a leaking container. By grouping a number of adjacent photocells into a predetermined set, the apparatus can discriminate between random bubbles rising from the chamber as it is submerged, and a number of bubbles all originating from a given location.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for leaks in fuel tanks. The method requires a vacuum be drawn around the fuel tank while a test gas is injected into the tank. Any leaks in the tank will permit the test gas to be drawn into the vacuum chamber, the output of which is tested by a sensor sensitive to the test gas. The entire test is conducted assuring speed, accuracy and safety. The tank device contains a vacuum chamber which is molded directly upon the tank to be tested, thereby minimizing the size of the vacuum chamber. The device also contains a sealing system which is adjustable. An optional addition to the system is a method of localizing a leak that is detected.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the existence of irregularities in a surface of an article includes a housing and a probe having a fluid outlet for the passage of fluid under pressure therethrough which is mounted within the housing for movement between neutral and a sensing position. The gauge further includes a sensor for detecting the pressure of the fluid in the sensing position of the probe. A micro switch, normally spaced from the probe is adapted to signal an extreme movement of the probe beyond the sensing position when no material of the part tested is present. A modified gauge replaces a probe valve and includes a control sleeve and a push arm which engages a second micro switch in the electrical circuit responding to any retraction of the probe. A method is also disclosed, including the steps of moving the probe between a neutral and sensing position and detecting the pressure of the fluid in the sensing position of the probe.

Abstract: A folding tool bar apparatus for a farm implement having a hollow main frame and winged sections pivotally attached to each end thereof. The winged sections are pivotal between a first horizontally extended position and a second folded horizontal position above the hollow main frame and disposed 180.degree. from the first position. An actuation structure is provided for moving the winged section between the first and second positions and this actuation structure includes the first set of teeth attached to each end of the hollow main frame and the second set of teeth attached to each end of the winged section for meshing with the teeth on the ends of the hollow main frame. The bracket structure is pivotally attached to the first and second set of teeth on each end of the main frame and a lever arm is attached to the bracket.

Abstract: A machine for removing the top foliage of sugar beets having a frame with longitudinal side walls and a longitudinal center beam carrying three gear boxes. Rotor assemblies drivably connected to opposite sides of the gear boxes are rotatably mounted on the side walls. A PTO drive is connected to a main drive shaft located above the center beam. A chain and sprocket speed reducer surrounds the main beam and transmits power from the main drive shaft to drive shafts connected to the first and second gear boxes. The chain and sprocket speed reducer is located within a housing mounted on the main beam. The main beam extends through the housing. Each rotor has a cylindrical member carrying a splined sleeve that is mounted on a splined hub connected to an output shaft of a gear box. A bearing assembly mounts the outer end of each cylindrical member to a side wall. A plurality of flail carrying assemblies having flexible rubber flails are mounted on each cylindrical member.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing foliage from row crops including a frame adapted to be connected to a prime mover for movement in a forward direction. A plurality of rotors are rotatably attached to the frame and are disposed transversely to the forward direction of movement thereof. A mechanism is provided for selectively rotating the rotor. A first brush is attached to each rotor at a first place on the rotor, a second brush is attached to each rotor at a second place on the rotor, the second brush being spaced from the first brush. An adjusting structure is provided for selectively adjusting the relative positions of the first and second brushes on each rotor with respect to each other for adjusting for the width of rows of crops.

Abstract: A machine for removing the top foliage of sugar beets having a frame with longitudinal side walls and a longitudinal center beam carrying three gear boxes. Rotor assemblies drivably connected to opposite sides of the gear boxes are rotatably mounted on the side walls. A PTO drive is connected to a main drive shaft located above the center beam. A chain and sprocket speed reducer surrounds the main beam and transmits power from the main drive shaft to drive shafts connected to the first and second gear boxes. The chain and sprocket speed reducer is located within a housing mounted on the main beam. The main beam extends through the housing. Each rotor has a cylindrical member carrying a splined sleeve that is mounted on a splined hub connected to an output shaft of a gear box. A bearing assembly mounts the outer end of each cylindrical member to a side wall. A plurality of flail carrying assemblies having flexible rubber flails are mounted on each cylindrical member.