Abstract: The surface to be sensed or scanned is placed in the path of a projector which is moved along an axis of the surface. The path of motion of the projector is subdivided into predetermined sections which are illuminated by the projector in accordance with a predetermined sequential pattern. This procedure of moving the projector is repeated a predetermined number of times, with a separate illuminating pattern prevailing each time that the projector is moved relative to the surface and traverses the entire surface to be scanned. The combinations of the patterns obtained from the repeated scannings of the projector define closely-spaced sections of the surface. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. A camera having the entire surface within its field of view photographs the surface each time that the projector is moved along the axis of the surface.

Abstract: A plurality of projectors are positioned in spaced relationship about an object with a surface to be geometrically analyzed. The projectors have cooperating masks which project onto the object illuminated patterns that subdivide the object into predetermined sections. Each mask has a predetermined pattern of sections, and is applied in sequence. The masks are cooperatively advanced in the projectors, with a separate illuminating pattern prevailing on the object each time that the masks are advanced. The combinations of the patterns on the masks define closely-spaced sections subdividing the object. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. Cameras having the entire object within their field of view, photograph the object each time a separate mask is applied. To sense sections of the surface independent of the reflectance characteristics of the surface, the projectors direct two separate illuminating signals at the object surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for coating a surface preparatory to optical inspection. The surface to be inspected for geometrical, physical or chemical characteristics, is cooled to a temperature below freezing. The surface is then sprayed with water and a layer of frost is allowed to form on the surface. The cooling procedure may be achieved by refrigeration coils or by cold air applied to surfaces of objects to be inspected, as the objects proceed along a conveyor belt on a path to an optical inspection station. The water spray may be in the form of low pressure water vapor whereby a thin layer of frost or water droplets coat the objects. The objects are kept cool during the inspection process, and they are not allowed to warm up to room temperature until the inspection process is completed. The frost or water droplets disappear after the objects are permitted to warm up, so that the coating applied prior to the optical inspection, is removed in an efficient manner at negligible cost.

Abstract: An arrangement which allows patients confined to their beds, to use a toilet without leaving their beds or to be placed in a wheel chair. A sectionalized mattress is positioned in sequential steps so as to place the patient directly over a toilet or in a wheel chair without discomfort to the patient. The mattress, together with the patient, is positioned in a manner which allows the patient to use the toilet while sitting in an upright customary manner or in an inclined manner. The section of the mattress over the toilet is removed while the patient's weight is not directed thereon. Hygienic cleansing procedures are provided in conjunction with the toilet, and the patient is returned to a reclined position after repositioning the mattress and replacement of the section of the mattress that was removed to enable the patient to use the toilet. Replacement of that section of the mattress is carried out also while the patient's weight is not directed thereon.

Abstract: The surface to be sensed or scanned is placed in the path of a projector which is moved along an axis of the surface. The path of motion of the projector is subdivided into predetermined sections which are illuminated by the projector in accordance with a predetermined sequential pattern. This procedure of moving the projector is repeated a predetermined number of times, with a separate illuminating pattern prevailing each time that the projector is moved relative to the surface and traverses the entire surface to be scanned. The combinations of the patterns obtained from the repeated scannings of the projector define closely-spaced sections of the surface. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. A camera having the entire surface within its field of view photographs the surface each time that the projector is moved along the axis of the surface.

Abstract: A plurality of projectors are positioned in spaced relationship about an object with a surface to be geometrically analyzed. The projectors have cooperating masks which project onto the object illuminated patterns that subdivide the object into predetermined sections. Each mask has a predetermined pattern of sections, and is applied in sequence. The masks are cooperatively advanced in the projectors, with a separate illuminating pattern prevailing on the object each time that the masks are advanced. The combinations of the patterns on the masks define closely-spaced sections subdividing the object. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. Cameras having the entire object within their field of view, photograph the object each time a separate mask is applied.

Abstract: An arrangement for locating points on a surface, in which the surface is irradiated selectively and subdivided into a number of sections. The subdivided sections are made to overlap so that a region of one section overlaps the region of a neighboring section. Images of the irradiated sections are recorded, and then scanned for purposes of defining the location of predetermined points within overlapping regions of the subdivided sections. The location of the points within overlapping regions is dependent on a predetermined relationship of irradiated intensities of the points obtained during the scanning procedure.

Abstract: An arrangement which allows patients confined to their beds, to use a toilet without leaving their beds. A sectionalized mattress is positioned in sequential steps so as to place the patient directly over a toilet without discomfort to the patient. The mattress together with the patient is positioned in a manner which allows the patient to use the toilet while sitting in an upright customary manner. The section of the mattress over the toilet is removed while the patient's weight is not directed thereon. Hygienic cleansing procedures are provided in conjunction with the toilet, and the patient is returned to a reclined position after repositioning the mattress and replacement of the section of the mattress that was removed to enable the patient to use the toilet. Replacement of that section of the mattress is carried out also while the patient's weight is not directed thereon. The mattress is positioned through a similar sequence of steps to place the patient directly into a wheelchair.

Abstract: An arrangement which allows patients confined to their beds, to use a toilet without leaving their beds or to be placed in a wheel chair. A sectionalized mattress is positioned in sequential steps so as to place the patient directly over a toilet or in a wheel chair without discomfort to the patient. The mattress, together with the patient, is positioned in a manner which allows the patient to use the toilet while sitting in an upright customary manner or in an inclined manner. The section of the mattress over the toilet is removed while the patient's weight is not directed thereon. Hygienic cleansing procedures are provided in conjunction with the toilet, and the patient is returned to a reclined position after repositioning the mattress and replacement of the section of the mattress that was removed to enable the patient to use the toilet. Replacement of that secton of the mattress is carried out also while the patient's weight is not directed thereon.

Abstract: An arrangement which allows patients confined to their beds, to use a toilet without leaving their beds or to be placed in a wheel chair. A sectionalized mattress is positioned in sequential steps so as to place the patient directly over a toilet or in a wheel chair without discomfort to the patient. The mattress, together with the patient, is positioned in a manner which allows the patient to use the toilet while sitting in an upright customary manner or in an inclined manner. The section of the mattress over the toilet is removed while the patient's weight is not directed thereon. Hygienic cleansing procedures are provided in conjunction with the toilet, and the patient is returned to a reclined position after repositioning the mattress and replacement of the section of the mattress that was removed to enable the patient to use the toilet. Replacement of that section of the mattress is carried out also while the patient's weight is not directed thereon.

Abstract: An arrangement which allows patients confined to their beds, to use a toilet without leaving their beds. A sectionalized mattress is positioned in sequential steps so as to place the patient directly over a toilet without discomfort to the patient. The mattress together with the patient is positiond in a manner which allows the patient to use the toilet while sitting in an upright customary manner. The section of the mattress over the toilet is removed while the patient's weight is not directed thereon. Hygienic cleansing procedures are provided in conjunction with the toilet, and the patient is returned to a reclined position after repositioning the mattress and replacement of the section of the mattress that was removed to enable the patient to use the toilet. Replacement of that section of the mattress is carried out also while the patient's weight is not directed thereon. The mattress is positioned through a similar sequence of steps to place the patient directly into a wheelchair.

Abstract: An arrangement mountable on the rim of a bidet receptacle or a toilet for providing bidet applications and hygienic cleansing in conjunction with the use of the toilet. Brackets are fastened to the rim of the toilet and carry a pivoted arm on which are mounted a water spray head and a dry air head. These heads are moved over selected areas of the opening of the receptacle or toilet. The arm may be rotated, tilted, and slid to cover the area of the receptacle opening. The arm may also be manipulated manually or by mechanical means in accordance with the cleansing requirements of the user.

Abstract: An arrangement in which a high-frequency signal to be recorded, is quantized, and the respective analog signal voltages at the quantized interval are recorded upon a memory drum. The quantized analog signals are read from the drum, during predetermined time intervals, and transferred into at least two storage registers. The storage registers receive the analog signal information in an alternating manner, and the registers read out the information alternatingly for recording the information on a medium at a speed which is substantially different from the recording speed onto the drum.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating and constructing three-dimensional surfaces in which the surface or body to be constructed is subdivided into planar elements. The contours or outlines of the planar elements correspond to respective cross-sections of the surface or body to be constructed. The planar elements are stacked against each other for constructing the surface or body.

Abstract: A method for producing sculptures which have a thin-walled outer metal shell and an internal soft core made of plaster, for example. A mold of the sculpture to be fabricated is constructed smaller by the thickness of the metallic outer shell. A substance which can withstand high temperatures when coming into contact with molten metal, such as plaster, is then poured into the mold. After the plaster cast is removed from the mold, a layer of wax is applied with a thickness exceeding the thickness of the final metallic shell. The final shape of the sculpture is then cut on the exterior surface of the wax, so that the wax layer has a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the outer metallic shell. The cut wax layer is then covered with plaster, and heat is applied to melt the wax and allow the wax to drip out through an opening in the outer plaster layer.

Abstract: An arrangement for correcting errors incurred in airborne navigational systems. A ground installation in the form of a radar determines the positions of a multiple number of aircrafts, and communicates the positional information of the aircraft, simultaneously to all aircrafts involved. Each individual aircraft, thereupon, compares the position determined by its own navigational system, with the position communicated from the ground radar. On the basis of the resultant comparison, the navigator of each individual aircraft, is enabled to correct his position and compensate for the error inherent in the airborne navigational system.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating and constructing three-dimensional surfaces in which the surface or body to be constructed is subdivided into planar elements. The contours or outlines of the planar elements correspond to respective cross-sections of the surface or body to be constructed. The planar elements are stacked against each other for constructing the surface or body.