Abstract: The pressure atop a fluid filled flexible column, with the top end in a fixed position, is electronically measured and the result is utilized to indicate the vertical distance between points of interest. Associated electronics plus a suitable display, indicates the vertical distance between the points. As the lower end of the flexible fluid column is moved, the display continuously indicates the vertical distance relative to a reference point. The points of interest (one being a reference point) are measured by placing the opposite end of the flexible column on those points. As applied to a backhoe or excavator, the fluid filled flexible column is adhered to the boom and stick (major moving members of the equipment) and thereby furnishes the equipment operator the vertical position of the bucket (cutting edge of the equipment) compared to an established reference. The system continuously displays the relative vertical position of the bucket without the operator having to actuate any switch or valve.

Abstract: A movable frame is supported by a counter balancing winch or a robot and carries a horizontally movable shuttle on which is mounted a motor driven drill spindle and a parallel spaced anvil both movable in a vertical direction by corresponding fluid cylinders. A clamping bushing is supported by the frame for receiving a drill bit carried by the drill spindle and then receiving a rivet carried by spring fingers on the anvil. A J-shaped or C-shaped slide member is supported by the frame for vertical movement and carries a ram which opposes the anvil when in the clamping bushing. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted on the frame and has a downwardly projecting piston rod connected to the slide member, and a clamping tool is supported adjacent the ram by a fluid cylinder within the slide member.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a device or element or the like to a work piece such as a panel or the like. Support structure supports a carriage which carries drill mechanism, liquid applicator mechanism, and rivet injector mechanism. The support structure also supports swage mechanism. A work piece is clamped in a given desired position, and the carriage sequentially moves the mechanism to drill, apply liquid, and to inject rivets through a predetermined portion of the work piece. An element or device is applied to the work piece so that the rivets extend through the device as well as through the work piece. Then swage mechanism swages the rivets to attach the device to the work piece.

Abstract: A tuned radio frequency amplifier includes signal amplification means having an input and an output and first and second pairs of varactor diodes, each pair having an inductor connected across the anodes and a common tuning voltage supplied to the common cathode. The inductor of the first varactor diode pair provides an input for a signal from an antenna; and the inductor across the second varactor diode pair provides an output for the amplified signal. Means are provided for connecting the input of the signal amplification means to the common cathode of the first varactor diode pair and the output of the signal amplification means to the common cathode of the second varactor diode pair, whereby the range of tuning voltage required for a specified range of tuned frequencies is smaller than if the input and output of the signal amplification means were connected across the anodes of the varactor diode pairs.

Abstract: A stereo noise reduction circuit is disclosed having circuitry responsive to the automatic gain control voltage generated within an FM stereo receiver for reducing the noise associated with low levels of the RF carrier. A first portion of the noise reduction circuit provides for out-of-phase noise cancellation when the automatic gain control voltage reaches a first level and a second portion provides for rolling-off the higher frequencies of the output audio signals when the automatic gain control voltage reaches a second level.

Abstract: A voltage variable capacitor tuned radio receiver having a circuit which delays operation of a portion of the radio receiver circuit which includes the automatic frequency control circuit after the radio receiver is first energized until the filter capacitor at the output of the tuning voltage generator has charged to a selected tuning voltage to prevent the automatic frequency control circuit from locking the radio receiver onto an undesired RF carrier frequency.