Abstract: An optical device for reading one- and two-dimensional symbologies at variable depths of field. The device has a light source for projecting emitted light toward the symbol image to be reflected back to an optical assembly, or zoom lens. The zoom gives multiple field of view capability to a CCD detector for detecting the reflected light, and generating a proportional electrical signal. The sensor is aimed for reading the symbology by a frame locator including a light source that emits a beam divided by diffractive optics into beamlets matching the dimensions of the respective field of views. Refractive optics are shifted in response to movement of the zoom lens for aiming the beamlets to form an aiming frame in accordance with the depth of field selected by the zoom lens. The device includes a microcomputer that communicates with a host PC including an API library with downloadable applications for image processing, including segmenting, analyzing, and decoding.

Abstract: An optically transparent article is prepared from an optically transparent first piece and an optically transparent second piece. A channel pattern is scribed into a surface of the first piece to a preselected depth. A metallic stripe pattern is deposited into the channel pattern, with the thickness of the metallic stripe pattern being less than the depth of the channel pattern. The second piece is placed over the first piece and sealed thereto at a peripheral boundary such that the second piece does not contact the metallic stripe pattern. A bus connection is optionally made to the metallic stripe, preferably from the periphery of either the first or second piece.

Abstract: A portable computer to facilitate the game of golf is programmed to record a golfer's score and keep track of various shots and the results of related wagering. Based upon such data and data regarding the layout of the golf course, the computer can provide real time recommendations for club selection as well as providing a summary of the results of a round of golf. Also, the computer can receive global positioning system (GPS) signals to locate a golf ball within a golf course.

Abstract: A pressurized disc type refiner having parallel discs housed inside a pressurized chamber and a fluid conveying passageway for removing refined fibrous material entrained in steam is equipped with a second fluid conveying passageway. Fins on the one of the rotating discs impede the entrance of refined fibrous material into the second passageway by centrifugal force so that the steam conveyed in that passageway will be substantially free of entrained fibrous material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the penetration of fluids which includes a sandwich formed of a substantially flat plate means adapted to have a portion thereof immersed in a fluid and a cover plate in surface contact therewith and clamp means to secure the cover plate in surface contact with the flat plate. When the sandwich is immersed in a fluid to be measured, the fluid is drawn upwardly in the interstices between the flat plate and the cover plate at a rate which is a measure of the penetration of the fluid.

Abstract: In paper-making operations and the like, fibers of wood are frequently transported through piping as an entrainment in steam. An apparatus is disclosed for separating such entrainment and removing the fibers at one station and the steam at another station. Rotating blades give the entrainment a circular or rotating action whereby the heavier fibers move outwardly by centrifugal force to contact the wall from which the blades scrape the fibers and hurl them to discharge. The fiber-free steam is removed along an axial line perpendicular to the direction of movement of the separated fibers under the influence of a second set of blades.

Abstract: A material separator includes a housing defining a settling chamber, a communicating drain chamber and a discharge member. A horizontal screw conveyor extends through the settling chamber and drain chamber to the discharge chamber. Material to be separated is introduced into the housing at the top of the settling chamber and water is introduced into the bottom of the settling chamber at a flow rate sufficient to partially immerse the conveyor. The heavier material components sink to the bottom of the settling chamber while the desired lighter components float and are advanced by the conveyor and water flow into the drain chamber. In the drain chamber, the horizontal screw conveyor is tapered inwardly as the screw conveyor traverses the discharge chamber and a tapered screen is positioned around the tapered screw conveyor to rotate therewith.

Abstract: A splicer element for a belt includes juxtaposed splice or clamp elements with a spacer element disposed between the clamp elements. The ends of the belt are disposed between the clamp elements and the spacer element. The surfaces of the clamp elements and the spacer element that contact the belt surfaces are rough, whereby the frictional holding properties of the belt splicer element are greatly increased. One form of surface roughness is a plurality of projections that dig into and may pierce the belt material.

Abstract: An improvement for pellet mills for resolving the radial forces which develop between the die and the rollers. An extension is provided on the main shaft extending beyond the roller support frame arms, and a bearing assembly is mounted on the extension for supporting a spider connected to the die cover.