Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun 10 has a needle electrode 14 made from a nickel titanium alloy.

Abstract: A spray gun is easily convertible between a number of configurations. A removable fluid insert may be placed in interchangeable (airspray and HVLP) spray heads with the fluid insert being either a pressure fed device which depends downwardly from the front end of the gun into a pressurized cup or via a connection to a pressurized fluid source or may have an upwardly directed insert which will take fluid from a gravity cup. A simple air swivel also adds ergonomic benefits.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a dual tube hydraulic shock absorber having an annular reservoir with a gas cell therein, which comprises advice for charging and pressurizing the shock absorber with hydraulic fluid while substantially degassing the shock absorber. Preferably, the device comprises an external access port to the reservoir, the port being located toward the uppermost internal surface of the shock absorber relative to its use configuration, and a valve integral to the port. Additionally, an associated method is provided for pressurizing and degassing a dual tube, gas cell hydraulic shock absorber.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding components of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. The components include dystroglycan, the 50 kDa protein component and the 59 kDa protein component. Also disclosed are compositions and methods which relate to the disclosed sequences.

Abstract: A coating composition primarily used as a clear coat of a clearcoat/color coat automotive finish; the composition has a film forming binder solids content of about 30-70% by weight contains about(A) 50-80% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a hydroxy functional acrylic polymer of polymerized monomers of styrene, alkyl methacrylate monomers and hydroxy alkyl methacrylate or acrylate each having 1-4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, an ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid at least partically reacted with a glycidyl ester of a carboxylic acid and the polymer has a number average molecular weight of about 1,000-12,000 and(B) 1-20% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a polyol component and(C) 10-49% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of an organic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A spray gun apparatus having air passages for the atomization of liquid passing through a liquid outlet orifice, and having air passages for directing air flow against the atomized particles emitting from the spray orifice, wherein the atomizing air passages are separated from the fan air passages, and an adjustable control valve selectively controls the volume of air through the fan air passages. The spray apparatus has an air spray nozzle including a spray nozzle concentrically fitted into an air cap, both parts being precisely aligned along a common axis; the air cap includes a contoured groove for smoothly directing air flow to fan air orifices.

Abstract: A spray gun designed for high volume low pressure (HVLP) use is provided with a simple yet effective mechanism for providing feathering as well as allowing for extended needle and nozzle life. A poppet member is spring biased and moves some distance to first initiate air flow prior to initiation of fluid flow. The needle nozzle combination is provided with geometry such that the location of highest velocity is separate from the seating area so as to minimize wear of the seating areas and thus extend life. A two stage pressure drop is utilized for use with plant air. The two stage drop provides more consistent results.

Abstract: A shuttle-actuated singulation apparatus (10) for use in handling integrated circuit devices (16). A shuttle (39), acting to isolate or singulate an individual integrated circuit device (16) for transfer to a test apparatus, is included. A shuttle assembly (30) is carried by a splined shaft (34) for rotational movement of shuttle (39) carried thereby. The assembly (30), additionally, is moved laterally by means of a drive cable (36). Rotation of a shuttle barrel (32) and associated upward pivoting of shuttle projectiles (42) carried by barrel (32) effects engagement of a bell crank (70) which, in turn, engages a belt drive mount (82) carrying a drive belt (80). The drive belt (80), thereafter, is engaged with an integrated circuit device (16) to impel the device (16) out of a track (12) in which it is received.

Abstract: A soft-handling drop shuttle for use in an integrated circuit device handler. The invention includes a shuttle assembly (10) which pivots from a first position, in registration with an intake chute (36), and a second position, in registration with a discharge chute (50). The shuttle assembly (10) includes a shuttle lower jaw (14) for supporting an integrated circuit device (38) during its transfer, and a shuttle upper jaw (22), which is pivotally attached by an upper jaw pivot shaft (32) to the shuttle assembly (10). Upper jaw (22) retains the integrated circuit device (38) within the shuttle assembly (10) during the movement of the shuttle. The shuttle upper jaw (22) includes a stop portion (54) and an associated leaf spring (28) for retaining and clamping the integrated circuit device (38) within the shuttle assembly (10). Interchangeable shuttle lower jaws (14, 14') enable adaptation of assembly (10) to accommodate integrated circuit devices (38) of varying sizes and types.

Abstract: An apparatus in combination with a photographic printer indicates the position of a selected film frame at a print gate aperture relative to other film frames in a disc-like film unit having a plurality of film frames. The apparatus includes a disc-like film unit holder for rotationally indexing selected film frames to the print gate aperture having a first gear. A second gear provides motive force through a suitable actuating mechanism for rotationally indexing the disc-like film unit on the holder assembly. A third gear having indicia for indicating relative positions of the film frames in the disc film unit is rotatably positioned between the first and the second gear and cooperates with the first and the second gear to rotationally index the disc-like film unit on the holder assembly. Only the indicia that indicates the selected film frame positioned at the print gate aperture is viewable.

Abstract: A neghold assembly permits withdrawal of a disc-like film unit from a clamping aperture assembly stationarily positioned on the photographic printer that holds a selected film frame at the print gate aperture. The disc-like film unit is held on a movable film transport assembly which engages a switching mechanism that actuates the clamping aperture assembly to an open position, releasing the disc-like film unit before the transport assembly can be moved from a print exposure cycle position. The film transport assembly includes a film transport base that is slidably attached to the printer and is positionable in the print exposure cycle position. A disc film holder, positioned on the transport base, holds the disc-like film units and rotationally indexes selected film frames to the print gate for clamping by the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A disc film holder holds a generally disc-like photographic film unit having a plurality of image frames and indexes and disc-like photographic film unit to position selected image frames at a predetermined position, such as a print gate aperture in a photographic printer. The disc-like film unit is held coaxially about a central post and is rotationally indexed about a central axis. When the film unit is rotated for indexing a selected image frame to the print gate aperture, the film unit is biased upwardly to an indexing position so that both the top and bottom surfaces of the film is maintained out of contact with any surface during rotation. When the disc has been indexed so that the selected image is in alignment with the print gate aperture, the film unit is forced downwardly to a non-indexing position and the frame to be printed is clamped at the print gate aperture for transferring an image to photographic print paper.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly properly positions selected film frames at a film gate aperture of a photographic printer. The ratchet assembly includes a ratchet wheel rotatably attached to a base having a plurality of ratchet teeth. Each tooth has a rotation-prevention edge and a ramped edge with the ramped edge being inclined toward the rotation-prevention edge of an adjacent tooth. A positioning pawl is pivotally attached to the base proximate a first end and has a head portion proximate a second end. The head portion has a first edge adapted to slidably engage the ramped edge of the ratchet wheel. The head portion of the positioning pawl is biased against the ratchet wheel such that if the ratchet wheel is indexed too far and does not properly position the selected film frame at the print gate aperture, the head portion forces the ratchet wheel to move back by slidably engaging the ramped surface of the ratchet wheel until an alignment pawl engages a notch located on the periphery of the disc film unit.

Abstract: In a photographic printer, photographic print paper is transported from the print paper supply to a print mask location. The print paper is guided by an interchangeable guide spool to ensure proper centering at the print mask location. The guide spool, being preset for a particular print paper width, automatically centers the print paper when mounted on a spindle so as to abut against a permanently positioned flange. The guide spool includes an inner sleeve that abuts against the permanently positioned flange, an outer sleeve coaxially rotating around the outer surface of the inner sleeve and having an outer surface that engages the photographic print paper, and guides attached proximate both ends of the outer sleeve for guiding the print paper on the outer surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A paper feed system for a photographic printer which includes a motor driven takeup spool which pulls paper from a supply reel across a paper deck to the takeup spool. An encoder is turned by the paper, and provides encoder pulses which indicate incremental rotation of the encoder, and thus incremental movement of the paper. Prior to each paper feed cycle, a slow-down count is subtracted from a total feed length count to provide a high speed count. The motor is initially operated at high speed until the encoder has produced pulses equal to the high speed count. The motor is then switched to the low speed for the remaining portion of the paper feed corresponding to the slow-down count. During each paper feed cycle, the encoder pulses during the high speed portion of the paper feed are monitored to provide an indication of the average velocity of the paper during the high speed feed. The slow-down count for each paper feed cycle is a function of the average velocity from the previous paper feed cycle.

Abstract: A paper mask produces even width borders on bordered photographic prints even if the unexposed photographic print paper is misaligned, angularly mistracking, or wandering in alignment through roll feeding, or if the width of the paper varies. The paper mask apparatus includes a base which is mounted on the paper deck of the printer and front and rear guides which are movably mounted to the base and have masking lips which overhang the longitudinal edges of the print paper. The front and rear guides are generally parallel to one another and are urged toward one another by bias springs. A separate masking frame of the desired print size is mounted to one of the two guides and moves with that guide to define transverse masking edges.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes a splice detector for detecting the presence of a splice in a photographic paper web. The splice detector is positioned upstream of the printing aperture of the printer, and provides a signal indicative of the presence of a paper splice prior to the time that the splice reaches the printing aperture. Following detection of the splice, the paper feed control of the printer advances the web a number of additional feeds sufficient to advance the splice past the printing aperture. As a result, recording of a photographic image on the portion of the print paper web containing the splice is avoided.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a punch marking module for placing cut and end-of-order marks on the photographic paper. A quick connect/disconnect mounting assembly automatically centers the punch marking module properly with respect to a paper mask. The quick mounting assembly includes a pair of detent bars and registration pins on a mounting base attached to the paper mask. A rigid member and a pair of plate holders form the bottom of the punch marking module. A plurality of ball plungers engage a plurality of recesses in the detent bars and the end plate holders engage side edges of the mounting base. The ball plungers apply a force to the rigid member holding it against the registration pins in an engaging relationship.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a punch marking system for placing cut and end-of-order marks on the photographic paper. The punch marking mechanism is adjustable to accommodate different widths of print paper. The punch marking mechanism includes guide rods which are positioned transverse to the path of the print paper. First and second carriage assemblies are movable along the guide path defined by the guide rods on opposite sides of the center line of the paper path. A lead screw moves both the first and second carriage assemblies along the guide path in an essentially symmetrical manner about the center line of the paper path. Interchangeable inserts of different widths may be inserted between the carriages to define a spacing between the first and second carriages for a desired paper width. The punches or other marking devices are carried on the first and second carriage assemblies.