Abstract: The conventional keyboard is replaced by a virtual keyboard pattern on the computer screen by this invention. Selection of keystrokes is made by a mouse, or the like, positioning a cursor at a desired key for keyswitch selection. This manner of selection of pre-formed patterns available from the computer, such as alphanumeric characters and computer commands is particularly advantageous in a computer aided drafting and design system. Thus, notations and lettering need not be formulated by analog movement of the mouse, but can be selected digitally from the computer store by keyswitching. The resulting equipment therefor eliminates the conventional keyboard but not its operational advantages thereby permitting full computer operation with a mouse or the equivalent.

Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of a plurality of interconnected modules, each of identical construction and end to end mateable. Each module includes a multiplicity of elongated parallel spaced link elements terminating in first and second link ends. An intermediate section between the link ends is of grid-like structure providing a box beam across the width of the module for structural strength. This intermediate section also includes angled surfaces which define sprocket recesses located midway between the pivot axes and which are adapted to mate with corresponding sprocket teeth of an associated sprocket wheel. These intermediate sprocket recesses provide the benefit of minimizing chordal action and scrubbing between the mating surfaces of the module and sprocket.

Abstract: Apparatus for centrifugally extracting meat from crab bodies is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing (10) for supporting a rotating drive means (32). A crab body holding means (26) is supported along a spin axis so as to restrain crab body sections in a selected orientation against a support structure (116). The selected orientation is such that when the holding means (26) spins around the spin axis, centrifugal forces on the crab bodies extracts the crab meats through openings in the shell structure. As the meat is propelled from the holding means (26) it is collected by the receiving compartment (30). The support structure (116) contacts and supports the crab body during the spinning of the crab body at specific locations of the crab shell structure to provide the minimum amount of obstruction to the meat being extracted while at the same time minimizing breaking and collapse of the shell structure. Further included is a braking means (34) for stopping the spinning of crab body holding means (26).

Abstract: The conventional keyboard is replaced by a virtual keyboard pattern on the computer screen by this invention. Selection of keystrokes is made by a mouse, or the like, positioning a cursor at a desired key for keyswitch selection. This manner of selection of pre-formed patterns available from the computer, such as alphanumeric characters and computer commands is particularly advantageous in a computer aided drafting and design system. Thus, notations and lettering need not be formulated by analog movement of the mouse, but can be selected digitally from the computer store by keyswitching. The resulting equipment therefor eliminates the conventional keyboard but not its operational advantages thereby permitting full computer operation with a mouse or the equivalent.

Abstract: Readily attachable and detachable coupling apparatus for coupling the drive shaft of a modular plastic screw conveyor with a power source is substantially concealed and protected by the modular plastic screw conveyor. Plastic screw conveyor modules define a non-circular axial aperture suitable for sliding over a matching or cooperating non-circular full length drive shaft. The drive shaft itself also includes an axial non-circular cross-section recess at one end for receiving a cooperating journal plug. The journal plug is secured in the drive shaft by a retainer which expands radially when compressed, and such that rotation of the journal plug causes rotation of the drive shaft which in turn causes rotation of the plastic screw conveyor.

Abstract: Conveying apparatus for use in an environment having significant variations in temperature, and having a molded plastic screw conveyor on a metal drive shaft is disclosed. The molded plastic screw conveyor includes a non-circular axial aperture which receives a cooperating drive shaft with a coefficient of expansion different than the plastic screw conveyor. The cross-sectional shapes of the drive shaft and the axial aperture extending through the plastic screw conveyor are such that rotation of the drive shaft results in rotation of the plastic screw conveyor. However, axial motion between the plastic screw conveyor and the drive shaft can occur to accommodate variations in length due to changes in temperature. A journal plug or end means is also included which may receive rotational forces from a motor or other source. The journal plug is joined to the drive shaft such that rotation of the journal plug results in rotation of the drive shaft and consequently in rotation of the plastic screw conveyor.

Abstract: A data processing keyboard system is provided wherein data and command signals from the keyboard are entered by two or more successive keystrokes. This makes available from the comprehensive capability of present day computers large numbers of keyboard accessible commands. Also surprisingly then this invention can replace a normal QWERTY typewriter keyboard with most of its functions by a set of only seven or twelve keys. Thereby alphabetic characters, decimal digits and a store of computer command entries may be processed with each entry requiring two or more strokes of the computer keyboard keys. Functional commands such as spacing, return or shift can be intermixed with the choice of data characters. Means for shifting from a single-stroke-per-entry computation mode to a two-stroke-per-entry alpha mode of computer operation may be provided. Keyboard selected modes change the key assignments.

Abstract: Alphameric electronic computers are made with fewer keys in keyboard assemblies for selection of a large range of input characters and instructions. To achieve this the computer and keyboard operates in two modes with one providing for example decimal digit processing from single keystroke entries and the other providing for example alphabetic character processing from two successive keystroke entries. The keys, strokes and instructions are cooperatively integrated by means of a visual display integrally located on the computer with coded indicia representing the entries and identifying the key or keys to be stroked and in the case of successive keystrokes representing the sequence of stroking. Accordingly reference to external manuals for computer operating or data entry instructions is rarely necessary.

Abstract: Typically twelve keys are arranged for one-hand touch typing in alphanumeric data processors permit a single finger to choose either single keys or multiplicities of side-by-side keys to give enough selection for alpha processing and to arrange keys conveniently about the fingers for touch typing. Tactile feedback structural patterns including indentations and raised surface portions identify single keys and intersections of two and three keys where the finger strokes occur. By providing three key intersections a larger number of different selections of input data characters or control functions may be entered with fewer keyboard keys.

Abstract: A chain belt formed of a plurality of pivotally connected preassembled parallel links. Each link includes a driving tooth protruding from one surface of the link midway between the pivotal axes of the link. The tooth is preferably formed so that its faces are a pair of intersecting, convex, cylindrical segments of like radii of curvature, the cylindrical axes of the segments being located such that the curvature of the faces insures that there if no scrubbing action where the belt is driven by a sprocket, the teeth of which are shaped to provide an inversely curved mating surface with the link teeth.

Abstract: A module for forming a conveyor belt which uses the center transverse connecting member to receive a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally connected with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes a plurality of elongated links which extend the length of the module and which define a pivot hole at each end which are aligned in the module to form first and second pivot axes. The elongated links of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which extends transvers to the elongated links so as to maintain and join the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other. The transverse member or connecting structures further define driving surfaces on opposite sides for receiving a driving force to move the module and the belt constructed from a multiplicity of the modules in two selected and opposite directions.

Abstract: An accurately tracking belt with a large amount of open area is disclosed. The belt is made of integrally molded plastic modules connected end-to-end and may be connected side-by-side preferably in a bricklayed fashion to form a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes a plurality of links spaced apart by a selected distance. Each of the links themselves include an elongated member which extends between and joins first and second groups of link ends. A cross member is integrally molded with the links to maintain the links in the particular spaced relation and to maintain the pivot holes defined in the link ends of each link in alignment such that a multiplicity of the modules may be pivotally connected by pivot rods to form a belt.

Abstract: Readily attachable and detachable apparatus for coupling the drive shaft of a modular plastic screw conveyor with a power source is substantially concealed and protected by the modular plastic screw conveyor. Plastic screw conveyor modules define a non-circular axial aperture suitable for sliding over a matching or cooperating non-circular full length drive shaft. The drive shaft itself also includes an axial non-circular cross-section recess at one end for receiving a cooperating journal plug. The journal plug is retained in the drive shaft by a resilient axial force such as provided by a spring under tension, and such that rotation of the journal plug causes rotation of the drive shaft which in turn causes rotation of the plastic screw conveyor.

Abstract: This invention provides a public aquarium with improved features for permitting the viewing public observers to better see aquatic life in the aquarium in its natural state. This structure includes a specially constructed and lighted viewing chamber and viewing window interface. In particular, a public aquarium is specially constructed with a viewing window interface construction optimizing viewing conditions for the observers and reducing maintenance of the aquarium by keeping the inner window surface more algae free. Thus, in a preferred embodiment a lens-like curved viewing window is focally directed toward an optically blackened surface and is oriented at an off-vertical slant to a vertical aquarium wall in the vicinity of an observer station to limit reflections of direct light rays off the window toward an observer when looking into the aquarium.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic coupling apparatus for use with a tug and barge tow includes a bumper frame which is pivotally carried by the tub. The bumper frame includes a bearing surface that is positioned to bear against the barge so that a load transfer between the tub and the barge occurs at the bearing surface. A magnetic coupling preferably in the form of a plurality of coil members is carried at the load transfer surface for developing a magnetic field which can form a connection between the barge and the tug. An electrical power source is carried by the tub for energizing the magnetic field and a powered guide comprising a powered sheave and a pair of lines extending from the sheave to the barge defines a steering mechanism for angling the bumper frame and tug with respect to each other when maneuvering to each barge while making up a tow of several barges, for example.

Abstract: An integrally molded module for forming a conveyor belt which receives a driving force from an intermeshed sprocket is disclosed. Each of the modules is suitable for being pivotally assembled and disassembled with a multiplicity of similar modules by pivot rods to construct the conveyor belt. More specifically, the pivot rods can be removed in a non-destructive manner such that they are suitable for re-use. Each of the modules includes first and second pluralities of link ends, each of which define a pivot hole and are aligned to form first and second pivot axes. The link ends of each of the modules are joined by an integrally molded connecting structure which maintains and joins the relative position of the elongated links with respect to each other.

Abstract: An improved stroboscopic system permits higher response speeds in the order of nanoseconds and a richness of control fatures for highlighting different viewing surfaces including pulse flash length control in addition to frequency, color control, light emitting area control and light focussing features for concentration of available light on the viewing field. Thus, new applications such as the viewing the movement of selected portions of the surface of a high frequency piezoelectric responsive crystal structure are now possible. This is achieved by flashing at least one solid state light emitting element that produces light in an emitting area defined by the shape of a light emitting surface activated in response to externally derived synchronization pulses.

Abstract: An accurately tracking belt with a large amount of open area is disclosed. The belt is made of integrally molded plastic modules connected end-to-end and side-by-side preferably in a bricklayed fashion to form a conveyor belt. Each of the modules includes a plurality of links spaced apart by a selected distance. Each of the links themselves include an elongated member which extends between and joins first and second pairs of link ends. A cross member is integrally molded with the links to maintain the links in the particular spaced relation and to maintain the pivot holes defined in the link ends of each link in alignment such that a multiplicity of the modules may be pivotally connected by pivot rods to form a belt.

Abstract: A modular plastic belt which can be constructed to have any length or width, and which can flex horizontally in any direction is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, each of the modules forming the belt includes a multiplicity of elongated links extending between first and second pluralities of link ends. At least one of the link ends on each elongated link defines an elongated pivot aperture, and in the preferred embodiment both apertures on each link are elongated. The elongated links are joined together by a pair of transverse connecting structures integrally formed with the bottom and top surfaces of the elongated links. The pair of transverse connecting structures are located such that the end-most portion of a link end of a first module pivotally connected to the first pluralities of link ends of a second module can simultaneously move past the end-most portion of a link end of a third module pivotally connected to the second plurality of link ends of the second module.

Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of a plurality of interconnected modules, each of identical construction and end to end mateable. Each module includes a multiplicity of elongated parallel spaced link elements terminating in first and second link ends. An intermediate section between the link ends is of grid-like structure providing a box beam across the width of the module for structural strength. This intermediate section also includes angled surfaces which define sprocket recesses located midway between the pivot axes and which are adapted to mate with corresponding sprocket teeth of an associated sprocket wheel. These intermediate sprocket recesses provide the benefit of minimizing chordal action and scrubbing between the mating surfaces of the module and sprocket.