Abstract: An improved induction motor control system. Single-phase and three-phase AC induction motors are controlled in accordance with the equation y=m=x+b, where y is the phase angle, m is the slop, x is the firing delay and b is the offset. Subsequently, the firing delay is increased by predetermined amounts, the behavior of the phase angle is evaluated for several cycles, and the motor is controlled based on the results of the evaluation, thereby minimizing energy consumption.

Abstract: A container and dispenser of coins for toll booths comprising an enclosed rectangular box preferably made of resilient plastic having a left half and right half, wherein a plurality of pockets in the left half open to the top and extend to a floor at the bottom of the left half, and wherein a plurality of pockets in the right half open to the bottom and extend to a floor at the top of the right half. The pockets are formed by spaced apart walls leaving enough room in each pocket to provide the exact change for a specified series of toll booths. A slidable cover is provided on the top and bottom of the container to initially close all of the pockets.

Abstract: An optical system and method for image sampling in a video projection system is provided. A beam of illumination light is passed through a first beam-splitting polarizer to provide a first beam of a first polarization state and a second beam of a second polarization state. The first beam is passed through a second beam-splitting polarizer which is oriented at 90.degree. with respect to the first prism. The light from the second prism is then provided to a modulation device which produces a polarization modulated image in reflected outgoing light. The reflected outgoing light is passed through the second prism such that a first portion is directed to an image display screen and a second portion, which contains an image sample, is directed toward the first prism. The image sample is reflected by the first prism and provided to an image detector which detects characteristics of the sample. The detected characeristics are utilized to control the outgoing light.

Abstract: An octagonal carton formed from an integral prescored blank having a bottom wall with at least three side walls attached thereto. An opposite pair of the side walls include diagonal corner wall structures which are foldable with the side walls to form diagonal corner walls. The lid is attached to the third wall and is foldable over the two opposite side walls and secured to a fourth side wall attached to the bottom wall or secured by a wall on the lid edge to the bottom wall to form the fourth side wall. The lid and fourth wall structures include various securing structures to secure the carton when erected.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the manual erection and loading of a partially assembled paperboard carton blank. The machine includes a work table on which the carton blank is manipulated selectively to open the blank and close the bottom thereof by utilizing a vacuum system for selectively restraining major flaps forming the bottom wall of the carton. The opened carton blank remains immobilized on the work table for loading through the open upper end thereof. The major and minor flaps at said upper end then can be folded manually to close the loaded carton, after which the vacuum system can be deactivated to permit sliding of the loaded carton into a takeaway apparatus which can be a taping or sealing device or a conveyor for transporting the loaded carton to a remote work station, such as, for sealing. The table top may be pivotal.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for a detergent (13) is disclosed. A housing (10) defining an inner cavity (12) holds the detergent (13). The cavity (12) has a circular opening. An insert (14) of a substance not chemically compatible with the detergent (13) is retained in the opening of the inner cavity (12). The insert (14) is retained by retaining ring (20) and a cover (26). In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring (20) defines an inner aperture (21a) and has a plurality of generally upwardly extending resilient fingers (24) cooperatively connected to the retaining ring (20) proximate the inner aperture (21b). A cover (26) is cooperatively connected to and secured by the fingers (24), wherein said insert (14) is placed over said fingers (24) and said cover (26) over said insert (14), whereby said fingers (24) and said cover (26) control the dissolving of the insert (14 ) by controlling the surface area of the insert (14) exposed to the detergent solution.

Abstract: A bowling lane cleaning apparatus serving as a lane duster, including a rigid frame having a transversely disposed spacer bar with a foam padded bar disposed beneath the spacer bar. The padded bar works in conjunction with cloth roller bars to provide adequate wide area exposure of cloth fabric to the bowling lane surface.

Abstract: A cover plate for an electrical receptacle outlet contains electrical circuits with flexible fingers which extend adjacent to the receptacle contacts such that the cover plate circuits are connected to the receptacle circuits by the prongs of a plug whenever a plug is inserted into the receptacle. The opposite end of the plate circuits extend into two cavities within the plate each of which can hold a matching module. Each module has flexible electrical contacts which press against each of the plate electrical circuits extensions to provide a connection from the receptacle circuit to the modules. The outer face of the cover plate adjacent to one of the modules has an opening to provide a path for either light or acoustic energy. The modules can contain any desired electrical circuits which can provide such functions as circuit protecting elements, pilot lights, alarm systems and detector systems as desired with no external wiring required.

Abstract: A video inspection system comprising a TV camera for producing a digital video image of a subject, an interface, having a direct memory access channel, for structuring the digital data, a high speed random access memory for storing the digital data, a bus oriented processor for performing high speed processing of the digital data in the memory, a digital computer for controlling the operation of the system and an operator terminal for communicating with the system.

Abstract: Autocorrelation traces of laser pulses of short duration are produced by a method and apparatus that uses a rotating glass block to vary the path length on a time scale rapid enough to display the traces on a synchronized oscilloscope. Both paths of a split input beam of a laser pulse pass through the glass block. Rotation of the glass block changes the relative time of travel for light pulses along the two paths. The paths of the two beam arms pass through the block from different directions at a relative angle chosen so that the relative travel time difference is nearly linearly related to the angular position of the block during its rotation.Autocorrelation with rapid scanning through rotation of the block enables measurement of repetitive laser light pulses of very short duration, down to the order of one picosecond.

Abstract: A digital self-calibrating power factor controller for an AC induction motor. During start-up a first number corresponding to the actual phase angle between motor voltage and current is determined and compared with a second number corresponding to a desired delay in energizing the motor. The second number is varied until both numbers are approximately equal. A third number corresponding to a desired phase angle is determined and stored and the system switches from start-up to run. The first number corresponding to the actual phase angle is now compared with the third number corresponding to the desired phase angle. The second number corresponding to a desired delay is now varied with motor load so as to keep the actual phase angle equal to the desired phase angle.

Abstract: Apparatus for clipping excessive voltage transients in an alternating current power distribution system to protect the electrical system and attached electrical equipment from damage or failure due to said excessive high voltage transients and surges. Varistors are connected from each electrical phase to grounded conductor, referred to as neutral hereafter and also from neutral to ground to provide an additional fail-safe feature. This electrical circuit is contained within a cylindrically shaped hollow enclosure made of a high impact, polypropolene plastic. A plastic potting compound seals all the voids within the enclosure for additional electrical insulation. One end of the cylindrical enclosure terminates in a cap using rounded threads made of the same material as the cylinder which provides access for the circuit. The rounded threads provide protection against overtightening the cap.

Abstract: A video inspection system comprising a TV camera for producing a digital video image of a subject, an interface, having a direct memory access channel, for structuring the digital data, a high speed random access memory for storing the digital data, a bus oriented processor for performing high speed processing of the digital data in the memory, a digital computer for controlling the operation of the system and an operator terminal for communicating with the system.

Abstract: A packaging machine of the type for receiving a one-piece corrugated board blank having a product or lading positioned thereon to be drawn into the machine and folded around the lading to form a completed carton which is discharged into a compression section of the machine. A plurality of vertically arranged rollers are disposed on opposite sides of the compression section to engage the side walls of the cartons while they are present in and move through the compression section. Each roller is provided with a cylindrical body over which is fitted a soft, compressible elastic sleeve of yieldable material preferably formed of foam rubber or synthetic plastic. The yieldable sleeve enables deformation thereof as a carton is pressed against each roller in the compression section to achieve a planar surface-to-surface interface or contact between each roller and the respective carton side walls as distinguished from a line-to-line surface interface where a roller is not formed of a yieldable material.