Abstract: A decorative kinetic device which includes a transparent hollow dome containing a fluid and a plurality of small particles. The dome is open on its bottom and is mounted on a base having a pumping chamber formed therein. The top of the pumping chamber, which serves as the bottom of the dome, includes an intake hole and an outlet hole to provide flow paths between the dome and the pumping chamber. A pump impeller is positioned within the pumping chamber to circulate the fluid and the particles, the impeller being rotated by a motor positioned in the base below the pumping chamber. An extension member is attached to and extends vertically upward from the pump impeller into the dome and is adapted to receive a decorative object. A transport tube having an intake port and an outlet port is positioned in the dome such that the intake port is connected to the outlet hole of the pumping chamber and the outlet port of the transporting tube is positioned near the top of the dome.

Abstract: A telescope system having a main housing and at least two interchangeable viewing assemblies. The main housing contains an objective lens assembly for producing an inverted primary image, a field lens, and a combination power adjusting zoom and image erecting lens assembly for producing an erect secondary image. The interchangeable viewing assemblies are selectively coupled to the main housing to provide either straight through or offset viewing of the erect secondary image. The offset viewing assemblies contain an image-convertor to provide erect offset viewing. The viewing assemblies have bayonet couplers which engage a bayonet receiver on the main housing to provide detachable coupling. The main housing has a retractable lock pin which locks the selected viewing assembly to the main housing while the telescope system is in use.

Abstract: An economical dual zone active rangefinding system for a photographic camera operates upon the principle of triangulation without lateral displacement of either the radiation source or detector to provide an output signal indicative of whether the subject in the scene to be photographed is located in a select distance range from the photographic camera.

Abstract: A capacitance-type electrostatic transducer is provided that can be operated in an environment where it may be subjected to excessive mechanical vibrations. Unwanted gain variations and/or spurious electrical signals produced by said transducer when operated in such an environment are precluded by preventing relative movement between the spring that urges the backplate into cooperative engagement with the vibratile diaphragm of the transducer and said transducer backplate, at the point of contact between said spring and said backplate.

Abstract: In a camera having a folding electronic flash unit, an improved dual actuator system for sequentially closing a flash charge switch to charge the flash unit's storage capacitor and operating a slider member that closes an internal switch to initiate an automatic cycle of camera operation. A charge switch actuator and slider actuator are mounted in telescoping relation for sequential operation with provisions made for optional independent operation of the slider actuator to bypass charging and operation of the flash unit. When the flash unit is folded, a detent thereon latches the charge switch actuator to inhibit inadvertent operation.

Abstract: A smoking pipe having a pipe bowl with a smoke tube extending into a volume of filtering liquid in an enclosed reservoir. The shapes and dimensions of the smoke tube and liquid reservoir are selected in relation to the volume of liquid so that when the pipe is substantially upright, the end of the smoke tube extends into the liquid. A tubular pipe stem and associated valve extend from a reservoir port which is above the liquid top surface when the pipe is substantially upright. The physical characteristics of the smoke tube are related to the physical characteristics and volume of the filtering liquid and the shape and volume of the reservoir, so that when the pipe is inverted and the valve closes the passage through the pipe stem, there is substantially zero net force on a volume of liquid within the smoke tube due to the pressure differential across that volume, surface tensions between the liquid and the tube and gravitational force on that volume.

Abstract: A smoking apparatus comprising a pipe bowl, a hollow pipe stem and a pipe body. The pipe body includes a detachable base portion and a replaceable filtering cartridge disposed within the body. The cartridge has a liquid therein for filtering, cooling and/or flavoring smoke passing therethrough. The cartridge further includes means for providing a first smoke port, a first tubular extension member extending therefrom, a means for providing a second smoke port, and a second tubular extension member extending therefrom. The first extension member extends below the top surface of the liquid when the apparatus is substantially upright and above that surface otherwise. The second extension member extends to a point which is always above the top surface of the liquid.

Abstract: A switching device for use in a fully automatic camera including a chamber for receiving and locating a disposable cassette therein such that a foremost member of an assemblage, including photosensitive film units in stacked relation and a dark slide cover in superposition thereto, is positioned at an exposure station of the camera. The device may be manually or automatically activated to initiate actuation of a film advancing apparatus for removing the foremost member from within the cassette and the exposure station and to advance the foremost member to a processing station within the camera whereupon the foremost member, in the case of a film unit, is processed and delivered through an opening to the exterior of the camera. The device is automatically activated when the cassette is inserted into the receiving chamber and secured therein by the movement of a loading access door from an open to a closed, latched position whereupon the dark slide cover is removed from within the camera.

Abstract: Photographic processing and projector apparatus having a drive system including a gear train for advancing and rewinding the film on spools within a film cassette. Included in the gear train is an inertia dumper which is operative at the conclusion of a high speed rewind run to reduce film tension and cassette shock caused by the abrupt cessation of film movement at the end of the film.