Abstract: A fermentation process for the production of ethanol from natural sources, such as corn, comprising introducing a fermentable sugar, an inoculant, and a stabilized chlorine dioxide into a fermentation system is disclosed. The stabilized chlorine dioxide is added preventatively to the fermentation system, at concentrations in the fermentation system of acetic acid no greater than 0.30% (weight/volume) and lactic acid no greater than 0.60% (weight/volume). The stabilized chlorine dioxide is added in an amount effective to substantially prevent growth of bacteria.

Abstract: A fermentation process for the production of ethanol from natural sources, such as corn, comprising introducing a fermentable sugar, an inoculant, and a stabilized chlorine dioxide into a fermentation system is disclosed. The stabilized chlorine dioxide is added preventatively to the fermentation system, at concentrations in the fermentation system of acetic acid no greater than 0.30% (weight/volume) and lactic acid no greater than 0.60% (weight/volume). The stabilized chlorine dioxide is added in an amount effective to substantially prevent growth of bacteria.

Abstract: A fermentation process for the production of ethanol from natural sources, such as corn, comprising introducing a fermentable sugar, an inoculant, and a stabilized chlorine dioxide into a fermentation system is disclosed. The stabilized chlorine dioxide is added preventatively to the fermentation system, at concentrations in the fermentation system of acetic acid no greater than 0.30% (weight/volume) and lactic acid no greater than 0.60% (weight/volume). The stabilized chlorine dioxide is added in an amount effective to substantially prevent growth of bacteria.

Abstract: A robotic hand is provided with an array of movable spring loaded fingers and an assembly opposed to the fingers. An object to be grasped by the hand is pushed by the assembly toward and into contact with the fingers. An electrical signal is produced when each finger is contacted by the object. The time intervals between various finger contacts are measured and used to calculate the distance that the object moved during those intervals. These distances provide information about the shape of the object which can be used to differentiate between objects of various shapes.

Abstract: A device for sorting cylindrical work pieces having an axial flat comprising a vibrating track for transporting the pieces and a gate mounted over and across the track. The gate has an inverted V-shaped cut-out on its lower edge. The height of the cut-out allows the pieces resting on their axial flat to go through the gate and to stop the ones resting on part of their periphery other than the flat. The invention is particularly useful for sorting video and audio styli.

Abstract: A chuck is shown for holding a stylus during manufacturing of the stylus. The invention includes a method of aligning the chuck and apparatus therefor. The chuck comprises a body and a stylus holder both of which are held separately in mutual alignment in the alignment apparatus. Epoxy is injected into a cavity of the body and the stylus holder inserted into the cavity while maintaining this mutual alignment. The epoxy, being somewhat displaced by the stylus holder, flows about the outer surface of the stylus holder completely filling the space between the two parts. When the epoxy cures, the finished chuck is removed from the alignment apparatus.

Abstract: As an empty caddy is inserted into a video disc player to retrieve a record retained inside the player, it engages and drives back a pickup carriage to its starting position at the rear of the player. As this happens, a coil spring, connected to the carriage, is stretched such that it urges the carriage to move toward the front of the player. During playback, a timing mechanism coupled to the carriage controls the rate of travel by means of an escapement of the carriage under the influence of the coil spring.

Abstract: A stylus is attached to one end of a stylus holder which is mounted on a trunnion and adapted to rotate about a first axis. Attached to the trunnion is means for pivoting the trunnion about a second axis transverse to the first axis, in order to position the tip of the stylus adjacent a surface of a rotating scaife. A stream of fluid is directed against a vane attached to the stylus holder in a manner such that the fluid causes the holder to rotate about the trunnion, thereby changing the rotational position of the stylus without significantly altering the force of the stylus against the scaife.

Abstract: To facilitate the adjustment of both the location of the tape path over the surface of a scanner and the attitude of the tape relative to that surface in a record and/or replay system, a tape guide is arranged to provide for such adjustments to be made in a common direction that is substantially parallel to the plane of the tape.

Abstract: Within a web transport system of the type wherein the web travels between storage reels and a tachometer having a roller is disposed toward one end of the web path, a second roller is disposed towards the other end of the web path for cooperating with the tachometer to overcome the effects caused by the web tension differential on the tachometer roller when the web moves in opposite directions.

Abstract: A metal phase shifter case construction involves connecting two channel-shaped pieces of aluminum, one on each side of a ferrite toroid, and then spraying standard metal spray onto the toroid to electrically join the two channels together.