Abstract: The flexible motion system simplifies the process of adding motion-based input to an application. The flexible motion system uses a motion detection device to detect motion based on the movement of an object. Next, the flexible motion system converts the motion detected by the motion detection device into input recognized by the application, and provides this input to the application. The motion may be converted using a grammar specified by an application developer through an updateable action pack.

Abstract: The flexible motion system simplifies the process of adding motion-based input to an application. The flexible motion system uses a motion detection device to detect motion based on the movement of an object. Next, the flexible motion system converts the motion detected by the motion detection device into input recognized by the application, and provides this input to the application. The motion may be converted using a grammar specified by an application developer through an updateable action pack.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the strain-free mounting of a component, such as a mirror, in a manner that allows differential thermal expansion or contraction to take place without distortion of the component. The mounting method makes use of a linear bearing that is rigid in all directions except one. Such a linear bearing is used at two or more points of support on the circumference of a mounting circle or circles. Relative motion in the linear bearings occurs along a line which is an extension of a radius of the mounting circle. The linear bearings each contain two sets of opposed rolamite mechanisms moving in parallel directions in the perpendicular arms of a "Y"-shaped frame.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for the strain-free mounting of a component, such as a mirror 11, to a base in a manner that allows for differential thermal expansion or contraction to take place between the component and the base without distortion of the component. The mounting apparatus of the invention makes use of a linear bearing 10 that is rigid in all directions except one. Such a linear bearing is used at two or more points of support on the circumference of a mounting circle A. Relative motion in the linear bearings occurs along a line r which is an extension of a radius of the mounting circle. The linear bearings each contain two sets of opposed rolamite mechanisms 20a, 20b, 30a, 30b moving in parallel directions in the perpe=ndicular arms of a "Y"-shaped frame 18.

Abstract: Two cooperatively rotating annular wheels are temporarily deformed against each other radially to form a contact length and are partially located in a heated chamber. Each annular wheel is connected to a rotating shaft by flexible means. A positive pressure is maintained in the heated chamber. A plurality of composite plies are fed into the heated chamber where they are clamped and carried by the annular wheels. The clamped plies are subjected to a sustained pressure and temperature along the contact length. The plies are cured under sustained pressure and temperature after which they are cooled under sustained pressure and exit from between the annular wheels as an elongated cured composite laminate.

Abstract: Two cooperatively rotating annular wheels are temporarily deformed against each other radially to form a contact length and are partially located in a heated chamber. Each annular wheel is connected to a rotating shaft by means of flexible means. A positive pressure is maintained in the heated chamber. A circumferential groove is provided on the rim of each annular wheel so that when the two annular wheels rotate cooperatively, the grooves cooperate to form a closed orifice along the contact length of the annular wheels. A mandrel, rotating about its axis, protrudes into this orifice. A plurality of elongated composite plies are wound around the mandrel and are clamped and carried forward by the annular wheels. In the heated chamber, the elongated plies are subjected to a sustained pressure and temperature. They are cured under this pressure and temperature after which they are cooled under pressure and exit from between the annular wheels as an elongated cured composite tube.

Abstract: A vertical shaft, attached to a windmill, rotates inside a first container which has a highly viscous fluid contained in it. A first set of perforated ribs extend radially outwards from the shaft. A second set of perforated ribs extend radially inwards from the first container. The two sets of ribs are vertically staggered with respect to each other so that when the shaft rotates, the first set of ribs do not come into physical contact with the second set of ribs. As the shaft rotates, the shearing action between the two sets of ribs forces the viscous fluid through the perforations in the two sets of ribs. This results in a pressure drop between the entrance and exit end of each perforation. The pressure drop results in heat dissipation in the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid is thereby heated. A second vessel containing water surrounds the first vessel. Heat transfer occurs across the first vessel to the water, thereby raising its temperature.

Abstract: The invention describes a machine and a process whereby a material of unlimited length is continuously extruded into a tubular shape. Two annular toruses have their inner rims connected to rotating drive shafts by leaf springs. The exterior toroidal surfaces have suitable shaped grooves on them. The toruses are squeezed against each other radially by suitable means so as to cause a maximum radial deformation in each of them of a magnitude substantially greater than 0.2 percent but less than an amount that would cause permanent set in the torus material or the leaf springs. This deformation forms a contact length between the two toruses. A further requirement of the radial deformation on the two toruses is that the contact length between them be at least twice the extrusion length necessary for the contemplated extrusion. A bridge die supported by a die stem is located substantially at the center of the contact length.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and process for forming an elongated product of unlimited length is disclosed. The method consists of gripping and feeding a material of unlimited length between two toruses whose toroidal surfaces have suitable shaped grooves to accommodate the incoming material. The toruses are so constructed that each of them can sustain a radial deformation substantially in excess of 0.2 per cent without undergoing a permanent plastic set. The toroidal surfaces of the two toruses are radially squeezed against each other so as to cause a temporary radial deformation in both toruses substantially in excess of 0.2 per cent but less than an amount that causes a permanent set in either torus. This creates a contact length between the two toruses. Such squeezing also causes a three dimensional stress distribution in the grooves which stress is substantially hydrostatic. A deformation control element with a suitably shaped aperture or apertures is located substantially in the center of the length of contact.

Abstract: An annular groove (35) is located in an outer surface of an inner toroid (31), and is partly covered by an inner surface of an outer toroid (32). Alternatively, an annular groove (25) is located in an inner surface of an outer toroid (22), and is partly covered by an outer surface of an inner toroid (21). As the toroids are rotated together about different, intersecting axes, an elongated workpiece (W) is introduced into an open portion of the annular groove, advances into the closed portion of the annular groove, and is extruded through a die (48) upon again approaching the open portion of the annular groove, thereby forming an elongated product (P).

Abstract: The disclosure concerns methods and apparatus for forming an elongated product, having a high quality surface appearance and finish, from an elongated workpiece with a wax coating. The wax-coated, elongated workpiece is advanced toward, and then through, an aperture which extends longitudinally through a die, by an application of frictional drag forces, in the direction of the die, to the wax coating. The wax, however, does not pass through the die aperture, but rather is substantially completely removed from each successive element of the elongated workpiece, substantially as such element reaches the die.

Abstract: A hydrostatic bearing arrangement includes a supporting member and a supported member, with the supported member borne by a pressurized hydraulic fluid located in a space between the two members. The hydrostatic bearing arrangement includes neither any provision for recirculating the fluid nor any seals for containing the fluid, but relies, instead, upon a particular property of the fluid, i.e., a high intrinsic shear strength, in order to prevent leakage of the fluid past the outer periphery of the space between the two members.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the formation and utilization of a compound billet wherein a longitudinally extending inner member, composed of a first material, is retained firmly within the interior of a hollow, longitudinally extending outer member, composed of a second material, and wherein relaxation strain characteristic of the second material is greater than the relaxation strain characteristic of the first material.