Abstract: A cable includes an inner conductor, an inner dielectric, and a guard conductor, where the inner dielectric is between the inner conductor and the guard conductor. The cable also includes an outer dielectric, and a shield conductor, where the outer dielectric is between the guard conductor and the shield conductor. The cable further includes an additional layer of material between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor of suitable composition for reducing triboelectric current generation between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to less than that which would occur were the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to directly adjoin each other.

Abstract: The camera system consists of a folded optical system that focuses object in the visible waveband on a plurality of CCD detector arrays (6). The camera system is a push-broom imager with a plurality of long, substantially linear CCD arrays (6) arranged orthogonal to the scan direction S. The camera system is capable of image resolutions down to 1 m from a space orbit.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic spindle motor of the present invention may include a shaft having a thrust bearing plate, an insert surrounding the shaft above the thrust bearing plate, and a sleeve surrounding the shaft below the thrust bearing plate. In one embodiment the thrust bearing plate is substantially centrally positioned along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Preferably either the shaft has annular skewed herringbone shaft grooves or, alternatively, the insert has annular skewed herringbone insert grooves and the sleeve has annular skewed herringbone sleeve grooves. A set of circulation channels above the thrust bearing plate and a set of circulation channels below the thrust bearing plate preferably cross a shaft bore to allow for flow of lubricating fluid. A face seal may be formed between the lower radial cap surface of an end cap and an upper radial insert surface of the insert.

Abstract: A construction for an electric spindle motor includes a stationary central shaft with a horizontal thrust bearing plate and a rotating hub assembly. A flanged thrust bearing ring having an upper capillary surface is affixed to the hub assembly. An annular end cap having a lower capillary surface is nested within the flanged bearing ring. The upper and lower capillary surfaces are radially outwardly diverging horizontal surfaces relative to each other which define a capillary cavity. Lubricating fluid partially fills the capillary cavity to form a horizontal capillary seal which prevents the fluid from escaping the motor. The capillary seal may be formed by tapering either the upper or lower capillary surfaces to provide an enlargement of the bearing cavity in an axial direction radially outwardly from the central shaft. Alternatively, the capillary seal may be formed by substantially coating the upper and lower capillary surfaces with a barrier coating to increase surface tension.

Abstract: A toy vehicle for a child includes a track and roller drive train for propelling the vehicle. Each of a pair of pedal arms is pivotally mounted at its forward end and has a split track mounted at the rear end thereof which rides on a roller mounted on either side of the axle. As the pedal arms are reciprocated by a rider, the tracks drive the rollers and axle with the gap between ramps of the track allowing the track to straddle the axle at the bottom of each stroke. The track may be generally curvilinear, or compound angled to balance the torque generated by each stroke in either the forward or rearward direction, and to also provide a smoother driving action through substantially 180.degree. of axle rotation with each stroke.

Abstract: A three-wheeled scooter includes a reciprocating treadle drive which a rider may use to propel the scooter in either the forward or rearward direction. The treadle drive includes a pair of treadles having their rear ends mounted to crank portions of a rear crank drive axle and their forward ends supported by rollers from a bar track having a generally flattened portion therein along with an inclined portion. Movement is achieved by a rider's shifting of his weight alternately from one treadle to the other as each treadle rotates into a driving orientation. The treadle drive is characterized by maintaining a driving relationship between at least one treadle and the crank axle at all times to thereby eliminate any "dead spots".

Abstract: A tricycle or other similar vehicle has an improved drive mechanism utilizing a pair of pedals, each of which has an associated cam and cam follower such that as the pedals are reciprocated the cam followers ride along the cams to rotate a drive axle and propel the vehicle. A shift mechanism permits realignment of the cam followers and cams to thereby change the direction of movement of the vehicle as the pedals are reciprocated. The drive mechanism and shift may be mounted to the rear wheels or, in an alternate embodiment, mounted to the front wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making cutting dies having sidewalls diverging from the cutting edge from thin bar stock having an internal side and an external side. A section of bar stock is cut at least as long as the perimeter of the die. Starting at one end the section is successively bent and advanced according to a pattern, making internal bends between a first set of tools and external bends between a second set of tools. The first set of tools, has a female tool with a sloping surface supporting the external side of the bar stock with the cutting edge pointed outwardly, and a tapering slot, and a male tool, having a sloped bending-edge aligned with the slot in the female tool for pushing the bar stock into the slot and bending it.