Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying devices (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying device (18) and conveying devices (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying device (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying means (18) and conveying device (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: A docking assembly (200) for docking with a vehicle (108), the vehicle having a nonrigid docking member (70) having an apparatus for positioning (124, 126, 128, 130, 132) mounted thereon. The docking assembly has a frame (202) to which is mounted a positioning slot (222) having flared walls (224) for guiding therein and securing thereto the apparatus for positioning of the vehicle to thereby dock the vehicle to the docking assembly.

Abstract: In a vehicle (10) of the type having a first frame (12), apparatus for driving and turning the vehicle (18,24), and apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load (110), and wherein the apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load is mounted on a second frame (78) having an underside having a seating surface (72) thereon, the improvement comprising:a third frame (54), supported by the first frame, for supporting the second frame on the seating surface and having mounted thereon a plurality of biasing elements (64) for contacting the second frame to thereby allow limited off-vertical movement of the apparatus for loading, carrying, and unloading a load with respect to the third frame.

Abstract: A fabrication of a shim for insertion within a gap extending in two orthogonal directions between two structural members in the building of a mechanical structure is accomplished by measuring the gap to provide a map of gap width. Variations in gap width appear in the map so as to enable machining of the shim with corresponding variations in thickness so as to fit accurately in the gap. Measurement of the gap width is attained by use of two acousto-electric transducer assemblies, each of which is constructed as an array of electrode discs produced by photolithography upon a flexible, electrically-insulating film of piezoelectric material which serves as a substrate for support of electrodes on a front surface thereof and a ground plane structure on a back surface thereof. The two transducer assemblies are secured adhesively to corresponding surfaces of structural members defining the gap, and an acoustically-transmissive gel is disposed between the two transducer assemblies.

Abstract: In a gas turbine engine having rotor blades which rotate with the blade tips in proximity with a surrounding rub strip in the engine shroud, an improvement is provided in the form of a radially adjustable rub strip-air bladder assembly. That is, an air bladder is mounted between the rub strip and the shroud and compressed air is fed to or withdrawn from the bladder to radially displace the rub strip so it can follow changes in the rotor blade length and maintain a close clearance with the tips of such blades under varying engine conditions, e.g. accels and decels, while minimizing contact of blade tips and rub-strip. The rub strip-bladder assembly is flexible and can react automatically to radially withdraw in advance of extending rotor blades as a pressure surge suddenly backs through such blades.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are disclosed for winding and wrapping rolls of web material or other objects, in which the roll (10) is wrapped prior to removal from the turret winding machine (96). A roll (16) of stretch wrap material is traversed, swiveled and tilted beside the rotating roll (10) or other object to be wrapped under the control of a traverse motor (144), swivel motor (178) and tilt motor (192) which are actuated in proportion to the speed of rotation of roll (10). For improved accuracy of wrapping, roll (16) of wrap material preferably is located along the swivel axis of the apparatus.

Abstract: A pick-and-place machine having magnetic elements which hold down the chips at the pick stations, thus preventing shingling, and also hold such chips at the pick stations adjacent a stop element. The magnetic elements create magnetic forces in two directions relative to chip elements having magnetizable terminal portions. The magnetic elements are provided in combination with feed apparatus that is adapted to stop, when the associated groove is full of chips, rather than causing the machine to jam.

Abstract: This invention provides a feed arrangement for chips in a pick-and-place machine in which a vertical magazine feeds chips into a groove in a vibrating table, with the chips being advanced toward a pick station by a gravity actuated lever which will be stopped in the event the groove is full of chips rather than causing the machine to jam or cause damage.

Abstract: A display terminal is provided which holds a roll of film, and can project the image of any film frame onto a console screen. The need for a platen to precisely locate a frame on the optical imaging plane, is avoided by keeping the film in tension. The tension is maintained while the film is stationary, by utilizing a pair of reel-driving motors that each provide a torque that varies with the diameter of the film roll on the corresponding reel. The film region being projected, can be held in a slight curve to more reliably hold all areas of the projected film region near a predetermined film plane. A film identification track and clock track can extend along one edge of the film to identify every frame and accurately center the frame at the imaging, or projection, station. The film can be rapidly moved to bring a desired frame to approximately the imaging station, with slight overshoot, and the film then can be inched back to center the frame.

Abstract: In an apparatus capable of duplicating jacketed and unjacketed microfiche, a bank of clear cylindrical lenses is provided, each lens being divided into segments by a series of substantially opaque baffles. The lenses are used with a corresponding bank of aperture lamps, and are disposed between the lamps and microfiche to provide relatively uniform, collimated light upon an image plane, the side of the lenses closest to the microfiche being flattened, and the baffles having an index of refraction lower than that of the clear segments of the lens.

Abstract: Apparatus for duplicating microfiche, which is of moderate cost yet which operates rapidly to make duplicates of high quality from both jacketed and unjacketed microfiche. A relatively uniform and collimated light source is provided for use with jacketed microfiche, by utilizing a bank of fluorescent aperture lamps and a bank of cylindrical lenses between the lamps and microfiche, with the side of the lenses closest to the microfiche being flattened and with the lenses having baffles of lower index of refraction than the clear segments of the lenses. A developing station for holding gaseous ammonia or other developing medium, is sealed by an inflatable seal.

Abstract: A microfiche duplicator exposure station where a copy sheet lies facewise over a master while an elongated lamp shines light through the master to expose the copy sheet. A shutter that controls exposure, includes two plates lying over the lamp and a solenoid that quickly pivots the plates to positions beside opposite ends of the lamp to allow light from the lamp to reach the microfiche. The plates have mirror surfaces extending at an incline of about 60.degree. from the vertical when the plates are at opposite ends of the lamp, to shine light onto opposite ends of the microfiche, to thereby compensate for low illumination thereat produced by an elongated lamp.

Abstract: A developing station for developing microfiche includes a pair of closely spaced walls, an inflatable tube defining the developing region of the station, a system for inflating the tube to seal the region, and a member for transporting a copy sheet into the region. The transporting member is withdrawn from the region during the developing step and moved back into the region subsequent to the developing step to transport the copy sheet from the developing region.

Abstract: A microfiche developer of a type which includes upper and lower walls that are slightly spaced to receive a microfiche, and which also includes a seal extending around a region between the plates where the microfiche lies, to seal this region when pressured ammonia or other developer is introduced through a conduit in the lower wall into this region to develop a microfiche therein. Passages are formed in the upper wall to receive air during the period when ammonia is pumped into the sealed region, to draw the microfiche up against the upper wall so that all of the lower face of the microfiche which carries the emulsion, is exposed to the developer. The seal is an elastomeric ring with radially inner and outer flanges that are held down and sealed to the lower wall, a middle portion which can be deflected up against the upper wall, and intermediate portions which lay up against the supporting wall portions when the middle portion is deflected up.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a master microfiche in contact with a copy sheet of film in a machine that includes rollers for moving the copy sheet onto the master and then off of it towards a developing station. The holder includes a base or lower frame containing a glass plate, and an upper frame that can move away from the lower frame to enable the insertion of the master between the upper frame and the glass plate. The upper frame includes thin rollers rotatably mounted about a vertical axis and having peripheral portions lying over the edge of a master on the lower frame. A transport roller for feeding a copy film onto the master, can bear against the periphery of the thin roller, so that the copy film is captured between the two rollers to facilitate its movement. The frame can be lifted by pivoting down a handle at one side of the holder, which slides a pair of rods with camming portions that move against the upper frame to lift it.