Abstract: A vehicle wheel attachment offers an increased tread to support the vehicle on soft ground, snow or sand. A rigid version has a body (5) of revolution which is clamped co-axially against the wheel (1) using a screw device (7,19) anchored to the studs which mount the wheel. The body is generally frusto-conical and may be made buoyant or be ballasted. There are also inflatable (29) and telescopic versions which can be collapsed and stowed against the wheel.

Abstract: A wire wheel is provided in which some of the array of spokes extending between the hub and the rim penetrate the latter in the outboard bead seat. This bead seat is of smaller diameter than the inboard bead seat but is covered by a ribbon of a plastics material the outer diameter of which corresponds to the bead seat. The plastics ribbon is trapped in the channel of the outboard bead seat and seals the spoke holes penetrating the outboard bead seat. Nevertheless a metal step is exposed above the plastics ribbon for abutment by the toe of the outboard tire bead (not shown).

Abstract: A hydraulic controller for providing regulated transfer of pressurized fluid between a tank (T), an accumulator (A) serviced by a source of pressurized fluid (PS), and the brakes (B) of a vehicle including a housing (36,37; 236,237), an actuator plunger (45; 245) extending into the housing, a regulator spring (57; 257) operatively connected to the actuator plunger, and actuator (11; 247) for selectively moving the actuator plunger to controllably compress the regulator spring, and a regulating spool (65; 265) variably positioned by the regulator spring and the pressurized fluid to relieve pressurized fluid in the brakes to the tank and to provide pressurized fluid from the accumulator to the brakes at a pressure proportional to the compression of the regulator spring.

Abstract: A multiple circuit master cylinder comprising a plurality of master cylinders arranged in tandem with the pressure in each individual master cylinder being hydraulically controlled independently of the pressure in the other master cylinders. The master cylinder piston of each master cylinder has an extension thereon which is guided in a sealed manner through a transverse housing wall to be close to the piston of the adjacent master cylinder such that should the hydraulic energy fail, all master cylinders are mechanically operated by the brake pedal.

Abstract: A drawer slide assembly including a generally T-shaped guide mounted on the article of furniture and a C-shaped slide mounted on the underside of a drawer receivable within the furniture article, each of the slide and guide being equipped with plastic elements to minimize noise while providing a lubricating effect.

Abstract: An aerodynamically supported roller bearing is disclosed, having means for connecting a compressed gas supply and using the compressed gas to bring the roller up to a desired speed. The design of the roller then permits the compressed gas supply to be reduced or turned off while the roller continues to be aerodynamically supported. Advantageously, some minimal compressed gas is continued through the roller to purge the roller of potential dust particles interfering with the operation of the roller.

Abstract: An earth compacting machine includes a hollow drum rotatably mounted at each end to the machine frame to rotate on a horizontal axis, and a concentric vibratory shaft rotatably mounted at each end in a bearing which is mounted in a bearing housing fixedly mounted to the drum. A cylindrical oil sump mounted to rotate with the drum, surrounds the vibratory shaft and shaft bearings and encompasses the bearing housings. Lubrication oil in the sump covers a lower portion of the bearing housings but is below the lowest level reached by the vibratory shaft and its offset weight. Each bearing housing has a plurality of pockets provided therein open through oil access ports to the oil sump and through oil delivery ports to its associated bearing. Oil flows into a pocket when its oil access port is below the level of oil in the sump; and flows out of the pocket as the oil delivery port approaches and pass over the axis of horizontal rotation.

Abstract: A cabinet for manually dispensing various brands of cigarettes or other packaged product wherein each package is stacked in individual compartments and dispensed from the rear of the cabinet to the front thereof by using a finger of the dispenser.

Abstract: A drawer organizer for knives, forks and spoons, which can be adjustably mounted within any size drawer and positioned custom fitted at a desired location within the drawer. The organizer includes a plurality of individual mounting blocks which are positioned in a side by side array and joined to biased end members, allowing the entire array when biased to be adjustably positioned to any width drawer and at any location within the drawer. The organizer facilitates the removal and replacement of utensils.

Abstract: A cabinet having special utility in patch panel-formation of electric cirts in analog computers. The patch panel is removed from the computer and mounted in an inclined attitude atop the cabinet for easy viewing of circuit holes in the panel face. The cabinet includes cable-storage trays in close proximity to the patch panel, whereby the technician is able to readily select an appropriate length cable for plug-on connection to the panel, necessary to form various electrical circuits. After the panel has been wired it is remounted onto the front face of the analog computer; the cable terminations extend through the panel into electrical connection with terminals permanently located in the computer.

Abstract: In an improved bakeout process for a rotating anode type X-ray tube, the anode, during the course of baking out at temperatures between 500.degree. to 700.degree. C. is rotated by external magnets to prevent cold brazing of the metal lubricant-coated bearing and bearing race.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a tungsten halogen capsule containing two coiled filaments, the required spacing between filaments is maintained during press sealing by means of a positioning device inserted into the capsule tube at the end opposite the press seal.

Abstract: An electrical circuit module having sequentially actuated contact apparatus comprises at least two multiple contact devices (10, 11), each intended to be connected to a fixed contact device in an associated support frame, one of the multiple contact devices (11) having a larger play in the insertion direction relative to the module support plate (13), than does any other multiple contact device (FIG. 2).

Abstract: The electrical plug guard comprises a disc member having a pair of elongated slots to frictionally receive the prongs of an electrical plug. The slots have centers offset with respect to each other along the length of the slots. The slots are effective to skew the prongs of the plug with respect to each other when the prongs are inserted in slots through the disc member. The disc member has a thickness sufficient to prevent finger contact with the prongs which are electrically active when partially inserted into an electrical plug outlet.

Abstract: An adaptor to be adhered to one surface of a flat conductor flat cable to permit the individual flat conductors to be aligned with the contacts in a round conductor flat cable. The adaptor has an undulating upper surface which permits alignment between the round conductor alignment ridges and the flat conductor cable. Made of a permeable, elastic memory material, after the contacts break it, it recovers to provide support for the cable, prevent lateral shifts of the contacts and fill the void created by introducing a flat conductor cable between the base and cover of the connector.

Abstract: Seals (66) are coupled in fluid and pressure tight engagement between respective contacts (18) and their bores (26) and are positioned between the front end (42) and perforations (48, 50) of a wire-receiving end (40) to prevent leakage of fluid (16) within a jacket (12) into the bores adjacent to the front ends of the contacts.

Abstract: In a lamp such as a GLS incandescent filament lamp the cap comprises a metal shell and an electrically insulating base, the base being formed in two parts preferably moulded of synthetic resin and formed to interfit with one another, of which the first part has passages for the lead-in wires from the lamp envelope such that the free ends of the wires lie between the first and second parts and the second part carries one or more electrical contact members to engage the lead-in wires and form the terminal(s) of the lamp.

Abstract: A coaxial connector for a coaxial cable of the type having an inner conductor encircled by an annular insulating layer, an outer conductor, and an insulating jacket has a metal body with a rear opening for receiving the cable. A rear clamp nut threadingly engageable with the rear opening moves axially within the opening upon rotation to provide an axial force. A clamping ring and a stationary ring securely hold the outer conductor therebetween upon application of the axial force to the clamping ring. A cylindrical rigid member which has compressive material covering its inner surface, outer surface and one end surface and which is coaxial with the cable is disposed between the rear clamp nut and the clamp ring. As a result, when the rear clamp nut is rotated relative to the body, the cylindrical end surface cuts through the compressible material which is compressed by the axial force provided by the rear clamp nut to provide a seal between the rear opening and the cable.

Abstract: The plug in U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,995 is improved as to the contact carrier by providing slots in an orientation so that thermocouple leads can be laterally inserted before hanging over ridges for contact-making with annular contacts of a socket member in the holder. The orientation of the slots permits lateral placement of the thermocouple leads through the ridges, but the leads will hang over them in a location azimuthally offset from the slot through the respective ridge.

Abstract: A laser beam diffuser for use in laser beam annealing comprises a silica laser beam guiding pipe, having a diffusing surface or layer at one end and a polished surface at the other end. The diffusing surface may be a ground surface. A bend or bends removes axial component of speckle produced by the ground surface. Adjacent the polished end the pipe may be of reduced cross section.

Abstract: An optical mixing element characterized by two groups of light conducting fibers being connected to one another by a mixer stage. The mixing element of this type exhibits small insertion losses and is to ensure a uniform as possible distribution of power between the outgoing fibers. In order to reduce light losses, the fibers in at least one group such as the outgoing group are fused together without any gaps therebetween to form a fused zone which preferably exhibit a gradual taper. In one embodiment, a mixer stage comprises a glass rod and the fused zones of each of the fiber groups abut against the end surfaces of the rod and taper towards the rod. In another embodiment, the mixer stage forms a part of the constriction which is provided in the fused zone of a group of the light conducting fibers.

Abstract: A transition device (10) is provided to facilitate the forming of a lightguide ribbon cable unit (22) from a plurality of individual insulated light conductors (24). The light conductors (24), which each include a light-conductive glass fiber (12) surrounded by an inner layer (14) of insulation and an outer layer (16) of insulation, are mounted into converging channels (44) of the transition device (10), such that portions of the glass fibers which have been stripped of insulation extend from an exit end (50) of the device arranged in a parallel side-by-side array between two strips of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes (18 and 20) to form the ribbon cable unit (22). The assembled transition device (10), ribbon cable unit (22) and light conductors (24) produce an optical fiber assembly (93).

Abstract: An optical device for viewing a sample contained within a holder (e.g., pair of glass slides), featuring an array of lenses and a collimating plate for illuminating spaced-apart narrow areas of the sample, and another lenticular array and collimating plate for viewing the illuminated areas.

Abstract: The hinge members are intended for use in injection-molded spectacle rims of plastic material. An eyelet portion has a base section and a body section formed with a bearing aperture. An anchoring portion is adapted to be fixed in a mold used to make the rim by injection molding and to embed the anchoring portion in the rim. The anchoring portion has a first section, which adjoins the base section and is larger in axial thickness than the base section to form a first shoulder, and a second section, which adjoins the first section and is larger in axial thickness than the first section to form a second shoulder. At least part of the second section tapers toward the base section. The first shoulder is adapted to constitute a sealing surface when the anchoring portion is thus fixed in said mold.

Abstract: In a motion picture camera capable of using a sound film, a blocking device for selectively stopping operation of a shutter and a shifting device for moving a pinch roller to or out of resilient contact with a capstan are controlled by a common electromagnetic device operating in response to actuation of a trigger device.

Abstract: An electrophotographic typesetter including a scanning system having a light source, means for receiving said light from said source and rotationally scanning said light through a curvilinear scanning locus, means for receiving said curvilinear scanned light and redirecting the light onto a straight line scanning locus, said redirecting means redirecting the light at an angle to the incident light, said means for producing said curvilinear scanned locus having an axis of rotation, said means for redirecting having a center of curvature, and wherein said straight line scanning locus is on a plane passing through said center of curvature, and perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

Abstract: In a flash photography mode for a camera, a preliminary flash is generated for a substantial duration and substantially constant intensity prior to the primary flash used for actual photographing such that the diaphragm aperture of the camera may be changed from an initial aperture size by a control signal generated by a light receiving element for receiving light through the diaphragm aperture during the duration of the preliminary flash, which control signal interrupts the stopping-down of the aperture to determine the appropriate aperture size for the photographic conditions.

Abstract: The electric circuit for use with a camera is capable of controlling exposure and alarming camera vibrations and obviating wrong display of a camera vibration alarm means and improper operation of a shutter of the camera.

Abstract: In a camera of the type including an electronic flash light unit with an oscillating circuit and an electronic shutter which are both supplied with power from a common power supply, an inhibit circuit for an electric flash charge circuit is provided in which a base of the transistor in the oscillating circuit is connected to the output terminal of the exposure control circuit via a semi-conductor switching element. The semi-conductor switching element stops oscillation in the electric flash charge circuit while the exposure control circuit is in operation.

Abstract: The elimination of strobing in an electrophotographic machine by altering the illumination profile of a projected image at the edges of an exposure aperture located near the photoreceptor surface. The illumination profile is altered by use of a transmission filter overlying the aperture and having a linearly tapered transmission profile at the edges of the aperture or using an aperture plate with saw toothed pattern edges defining the aperture.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the output current of a discharge electrode for electrophotographic copying machines comprising the step of adjusting the output current of the discharge electrode in the electrophotographic copying machine by selecting a selector switch which corresponds to a class of photosensitive members, such that the discharge electrode produces an output current which is suited for the photosensitive members of the class.

Abstract: Non-coded and coded information are merged in a copier-printer system by copying the non-coded information onto one or more sheets of paper during a first pass of the sheets of paper through the system and thereafter selecting the sheets of paper with the non-coded information copied thereon from the secondary or duplex paper trays of the system for a second pass through the system during which coded information may be printed on the sheets of paper. Selection of the sheets of paper having non-coded information copied thereon is integrated with sheets of paper from the primary tray which are to contain exclusively coded information. Copying of the non-coded information and printing of the coded information is carried out under the control of mag cards indicating the pages and page locations within a given document where the non-coded information is to be copied and in some cases containing coded information to be integrated with the non-coded information.

Abstract: The time periods between energization of an optics clutch and activation of a scan switch at the end of scan position and between de-energization of the optics clutch and actuation of the scan switch at the home position are provided. Representations of the time periods are continuously displayed during a copy run. The last timing periods of a copy run are temporarily stored until the next copy run. Upon entering a diagnostic mode, the machine will produce a copy in the normal manner and display a number corresponding to the forward scan and return scan or flyback time periods. Through suitable conversion, the scan time in milliseconds can be provided.

Abstract: A copying or printing machine includes processing units operative for reproducing a copy of an original, a read-only memory having program sequences stored which are composed of coded steps necessary for accomplishing printing or copying cycles, and a random-access memory in which a set of coded signals may be written in and read out. The processing units are actuated in response to coded signals in accordance with the program sequences.

Abstract: A duplex printing arrangement is provided for printing on both sides of a plurality of rectangular sheets of paper, each of the sheets having a pair of parallel opposite edges which are shorter than the pair of edges perpendicular thereto. Each of the sheets is transported past a printer in a direction parallel to the longer pair of the edges of the sheet. The sheets are printed on a first side as they are moved past the printer with a first edge of the pair of shorter edges being the leading edge. The sheets are thereafter turned end-for-end and moved past the printer for printing a second side of each of the sheets, with the second printing pass being such that the first edge of each of the sheets is again the leading edge.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for use in replicating information from a master record carrier, such as a videodisc, onto a replicate material in web form. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed replication apparatus comprises supply, exposure and takeup chambers. A web cleaning device in the supply chamber cleans the replicate material of foreign particles. In the exposure chamber, the replicate material and a master record carrier are brought into close contact in order to make a contact print exposure. The exposed replicate material is stored in the takeup chamber.

Abstract: This invention presents a range finding device when 1st and 2nd detection images of an object are scanned by signal storing type image sensing means to obtain image scan signals, which are quantized by quantization means to produce quantized image data for said 1st and 2nd detection images. On the basis of the thus obtained quantized image data, the location within the 2nd detection images of one set of M successive elements of the 2nd detection image which is most similar to M successive elements of the 1st detection image is detected, and with the aid of the data of this location, the distance between the device and the object is determined. According to this improved device, sequence control means, which controls a series of operations for range finding, will firstly cancel the signals stored in said image sensing means as unnecessary signals, when said series of operations is initiated, and then enables proper storing of image signals in the image sensing means so as to properly control the device.

Abstract: A moving object inspection system is disclosed in which a stroboscope radiation is made on an object to be inspected, the object is picked up by a television camera, a position detection device provides a position detection signal when the object arrives at a specified position, and an object inspection apparatus is provided. In this apparatus the period including before and after the horizontal synchronizing signal from the television camera is set as an inspection intermission period during which no inspection for the object is conducted, and the stroboscope radiation is carried out at the same timing as the position detection signal when the position detection signal arrives at the same time as the vertical synchronizing signal from the television camera, or at the beginning of the inspection intermission period immediately after the position detection signal when the position detection signal arrives at any other time than with the vertical synchronizing signal.

Abstract: Photometric apparatus and method for determining the absorbance ratio, in a sample, of two different wavelength lights. A first light is given a reference intensity and is passed through the sample. A second light is passed through the sample and its intensity is varied so that the intensity of the second light that has passed through the sample is equal to the intensity of the first light that has passed through the sample. When these intensities are equal, the intensity of the second light is detected in a state wherein it has not passed through the sample, resulting in an equivalent to the ratio of the absorbance in the sample of the second light and the first light.

Abstract: A first monochromator includes a diffraction grating that is adapted for occlusion by a mirror. When the mirror occludes the grating, a white light input is transmitted through the first monochromator and through a sample under test, thereby causing a transmission of non-absorbed light from the sample. When the grating is unoccluded, monochromatic light is transmitted from the first monochromator so that a selected bandwidth of fluorescence excitation energy is incident on the sample. Fluorescence emission from the sample is diffracted by a second monochromator which provides diffracted light which is recorded by a vidicon.

Abstract: A method of determining physical characteristics of a surface. Light or other electromagnetic radiation is directed onto a first portion of a surface and the reflected radiation is received such as by a photodiode. The radiation is also directed onto at least two further portions of the surface and located on either side of and proximate to the first portion. The radiation reflected by the further portions is also received. The radiation reflected from the first portion is compared with the radiation reflected from the two further portions. The radiation and comparison steps are repeated and the comparisons are used to determine a physical characteristic of the surface, such as the presence of one or more flaws. In another embodiment, light or other electromagnetic radiation is used to determine object dimension, such as bore dimension.

Abstract: A sample excitation situs or light source enhancement apparatus for an optical spectrometer comprising a mirror arranged to reflect an image of the excitation situs in close proximity to the actual excitation situs is disclosed.

Abstract: A dual beam spectrophotometer includes a radiation chopper, a monochrometer, and a diffraction grating moved by a stepper motor. The chopper includes a gate pulse generator which produces gate pulses G.sub.S and G.sub.R corresponding to periods during which radiation from the source passes through a sample cell and a reference cell respectively. A stepper motor drive circuit produces pulses to step the stepper motor which are synchronized with the chopping cycle by means of the G.sub.R and G.sub.S pulses. The stepper motor is arranged to step an equal number of times in each half of a chopping cycle. A further condition which is preferably satisfied is that the first pulse of a sequence should start in the opposite half of the chopping cycle from that in which the first pulse started in a previous chopping cycle. At low stepping rates the motor will step twice in one chopping cycle and then pause for several cycles before again stepping twice.

Abstract: In a spectrophotometer of the single wavelength-double beam type or the dual wavelength type, light signals of predetermined periods having an interval during which reference light serving as a reference enters, an interval during which sample light to be measured enters and an interval during which entering light is intercepted are detected and converted into electric signals by means of a photomultiplier. The electric signals are converted into digital signals by means of an A/D converter. Using the digital signals, a digital processing unit executes operations for measuring the transmission factor or the absorption of a sample and operations for changing the supplied voltage of the photomultiplier so as to keep the reference signal constant at all times. On the basis of a voltage operated in the digital processing unit, the supplied voltage of the photomultiplier is changed in the interval during which the entering light is intercepted, whereby the stability of the feedback system is enhanced.

Abstract: An improved nephelometer for immunochemical complex assay measures forward light scatter in samples. The angle of forward scatter, about 30.degree., is small enough to result in a large amount of forward scatter from the immunochemical complex particles which are to be assayed, whose size is of the order of the wave length of the light used in the optical system. Forward scattering from smaller particles, such as from molecules of buffer, antibody and serum, is constant during the course of a test, and is compensated for by the use of subtraction circuits which are readily and semiautomatically adjusted to subtract proper values, in accordance with the readings taken on standard or "blank" samples of buffer, antibody and serum. Forward scattering from large particles, such as dust, is variable, and results in fluctuating signals, which are electrically processed to ignore the spurious peaks. The results of a test are displayed on a digital read out meter.

Abstract: A system to achieve heterodyne detection of optical (i.e., infrared, visible and ultraviolet) signal wavefront is disclosed. The system employs a holographic phase grating that, when illuminated by laser radiation, will generate a plurality of wavefronts each of which has a predetermined spatial distribution of amplitude and phase. The grating is part of an optical local oscillator that includes a laser that illuminates the holographic phase grating.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for verifying the accuracy of a sample of printed or other reproduced material. In the apparatus, a base is provided having a support surface for securing the reproduced sample to said surface, with a transparent support means slidably lying contiguous to the support surface. A transparent master symbol for verifying the accuracy of the reproduced material is secured to the underside of the support means so that the master symbol and reproduced sample are contiguous. Preferably, the image on said transparent master symbol is interrupted to provide open spaces to facilitate visual comparison with the reproduced sample. In operation, the sample is aligned with the master symbol to verify its accuracy. In the event that a portion of the reproduced sample and master symbol are not in alignment, the master may be moved to align said portion and the movement can be measured to determine the error in reproducing the sample.

Abstract: A vortexer apparatus having a hold down plate detachably mounted to an upright cylindrical support, said support having a pair of splines formed thereon, the end of one spline being spaced from the near end of the other spline by a circumferential groove, said hold down plate being supported from an elongate sleeve axially engageable with said support, and having a key engageable with said pair of splines. A torque arm is provided for selectively locating the cylindrical support and hold down plate relative to a base and an agitated platform.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus is described in which a plurality of chemical materials are to be incorporated in a carrier liquid, which may be a solvent, such as water, and which is quantitatively predominant, some of the chemical materials being incompatible if brought together directly, or in a wrong sequence, or which are difficult to combine, the materials being combined in the desired proportions in a series arrangement of liquid filled rotary motor driven pumps, the respective materials in the desired proportions preferably being supplied from separate sources of materials by reciprocating pumps, the delivery of the carrier liquid being to a first rotary motor driven pump to which a first chemical material is supplied, the first rotary motor driven pump having a fluid connection between its intake and delivery portions for repeated circulation and agitation of the liquid for mixing, with a tap for fluid input of the carrier liquid and first chemical material and a tap for fluid delivery connected to a fluid connecti

Abstract: An improved liquid mixing device or mixer can be constructed so as to utilize a disk having flat upper and lower surfaces as a boundary layer type rotor for causing fluid movement. This disk is mounted on a shaft which is supported and coupled to a motor in such a manner that vibration is not transmitted to the shaft as the motor is operated so as to turn the shaft. Such a liquid mixing device is considered to be primarily valuable for use in mixing a wide variety of various types of beverages.