Abstract: A universal joint suspension element has four torsion arms, extending from a central location, forming a substantially planar member. Clamping means with a plurality of grooves fasten the member. The grooves are patterned such that the torsion arms are secured therein, with the grooves flared near the periphery of the clamping means.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a tilt back mechanism for resiliently controlling the rearward motion of a chair. More particularly, the subject mechanism includes a planar yoke having upstanding braces formed on the side edges thereof. A rocker plate is received between the braces of the yoke and is pivotally connected thereto enabling the rocker plate to tilt relative to the yoke. A longitudinally extending torsion bar is provided with the front end thereof being fixably mounted adjacent the front end of the rocker plate. The rear end of the torsion bar is supported for rotational movement adjacent the rear end of the rocker plate. A lever arm is fixably connected to the rear end of the torsion bar and extends to one side edge of the yoke in an abutting relationship with a stop member.

Abstract: A pivotal adjustment mechanism is disclosed for connection to two mutually movable members. More particularly, an adjustment mechanism is disclosed providing torsionally restricted motion in all axes. The composite structure includes a plurality of tubes and torsion bar components interconnected to transmit forces between the movable members. The torsional forces are transmitted through a circuitous path for maximizing restraint in a device of compact size.

Abstract: An optical scanner for light detection and color ratiometric measuring for use in apparatus to sort small particles such as seed and beans which are projected or propelled through the scanner at relatively high speeds to be scanned on all sides by a narrow light plane and viewed by a plurality of photoelectric devices. Several lamps are used in conjunction with cylindrical lenses to produce a substantially uniform collimated light plane perpendicular to the path of the particles. The lamps and lenses are interspersed with the photoelectric devices such that light reflected from the portion of the particle being scanned is detected by the photoelectric devices which are responsive to selected wavelengths and which responses are separately fed to an external electronic circuit for processing according to spectral responses such that said responses can be measured individually or compared with each other to determine certain color characteristics of the particle being scanned.

Abstract: A control apparatus for processing the electrical signals generated by an optical ratiometric color sorting scanner, said apparatus generating signals to cause the rejection of articles which differ in color and/or size from predetermined limits. In the scanner, two electrical signals are generated which are responsive to two different spectral regions or pass bands of the radiant energy reflected by the product being sorted. These signals are superimposed on a slowly varying signal responsive to the standing background light. The control circuitry processes the signals to delete the standing light signal and spurious noise signals and determines if the ratio between the signals is greater than or less than a predetermined value, or alternatively, determines when the ratio between the signals is not within a predetermined acceptable range and generates a delayed reject signal thereafter. Other circuits provide signals to a meter for displaying the present reject rate and particle feed rate.

Abstract: A feed wheel for use in sorting apparatus for feeding beans or other similar articles to be sorted in single file into a viewing head in which the objects are optically examined to detect those of undesirable quality or characteristics. This feed wheel is provided with two disc members that are supported in spaced relation by a hub that may be readily disassembled. Peripheral portions of the disc members are provided with inwardly projecting flanges for gripping and supporting a plurality of small scoops extending around the circumference of the disc members. A plurality of locking devices are provided to the disc members for holding the disc members clamped against the scoops so that said scoops can be removed and replaced only when the locking members are disengaged.