Abstract: Process for reforming a hydrocarbon charge under reforming conditions in a reforming zone containing a sulfur-sensitive metal containing reforming catalyst wherein over-cracking of the charge stock and excessive temperature rise in the reforming zone is suppressed by pre-conditioning the catalyst, prior to contact with the charge, with a reformate of specified octane number and aromatics content.

Abstract: An easy access underwater diving suit in which the torso portion of the suit is longer than a diver's torso height and that has a diagonal zippered opening in the upper front portion from shoulder to opposite hip to provide a maximum, easy access opening. After the diver is inside the suit, the torso portion of the suit is adjusted to the height of the diver. A fastening arrangement holds the suit in the adjusted condition.

Abstract: A glove formed of rubber or plastics material, especially an examination or surgical glove devoid of a roll-down preventing beaded edge and containing a structured surface at the cuff region. The structured surface is formed at the outer side or surface of the glove by non-connected raised portions, whereas the structured surface is formed at the inside or inner surface of the glove by mirror-image, non-connected recesses or depressions. The mold for fabricating the glove contains non-connected recesses at the cuff region.

Abstract: Surgical headgear, cap or other head covering having a strip of shape-retaining pliable material attached thereto and re-positionable for use to retain a pair of eyeglasses in position on the face of a wearer; and a perspiration absorptive element carried initially on the outside of the headgear and re-positionable on the interior of the headgear.

Abstract: A garment pouch for retaining and concealing small personal valuables. One or more concealed hemline pockets are provided in a pouch formed upon an undergarment skirt, blouse or slip. The pockets are in-line with each other and are disposed above the hem of the garment, the pockets being formed of one or more laminates which are sealed at the top and bottom and secured to the exterior or interior of the skirt, blouse or slip, the laminates forming anchors for elements of an elongate pouch closure such as a zipper or other closure elements. Pockets are divisible from each other by vertical stitching from hemline to selvage. Each of the pockets may be easily accessible from the exterior or interior of the garment and may also be adapted to sportswear having the undergarment as an integral part of the whole, for example, as in golf skirts, tennis shorts and skirts and swimwear, having outer and inner pants.

Abstract: The device (FIG. 2) comprises a plaque (14), which presents at its ends, on the one side, a hook (18) and, on the other side, an aperture (12) in which is placed the throatband (C).The end, shaped as a hook (18), of the plaque is engaged with a cross piece (22), which comprises two parallel apertures (25) provided in a ledge (A.sub.1) of the wall of the helmet (A). The plaque (14), in proximity of the hook (18), presents a hole (20) in which is engaged an appendix (30) of a cover (26), which closes the ledge (A.sub.1) of the wall of the helmet.

Abstract: In an attachment device for use in pairs to mount a face-protective shield, such as a welding helmet, for lifting and lowering pivotal movement on a headgear, the provision of two separate pieces adapted for interfitted engagement relative to each other at longitudinally adjusted positions determined by the requirements of the particular make of headgear and face shield concerned. One of the pieces has a tubular boss projecting therefrom, while the other piece has an elongate slot through which the boss extends. Interengaging means, such as respective series of saw-like teeth, are provided on confronting faces of the two pieces, whereby the positions of the two pieces relative to each other can be adjusted to place the boss as may be required by the position of a boss-receiving opening in a side wall of a particular make of face-protective shield.

Abstract: A novel swimming pool cover apparatus and method which utilizes adjustable side gores to eliminate undue tension in the swimming pool cover material. The apparatus includes a flexible, generally rectangular swimming pool cover sheet having beaded side edges and which is pre-cut with oversized side gores adjacent the leading edge thereof. The beaded side edges of the swimming pool cover sheet are slidably received into channels which are formed in parallel track members mounted on the pool deck adjacent to opposite sides of the swimming pool. The leading edge of the swimming pool cover is also provided with a beaded edge and is supported by a rigid carrier member having an open channel formed along the rearward side thereof. The bead of the leading edge of the cover sheet is slidably received into the channel formed in the rigid carrier member, and the carrier member is suspended at each end by respective wheel assemblies.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pool wall assembly including first and second pool wall panels and a brace supporting the panels. Structure is included for securing the brace to only the first panel so that the first panel and brace may be aligned together prior to the securement of the second panel. Structure is also included for securing the second panel to at least one of the first panel and the brace. An anchor assembly secures the brace in position. The anchor assembly includes a stake which extends through and slidingly engages the brace and a wedge, telescopically received in the stake, which can be moved with respect to the stake into forcible engagement with the brace to maintain the brace in position. Each panel includes an integral bead extending from the lower portion of its face to define the line to which the pool side wall overlap extends. Also disclosed is a method of erecting a pool wall using the structure disclosed.

Abstract: A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The grooves vary in depth. The cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the elements at the end supports.

Abstract: A handheld sweeper with a rotary brush and compartments for collecting debris has a rear door pivotally mounted to close a rear opening of the compartment. A front button operates a plate terminating with a hinge-like web connected to the door to open and close the door. A biasing spring biases the door closed. An auxiliary brush in front of the sweeper is located below the button.

Abstract: A metal-strip pickling apparatus has feed means including upstream and downstream bridle-roller pairs for longitudinally displacing the strip under longitudinal tension along a straight transport path from the upstream bridle-roller pair to the downstream bridle-roller pair. A housing longitudinally traversed by the strip is subdivided longitudinally by a succession of transverse partitions into a longitudinal succession of compartments each having a respective treatment bath, normally of acid. Each partition has a rigid lower partition half having an upper edge and an upper partition half having a lower edge portion elastically engaging the upper face of the strip moving along the path. The upper edges all are longitudinally aligned and touch the lower face of the strip moving along the path. The acid baths have liquid levels above the upper edges of the respective lower partition halves. The lower portions of the upper partition halves seal tightly with the strip and respective lower partition halves.

Abstract: A sewer rod turning machine safety device for machines which drive sewer cleaning rods. These machines are comprised of a motor driving a transmission which in turn drives a rod coupling drive shaft through a gear box. The motor transmission and gear box are all mounted on a wheeled cart. The rod turning machine has a shift lever attached to the transmission which will rotate the rods in forward or reverse direction. The shift lever has a center neutral position and the forward and reverse rotation positions are to either side of neutral. The safety device is comprised of a spring steel bendable rod engaging the shift lever which is designed to return the shift lever to center neutral position whenever it is released by an operator. A collar and bolt arrangement, securely fastening the safety bar to the gear box and the free end of the safety bar, has a loop wrapping around the shaft of the shift lever when securely mounted.

Abstract: A domestic floor mop comprises an absorbent band mounted on a bracket carried at the end of a handle. A rotary torsion head is engaged with the band and is rotatably mounted in the bracket. A fastener is fixed to each end of the band, and the fasteners are monted on the bracket for movement between a washing position, in which said fasteners are spaced apart and said band is deployed in a plane, and a wringing position in which said fasteners are closer together such that said band is gathered towards said rotary head to permit twisting of the band upon rotation of said rotary head. The fasteners are each slidably mounted in a respective guide carried by said bracket and extending in a plane parallel to the deployment plane of said band.

Abstract: An anti-lift device for windshield wipers is disclosed having a novel construction. More particularly the anti-lift device comprises a linear series of generally rectangular fin members having a dihedral shape. Each dihedral shaped fin has a lower leading edge integral with a rectangular base member and projects upwardly and rearwardly therefrom to terminate at a trailing edge. A perpendicular reinforcing web adjoins the backside of the dihedral fin and the base member. The base member contains a central longitudinal slot and "L" shaped clip for releasably attaching the anti-life device to a conventional windshield wiper arm. When installed on a windshield wiper arm, the aerodynamic forces acting upon the device will press the wiper arm and blade firmly to the windshield to prevent the blade from acting as an airfoil and lifting from the surface of the windshield.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a mop with a rotatable wiper, a pail having a reservoir for cleaning liquid, and a motor-driven wringer mounted upon the pail for receiving and rotating the wiper of the mop at relatively high speed to extract cleaning liquid together with entrained dirt and other matter from the wiper and return the extracted liquid to the reservoir.

Abstract: A scrubbing machine is provided in which cleaning solution, usually mostly water, is cleaned and recirculated. The machine includes a frame supported on wheels with at least one scrubbing brush supported by the frame. A squeegee and vacuum hose are located behind the scrubbing brush for removing water from the surface which was supplied to the surface near the scrubbing brush. A recovery tank and a supply tank are supported on the frame with the vacuum hose communicating with the recovery tank. An exhaust blower also communicates with the recovery tank and draws air and water through the exhaust hose and into the recovery tank, exhausting air therefrom. The recovery tank has baffles which form a tortuous path to separate the air and dirty water as they travel through the recovery tank in the path from one end to the other.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an over center strap buckle of the type commonly used in cargo hold-down systems wherein straps connected to the cargo are tensioned to prevent shifting during transport. The buckle includes a handle pivotally mounted upon a U-shaped body, and the tension strap is looped through the handle wherein pivoting thereof between open and closed positions tensions the strap. A manually operated wire latch mounted upon the handle cooperates with notches defined upon the body when the handle is pivoted to the closed strap tensioning position, and the latch includes finger engagable portions for manually displacing the latch from the body notches to release the handle for pivoting to the open tension-release position.

Abstract: A mechanically connected socket for `on-the-job` connection with structural strand includes a sleeve and an internal wedge shaped member through which the center core of the strand is received and retained while one or more outer layers extend longitudinally about the wedge and a bulbous head which, when assembled, encapsulates the strand.

Abstract: A snap hook comprising a bi-ended base portion, a blade portion, a re-entrant portion and a latch portion, is disclosed. The blade is integral with a first end of the base, through the re-entrant portion, thereby providing the snap hook with an aperture intermediate the base and the blade. The aperture has a mouth and two integrally formed lips. The aperture is adapted to receive a substantially cylindrical portion of a retainer therein. The latch is integral with the second end of the base and thereby provides the snap hook with a corner at the junction thereof. A free end of the blade and a free end of the latch are in distal relation to the base. A relaxed condition for the snap hook is defined to be when the distal end of the blade is above the distal end of the latch, in relation to the base. A locked condition for the snap hook is defined to be when the distal end of the blade is positioned beneath the distal end of the latch, in relation to the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to clamps of the type utilized on aircraft and aircraft power plants that anchor the various tubes associated therewith and are characterized by including a bulbous section in a standardized clamp that serves to relieve the high stresses that otherwise cause breakage and looseness.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting a mailable film comprising means for pulling the film through at least one pair of multi-directional orientation rollers having helical grooves thereby imparting a random multi-directional orientation to the film.

Abstract: A sized warp divider of a rotary divider disc type is provided with a wash bath containing flow of liquid for partial immersion of the discs for removal of size dregs and fluffs, and an air jet ejector for removal of liquid drops remaining in spaces between the discs after the immersion for even sizing and drying effects on warps. Beautifully cleaned faced of the discs assures smooth and ideal contact with the running warps, thereby greatly improving the quality of the product and efficiency of the process.

Abstract: Optical waveguide terminating apparatus applies a pair of plug members of the type having metal retention sleeves therein to cut and strip the ends of a jacketed optical waveguide cable. Plug members are delivered to a insertion station attached to a metal carrier strip and are clamped securely between an anvil and an upper clamp which move together vertically under the action of followers riding in cam slots in a moving cam block, which also determines movement of other components. Cable is positioned relative to insertion station by aligning exposed fibers in narrow channels in top of shear bar which drops to remove carrier strip and positions cable guide channels in cable feed path. A pair of cam actuated jaws grip the cable and advance the ends toward the terminating station; the guides drop away during this advance to permit the jaws to fully insert the cable ends in the plug member.

Abstract: A press-fit device of a drive shaft into a differential gear installed in a front engine-front drive type automotive vehicle comprising a first mechanism for press-fitting a drive shaft and a Hooke's joint which are oppositely set to both sides of a differential gear and a second mechanism for retaining the first mechanism and adjusting the position of the first mechanism relative to the differential gear. The first mechanism is comprised of a cylinder fixedly provided with a first attachment at its one end and with a rod guide at its other end, a rod adapted to be reciprocatably inserted into the cylinder, being guided by the rod guide and having a stopper at its free end, a second attachment slidably fitted on the rod between the stopper and the rod guide, and a guide shaft provided in a parallel relation with the cylinder for guiding the movement of the second attachment.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing an automobile hinge pin by disabling a spring clip and thereafter driving the hinge pin outwardly of the automobile hinge assembly while supporting the hinge assembly against bending forces that would otherwise flex the hinge assembly as the hinge pin is driven outwardly.

Abstract: Manual speed adjusted cloth inspection machines are converted to fixed cloth speed machines by replacing the transmission and variable ratio pulley and belt drive system with a cloth speed responsive tachometer controlling the speed of a motor to drive the reel mount at a constant speed through a fixed ratio pulley and belt drive system. Conveniently located, start, stop and reversing switches are provided as well as end of roll speed control.

Abstract: Novel method and means for securely attaching a liner of insulation boarding to the mold cap of a two-piece ingot mold, in order that the ingot mold will be capable of producing substantially void-free ingots.

Abstract: In torsional vibration dampers and torsionally elastic coupling which comse torque-transmitting spring elements, which are clamped between spacers by an external clamping ring, which is elastically expanded for the installation of the spacers and spring elements. For a quick and efficient assembling of the dampers or couplings, the spacers alone are initially inserted into the clamping ring and are then subjected to radially outwardly directed pressure until the clamping ring has been expanded beyond the extent required to clamp the spring elements, which are subsequently inserted between the spacers, whereafter the spacers are relieved from pressure. This method can be carried out with the aid of a cylindrical assembling head, which is provided at its periphery with at least one radially movable pressure-applying member, which cooperates with at least one hydraulic cushion, which is adapted to be pressurized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and eliminating latent and existing short circuit current paths through photovoltaic devices of the type including at least one semiconductor region overlying a substrate and a layer of conductive light transmissive material overlying the at least one semiconductor region are disclosed. The latent paths are first converted to existing short circuit current paths by applying a bias voltage to the devices. The short circuit current paths which are eliminated extend through the at least one semiconductor region from the substrate to the layer of conductive light transmissive material. The resistivity of the short circuit current paths is increased substantially at the interface between the conductive light transmissive material and the semiconductor region by isolating electrically the conductive light transmissive material from the short circuit current path.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an electrical contact which connects an epitaxial layer, well, or substrate with a metallic interconnect layer during the course of creating active integrated circuit devices in a semiconductor wafer. The process forms self-aligned contacts by establishing the contact locations coincident with the definition of the active regions, at an early step in the wafer fabrication process. Thereafter, a gate silicon dioxide layer and a polycrystalline silicon electrode layer are combined to mask the contact region surface from intermediate process environments, e.g., ion implantation and POCl.sub.3 diffusion operations. As the wafer fabrication process approaches conclusion, the contact region is opened by a selective etch of the polycrystalline silicon and the silicon dioxide layers, an enhancement implant into the surface of the contact region, a hydrogen environment annealing operation, and a deposition and patterning of the metallic interconnect layer.

Abstract: A thermal oxide is grown on a semiconductor substrate containing single crystal, dielectrically isolated tubs. A silicon nitride layer, serving as a mask for complete self-alignment of collector contacts, bases and emitters is then deposited. After the silicon nitride is patterned, the wafer is reoxidized. The oxide over the emitter and collector contact areas is then etched using the previously patterned silicon nitride film as an alignment mask. The remaining silicon nitride is stripped, a base photoresist pattern is formed and a base impurity ion implant is performed, to define the essential profile of the base. Polysilicon is then deposited and implanted with impurities to form 4000 ohm/square resistors. Silicon dioxide is deposited over the areas of polysilicon which are to become resistors when the polysilicon is patterned, which silicon dioxide masks the polysilicon resistor precursors from the impurities implant conducted for the collector contact, emitter and interconnects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for very accurately aligning a stack of loose laminations in the manufacture of a stator core for an electric motor or other dynamoelectric machine. The stack of loose laminations is supported on a pallet having a very accurately machined upper surface which is perpendicular to the desired centerline of the rotor accommodating bore. The pallet and lamination stack are moved into the alignment station and the pallet is accurately centered and the reference surface oriented perpendicular to the centerline by means of a tapered pin which acts against a tapered surface on the underneath side of the pallet. An arbor is inserted through the rotor accommodating bore of the stack, and engages a spherical head of the pin lying within the reference plane defined by the reference surface of the pallet, and the opposite end of the arbor is located by means of a second pin so that it is perpendicular to the reference plane.

Abstract: An improved method of interconnecting cells in batteries is disclosed, where the cells are connected using lead links which straddle the walls separating the cells in the battery housing. Grooves are provided in the surfaces of the links which are adjacent the walls and multiple indentations are provided in the opposite surfaces of the links. The links are coated with a sealant which flows into the grooves under the force of capillary action and forms a gas tight seal between cells.

Abstract: A method of assembling a control device. The control device has a housing, a first contact, a switch having a resilient switch blade with a second contact thereon, a pair of supports for the first contact and the switch and including at least one yieldable section, respectively, and an actuator for the switch to make and break the first and second contacts. In this method, the supports and the actuator are mounted with the pg,2 housing, and the second contact on the switch blade is engaged with the first contact. The at least one yieldable section of one of the supports is deformed, the first contact is thereby located in an adjusted position defining the magnitude of a force required to break the first and second contacts when the switch is actuated by the actuator.

Abstract: The leads of an IC module are bent to secure the module to a printed circuit board by a pair of rotatable bending members driven concurrently by a camming member which rotates about an axis normal to the axes of rotation of the bending members. Cam follower projections from the bending members engage spiral cam slots in the camming member. The slots spiral away from the axis of rotation of the camming member. All of the above structures are beneath the circuit board and above the lap of an operator who places the module on the board from above the board.

Abstract: A process for the disassembling of scrapped, i.e. worn out, damaged or in some other way unserviceable electrical storage batteries (10), in particular alkaline batteries, which consist of a prismatic cell container with sets of positive and negative plates, each secured to the next by means of a connecting strap, from which terminal posts project through a cover on the upper part of the cell container. After any free electrolyte has been emptied from the cell container, the materials making up the battery can be recovered.This is done by removing the upper part of the cell container so as to produce an opening and by withdrawing the sets of plates (31) from the cell container through the opening by means of a mechanical device (20) at the same time as the container is gripped and held fast in a pre-determined position by means of clamping devices (33, 34).

Abstract: A method of fabricating an insulating joint between a pair of end abutting rail sections of a railroad track includes the suspension of a pair of opposed fishplates at the rail joint at spaced distances outwardly of the rail sides, and simultaneously heating the rail sections and the fishplates to a predetermined temperature for activating a heat-activatable adhesive provided in fabric cuffs which are disposed between the fish surfaces and the fishplates. The fishplates are shifted along guide rods of their support assemblies inwardly toward one another into place against opposed fish surfaces of the rail sections, and are thereafter bolted in place. A device for fabricating the joint includes a box-like hood on which heaters are mounted, or a shear assembly supporting the heaters and being clamped onto the rail head. The heaters may be adjusted to accommodate various rail profiles.

Abstract: An improved electronics containing cartridge and cartridge holder are disclosed. The cartridge is utilized to encase electronic circuitry, such as a bubble memory, which can be selectively added to main equipment via the cartridge holder. The cartridge itself is made by an improved system which eliminates the environmental concerns of printed circuit board manufacture. The circuit board of the cartridge is formed by molding a substantially planar member with a plurality of circuit trace forming grooves therein. The circuitry is stamped from a metal web and inserted into the respective grooves. The contacts of the holder and cartridge are arranged for low wear operation. Both of the cartridge and the holder are provided with means which are readily exchangeable and provide a plurality of keyed configurations to assure that only the proper cartridge will be inserted into the respective holder.

Abstract: A variable insertion rate control system for a component insertion machine is disclosed. An insertion rate is read and retained by the control system which thereafter authorizes insertion of components at the indicated insertion rate. In order to achieve relatively high insertion rates, the downward stroke of the component insertion head is commanded before the receiving medium is registered in position for receiving the component.

Abstract: Multi-wire group splicing in multi-wire telephone or like distribution systems, utilizing an at least three-sided distribution module (DM), the distribution module (DM) comprising an array of bridging slots (128, 130, 132, 134) in each of its sides (120, 122, 124, 126), and an array of disc type connectors (210 or 230 or 232) for interconnection of the respective prongs (502) of conventional prong type bridging modules (BM or 500) engaging the sides of the distribution module. By use of the distribution module (DM), additional or substitute multi-wire groups can be connected into the distribution system without interruption of service, and field fabrication of splices need involve only the "building" of prong type bridging modules (BM) at the ends of wire group sections of the system, with interconnection of the sections being simply by plugging of the prong type bridging modules (BM) into the distribution module (DM).

Abstract: A disposable razor including a blade cover and a blade support, said cover making a permanent interlocking connection with the blade support while being movable to and fro relative to the blade support from a storage position to a shaving position having structure for (1) blocking inadvertent movement of the cover out of the storage position and (2) enhancing the integrity of the interlocking connection.

Abstract: A friction saw including a Nylon textile cord of a given length anchored to handle elements in the form of molded elongated bodies, at least one of which has a radial slot through which one end portion of the Nylon cord is assembled or disassembled. A resiliant clip enclosing the handle locks the cord in place.

Abstract: A gripper device is affixed to the first and second blades of hedge and shrubbery trimmer gripper shears in a manner whereby the gripper device does not interfere with normal interaction of the blades in cutting shrubs, hedges, vegetation, or other material and retains severed material on the blades until the severed material is manually removed.

Abstract: A flat knife, under circumstances made of one metal piece, for the peeling of tropical fruits with a handle, a shank arranged in the plane of the handle and a blade particularly at least approximately planar, the semicircular-shaped edge of which forms a blunt cutter. The blade is deepened flat, dish-shaped with a slightly raised edge, which under circumstances is ground, such that an outer cutting edge is formed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional digitizer for digitizing the surface contour of a solid body comprises a probe supported on the base for contacting the solid body at a plurality of sample points, a pair of mounting members mounting the probe for movement in linear directions along the X-coordinate and Y-coordinate, respectively, with respect to the base and the solid body; and a third mounting member for mounting the solid body for movement in a rotary direction with respect to the probe.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the thickness of a workpiece (34) at a plurality of predetermined points separated one from another along a predetermined measurement line. A caliper has first and second opposed jaws (20, 22) mounted on a support (19), which is biased to maintain the first jaw (20) in contact with a first surface of the workpiece. The second jaw is biased relative to the support to maintain the second jaw in contact with a second, opposite, surface of the workpiece. A transducer (24a) is controlled by the second jaw to produce an output signal representative of workpiece thickness. The workpiece is mounted for relative movement between the workpiece and the caliper so that the predetermined measurement line passes between the jaws of the caliper. The output signal is sampled as the predetermined points pass between the jaws of the caliper, and the sample signals are processed to provide thickness measurements at the predetermined points.

Abstract: A dimension board for gauging the dimensions of cutsize paper with holes includes a generally planar measurement surface, first and second guides attached to the measurement surface and having respective first and second abutment surfaces intersecting the measurement surface along respective, perpendicular, first and second lines of intersection. A plurality of sets of gauge lines may be disposed along the first line of intersection beyond the first guide, along the second line of intersection beyond the second guide, and at the intersection of a pair of lines extending parallel to the first and second lines of intersection but separated therefrom by the desired dimensions of the sheet of paper, whereby when the sheet of paper is placed in abutment with the first and second abutment surfaces, the dimensions of the sheet of paper can be checked against the sets of gauge lines.

Abstract: A suspension system suitable for a flux gate compass having compass windings (14) includes a ball joint (4,5,6) which permits both tilt and twist about a vertical axis, and a separate alignment element (16) for causing the windings to follow twisting motion of the fixed structure. The alignment element takes the form of a flexible printed circuit made into a double spiral form and carrying electrical conductors to provide the electrical connections to the windings. A zig-zag shape may be used instead of a spiral. The suspension does not suffer from the geometric imperfections of a Hooke's joint and avoids the need for separate flexible conductors which can interfere with the suspension operation and can break.

Abstract: A pair of referencing coils are mounted in direct association with a rotatable scale having a reference position index and a code strip. A reference position sensor generates a signal in response to alignment of the reference position sensor with the reference position index, and magnetic members are operative to normally align the scale with magnetic north. An electrical drive is provided for alternately energizing the reference coils disposed at predetermined angles to one another and to the magnetic members which respond to the energization of each coil and advance the reference position index toward the reference position sensor. Preferably alignment coils are positioned at equal angles to either side of the reference position sensor so that drive requirements are such that the current applied to each coil is only necessary to draw the magnets and associated scale through an angle which is just greater than one-half the total included angle between the coils.