Abstract: The present invention is a two beam, double pass, phase shifting interferometric system for characterizing the phase profile of a radiation path. In the preferred form of the invention, a monochromatic beam is split into a reference beam and a test path beam. The test path beam is directed toward a fixed reflector which in turn directs that beam to the image sensor with a fixed length in the direction of propagation. The reference beam is directed to a movable reflector which directs that beam also to the image sensor, while introducing phase modulation. The system provides a measure of phase offset introduced into the reference beam at times of minimum or maximum intensity as measured by each photo detector in the image sensor, as the phase modulation of the reference beam is stepped over one complete wavelength.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the metallization of support members, such as paper sheeting and other cellulosic products. A metallic film is transferred to a preheated paper support from a plastic sheet carrier and adhered to the paper by a thermoplastic material. The carrier is typically of stabilized plastic with a releasably adhered film of metal. Separate metallic films may be transferred simultaneously from opposite sides of a preheated plastic sheet carrier to separate, preheated paper supports. Pressure is applied to the composite which is cooled, desirably by chilling, and the carrier stripped away to leave the desired metallic layer on the receiving surface of the paper support.This transfer procedure overcomes the objections associated with metal foil laminates and is particularly suitable for metallizing support members, like paper, which are difficult to metallize directly because they release significant amounts of vapor during conventional vacuum metallization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for utilizing a unique multi-chambered conduit insert for converting a single chambered conduit into a multi-chambered conduit. In particular, the conduit insert includes a plurality of cooperating longitudinally extending walls defining a plurality of parallel spaced apart coextensive chambers. The outer wall of each chamber which is adjacent the inner supporting surface of the single chambered conduit has a configuration wherein, if the outer wall contacts the inner conduit surface when the conduit insert is inserted within the conduit, such contact is line-to-line contact. This construction results in minimal contact of the insert with the interior wall of the existing conduit and enables the multi-chambered conduit insert to be fed into the existing conduit with the expenditure of minimal energy.

Abstract: A squirrel feeder which includes a frame mounted to a support. A bar is rotatably connected to the frame and is adapted to carry a food item at an end of the bar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed in which a piezoelectric film is used to control or dampen vibrations in a mechanical system. Voltage of proper amplitude and phase is fed across the piezoelectric film to induce strain in the film of appropriate phase, amplitude and frequency to dampen beam vibrations of the mechanical system. The film may be applied directly to the mechanical system or an intermediate viscoelastic layer may be provided. Various control functions are described for determining the correct voltage to be applied to the film.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a unique multi-chambered conduit insert for converting a single chambered conduit into a multi-chambered conduit. In particular, the conduit insert includes a plurality of cooperating longitudinally extending walls defining a plurality of parallel spaced apart coextensive chambers. The outer wall of each chamber which is adjacent the inner supporting surface of the single chambered conduit has a configuration wherein, if the outer wall contacts the inner conduit surface when the conduit insert is inserted within the conduit, such contact is line-to-line contact. This construction results in minimal contact of the insert with the interior wall of the existing conduit and enables the multi-chambered conduit insert to be fed into the existing conduit with the expenditure of minimal energy. In the method of the present invention, two individual conduit inserts are placed in back-to-back relationship to form an insert assembly which is subsequently inserted into the single chambered conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-chambered conduit insert which can be utilized to convert a single chambered conduit into a multi-chambered conduit. In particular, the conduit insert includes a plurality of cooperating longitudinally extending walls having curved outer surface portions and defining a plurality of parallel spaced apart coextensive chambers. When the conduit insert is inserted within the single chambered conduit, the curved outer surface portions of at least one of the chambers in the lower half of the insert is in line-to-line contact with the adjacent inner supporting surface of the single chambered duct, thus causing only minimal contact with the interior wall of the existing conduit and enabling the multi-chambered conduit insert to be fed into the existing conduit with the expenditure of minimal energy.

Abstract: A device suitable for dispensing a radioactive gas from a sealed radioactive gas-containing vial having a pierceable septum wherein the dispenser contains two needles which pierce the septum, one of the needles conducting the radioactive gas from the vial into the dispenser and the other for the introduction of a displacement gas to the vial. The improvement being a means in the dispenser whereby the septum is automatically released from the needles without handling the vial so that the vial may be removed from the dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed in which a piezoelectric film is used to control or dampen vibrations in a mechanical system. Voltage of proper amplitude and phase is fed across the piezoelectric film to induce strain in the film of appropriate phase, amplitude and frequency to dampen beam vibrations of the mechanical system. The film may be applied directly to the mechanical system or an intermediate viscoelastic layer may be provided. Various control functions are described for determining the correct voltage to be applied to the film.

Abstract: Product and process for heat transfer labeling employing a release layer that is resistant to discoloration, cracking and crawling. The release layer is formed by a blend of oxidized and unoxidized polyethylenes in proportions that prevent objectionable discoloration and hold a superimposed design in situ in order to relieve stresses that could otherwise produce cracking and crawling during heat transfer labeling. Viscosity can be suitably controlled by the addition of a minority amount of paraffin.

Abstract: Apparatus which simulates the exercise obtained while climbing stairs includes two hydraulically phased steps retained in adjacent inclined tracks in which the steps are supported in a hydraulically open-ended system, with the phasing of the steps being controlled by a pair of in-line hydraulic actuators, one each associated with a step, in which fluid forced from one actuator with a downward movement of the associated step is channeled through a variable restricted orifice to the other actuator to raise the other step. In one lightweight, compact embodiment, the device is collapsed down to a compact size through the use of steps which are foldable to the track, and through the use of a track foldable to the frame. In its open position the lower portion of the frame props up the track at an appropriate climbing angle, with upper portions of the frame extending above the track to serve as handles positioned above the center of travel of the steps.

Abstract: A screen printing process for imprinting an ink design over release coat substrates carried on a web to form heat transferrable labels. The process includes screen printing an ink design image onto the substrate followed by passing the imprinted substrates through a drying section and subsequently transferring the design image to an article. The ink formulation used in the screen printing step is composed of a base ink vehicle containing a polyamide adhesive resin and a film forming component, a thixotropic filler and a plasticizer. The formulation exhibits fluidity, adhesive and plasticity characteristics which made the ink particularly suitable to imprint and form heat transferable labels by silk screen printing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the metallization of support members, such as paper sheeting and other cellulosic products. A metallic film is transferred to the paper support from a plastic sheet carrier and adhered to the paper by a thermoplastic material. The carrier, typically of stabilized plastic with an adhered film of metal and an overlay of thermoplastic adhesive with the paper support. Pressure and/or heat is applied to the composite which is subsequently cooled and the carrier stripped away to leave the desired metallic layer on the receiving surface of the paper support.This transfer procedure overcomes the objections associated with metal foil laminates and is particularly suitable for metallizing support members, like paper, which are difficult to metallize directly because they release significant amounts of vapor during conventional vacuum metallization.

Abstract: In a squirrel cage type of induction motor, conductive strips insulated from the stator are circularly spaced, ninety degrees apart, and project 0.003 inches into the rotor-to-stator clearance space. Upon excessive lateral rotor movement, it contacts a strip, closing a low voltage circuit triggering an alarm and de-energizing the motor. A reset button must be pressed to enable starting the motor.

Abstract: Adhesive bonds between materials, such as woods having porous surfaces, formed by polymerizing in situ alphacyanoacrylate monomers, are accelerated in curing and strengthened by precoating the surfaces to be joined with a solid mixture of alkaline or basic accelerator, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide or sodium borosilicate spheres of micro-size, combined in a chalkable calcareous binder to form a light but adhesive permeable coating, before the monomeric adhesive is applied. The latter permeates in part through the light precoating to bond into the wood and is accelerated in its polymerization so that it is not excessively absorbed into the porous substrate, resulting in a bond of superior strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to diaphragm spring friction clutches in which the diaphragm spring is supported on a cover by tabs which extend through slots between the fingers of the diaphragm spring and are bent radially outwards on assembly over an adjacent arc of a fulcrum ring which is on the opposite side of the spring to the cover. To achieve firm clenching of the diaphragm spring and the fulcrum ring by the tabs, during the bending operation each tab is supported against radially inward movement where it extends through the spring slot while the fulcrum ring is supported against radially outward movement over those arcs which are gripped by the tabs.