Abstract: A digital, flat panel, two-dimensional x-ray detector moves reliably, safely and conveniently to a variety of positions for different x-ray protocols for a standing, sitting or recumbent patient. The system makes it practical to use the same detector for a number or protocols that otherwise may require different equipment, and takes advantage of desirable characteristics of flat panel digital detectors while alleviating the effects of less desirable characteristics such as high cost, weight and fragility of such detectors.

Abstract: A plunger machine for molding reinforced polymer is provided. The plunger machine has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio greater than 1:1. The plunger machine includes a barrel housing with a smooth barrel bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber that is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly to provide a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members in the polymer mixture during the melt process. The smooth bore ensures substantial alignment of the reinforcement members with the longitudinal axis of the bore to avoid excessive breakage of the reinforcing particles and prepare the polymer mixture for extrusion into a mold assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining refrigerant density and mass flow rate, and for pressurizing a refrigerant recovery tank while the refrigeration system is being recharged. The mass of a flowing refrigerant is automatically continually determined by reliable static means in a controlled recharging process. Flow-dependent pressure, such as the pressure drop across the orifice, and temperature data are taken from the recharging system and are connected to a data processor which uses the pressure and temperature data to determine the refrigerant density and the mass of the flowing refrigerant that has been used. The pressure of a source of recharging refrigerant can be maintained by withdrawing and heating liquid refrigerant and returning the resulting superheated vapor directly to the source of recharging refrigerant, and recharging operations can proceed during such pressure maintenance.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for applying a curable resin, such as a photosensitive resin, to a substrate such as a papermaker's dewatering felt. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate; providing a curable liquid resin; providing a second material different from the curable liquid resin; applying the second material to the substrate to occupy at least some of the voids in the substrate intermediate the first and second surfaces of the substrate; applying the curable resin to the substrate; curing at least some of the resin to provide a resin layer on the substrate; and removing at least some of the second material from the substrate, wherein at least some of the second material is removed from the substrate after applying the curable resin to the substrate.

Abstract: A boat hull configuration that generates lift upon forward movement in the water caused by two lateral side keels that run along either side of the hull, and a bottom surface that joins the two sides keels, wherein the forward portion of the bottom surface has a concave configuration which provides a pivot fulcrum surface, and wherein the forward portions of the keels have an inward slant from the front rearwardly to channel and trap water and air under the hull and result in the development of a force directed upward against the fulcrum surface to produce planing lift during powered forward motion of the boat.

Abstract: A sizing formulation adapted for use with carbon fiber yarn comprising an aqueous dispersion of a film-forming, heat-reactive resin having a Tg below about -50.degree. C. and a water-dispersible ethoxylated alkyl phenol provides yarn having improved resistance to abrasion, less breakage and low fuzz formation, permitting substantial handling of the fiber in fabrication and weaving operations with reduced losses. In addition, the sizing may be readily removed thermally without the production of noxious byproducts when deemed necessary for use in further processing and impregnation operations.

Abstract: A currency stacker-sorter having a movable receiver which receives a bill from a currency validator and carries the bill laterally to a position opposite the inlet of a selected one of a plurality of storage boxes, whereupon a ram mechanism is activated to place the bill into the selected storage box. The currency stacker includes a closed-loop position control system for selectively positioning the receiver mechanism at a desired location, the position control system including an optical encoder for sensing the position of the receiver mechanism relative to the inlets of the storage boxes. The ram mechanism also includes an optical encoder which allows that mechanism to complete a ram sequence in response to a single trigger pulse from the currency validator. Each storage box of the stacker-sorter includes a spring-loaded pressure plate connected to a rear portion of the box through a scissors linkage. Each compartment also includes a compartment FULL switch.

Abstract: Speech processing apparatus and methods utilizing a circuit for electronically deriving from speech over time a series of coordinate values representing positions of points on a path in a mathematical space which path positions represent the speech. An electronic memory prestores phonetic representations in correspondence with indicia of a glide in the path which indicia represent a nucleus in the space at which the glide begins and a range of directions of offglide on the path from the nucleus. A trajectory parameter is electronically computed from the series of coordinate values. When both the trajectory parameter satisfies a predetermined condition for significance and a coordinate value currently reached by the speech is within a predetermined region of such values, a signal is produced.

Abstract: Speech processing apparatus including a memory for holding prestored information indicative of different phonetic representations corresponding to respective sets of addresses in the memory. Circuitry in the apparatus electrically derives a series of coordinate values of points on a path in a mathematical space from frequency spectra of the speech occurring in successive time intervals respectively, identifies coordinate values approximating at least one position along the path of a peak in magnitude of acceleration, generates a memory address as a function of the position coordinate values and obtains from the memory the phonetic representation information prestored at that memory address. Methods and other apparatus for speech processing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Speech processing apparatus including an electronic memory and circuitry that derives from speech sets of digital values representative of frequency spectra. The spectra have peaks at frequencies associated therewith. The peaks include a highest magnitude peak for each spectrum. The circuitry also generates an auditory state signal representing the presence or absence of a burst-friction auditory state of the speech. Circuitry further electronically identifies, when the auditory state signal indicates the presence of a burst-friction auditory state, the highest magnitude peak for each spectrum as well as each peak having a magnitude within a range of magnitudes less than the magnitude of the highest magnitude peak, and selectively stores in distinct locations in the memory, respectively representative of normally occurring prominences of a burst-friction sound, the values of frequency of the lowest two frequencies associated with the identified peaks.

Abstract: A backcountry ski binding having a boot-receiving frame (10) and a climbing attachment (40) is detachably mountable (24, 26) upon a ski and convertible between a plurality of climbing modes (L) and a stored mode (C). The frame includes adjustable rear support means (28) that permit free heel operation at a plurality of boot positions to accommodate slopes of differing grade. The climbing attachment is pivotal about a main mounting pin and has an articulated plate (42) and arm (44) so that a climbing scoop (46) can be moved between not only the plurality of different climbing positions, but also between those positions and the stored position. Locking means (56, 58) are included to releasably and selectively lock the scoop in these positions.

Abstract: A pressure pulsation dampener for use in connection with positive displacement reciprocating piston pumps comprising a spherical pressure vessel having opposed inlet and outlet ports arranged along a diametral line of the vessel sphere and having a generally cylindrical flexible tubular member forming part of a replaceable cartridge disposed within the interior chamber of the spherical pressure vessel. The liquid volume capacity of the spherical pressure vessel is sufficient to reduce to the flow velocity of the liquid entering the vessel by approximately 85%. A flexible elastomeric tubular member is provided with encapsulated longitudinally extending reinforcing cords which are of a generally curved shaped and of a length longer than the length of the flexible member. Upon inflation of the flexible member the cords ultimately come under tension to limit the expansion or distention of the flexible member and to absorb the stress imposed on the flexible member under the maximum distended condition.

Abstract: A pressure pulsation dampener particularly adapted for use in connection with positive displacement reciprocating plunger pumps comprising a pressure vessel adapted to be connected to the pump discharge flow line and having a liquid volume capacity sufficient to reduce the flow velocity of the liquid entering the vessel by approximately 85%. The liquid volume capacity of the tank is preferably at least 5% of the discharge liquid volume flow rate of the pump wherein the units of volume are the same and the unit of time of liquid flow rate is the minute. The tank includes a gas volume portion formed by a bulkhead in the tank, an inflatable flexible bladder disposed in the flow path of the fluid flowing through the pulsation dampener or an elongated tube in which a gas-liquid interface is maintained.

Abstract: A raise bit (10) is constructed with a plurality of housings (30) secured to cutter carrier frame (14) and disposed about drive stem (12). Housings (30) include a rectangularly-shaped mounting box (48) for rotatably supporting an outboard roller cutter (28). Each housing (30) also includes an upright wall (34) having an upwardly tapered lug (40) extending along the upper edge portion thereof for seating within a correspondingly shaped groove (82) formed along the underside of shoulder section (78) of an L-shaped hanger bracket (68). A roller shell (72) is antifrictionally mounted on a spindle (70) extending outwardly from an upright section (76) of hanger bracket (68). Bracket (68) is held in hooked relationship over lug (40) by a pair of capscrews (74) extending downwardly through clearance holes formed in upright section (76) and engaging within a lower portion of upright wall (34).

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dyeing a pile fabric web to produce very novel and distinctive multicolored designs is disclosed. In the practice of the invention a plurality of dyes are applied to a moving pile fabric web with each color or dye being applied as separate, individual streams at varying points along a line traverse of the moving web.