Abstract: This invention drives a piezoelectric element by transferring energy from one element 5 to another 6 by way of an intermediate inductor 4. Additional energy is obtained from an energy source 1 to make up for internal losses and for the work performed by the piezoelectric elements. The energy is transferred as needed by switches which are operated by a controller for proper timing of energy transfer between the elements and energy boosts from the energy source.

Abstract: The invention addresses both the seismic and electromagnetic emissions requirements in the area of the frame where the upright frame members and the top frame member and base frame member are interconnected. To this end, the top frame member has two offset extensions on each end which interlock with interior surfaces of the upright frame members by projecting through notches in the upper portion of the upright frame members. The upright frame members and the top frame member are then welded together and the other outer surfaces of the welded members are ground flush to provide smooth continuous planar electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket mating surfaces. An additional reinforcing offset member is positioned against and along each end of the top frame member in the area which engages the interior wide flange portion of each of the upright frame members. These additional reinforcing offset members project through notches in both the top frame member and the corresponding upright frame members.

Abstract: An earth boring bit having a body, pressure compensating lubricating system and cantilevered bearing shaft with an annular seal surface and a radial seal surface. A cutter is rotatably secured to the bearing shaft, with an annular seal recess having radial and cylindrical seal surfaces to oppose the seal surfaces on the body and bearing shaft to define a seal gland. A resilient and annular packing ring is compressed between the cylindrical seal surfaces, but has a length less than the minimum length of the gland. A shroud extends inwardly near the outer backface a selected distance behind the packing ring to bias it inwardly. The shroud extends inwardly toward the bearing not more than about 30% of the cross-sectional thickness of the O-ring in the relaxed condition. The O-ring is compressed in a range of about 10 to 15 percent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is reported for detecting inhomogeneities in semi-plastic substances such as toilet bars containing soap. An ultrasound probe is utilized to test the substance at an exit orifice of an extruder. Best results are obtained by utilizing a ceramic ultrasonic probe, rectangular in shape including a transducer having a concave curvature on a lower surface thereof. The probe includes a theromplastic delay material. Ultrasonic waves directed through the probe preferably have a frequency between 1 and 2.25 MHz. Wedging of the extruded substance is also useful to improve contact with the probe as it passes through the extruder exit orifice.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system for factories and offices is assembled from prewired modules. The basic module comprises a section of duct of a standard length with electrical feeder wires mounted therein. The wires are bared of insulation at one end and have connectors at the other to receive the insulation-free wire ends of an adjacent module. Some modules may also include prewired branch circuits with circuit breakers and outlets in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A connector device and method of use thereof provide positioning and hermetic sealing of electrical contacts in protective housings. The housings protect wires which connect the speed sensor of a turbine engine to a display. The connector supports the electrical contacts in an electrical insulator. The connector includes a malleable flange which is adapted to be hermetically sealed between two housings which protect wires connected to the speed sensor in the turbine engine. The flange is hermetically sealed between a tongue on one housing and a groove in the other housing. The sealing flange extends radially from the central axis of the connector and is compressed by the tongue of a releasable housing into the groove of a permanent housing to form a hermetic seal. The flange supports the electrical insulator which holds electrically conducting inner contacts in position to be slideably mounted into outer contacts which are supported by the connector housing.

Abstract: A connector device and method of use thereof provide positioning and hermetic sealing of electrical contacts in protective housings. The housings protect wires which connect the speed sensor of a turbine engine to a display. The connector supports the electrical contacts in an electrical insulator. The connector includes a malleable flange which is adapted to be hermetically sealed between two housings which protect wires connected to the speed sensor in the turbine engine. The flange is hermetically sealed between a tongue on one housing and a groove in the other housing. The sealing flange extends radially from the central axis of the connector and is compressed by the tongue of a releasable housing into the groove of a permanent housing to form a hermetic seal. The flange supports the electrical insulator which holds electrically conducting inner contacts in position to be slideably mounted into outer contacts which are supported by the connector housing.

Abstract: A golf ball retrieving apparatus (10) for gripping and holding a golf ball (34) is provided. The apparatus (10) includes an elongated handle (12) which can be held by one hand and readily received within a golfer's bag. A retention member (22) is mounted at the distal end of the handle (12) and defines a first cavity (26) open at one end. This cavity (26) receives a gripping member (30) which is releasably mounted, in the preferred embodiment, within the first cavity (26) of the retention member (22). The gripping member (30) comprises a compressible foam in the preferred embodiment defining a further cavity (32) proportioned for receiving and holding a golf ball (34) therein.

Abstract: An automatic protection cap assembly for plug and receptacle connectors including a laterally fixed apertured plate and a laterally slidably apertured plate in each connector. The plates of the receptacle connector are axially movable. Opening and closing cams having inclined ramp surfaces are fixed on laterally opposite sides of the housing of the receptacle. A latch mounted on the slide plate of the receptacle is insertable into a latch recess in the plug housing, and the latch and latch recess cooperate for moving the slide plate to its closed position by axially moving the plate assembly of the receptacle upon demating of the assembly.

Abstract: A character recognition method comprising the steps of (1) acquiring a two dimensional array of pixels, (2) locating a character, (3) determining the size of the character, (4) reducing the number of pixels associated with the character by scaling it down to a smaller dot matrix and (5) thresholding the matrix dots using a histogram to form a binary character representation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher assembly 10 includes a magnetohydrodynamic power generator 12 for generating electrical energy. The energy is stored in an inductor 26 which is provided with current directing means 30 for selectively routing an electrical charge to activate a rail gun assembly 28 which initiates the firing of a projectile 32 out of the rail gun assembly.

Abstract: A user-friendly video measuring system employing a TV camera having a two-axis array of photosensors, a memory, a monitor, a keyboard and a joystick. The camera takes a first picture, which is stored in memory and displayed on the monitor. In response to a series of menus, an operator uses the joystick to manipulate a cursor on the monitor to locate a series of start search points for the first picture, and to select gradient threshold for one or more features. Both the start search points and gradient thresholds are stored. The operator also selects and stores tolerances for the measurements. A second picture is taken and examined, commencing with the stored start search points, to determine whether the gradients exceed the stored threshold.

Abstract: A tool joint for earth boring drill pipe members has features that increase the amount of torque required to yield the connection. The tool joint has both external and internal make-up shoulders. The pin and box are dimensioned so that the box face contacts the external shoulder while there still is a clearance between the pin face and the internal shoulder. At normal make-up torque, the external shoulder will be tightened to its normal amount. The internal shoulder will tighten to its yield only if additional torque is encountered while drilling. The internal shoulder adds to the amount of torque required to yield the tool joint connection.

Abstract: A replacement muffler which can replace original equipment mufflers with substantially no modifications thereto, and methods for producing the same are disclosed. The replacement muffler is provided with a muffler body which only approximates the body of the original equipment muffler and a pair of replacement muffler nipples secured to the muffler body, having diameters substantially equal to the corresponding nipple diameters of the original equipment muffler and having lengths adapted to produce a nipple-to-nipple length substantially equal to the corresponding length of the original equipment muffler. The replacement muffler may be produced with a six to seven fold increase in production line efficiency by customizing only the nipple portions of the replacement muffler.

Abstract: A replacement muffler which can replace original equipment mufflers with substantially no modifications thereto, and methods for producing the same are disclosed. The replacement muffler is provided with a muffler body which only approximates the body of the original equipment muffler and a pair of replacement muffler nipples secured to the muffler body, having diameters substantially equal to the corresponding nipple diameters of the original equipment muffler and having lengths adapted to produce a nipple-to-nipple length substantially equal to the corresponding length of the original equipment muffler. The replacement muffler may be produced with a six to seven fold increase in production line efficiency by customizing only the nipple portions of the replacement muffler.

Abstract: An electrical conductor (10) having at forward end portion (F) of the conductor an integral electrical contact portion consisting of a plurality of fine, axially aligned wire strands (21), each wire having an acutely angled end surface (22) for mating with another electrical contact, said contact wires being an integral part of and continuous with the wires of said conductor in a rear portion (R). Preferably, the wires in the forward portion of the conductor are held radially together by a sleeve or holder which is inserted over the forward end, around the wires and crimped in place, separating the rear portion (R) of the conductor, which generally has insulation (30) around the conductor for a portion of its length from the forward contact portion.

Abstract: An electrical conductor (10) having at forward end portion (F) of the conductor an integral electrical contact portion consisting of a plurality of fine, axially aligned wire strands (21), each wire having an acutely angled end surface (22) for mating with another electrical contact, said contact wires being an integral part of and continuous with the wires of said conductor in a rear portion (R). Preferably, the wires in the forward portion of the conductor are held radially together by a sleeve or holder which is inserted over the forward end, around the wires and crimped in place, separating the rear portion (R) of the conductor, which generally has insulation (30) around the conductor for a portion of its length from the forward contact portion.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus for use in an earth boring drill string is disclosed herein. The shock absorber is of the type having a mandrel reciprocally mounted for rotation with a tubular body; a sealed chamber between the tubular body and the mandrel containing pressurized fluid for absorbing load and shock. Torque is transmitted between the mandrel and body by pins which are inserted in cavities formed by grooves on the exterior of the mandrel and the interior of the body. Means are provided to prevent pin rotation and to prevent the pins from contacting the groove edges to provide improved loading and wearing characteristics of the pins.

Abstract: An electrical conductor (10) having at forward end portion (F) of the conductor an integral electrical contact portion consisting of a plurality of fine, axially aligned wire strands (21), each wire having an acutely angled end surface (22) for mating with another electrical contact, said contact wires being an integral part of and continuous with the wires of said conductor in a rear portion (R). Preferably, the wires in the forward portion of the conductor are held radially together by a sleeve or holder which is inserted over the forward end, around the wires and crimped in place, separating the rear portion (R) of the conductor, which generally has insulation (30) around the conductor for a portion of its length from the forward contact portion.

Abstract: EP polymer of low molecular weight containing 0.02% to 0.6% by weight vinyl norbornene or norbornadiene whereby the cold flow of the EP polymer is improved with resultant improvement in recoverability and handling without noticeable modification in molecular weight distribution or shear stability and without interfering with the use thereof as an oil additive, and without so much as to decrease oil solubility rate.