Abstract: A machine tool spindle (10), rotatable in a housing (11), is adapted to receive, as an alternative to a cutting tool, a probe (12) having a stylus (14) whereby to sense a workpiece (15) for the purpose of measuring it. On sensing the workpiece (15) the probe (12) generates a signal which is transmitted to a fixed location (X) on the housing (11). The probe (12) has a body (13) secured to the spindle (10) for rotation therewith, such rotation being required for certain measuring manouvres. To cope with the transmission of the signal (17) from the rotating probe (12) to the fixed location (X), the signal (17) is transmitted through the intermediary of a sleeve (19) supported on the probe body (13) such that the body (13) can rotate while the sleeve (19) is held still by an axially disengageable mechanical connector (21) connecting the sleeve (19) to the housing (11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a safety ski binding, for the purpose, in hazardous situations, of automatically releasing a ski boot from a ski on which it is held. The forces exerted by the ski on the leg of the skier are continuously integrated with respect to time. The thus formed time integral of the force releases the connection between the ski and boot on reaching a threshold value representing a product of force.times. time which is higher than the integration threshold value corresponding to the holding force of the ski binding. To avoid a summation of pulses, a pulse that has not resulted in actuation is cleared through downward integration.

Abstract: A system for processing analog electrical input signals to produce output signals having frequencies determined by electrical adapting signals, in which the adapting signals may depend upon characteristics of the input signals.

Abstract: A stand for an electric iron incorporates an automatic time delay safety switch arrangement which reduces the chances of fires being started by an unattended iron and serves to save a substantial amount of electric energy by cutting off the current to the iron when it is left turned-on but unattended. The stand includes a hinged, spring biased platform of insulating material for supporting an electric iron during non-use periods. Placement of the iron on the platform causes the platform to pivot closing a normally open switch. Closure of the switch energizes a standard electrically energized time delay relay mounted on the platform. After lapse of a predetermined time period, the time delay relay actuates a manually resettable electric relay from a first condition allowing the electric iron to be energized from a power supply socket on the platform to a second latched condition whereby the iron is deenergized.

Abstract: A pressure sensing mat utilizes a thin sheet of semiconductor material that has an electrical conductivity generally invariable as to pressure applied to the mat material. The sheet of semiconductor material is sandwiched between sheets of copper, steel or aluminum foil which are in mechanical contact with the semiconductor sheet to define a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are connected to various circuits including a pressure (voltage) threshold detector, a learning circuit for establishing a learned threshold, a circuit for matching time-pressure patterns and a circuit for detecting pressures between a predetermined maximum and minimum level. A matrix of pressure sensing mats is utilized with various circuits to detect sequential pressure patterns.

Abstract: A gas spring arrangement in which conductive terminals on the cylinder and piston rod of a gas spring are connected by a conductive path insulated from the cylinder and piston rod. The path may be provided in part by contact elements on the cylinder and piston rod outside the cylinder cavity which engage each other when the piston rod approaches its axially terminal position during inward movement into the cavity. The path may also be provided in part by an insulated conductor helically wound on the piston rod in the cavity or outside. It may also include an axially elongated conductor secured to the axial cylinder wall outside the cavity.

Abstract: A control circuit for a refuse compactor having a compacting ram driven by a reversing electric motor for compacting refuse placed in a receptacle in the compactor. A tilt switch is associated with the receptacle and a control circuit for plug reversing the ram drive motor as a result of the tilt switch sensing a tilted condition of the receptacle during the compaction operation so as to return the ram to a retracted position as a result of such sensed tilted condition. The plug reversal operation is effected during novel utilization of the normal motor direction reversing switch of the control with the tilt switch being connected selectively in series with or in parallel with the reversing switch in different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive device is proposed which includes an electrically conducting element in the form of a loop, a screen arranged outwardly of the loop, and a resiliently compressible, non-conducting material between the screen and element, the arrangement being such that, on the application of a loading to the screen, the electrical inductance of the loop is changed, such change being sensed by a reactance-dependent detecting circuit (DET) connected therewith.

Abstract: The control includes approach and safety mat switches to which are applied alternating current voltage. Each of the switches are coupled to respective high gain binary output, solid-state amplifiers which change state upon alternation of two different input voltages being compared. Upon closure of the approach mat switch, the corresponding binary amplifier is caused to change state which in turn changes the state and output signal of a third like amplifier. This output signal causes the energization of an electric motor which opens the door. Opening of the approach mat switch followed by closing of the safety mat switch, the corresponding amplifier changes state and holds the third amplifier in its state which causes energization of said motor, thereby holding the door open. A time delay circuit is connected to the third amplifier for delaying the change of state of the third amplifier after the approach and safety mat switches are opened.

Abstract: A two-hand safety system utilizing an operator's skin resistance is provided to control the operation of a work fabricating tool. An operator must place both hands on a pair of spaced electrodes in order to initiate operation of a radio digital signal generator which transmits a digital signal to a receiver. The receipt of the digital signal in conjunction with a predetermined positioning of a freely slidable work holder energize a circuit to control the operation of the work fabricating tool.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically controlling transformer coupled alternating-current electric lines. The secondary winding of each transformer is provided with a center tap. A switching circuit is connected to the center taps of a pair of secondary windings and includes a switch controller. An impedance is connected between the center taps of the opposite pair of secondary windings. The switching circuit has continuity when the AC lines are continuous and discontinuity with any disconnect of the AC lines. Normally-open switching means are provided in at least one AC line. The switch controller automatically opens the switching means when the AC lines become separated.

Abstract: A tracer unit for use with measuring machines is described.The main feature of this tracer unit is to comprise a plurality of tracer tools, each of which is provided with a rod arranged to come into contact with a surface to be scanned, a movable body connected to said rod, a fixed body, first means which supply a first signal either when said movable body leaves the position of equilibrium relative to said fixed body or when said movable body passes through a determined position relative to said fixed body, and second means arranged to indicate from which of the various tracer tools said first signal is originated.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for testing the operability of drop wire circuitry associated with yarn handling equipment which does not require yarn movement to be interrupted during tests. A two-position switch operable between normal and test mode positions is included in the circuitry. A jack arrangement is rendered operable with the switch in the test position, thereby permitting an indicator to be selectively inserted in the drop wire circuitry path. The electrical characteristics of the indicator are such as to permit the indicator to be actuated when a drop wire falls while simultaneously disabling the normal response of the remaining drop wire circuitry. Means are provided to selectively bypass the indicator with the switch in the test position to thereby allow the drop wire circuitry to operate as if the switch were in the normal position.

Abstract: A position sensor disposed on an elevator car has a first rotatable shaft connected to a secondary winding of a transformer or a switch actuating member, and a second rotatable shaft coaxial with the first shaft and connected to a primary transformer winding or to a switch position changing member. A first roller engages a rod-shaped cam mounted at an angle to a guide rail for the car toward the end of the path of travel of the car to rotate the first shaft in a direction to decrease the voltage across the secondary winding or successively actuate the switches. If the car moves horizontally, the first shaft is rotated to change the voltage and a second roller engaging the rail rotates a second shaft to compensate for this change in voltage.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a lid latch concealed in a tamper-proof enclosure and a centrifuge interlock circuit which prevents the opening of the lid latch until the rotor has come to a full stop, and which requires electrical power to release the latch. Rotation is detected by a low level direct current applied through a sensing resistor to the brushes of the drive motor, after drive power to the motor has been cut off. Any rotation will cause rapid modulations of the current through the sensing resistor, which develop a corresponding signal voltage across the resistor. The signal voltage is amplified and applied to trigger a clamp circuit, which overrides a lid latch release device until rotary motion has ceased.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: An omnidirectional electronic probe indicating the fall out of balance position, and particularly suitable to be used in measuring machines, is described. This probe comprises a rod arranged to come into contact with a surface to be inspected, a movable body connected to the rod, and a fixed support body for the movable body; the fixed and movable bodies comprise electric contact elements which provide in combination a switch. The main feature of this probe is that the stable balance position of the movable body with respect to the fixed body is a statically determined balance position and the switch is closed exclusively for the unique stable balance position. Another feature of the probe is to be provided with miniaturized electronic circuits which prevent the transmission of erroneous signals to the machine during the phases of opening and closure of the switch.

Abstract: A plurality of contacts, each comprising two electrodes, are arranged beh a plate to be used as a touch pad in a swimming competition timing device. Closing of a contact results in a signal being transmitted from a transistor to control electronic chronometric equipment. The contacts are connected in parallel and are coupled between the emitter and base of the transistor. The voltage across the contact is thereby held to the base-emitter voltage of the transistor, which is below the decomposition voltage of the electrodes. In a second embodiment, contacts are connected to either of two transistors which are in series to act as an "OR" circuit.

Abstract: A turn signal for use on a motorcycle which incorporates means for automatic cancellation of the signal during completion of a turn. A normally open momentary contact push button switch is located on each side of the handle of the motorcycle, with each such push button switch in series with a self-latching relay that when energized switches on the appropriate turn indicator lamp. A mercury, normally closed, switch in series with the relay coil is mounted on each side of the handle and opens the relay coil circuit under the momentum of a turn to open the indicator lamp circuit.