Abstract: A color ink jet printing mechanism provides either continuous stream or drop on demand color ink jet printing utilizing a single stream flow of ink. A flow of colored ink is produced, pumped, and synchronized to the operation of a ink jet printer head drop producing mechanism. The ink is produced by mixture of an optional carrier fluid which flows past an injection port chamber, together with dyes which are synchronously injected, mixed with the carrier fluid, to form the colored ink. The ink is then ejected as a dot stream which is impacted upon a paper or other sheet material, forming a continuous flow of colored image. The mechanism uses a single flow of material; it is capable of a wider range of color tonalities, due to the premixing capabilities, than is possible using dithering techniques with three colored inks.

Abstract: A transmission or conveyor chain composed of a plurality of interconnected identical links which are attachable and detachable without need for pivot pins or other separate connecting hardware. Each link is preferably molded as a unitary structure of plastic material.

Abstract: The number of keys on a keyboard are reduced by employing the decimal point key as a control key when stroked the second time in the entry of a decimal number word. This eliminates the need for a key standard in the computer arts which is either designated as an "enter" key or as an "=" key depending upon the computer arithmetic process. It thereby becomes possible to use only twelve keys on a keyboard to control a modern computer with the order of 133 built-in programs or execution commands. This is done by providing in addition to ten decimal keys 0 to 9 and the decimal point key one additional control or execute key which initiates a two or more sequential key program step select mode in which any of the twelve keys are then stroked to designate a particular execution command. An accompanying graphic display of the various execution choices available makes the keyboard usable without necessity of frequent consultation of an instruction manual.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to internal combustion engines of the kind comprising two working cylinders arranged in vertical side-by-side parallel relationship, there being two oppositely working pistons in each cylinder, and the movement of the four pistons being transmitted to a common drive shaft between the cylinders. The top pistons in each cylinder are connected to piston rods which in turn are secured to a crosshead and which crosshead has a pivotal connection for a connecting rod the other end of which is connected to drive a drive shaft. The lower or bottom two pistons are in like manner connected through a crosshead to the drive shaft. Fuel injection occurs at the mid-point of each cylinder between each of the two pistons in each cylinder. As to each cylinder intake air is ported in above the injector and exhaust air is ported out beneath the injector.

Abstract: A conveyor belt composed of interconnected identical modules of integral plastic molded construction. Each of the modules includes a multiplicity of elongated parallel spaced link elements terminating in respective link ends and an intermediate section between the link ends of grid-like structure. The link ends each include a generally cylindrical projection which extends from one side of each of the link elements along the pivotal axis of the module. The projections extend from the same facing side of each link element. The modules are linked together with each module rotated 180.degree. with respect to adjacent modules such that the projections of each adjacent module extend in opposite directions. The flat sides of the linked ends of mated modules are in engagement to provide only a very small offset in the line of pull through the adjacent link elements to minimize bending forces in the links and link ends.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed valve has a magnetically actuated rolling diaphragm valve mechanism, and providing an in-line variable opening valve that is completely sealed and requires no shaft, bushings or moving components through the valve body. This provides a valve with a generally in-line flow, which may be completely isolated from contaminants or from the outside environment. The magnetic actuating mechanism permits precise gradual positional control of the valve and at the same time provides considerably greater actuation force against differential pressure across the valve than has previously been possible. The valve actuation mechanism is readily adaptable to digital control techniques.

Abstract: The bottleneck of interfacing manual keyboards with high capacity data processing systems to rapidly enter a large number data input characters and processing instructions is resolved to use fewer keys without compromise on the rapidity of data entry. Thus, data input of either characters or processing instructions is entered in response to a single manual actuation stroke of keyboard keyswitches selected either one at a time or concurrently two or more at a time by a single finger on one hand. Thus, numeric calculators can with only nine keyswitches process all ten decimal digits plus a variety of processing instructions. Full alphanumeric data input can be handled with as few as twelve keyswitches. In this mode of operation fewer keys are needed and there is no delay in entry of data. Also the invention provides a layout pattern for touch entry of data with one hand with contoured finger homing positions that sense the right keyswitches and reduce entry errors.

Abstract: A computer keyboard system provides for fast entry of all numeric data, yet with only a small number of keys, such as the minimum number of twelve, is able to make hundreds of computer functions available for access from the keyboard. Typically a sixteen key keyboard will make available 266 different functions from a modern computer chip, surprisingly without sacrifice of more complex programming procedures and with significant advantage in providing finger room for error free operation of pocket-size computers, for example. A charted catalog of functions and corresponding keystroke selections is graphically displayed adjacent the keyboard keys so that reference to an instruction manual is minimized. Also by appropriate abbreviated notation a more diverse selection of functions is available to the keyboard as designated functions.

Abstract: A two stroke diesel engine requiring a minimum of one pair of cylinders is constructable in multiple cylinder pairs. Each cylinder contains two oppositely working pistons. Four pistons drive, without rocking couples, opposite sides of a single crankshaft having three crankpins. Two paired cylinders are interconnected through and share a common precombustion chamber insuring cylinder pressure equalization and require only one fuel injector. The valveless engine has piston controlled intake and exhaust ports and crank phasing insures that exhaust ports are opened and closed prior to the respective opening and closing of the intake ports rendering the uniflow scavenged cylinders superchargeable. The precombustion chamber is optionally made variable in volume to simultaneously provide a variable compression ratio to both cylinders without affecting piston geometry or stroke.

Abstract: A stair or ladder which has a central stringer adapted for mounting between an upper level and a lower level at a relatively steep angle of inclination, and a plurality of tread members disposed in alternating arrangement on respective sides of the stringer, each of the tread members having a foot support portion outwardly extending from the stringer. A pair of handrails is disposed substantially in a plane forward and parallel to a plane passing through the front edges of the foot support portions and positioned with respect to the foot support portions to provide support of the user. The tread members are substantially identical, except for the top tread and bottom tread of the stairway and include a foot support portion and an outwardly extending support adapted for connection to a rail. The stairway is preferably composed of components preformed of aluminum and welded together to provide a completed structure which is relatively light weight, rigid, and strong.

Abstract: A stair having a central stringer and two parallel side stringers. A plurality of vertically-spaced half treads is disposed on each side of the central stringer and extends between the central stringer and an adjacent side stringer. The half treads on one side of the central stringer alternate with those on the other side of the central stringer. The central stringer may or may not be a structural member depending upon the stair configuration but in all cases serves at least as a protective shielding of the inside corners of the treads, thereby minimizing user injury from the corners in case of a fall or other user mishap. A pair of handrails are disposed in a plane forward and parallel to a plane passing through the front edges of the treads and positioned with respect to the treads to provide support for a user.

Abstract: A surveying system utilizes remote-controlled flashbulbs of flashlamps which are positioned to identify objects on terrain which is overflown with an aerial camera. The firing of the flashbulbs or flashlamps by a flash actuation signal transmitted either from the aircraft or from the ground is synchronized with the camera operation for providing a photograph of the overflown terrain having highly distinctive markings corresponding to the high intensity light emitted by the flashbulbs or flashlamps.

Abstract: An offshore water electrolysis plant which produces pressurized gas by electrolysis of fresh water and wave power includes the combination of a wave-powered electric generator at the ocean surface, an electrolyzer and storage vessels located on the ocean bottom for providing gas under pressure, and a source of fresh water at the ocean surface forced down to the submerged electrolyzer through the use of a water-filled standpipe. In one embodiment, the electric power generating system includes a tethered floating helix coupled to an electric generator, in which the helix is automatically aligned with the wave propagation direction, while in another embodiment linear alternators are mounted for reciprocation on a column which extends through the air-sea interface, with each alternator provided with a donut-shaped float, such that electric power is generated as each float moves vertically up and down responsive to wave motion.

Abstract: An improved metering valve, or flush valve, incorporates a rolling diaphragm mechanism of a cylindrical elastromeric material providing a smoothly transitioning flow rate control from the full open to the full close position. The rolling diaphragm sealing means is actuated by a floating cup driven by the differential pressure between the valve fluid inlet and an intermediate actuation control chamber. The valve control is spring biased to the normally closed position and is actuated by dumping all fluid from the control chamber through a poppet mechanism which is triggered mechanically through a sealing diaphragm. Upon dumping fluid from the metering chamber, the actuating cup is compressed by the pressure of the inlet fluids to roll the diaphragm to a substantially open position.

Abstract: A transmission or conveyor chain composed of a plurality of interconnected identical links which are attachable and detachable without need for pivot pins or other separate connecting hardware. Each link is preferably molded as a unitary structure of plastic material.

Abstract: A system is described for manufacturing hydrogen gas which utilizes the energy of surface waves in a liquid, such as an ocean. The system first converts the energy of surface waves to mechanical energy by apparatus comprising a buoyant helical member mounted for rotation about an axis. The pitch of the helical member can be matched to the length of the expected waves and the member is floated on the surface with its axis oriented so that each wave traverses the helix lengthwise and buoyantly supports successive sections thereof causing it to rotate about its axis. The helix is coupled with rotary driven means to an electrical generator, wherein the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy in the form of DC current which in turn is employed to electrolyze ocean water to produce hydrogen gas which may then be compressed or liquified, e.g. for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A floor mounted air conditioner comprising a housing containing condenser coils disposed in a conical configuration about a normally vertical axis, and cylindrically configured evaporator coils coaxially disposed above the condenser coils. A drip pan separates the condenser and evaporator coils and includes openings for discharging condensate onto the condenser coils for evaporation. A condenser fan associated with a bottom duct adapted for installation in a mounting opening in the floor of a room blows hot air through the mounting opening, and an evaporator fan is associated with a top duct for blowing cool air into the room being cooled. Another fan is provided for blowing cool air over the compressor.

Abstract: The angular position of a compass card or like rotary encoder disk includes the utilization of an optical pickoff system in which the accuracy associated with a digitally encoded disk is enhanced through the utilization of a secondary analog optical pickoff system in which the outer periphery or border of the disk carrying the digital code is provided with a series of skewed lines running at an angle to the radius of the disk. A mask having a narrow slot is located to one side of the disk along the radius of the disk. A light source is positioned on the other side of the disk, and a linear array of detectors is positioned above the slot. The use of the skewed lines and slot amplifies the motion of the rotary encoder disk such that fine angular orientation may be detected by virtue of the position along the length of the slot of a line within the slot aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a krill peeling machine having a bank or plurality of banks of pairs of peeling rolls having peeling nips therebetween and with their major axes transverse to the path of flow of a supply of krill to be peeled through the machine. There are means for oscillating the peeling rolls causing the nips to engage and peel the krill to provide a tail meat with shell removed. The bank of peeling rolls are positioned at a declination of from 20.degree. to 30.degree. to the horizontal, each bank having a loading and discharge end. A krill leveling means is situated at the loading end of each peeling bank for distributing the krill substantially evenly across the peeling nips of the transversely disposed rollers to provide a layer of krill in contact with the peeling nips.

Abstract: A thermal plotter is provided which is of extremely simple construction and which can provide a magnified trace on a sheet in response to very small mechanical movement. A pair of spaced electrically conductive bus bars are disposed with their forward edges in contact with an electrical resistance wire which is maintained at a small acute angle to the axis of the bus bars. The resistance wire is supported by a mechanism which is moveable about a pivot axis to cause lateral movement of the portion of the resistance wire which bridges the bus bars. Small pivotal movement of the mechanism is magnified by the angular orientation of the resistance wire and bus bars into relatively larger movement along the length of the bus bars. A heat sensitive sheet is disposed with a surface in engagement with the confronting edges of the bus bar and bridging resistance wire, and is arranged for movement along a path transverse to the axis of the bus bars.