Abstract: A device for adjusting the angular disposition of a first object with respect to a plane. The first object is adjustably attached to a second object resting on said plane. The adjustment occurs when there is a change in the angular disposition between the second object and the plane. Two freely rotatable members are attached to the first object adjacent each other. Both members are rotatable in a direction parallel to the angle to be adjusted between the first object and the plane, and each member has a rotary rest position determined by its respective center of gravity. During the change in the angular disposition between the second object and the plane, one of the two members is rotationally fixed with respect to the second object and is rotated from its rest position according to the change in the angular disposition between the second object and the plane. The other of the two members remains in its rest position during the change in the angular disposition between the second member and the plane.

Abstract: A device or system for cleaning windshields, headlamp lenses, rear view mirrors, reflector means, or the like of a vehicle. The system is installed in the vehicle, preferably in the engine compartment, and includes a liquid container, a conduit from the container to a steam generator, including a pump and a stop valve downstream of the pump to prevent return flow of liquid from the steam generator to the container. Engine exhaust heat or an electric heater is used for heating the steam generator, and an outlet conduit with nozzles direct steam from the generator to the vehicle parts to be cleaned. The system has a shunt conduit from the liquid supply bypassing the steam generator and connected to the outlet conduit downstream of the steam generator and steam from the generator mixes with the liquid from the shunt conduit and the mixture advances and flows out to the vehicle part or parts to be cleaned.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the speed of rotation of a wheel or the angular orientation thereof relative to a fixed point. A first portion of a transmitter unit is positioned along the periphery of the wheel and a second portion of the transmitter unit is positioned at a stationary location outside of the wheel. The two portions of the transmitter unit together from one or more lined screens which, when one is viewed through the other, create a moire interference pattern. Optical means are provided to read the interference pattern created as the wheel is moved to thereby determine the speed or angular orientation thereof.

Abstract: A solar heating device for heating a liquid used in the device as the refractive medium. A lens and a heat absorbing member carry the liquid and are connected together so that the liquid may be communicated therebetween. The lens concentrates the solar energy on the heat absorbing member when the lens is full of the liquid, thereby increasing the temperature of the liquid in the heat absorbing member. In a failure condition where the liquid is drained from the heat absorbing member, the liquid also is drained from the lens, decreasing the refraction of the solar energy focused by the lens on the heat absorbing member and thereby decreasing the temperature of the heat absorbing member to avoid a fire.

Abstract: A device or planoscope for determining a certain plane through the use of a change in an angle of bands of a moire interference pattern. The device may have several sets of screens of opaque lines separated by transparent lines. Each set of screens has a rearward screen of lines and two forward screens of lines. The first forward screen is angled relative to the length of the rearward screen and the second forward screen is parallel to the rearward screen and is located adjacent a side of the first forward screen. The lines of all three screens are parallel to each other and to the length of the rearward screen. The number of lines per unit width of the rearward screen is different than the number of lines per unit width of the forward screens. When the rearward screen is viewed through the forward screens in the certain plane, the bands of the moire interference pattern which arises are parallel to the screen lines.

Abstract: A device for electronically indicating the measured distance between two points. A flexible tape retained in coiled fashion in a housing is extended therefrom between the two points to be measured. A Moire interference pattern is produced by movement of the tape having a first screen located thereon; the first screen moves below a second screen mounted in the housing. The Moire interference pattern is opto-electrically read and the length measured is digitally displayed.

Abstract: A device for indicating both a horizontal direction and an angle sector about said direction, formed of a disc rotatably supported in a housing with its center of gravity offset relative to the axis of rotation of the disc, the disc being transparent except for a substantially sector-shaped non-transparent area. Two or more reading members are provided for reading the position of said sector relative to the housing. The reading members are positioned so that said members are covered by said sector-shaped area when the housing shows a horizontal direction, and the sector-shaped area is displaced from a condition covering two or more members to a condition exposing one or more members when the disc is rotated through an angle greater than a certain angle relative to the housing.

Abstract: A device for identifying a coded key or the like. A coded key member is inserted into a housing. A Moire interference pattern is produced by a first screen positioned on the key to be moved into registry with a second screen mounted in the housing. The first screen forms non-readable coded information and the second screen forms a code-key. Decoded information produced by the Moire interference pattern is opto-electrically read and a corresponding electrical signal is generated.

Abstract: An instrument for indicating or checking the angular position of an object. A movable part is mounted on a stationary part; said parts have a pattern of equally wide parallel lines separated by interspaces. When the parts overlap in use of the instrument the line patterns form a moire pattern to indicate the angular position of the object.