Abstract: This invention relates to a friction drive that uses two straight sided cones, the apexes of which are located at a common point. A driving or driven roller is located between the two cones so that rotation of this roller causes (or is caused by) the rotation of the cones. The rotary axis of the roller passes through the point at the apexes of the cones. In this manner the roller element in contact with the surfaces of the cones becomes an element of a cone rolling correctly on the two cones without experiencing any spin. The use of two cones balances the forces on the roller and doubles the torque that can be transmitted between the roller and the cones. A different embodiment of the invention uses two or more rollers contacting the two cones. By changing the position of the rollers it is possible to obtain a very large speed ratio between the rollers.

Abstract: A device for assisting a person in focusing a camera on a surface is provided. A mirror at an angle of 45.degree. to the horizontal, and an incandescent filament, are mounted on a device that may rest on the surface to be photographed. The distance from the filament to a point on the mirror equals the distance from that point to the surface. By focusing the camera on the image of the filament that appears in the mirror, the camera will be correctly focused on the surface.

Abstract: A swash plate mechanism, for coverting linear motion into notary motion and vice versa is disclosed, which overcomes the main difficulties with older arrangements of swash plate drives. These are the high friction of most drives or the high complexity of efforts to overcome the friction effects. The mechanism of this invention permits the application of low friction bearings like ball bearings, in all of the rotating or sliding joints of the machine, except for the pistons, and their cylinders. The mechanisms described can be used in engines or in pumps with equal ease. The swash plate system disclosed, for example, has two spaced swash plates, rotating on a common shaft. A driving plate, which does not rotate, is positioned-between the swash plates and contacts each of the swash plates via ball or roller bearings.

Abstract: This specification describes an improved lock of the type described in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,447, granted Jan. 10, 1989. In locks of that type, a key is inserted into a key-cylinder and then the key sets a series of transfer tumblers that, in turn, set a series of lock opening elements. As the key-cylinder is rotated, the transfer tumblers are moved out of contact with the elements. Only at this time can the lock be opened, provided that the elements had been set correctly. The improvement in this specification permits the lock to be opened by more than one key. In other words, this lock permits "master-keying".

Abstract: This invention describes a lock where each of several tumblers is shaped as a disc and each has gear teeth along parts of its periphery. The teeth mesh with two partial racks that are formed on two side bars. These side bar operate in a manner similar to side bars in many popular locks of to-day. These tumblers are set or re-set into positions by a double bitted key that passes thru a central opening in each tumbler. By rolling the tumblers along the racks on the side bars the lock can be opened or closed. The key can be changed by merely opening the lock with one key and closing it with another.

Abstract: A double bitted key is provided for locks of the type using flat tumblers. There is a double bit for each tumbler. Each double bit corrrectly sets its complementary tumbler. Each bit includes a flat surface extending along a surface of the key. The key has one or more peaks and valleys. When a valley is between two peaks it is a full valley and its flat surface is about three times as long as the thickness of a tumbler. When a valley is between a peak and another valley it is called a hybrid peak-valley and its flat surface has a length along the key which is approximately double the thickness of a tumbler. A peak has a flat surface extending along the key for a distance about equal to the thickness of a tumbler.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lock where a key or a dial sets a set of elements into a unique configuration. The elements do not contain any information relating to the key. They are preferably all alike and, preferably, each of them terminates in a pointed end. Co-operating with these elements, the lock contains a perforated or indented reference plate where the perforation, or indentations, are so located that when the proper key or combination is fed into the lock the ends of the elements can all enter the plate and the lock can be opened. The lock has the additional feature that when it is desired to change the key, or the combination, only the plate needs to be changed. The key-set or the dial-set elements remain the same.

Abstract: This specification describes a lock where a key is inserted into a key cylinder and where the key sets a series of transfer tumblers. The tumblers project from the key cylinder, and the tumblers, in turn, set a series of lock opening elements into their prescribed positions. As the key-cylinder is rotated the transfer tumblers are moved out of contact with the elements. Only at this time can the lock be opened, provided that the elements had been correctly set.

Abstract: This specification describes a lock where a key sets a multiplicity of elements such as disks, levers or others. After setting the elements, the key and the key slot (through which the key enters the lock) is moved out of contact with the elements and is subsequently completely isolated from them. The fence or any other component that co-acts with the previously set elements to open the lock cannot be brought into contact with them until the above isolating action has been completed.

Abstract: This invention describes a code system using a plurality of liquid crystal and other optical codes particularly suited to sorting conveyors. The codes are preferably (but not necessarily) of the binary type and form a set of indicia to accompany each article to be sorted. The code can be set and reset remotely either by a beam of light or by other non-mechanical means. Recognition of a particular code is detected by an optical detector.

Abstract: This invention describes a pickproof key lock where the key sets up a series of tumblers each of which has a notch or other configuration that cooperates with a sidebar. This sidebar, when out of engagement with the tumblers, keeps the lock in the inoperative position. The sidebar does not contact the tumblers and is kept in this position normally by the action of two opposing preloaded springs. When a key is inserted into the lock, the internal mechanism is made to operate on the sidebar to move it further away from the tumblers. The mechanism then releases the sidebar and the sidebar is propelled towards the tumblers by the action of a spring. If the tumblers have been properly set, as by a correct key, the sidebar enters the notches in the tumblers and is latched in that position. The lock can then be opened. If any of the tumblers were not set correctly, the sidebar simply impacts against such tumblers and is returned to its normal rest position out of contact with the tumblers.

Abstract: This invention describes a reflective lane marker for roads which is mounted so that the upper surface of the marker is flush with the road surface. It is so arranged as to reflect light from headlights back in the same general direction from which it comes and which can operate when covered with a film of water. Because it is flush with the road surface, snowplowing can be used without harm to the device.

Abstract: A device for synchronizing the flash of a camera with the operation of the shutter in which there are means responsive to the vibrations created by the movement, or abrupt stoppage, of the shutter. The vibrations resulting from shutter operation, according to the invention, may be the sound created by shutter operation or the vibration of the frame created by shutter operation, or a combination of sound and frame vibrations. After the vibrations have been detected, they may operate electrical apparatus which in turn operates the flash device. The electrical apparatus may include a time delay, if necessary, and it may include suitable switching so that battery power is used only when pictures are being taken.

Abstract: This invention describes a sorting conveyor code system using a plurality of mirrors to set up each individual code. Each mirror has two positions so that it can reflect light into one of two directions if the light comes from a common source, one position being called a "0" and the other position being called a "1." A set of such mirrors then can carry a binary number with the number of digits equal to the number of mirrors. Each article to be sorted is accompanied by a set of such mirrors and the recognition circuitry consists of a light source and a set of optical detectors to detect the absence or presence of light in a particular direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling device and especially a coupling device operable by a dead-man's handle on a lawnmower. When used in a lawnmower the coupling device couples the motor shaft to the cutting blade. A spool has a hole in it that surrounds the shaft. A rotary connecting device normally couples the spool to the shaft so that the spool and shaft rotate together. A disconnect element and brake are operated when the dead-man's handle is released to disconnect the spool from the shaft and subsequently stop the spool. The cutting blade has a central hole through which the spool passes. The blade is in frictional contact with the flanges of the spool and is rotated thereby.

Abstract: 1. A system for measuring the distance to a target comprising: means for nsmitting a signal to said target and for receiving a return signal from said target, means for mixing said transmitted signal and said return signal to produce a doppler signal, means connected to said mixing means and responsive to said doppler signal for initiating a first voltage timing function, means having a signal input connected to said mixing means and responsive to said doppler signal and a gating input responsive to said first timing function for initiating a second voltage timing function when said doppler signal reaches a predetermined value, and means connected to said means for initiating a second voltage timing function and responsive to said second timing function for producing a signal when said target is at a predetermined distance from said transmitting and receiving means.

Abstract: This invention describes a pickproof lock consisting of a rotating cylinder provided with two sets of opposing tumblers. The tumblers permit a very thin key to be inserted between them. The key is made of a ribbon material of the order of one-hundredth of an inch thick and the tumblers are displaced in both directions from the center so that manipulation of a lockpicking tool becomes very difficult, since the tool must be as thin as the key and each set of tumblers must be in the correct position for the cylinder in turn.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of making a sheet metal zig-zag key for a lock. The technique of making a zig-zag key, either as a duplicate of another or in the original form, consists of passing a heavy current through the key so as to get it into a plastic state such as, for example, a red heat, and then deforming it into the desired shape.

Abstract: 1.