Abstract: A system for processing powder includes a process tube connected to load lock chamber via a vacuum valve. The load lock chamber includes first and second stations. Each of the first and second stations is configured to receive a barrel containing powder to be treated. A mechanical transfer mechanism is configured to: move a barrel containing powder to be treated from the first station into the process tube; move a barrel containing powder to be treated from the second station into the process tube; move a barrel containing treated powder from the process tube to the first station; and move a barrel containing treated powder from the process tube to the second station.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring corona current in high voltage A.C. ionizers uses an electrical sensor adjacently spaced from at least one of the discharge electrodes and coupled to electronic circuitry for separating capacitive current from the corona current. In one mode, the capacitive current component is measured directly by a first sensor adjacently spaced from one discharge electrode whose corona current flow to such electrode is either obstructed or squelched entirely while a second sensor monitors total current. The signals from the two sensors are electrically subtracted when applied to opposing inputs of a differential amplifier to provide an output signal proportional to just corona current. In a second mode, a measure of corona current is again provided by electrically subtracting from a total current signal input to a differential amplifier a signal equal to the capacitive current component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining ion flow imbalance. High-magnitude positive and negative potential sources, each having a high-magnitude potential output terminal, are provided. Two electrodes are adapted for positioning adjacent the location of ions, the electrodes having areas for exposure to the ions. A supply of operating potential is provided for the high-magnitude potential sources. The operating potential supply is switched to supply operating potential alternately between the high-magnitude potential sources. Neutral terminals are provided on each of the high-magnitude potential sources and the current flows from the neutral terminals of the high-magnitude potential sources to reference potential are sensed to determine the current flows to the electrodes.

Abstract: An instrument for non-contact measurement of electrostatic fields and related parameters, such as electrostatic potential, voltage and charge density of a charged object, includes a sensor for sensing the electrostatic field produced by the object and for producing an electrical signal, a display for producing a visual readout related to the electrical signal and a range scaling circuit for coupling the sensor to the display. The range scaling circuit is coupled to logic which switches the range scaling circuit and the display back and forth between two ranges, one for relatively higher strength field measurements and one for relatively lower strength field measurements. Because the distance at which the instrument is held from the charged object to achieve an accurate reading depends upon the strength of the field, the range scaling circuit is also coupled to circuitry which indicates the appropriate distance from the charged object at which the instrument must be held to provide an accurate measurement.

Abstract: Ionizing gas gun for ultra-clean static neutralization comprises a plastic nozzle enclosing positive and negative ion discharge electrodes and means for blowing a gas, such as air or nitrogen therethrough. A trigger actuates both the release of gas and application of positive and negative high voltage to the respective discharge electrodes, including delay circuitry for suspending discontinuance of the positive high voltage to its electrode for a momentary period subsequent to discontinuance of the negative high voltage when the gas is cut off in compensation of a slight preponderance of negative ion emission otherwise effected at cut-off. Venturi ports at the nozzle tip draw air over the discharge electrodes for admixing with higher mobility nitrogen ions when nitrogen rather than air is employed as the blowing medium. A changeable filter insures cleanliness, including monitoring means to indicate clogged or ruptured filter conditions or improper installation.

Abstract: Constant or transient forces and displacements between a motion snubber and its associated load are detected and converted to an electrical signal. Electrical signals from the detection devices are transmitted to a receiving device which is electrically connected to a recording means. The signals from a plurality of detecting devices are encoded to identify the snubber having the detected force and displacement.

Abstract: A transmitting system including an admittance sensing probe having sensing elements adapted to sense both the composition and the level of materials. The probe is coupled to admittance responsive networks forming part of a common oscillator which generate admittance signals representing the level and composition of the material. A remotely located power supply provides current to the transmitters through two pairs of lines, and the output currents of the transmitters represent the level and composition of the materials.

Abstract: An adjustable locking strut is connected to a pair of relatively movable mechanical elements and permits relative motion between these elements below a predetermined motion threshold. Above this predetermined motion threshold relative movement between mechanical elements is prohibited through the engagement of nonoverhauling threaded members connected to the mechanical elements. These nonoverhauling threaded members are specially designed so that when synchronized they do not engage one another. One of the nonoverhauling threaded members which is internally threaded forms a relatively large tubular inertia mass for sensing accelerated movement between the relatively movable mechanical elements.

Abstract: An adjustable locking strut is connected to a pair of relatively movable mechanical elements and permits relative motion between these elements below a predetermined motion threshold. Above this predetermined motion threshold, relative movement between the mechanical elements is prohibited through the engagement of nonoverhauling threaded members connected to the mechanical elements. These nonoverhauling threaded members are specially designed so that, when synchronized, they do not engage one another. A synchronizing, overhauling threaded member is utilized to maintain the nonoverhauling threaded elements synchronized below the predetermined motion threshold, but is inoperative above the predetermined motion threshold so that said relative motion between the mechanical elements is prohibited above this threshold.

Abstract: A safety belt retractor having a frame, a strap receiving reel mounted for rotation on the frame with the reel being urged into a strap wound position and a pawl having a tab for engaging the teeth of a ratchet wheel. Inertia responsive means are associated with the pawl which is normally biased into a position out of engagement with the wheel, the inertia responsive means being responsive to a first rate of acceleration of the strap off the reel for causing the pawl tab to engage with the teeth.