Abstract: The retro-encoded guidance system guides a flying object in its flight tod its destination by measuring and correcting the angular displacement of its actual trajectory from the straight line-of-sight to the destination. A beam of infrared light emanating from a beacon on the flying object is received and angularly encoded by retro-encoder located at the launcher prior to being returned to the missile. The incident beam and returned beam travel on optical paths that are parallel to each other but opposite in direction. The angular encoding is achieved by a reticle of the retro-encoder imparting frequency modulation to the incident beam, the degree and phase of the modulation depending on the location on the reticle on which the beam is incident.

Abstract: An improved copper sheathed heating element for installation in appliances, such as electric kettles, includes a minor amount of a silicone water-proofing agent admixed with magnesium oxide filler agent prior to the element being annealed. Annealing of the element is carried out at a reduced annealing temperature over an extended duration in order to limit thermal degradation of the additive during the annealing process. The resulting element achieves sufficient ductility for purposes of formation as a kettle heating element, while the insulation value of the element over an extended shelf life is maintained without significant degradation. Preferably, the silicone agent comprises polydimethylsiloxane and is present in the range 0.1 to 0.15 percent by weight.

Abstract: An electric kettle having an unrestricted spout opening is provided with an electric heating element controlled by a thermostatic simmer control or boil cutout, the thermostatic element of which is located exteriorly of the kettle body above the top thereof and adjacent to the spout opening. A steam diverter scoop extends into the spout opening to intercept the uppermost portion of the live steam flowing toward the spout opening and diverts it into heating relation with the thermostatic element to provide rapid heating thereof upon commencement of active boiling in the kettle. The thermostatic element is housed within the forepart of the kettle handle, which also serves to conceal the wires connecting the thermostatic element to the heating element and other electrical components located in the bottom of the kettle. The diverter includes a shield portion in radiation shielding relation to the thermostatic element to limit radiation of heat to the element from the kettle body.

Abstract: A load cell for measuring forces applied thereto including an adjusting mechanism for off center load adjustment is disclosed. The load cell comprises a substantially parallelogram structure having a moving section on one side and a fixed section on the opposite side. Upper and lower strips extend between and connect the fixed and moving sections. Flexjoints are located at approximately the juncture of each of the strips and the sections, the flexjoints being adapted to flex in response to the force exerted thereon and facilitate transmission of the force to the transducer portion of the load cell. An adjusting mechanism for off center load adjustment is positioned on the load cell and includes both a vertical and horizontal adjusting mechanism that are adapted to alter the position of a first flexjoint adjacent to the adjusting mechanism relative to the position of a second flexjoint.

Abstract: A weighing device is disclosed which comprises a frame, a pan element for supporting a load to be weighed, a channel member connected to the pan for retaining a plurality of weight elements in a vertically movable manner, a motor supported within the frame, a shaft member operatively connected to and extending from the motor and a plurality of support members having top end portions adapted to receive and lift one of the weight elements. Two arms are secured to the shaft member and each extends in a direction toward the support members. A switch is provided for energizing the motor when the pan is depressed by a load. The motor turns the shaft member and guides each of the arms alternately into contact with successive support members in a step-by-step manner and thereby lift a corresponding number of the weights substantially equal to the weight of the load.

Abstract: A weighing device is disclosed which comprises a frame, a pan element for supporting a load to be weighed, a channel member connected to the pan for retaining a plurality of weight elements in a vertically movable manner, a motor supported within the frame, a shaft member operatively connected to and extending from the motor and a plurality of vertically movable support members having top end portions adapted to receive and lift one of the weight elements. Two arms are secured to the shaft member and each extends in a direction toward the support members. In one embodiment of the present invention, each support member includes a cam track therein and each of the arms include a cam follower adapted to ride in the cam track. In another embodiment, each support member includes a cam follower extending therefrom and each of the arms include a cam track adapted to receive the cam follower such that the follower can ride in the cam track.

Abstract: A weighing device is disclosed which comprises a frame, a pan element for supporting a load to be weighed, channel members connected to the pan for retaining a plurality of weight elements in a vertically movable manner, a motor supported within the frame, a shaft member operatively connected to and extending from the motor and a plurality of support members each adapted to receive and lift one of the weight elements. Included are circular concentric cam tracks rotating with the shaft member, each of the tracks being positioned under a plurality of the support members. A switch is provided for energizing the motor when the pan is depressed by a load. The motor turns the shaft member and guides the concentric cam tracks alternately into contact with successive support members in a step-by-step manner and thereby lift a corresponding number of the weights substantially equal to the weight of the load.