Abstract: A thermal compensator assembly employed in an optical system to adjust the relative location of lens elements and maintain a preset focus as the ambient temperature changes. The assembly includes a plurality of high linear coefficient of expansion push rods interconnected with levers having relatively low linear coefficients of expansion. The assembly changes in length in direct response to ambient temperature changes. A second lens barrel carrying the objective lens is bias mounted for floating movement with respect to the first lens barrel so as to abut the assembly. The compensator assembly is exemplified as being pin mounted on a first relatively fixed lens barrel. The assembly expands and contracts as a function of ambient temperature to effect movement of the floating lens barrel.

Abstract: A thermal compensator assembly employed in an optical system to adjust the relative location of lens elements to maintain a preset focus as the ambient temperature changes. A serpentine channel, having several elongated channel portions parallel to the optic axis, contains a plurality of spherical elements throughout most of its length. The serpentine channel is formed on the surface of a first lens barrel, having a relatively high linear coefficient of expansion, and changes in length as the first lens barrel changes in response to ambient temperature change. The spherical elements are made of a material such as Kovar or Invar, having a relatively low linear coefficient of expansion, and therefore occupy a substantially fixed length with respect to the responsively changing length of the serpentine channel. A second lens barrel is bias mounted for movement with respect to the first lens barrel so as to abut the spherical elements within the serpentine channel.

Abstract: A linearly expanding and contracting linkage assembly, responsive to changes in temperature, is constructed from a plurality of elongated link elements having alternately dissimilar linear coefficients of expansion. The link elements are adjacently arranged in link pairs and the links in each pair are joined at a first end so as to appear folded. Each pair includes a first link element with a relativey large coefficient of expansion and a second element with a relatively small linear coefficient of expansion, so that the amount of linear movement of the second end of the second element with respect to the second end of the first element in each pair is due to the difference between the dissimilar linear coefficients of expansion.

Abstract: A dough sheet spreader through which dough is extruded in sheets of predetermined width and thickness. A multi-part housing having a downwardly distending, outwardly flaring passageway terminating in an egress, the lips of which are lined with dough release members, is adapted to receive and extrude dough-like material. Provision may be made for degassing the dough during the extrusion process. In one embodiment the thickness of the dough sheet can be varied and in another, both the width and thickness can be varied in progressive, finite steps.

Abstract: A dough sheet spreader through which dough is extruded in sheets of predetermined width and thickness. A multi-part housing having a downwardly distending, outwardly flaring passageway terminating in an egress, the lips of which are lined with dough release members, is adapted to receive and extrude dough-like material. Provision may be made for degassing the dough during the extrusion process. In one embodiment the thickness of the dough sheet can be varied and in another, both the width and thickness can be varied in progressive, finite steps.