Abstract: An athermalized beam source and collimator assembly includes a collimator lens spaced from a novel circular foldback flexure plate by a lens barrel. The circular foldback flexure plate incorporates a circular foldback flexure adjacent the beam source mount to isolate the beam source from the ambient environment and to athermalize the assembly. The beam source mount and circular foldback flexure plate are composed of a material that is identical in composition and CTE as the portion of the beam source that is attached to the beam source mount. The temperature of the beam source may then be maintained by a thermal element mounted to the back surface of the flexure plate, without the occurrence of mechanical strain at the interface between the beam source and beam source mount.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing athermalized collimation of a light beam source by a light beam collimator includes beam source support for fixing the beam source at a predetermined position thereon and for thereby defining a light beam optical axis; collimator support for aligning the collimator at a beam collimator position on the optical axis; and thermal compensator operatively connected between the beam source support and the collimator support. The thermal compensator is operable to selectively displace the collimator along the optical axis and thereby displace the collimator. In a particular feature of the invention, the thermal compensator comprises a composite laminate construction of fiber strands, wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion .alpha. of the thermal compensator is determined by the alignment of the fiber strands.

Abstract: A load cell incorporates two identical sensing beams equipped with resistance-type strain gauges. The beam geometry is such that a large constant shear strain is developed at the strain gauge locations. Two different strain gauge arrangements are used to provide linear response to axially applied forces while rendering the transducer insensitive to extraneous forces and couples. The geometry allows a fully redundant set of gauges to be placed on the beams for high reliability applications. Bridge balance and temperature compensation are accomplished by optimizing the direct deposited thin film gauge material which are then laser trimmed.

Abstract: A force sensor monitors mutually orthogonal forces during a cutting process. A stationary cutting blade is configured to measure the shearing and perpendicular tearing forces directly during the cutting of web or sheet materials such as film. The blade is designed such that the two forces are decoupled by virtue of the internal relief geometry, and placement of electrical resistance strain gauges which are employed as the sensing elements.

Abstract: An optical assembly comprises a light beam source, a collimating lens, and a passive thermally-compensated structure. Concentric rings of dissimilar material are supported by a baseplate and arranged to support a flexure plate at a predetermined distance above the baseplate. The collimating lens is mounted on the flexure plate. A difference in the thermal coefficient of expansion of the rings is chosen so that the flexure plate moves to compensate for thermal shifts in system focal length, while maintaining radial and angular alignment of the lens relative to the laser diode source, so as to provide controlled axial movement of the collimating lens.

Abstract: A method of producing a high opacifying kaolin pigment by separating from one or more iron-stained titania-containing crude kaolins having a titania content of from about 1 to 2 weight percent, one or more titania-enriched kaolin fractions which contain the titania in an amount of above 2 weight percent; subjecting the fraction(s) to media grinding; dewatering and drying the media ground fraction(s); blending the fraction(s) with a fine particle size unground kaolin having a titania content less than 2%, in proportions to provide a calciner feed having at least 2% titania; and calcining the feed at a temperature in the range of 1500.degree. to 2200.degree. F.

Abstract: The shrinker comprises a soft, pliable, sock-like receptacle for the stump having a closed toe and an open upper end. Initially flat, opposite sides of the shrinkere are joined along their longitudinal extremities without seams due to the one-piece, knitted construction of the shrinker. By knitting the shrinker on flatbed knitting machines, a tapered configuration without seams can be achieved through the technique of adding more knitting needles to progressively widen the shrinker as the knitting process is carried out after beginning at the toe. The lack of seams at the toe and along the sides increases comfort, and the yarn utilized for the knit fabric is stretchable to such an extent that at 50% stretch of the shrinker, a compression of approximately 10 to 30 millimeters of mercury is achieved, whereby to reduce edema and shape the stump in preparation for receiving a prosthesis.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for mechanically coupling the plain end of a pipe, comprising a pair of standard forged flanges as basic components between which is disposed a wedge ring. One of the flanges is of the slip-on type and has associated with it a conical collet bore for receiving the wedge ring. When tension bolts assembled through the flanges are tightened the wedge ring is driven into the collet bore and tightly radially against the periphery of the pipe to thereby lock the coupling to the pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for safe handling of biologically infectious waste materials comprises providing paper or plastic bags to receive infectious waste material, an open collection cart for receiving said bags, an enclosed transport cart for receiving, enclosing, and transporting the collection cart, placing the collection cart inside the transport cart, depositing the plastic bags into the collection cart while disposed within the transport cart, transferring the collection cart and bags of infectious waste into a sterilizing chamber, sterilizing the infectious waste material by steam heat, exposing fluids produced during the sterilization process to steam heat for a time sufficient to sterilize the same by allowing the fluids to slowly drain from said bags to a fluid receiver at the bottom of the collection cart and then to a second fluid receiver at the bottom of the sterilizing chamber and into a conventional drainage system, transferring the collection cart to a dumping and compacting apparatus, dumping and compact

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring sterilization of biologically contaminated material from hospitals and the like. An autoclave sterilization unit heats biologically contaminated materials with steam for a time sufficient to kill the contaminants therein. A biological indicator probe provides for inserting a test vial into the central portion of the materials being treated. After sterilization, the probe is removed and the test vial is cultured to determine whether the spores of the Bacillus stearothermophilus, or the like (e.g. Bacillus sp.) present are still viable. If the test vial has been completely inactivated, it is an indication that decontamination of the other materials in the autoclave is complete. The test probe comprises a rod of heat resistant material having an end chamber closable by a rotatable sleeve. In a position aligning window openings in the chamber and in the sleeve, the test vial may be inserted. Rotation of the sleeve locks the test vial in place.

Abstract: The wall of a pipe is prepared for a subsequent cutting operation by a double-edged shear plate, by cutting axially spaced circumferential notches in such wall with a flexible strand cutter capable of operating in the limited confines of a housing designed in the rectangular pattern of the shear plate. The flexible strand cutter advantageously employs roller cutters on a power transmission type chain which is tensioned against and moved circumferentially over the wall of the pipeline.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted to be retrofitted on an existing live pipeline to plug off and isolate a section of the pipe while maintaining flow through an associated bypass circuit. The disclosed apparatus includes a housing to be secured around the pipe and elements operable in the housing to cut into the pipe and establish a closed flow path between one section of the pipe and the exterior of the housing while isolating such flow from a work chamber within the housing and remaining sections of the pipe.

Abstract: A device for setting a rotating frame animal trap is disclosed which comprises a hooked L-shaped rod having a vertical arm, a horizontal arm rigidly attached to and substantially perpendicular to the lower end of said vertical arm, and a downwardly extending hook rigidly attached to the upper end of said vertical arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering flow in an existing pipeline, including a shear and first actuator means for cutting transversely through the pipe wall and independent second actuator means for moving a surface associated with the shear into engagement with a sealing surface surrounding the pipe. The shear operates through a rotary valve element, mounted directly in a body of a housing surrounding the pipe. Channels encircling the shear sealing surfaces and rotary valve element distribute sealant between the respective mating surfaces to assure a fluidtight assembly. Fluid circulates through a chamber carried on the housing to isolate the first shear actuator means from the pipeline fluid. In a variant of the invention, a flapper plate valve replaces the rotary valve element where the pipe size is relatively large.