Abstract: A monolithically integrated wideband laser which is rapidly tunable over a wide optical frequency range comprises two series connected frequency routers of different resolutions formed in a semiconductive wafer defining a tuned cavity. A control circuit applies electrical energy to predetermined controllably transmissive waveguides connecting the frequency routing devices with reflective elements defined in the wafer. This tunes the laser to a desired one of a plurality of optical frequencies. Application of such electrical energy creates frequency selective pathways through the wafer able to support up to hundreds of selected lasing frequencies across the entire bandwidth of a semiconductive medium. This laser is economical to construct and is useful in high capacity, high speed optical communications networks.

Abstract: A variable optical delay line which can delay an optical signal by a selected interval of time comprises an input wavelength router connected to an output wavelength router by means of optical waveguides of different lengths. A wavelength shifter coupled to the input of the input wavelength router shifts the wavelength of the received signal to a desired wavelength. Depending on the wavelength of the signal from the wavelength shifter, the received signal is directed to a specific one of the waveguides of different lengths to provide a delay which is controllable. The output wavelength router directs the optical signals from the various waveguides of different lengths to a common output waveguide.

Abstract: A monolithically integrated optical filter which is rapidly tunable over a wide optical frequency range comprises an input frequency router connected to an output frequency router by means of controllably transmissive waveguides. A control circuit applies electrical energy to predetermined controllably transmissive waveguides to tune the optical filter to a desired one or more of a plurality of multiplexed input optical frequencies. This filter is economical to construct and is useful in high capacity, high speed optical communications networks.

Abstract: An articulating ergonomic support apparatus is disclosed for supporting an individual's forearm, wrist, and palm of the hand while performing repetitive tasks such as operating the keyboard of a computer. The apparatus can be adapted to a variety of mounting devices depending on the particular work-place environment, but preferably it is adapted to an articulating arm assembly which permits the user to freely adjust the apparatus for position, height, and horizontal and vertical tilt. The forearm rest portion of the apparatus supports the user's arm in a feeder tray, while the hand rest portion supports the palm and wrist of the hand with a cylindrical rest which rotates about an axis between extending through the ends of the cylindrical rest, the axis being offset in relation to the axis extending through the center of the cylindrical rest.

Abstract: A vascular clamp for temporary occlusion in the infrarenal region of the abdominal aorta during performance of surgery associated with abdominal aneurysms. Pivoted handles are operatively connected to respective one ends of relatively slidable elongate members, and parallel jaws laterally extend from the other ends. Manipulating the handles in scissors-like motion causes the jaws to translate between open and close positions. A ratchet-and-tooth arrangement interengages the handles as the jaws close.

Abstract: A gas generator having a reservoir from which liquid is fed to a gas generating chamber in selective feeding arrangements. In one method the liquid is poured into the reservoir for feeding at a decreasing pressure head. In a second selective feeding method a bottle of supply liquid is inverted in the reservoir for feeding at a generally uniform pressure head. In another method liquid is first placed in the reservoir and the inverted bottle is partially submerged in the liquid for initial feeding at a decreasing pressure head during depletion of the liquid in the reservoir between the bottle and the walls of the reservoir, followed by feeding at a generally uniform pressure head during depletion of liquid from within the bottle.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the grounding characteristics of both an electrically dissipative work surface and a conductive wrist strap having a grounding tether. The device includes a mat monitor and a strap monitor. The mat monitor checks the resistance of the mat ground path and alerts the user if this resistance exceeds a predetermined resistance. The strap monitor checks the resistance of the wrist strap and tether ground path, and employs a timer to send electrical pulses to the wrist strap rather than having a constant voltage output to the strap. The strap monitor establishes a resistance window for the strap ground path, and alerts the user if the strap ground path resistance falls outside of the resistance window.

Abstract: A monitor for detecting miswiring in standard 3-spade AC electrical outlets. The monitor includes a housing, prongs for insertion into the outlet to be tested, outlet ports for an external plug, and a banana jack for a wrist strap or other anti-static device. If the outlet is properly wired, a lamp will illuminate. If, however, the outlet is miswired, one of two silicon controlled rectifiers will shunt current around the lamp, extinguishing it, indicating to the user the presence of a faulty outlet. A junction field effect transistor is also provided to activate one of the silicon controlled rectifiers when one particular miswiring condition is present.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating air ions. Nuclear air ionizers are utilized which generate a multiplicity of ions of both positive and negative polarity by the bombardment of air molecules with radiation. An electric field is supplied in proximity to the nuclear air ionizers for generating an electrical field of alternating polarity near the source of generation of the multiplicity of ions. This combination creates waves of ions of opposite polarity which assist in moving the air ions away from the ionization source and preventing early recombination. An air ionization system for entire room or enclosure may be constructed utilizing a grid of a plurality of spaced apparatus as described above. Optionally, an air stream may be utilized to assist in moving the air ions created to a target surface.

Abstract: A dropout file storage drawer is slidably mounted on a bearing track assembly and includes a forwardly positioned cam and follower arrangement which permits the drawer to slope slightly downwardly while it is being pulled out of its associated cabinet. The slope angle continually increases as the drawer is pulled farther out of the cabinet, while a rearwardly positioned stop limits the distance of drawer removal. If desired, the drawer can be moved over the stop so as to permit the drawer to be turned downwardly to a substantially vertical angle while still being attached to the bearing track assembly.

Abstract: A photoconductive assembly comprising a conductive substrate, a photoconductive layer and a topcoat comprised of a cured film-forming silicone polymer. The topcoat has a thickness of between 5 and 300 nm and a melting point above 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A device for detecting leaks of cryogenic materials from a structure, said device comprising a heat-conductive element which can be brought into contact with the cryogenic material-containing structure, and a shape memory effect element capable of effecting a displacement according to the cryogenic temperature to which the element is subjected.

Abstract: A tobacco combine comprising a frame operable to be moved along a row of tobacco plants in a tobacco field, a pair of cooperating power driven mechanical tobacco defoliating units mounted on the frame for (1) movement therewith along the row of tobacco plants on opposite sides of a predetermined vertical extent of the stalks of the tobacco plants for removing tobacco leaves attached to the portion of the stalks within the predetermined vertical extent and (2) vertical movements with respect to the frame within (a) an operative range for varying the predetermined vertical extent of the stalks and (b) above the operating range for clearance purposes, a power driven longitudinal conveyor assembly disposed laterally outwardly from each defoliating unit for receiving leaves directed laterally thereby and moving the same rearwardly, a manually adjustable strut assembly for supporting the forward end of each longitudinal conveyor from the frame against a downward movement below a selected position of adjustment but

Abstract: A tea harvester in the form of a wheeled vehicle adapted to straddle at least one row of plants carries therebeneath a horizontal transverse cutter bar in position to clip the tops of the plants in a row. Blower and manifold means are carried by the vehicle for emitting a horizontally-elongated vertically narrow stream of air rearwardly and downwardly across the cutter bar for blowing clippings rearwardly off the bar into the mouth of a conveyor means. The undersurface of the manifold means and its airstream-defining outlet are spaced above and forwardly of the bar to enable the tops of the plants to stand upright in the path of the airstream while being clipped. The conveyor means extends upwardly and rearwardly to convey the clippings to a collecting receptacle. The cutter bar, the blower and manifold means, and the conveyor means are all mounted to vehicle for vertical adjustment to adjust the above-ground cutting height of the cutter bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for bulk curing tobacco comprising a barn having a heat exchanger therein defining interior flow paths for heated water and exterior heat exchange surfaces disposed within the curing air flow path within the barn, hot water storage tank unit, a power operated pump for circulating hot water between the hot water storage tank unit and the heat exchanger, a hot water heating unit and a power driven pump for continuously circulating water between the hot water heating unit and the hot water storage unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for priming tobacco plants having stalks and leaves extending outwardly therefrom comprising a pair of intermeshing defoliating units each of which includes a plurality of elongated members having sharp upper cutting edges extending generally in directions both longitudinal and transverse with respect to the row of plants. The units are driven such that the elongated members are moved through an orbital translational cycle in a direction such that the cutting edges of each elongated member will be moved inwardly toward the stalks, upwardly to sever the leaves from the stalks and then outwardly to carry the severed leaves away from the stalks.

Abstract: Tobacco handling apparatus that receives tobacco from a source, such as a trailer, and elevates it by a conveyor to a discharge end from which it is discharged in a flow path having a substantial maximum horizontal extent disposed above a container that has an elongated horizontal extent aligned with and underneath the flow path for receipt of the tobacco leaves in condition for subsequent curing. An oscillatable or reciprocable baffle, or a variable speed conveyor or feed roll is included for varying the horizontal extent of the flow path within the maximum extent in a generally uniform manner to cause the leaves to be distributed substantially uniformly along the elongated extent of the container.

Abstract: A tobacco supporting tine structure comprising an elongated rod bent to define a relatively long longitudinally extending leg portion having a free end thereof shaped to facilitate a piercing movement thereof through a bulk mass of tobacco leaves, a bight portion extending transversely from the other end of the leg portion, a relatively short parallel section extending from the opposite end of the bight portion from which the leg portion extends in the same direction as the latter, a locking section extending transversely from the short parallel sections in a direction toward and at an angle of approximately 45.degree. with respect to the leg portion and a relatively long leg section extending longitudinally from the locking section in generally coextensive parallel relation to the leg portion and having a free end shaped to facilitate a piercing movement thereof through a bulk mass of tobacco leaves.

Abstract: Tobacco handling apparatus that receives tobacco from a source, such as a trailer, and elevates it by a conveyor to a discharge end from which it is discharged in a flow path having a substantial maximum horizontal extent disposed above a container that has a longitudinal horizontal extent aligned with and underneath the flow path for receipt of the tobacco leaves therefrom in condition for subsequent curing. A leaf distributing mechanism is included for varying the horizontal extent of the flow path within the maximum extent in a generally uniform manner to cause the leaves to be distributed substantially uniformly along the longitudinal extent of the container. The container is preferably a large size bulk curing container and the leaf distributing mechanism is preferably a plurality of deflectors which are oscillated laterally in conjunction with a longitudinal reciprocating movement. The leaves can be handled after harvesting at the barn or while harvesting takes place in the field.

Abstract: A tobacco bulk curing barn construction including a furnace section and a plurality of portable barn sections each having imperforate side walls and top wall that form substantially complete exterior walls and roof of an integral transverse section of a composite curing part of the barn construction. Flanges and sealing gaskets are provided along edges of each section to provide sealing engagement of adjacent sections in a series row formation. A screen is secured across one end of the barn section to define with the side walls a full section open curing space for receiving tobacco filled in bulk therein when the section is disposed flat on the screened end. A pair of open frames is mounted between the side walls for movement from open positions after an initial amount of tobacco has been filled into position on top of the leaves to limit the amount of compression which can subsequently be applied to the initial tobacco by virture of the subsequent full loading of leaves into the curing space.