Abstract: A mouse (X-Y position controller) having axially-inclined transducer assemblies--preferably almost perpendicular to the surface on which the mouse is operated--for a compact, greatly simplified structure. The drive wheel of such an assembly can then be small relative to the transducer disk of that assembly, with considerably reduced precision requirements for location of indicia on the disk. Moreover, by use of a pair of spaced ring magnets urging the drive wheel toward the operational surface for the mouse, significant contact force against the operating surface is provided while eliminating substantially all of the friction attendant upon use of even a so-called antifriction thrust bearing. Due to the magnitude of the available contact force, the drive wheel can be of a hard and durable material rather than an elastomer and still provide improved tractional characteristics even on such a difficult operating surface as, for example, oiled teflon.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for amplifying the effect of the application or removal of atmospheric pressure upon a fluid pressure responsive actuator element such as a pneumatic cylinder or bellows comprising superposed chambers one connected to the atmosphere and the other to a source of vacuum and intermediately of them a chamber connected to the fluid pressure responsive actuator element and forming actually the beginning of a conduit leading to the actuator element. The middle chamber may selectively be set to communicate with one or the other of the two outer chambers through aligned openings in the walls that separate these chambers from the middle chamber and that may alternately be closed by a common stopper which can be moved to close one or the other of the openings so that either atmospheric air or a vacuum is applied through this middle chamber to the actuator element.

Abstract: A precision measuring system of extraordinary accuracy particularly adapted to down-hole production logging tool strings. The disclosure emphasizes both compensating and immunizing error reduction means for hostile environments comprising varying line currents as well as large and rapidly changing ambient temperature extremes. Standard sensors and transducers are utilized, linearized, and error corrected. Calibration means permit outputs in familiar engineering units and scales. Accuracy exceeds .+-. 0.4% of full scale or, in the case of temperature measurements .+-. 1.degree.F from 50.degree.F to 300.degree.F.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for moving an indicator, an operational tool or a structual component with a high degree of precision over precisely predeterminable distances to desired points of operation, which comprise a shaft, slidably mounted upon said shaft in end to end relation a sequence of interconnected actuating components of selectively variable length axially of said shaft each having limit stop means for positively and precisely predetermining its conditions of minimum and maximum length and thus its possible increment in length, said increments being arranged to differ for the individual components, means at one end of the sequence of components on said shaft for positively blocking movement of said sequence of components in one direction while leaving the opposite end free to move on said shaft in response to increases in the axial length of any one of said components, means selectively operable to actuate said components individually so that they assume either their condition of minimum length or the