Abstract: A method and apparatus for relieving thermal stress on the flexures of an accelerometer, particularly a quartz accelerometer, caused by the difference in the coefficient of expansion of a bonding adhesive or a sealant placed over a bonding pad to protect or attach the ends of the torque coil and the coefficient of expansion of the quartz. The strain is relieved by supporting the bonding pads on flexible attachments to prevent thermal stress from being transferred into the pendulum and flexures.

Abstract: An accelerometer that includes a proof mass assembly comprising a paddle flexurally mounted to a support, a sensing circuit for detecting movement of the paddle, and a force rebalance system. The sensing circuit includes a capacitor plate positioned on a surface of the paddle. The proof mass assembly is clamped between upper and lower mounting pieces positioned on opposite sides of the proof mass assembly from one another. One or more fasteners extend between the upper and lower mounting pieces through the proof mass assembly. The support is shaped so as to form openings through which the fasteners pass, such that the support isolates each fastener from the paddle. This arrangement isolates the paddle from a source of contamination, provides for a more evenly distributed clamping force, and minimizes distortion of the mounting pieces. The fastener openings in the support may be shaped so as to limit movement of the paddle towards the flexures.

Abstract: An orbital cap selection and feeding device is disclosed having a disk rotating within a circular frame so that caps disposed on the disk tend to move by centrifugal force to the perimeter of the disk. Caps lying flat on the disk move into a collector chute, which blends into a guide chute that is adapted to retain and protect a procession of caps within the guide chute about 180 degrees to a discharge chute. Part way along the length of the guide chute is a primary cap selecting station having an optical sensor that senses the orientation of caps in the procession and generates a signal when an improperly oriented cap is encountered. The signal activates an ejection airjet downstream of the optical sensor to displace the improperly oriented cap from the guide chute and back into the interior of the rotating on disk.

Abstract: An orbital cap selection and feeding device is disclosed having a disk rotating within a circular frame so that caps disposed on the disk tend to move by centrifugal force to the perimeter of the disk. Caps lying flat on the disk move into a collector chute, which blends into a guide chute that is adapted to retain and protect a procession of caps within the guide chute about 180 degrees to a discharge chute. Part way along the length of the guide chute is a primary cap selecting station having an optical sensor that senses the orientation of caps in the procession and generates a signal when an improperly oriented cap is encountered. The signal activates an ejection airjet downstream of the optical sensor to displace the improperly oriented cap from the guide chute and back into the interior of the rotating disk.

Abstract: An orbital cap selection and feeding device is disclosed having a disk rotating within a circular frame so that caps disposed on the disk tend to move by centrifugal force to the perimeter of the disk. The frame includes structure defining a guide chute to retain a procession of caps lying flat within the guide chute and to keep caps at the interior of the rotating disk out of the chute. The guide chute carries the procession of caps about 180 degrees to a discharge chute. About midway along the length of the guide chute is an optical sensor that uses a reflected beam of light to sense the orientation of caps in the procession and generate an electrical signal when an improperly oriented cap is encountered. The signal is received by an ejection airjet downstream of the optical sensor which is actuated in response to the signal to displace the improperly oriented cap from the guide chute and back into the interior of the rotating disk.

Abstract: An arm and hand brace for persons afflicted with the neuro-muscular tremors of cerebral palsy; a bracing device framing the shoulders, upper arm, forearm and hand which, in application, damps and controls involuntary neuro-muscular spasms and permits the performance of controlled, willed actions of these members by cerebral palsy victims; an articulated frame comprised of a support, a train of linked arms, a sleeve clasping the hand, wrist and forearm, a series of double and single element joints and a piston-piston rod extension-retraction system, all for establishing and maintaining control of gross and fine arm and hand movements in the cerebral palsy patient.

Abstract: An arm and hand brace for persons afflicted with the neuro-muscular tremors of cerebral palsy; a bracing device framing the shoulders, upper arm, forearm and hand which, in application, damps and controls involuntary neuro-muscular spasms and permits the performance of controlled, willed actions of these members by cerebral palsy victims; an articulated frame comprised of a support, a train of linked arms, a sleeve clasping the hand, wrist and forearm and a series of double and single element joints for establishing and maintaining control of gross and fine arm and hand movements in the cerebral palsy patient.