Abstract: An improvement in a frequency synthesizer having a generator which produces mix frequencies and at least one mix and filter stage, said stage having a frequency divider. The improvement comprising: (1) a frequency divider for producing a periodic signal the frequency of which is an integer divisor of the mix frequencies, (2) a one-shot for producing an enabling signal whenever a change occurs in the selection of the frequency being synthesized, the duration of the enabling signal being sufficient to ensure coincidence of it and said periodic signal, and (3) a coincidence gate for resetting the frequency divider of each mix and filter stage to a predetermined state whenever there is a coincidence of the enabling signal and the periodic signal.

Abstract: An aerospace vehicle having multiple propulsion systems on a relatively rotatable flying wing capable of takeoff and subsequent landing with intermediate space flight in the manner of a conventional aircraft and rocket, respectively, comprising an elongated wing member having internal passenger and crew, cargo and fuel storage compartments. A plurality of propulsion systems are distributed about the wing member for providing thrust and aerodynamic control. The vehicle also includes rotating means for controlling the direction of the thrust of the propulsion systems relative to the longitudinal axis of the wing whereby to rotate the wing member relative to the direction of flight. The vehicle takes off and lands with the longitudinal wing axis being transverse to the direction of thrust and therefore to the flight direction in a manner similar to that of conventional aircraft.

Abstract: A space transporation system comprises several different modular units usable in a plurality of different configurations for different payloads and space missions. The units include a first stage unit for providing primary propulsive force during launch, a payload carrying unit, which may be an orbital vehicle or simple payload canister, and an auxiliary propulsion unit for providing additional power either during launch or space flight. The units are all demountably securable together, and preferably all include aerodymanic devices such as fixed or swing wings for a controlled return to Earth. The first stage unit can act either as a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle carrying internal or external payload, or as the first stage of a multiple stage launch configuration including a payload unit and auxiliary propulsion units.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing heavy metals, dissolved aluminum, sulfides and organic compounds from a caustic etch solution, thereby regenerating the etching power of the solution or facilitating its disposal into the environment. The process consists of forming a first filtrate from which heavy metals present in the solution have been removed, and a second filtrate obtained by precipitating and oxidizing residual chemicals remaining in the first filtrate. The latter is done over a selected pH and temperature range. The second filtrate is then either reclaimed back to the etching tank, or subjected to ozonization prior to disposing of it into the environment.

Abstract: A method for providing synchronous message transfer is provided in an asynchronous operating environment in which conversational status can be established between communicating endpoints. The operating environment includes a transaction processing system having a plurality of terminals, a data communication component (DCC), and a transaction processor (XP) which exchanges message data with DCC for transmission to selected terminals. The method steps comprise ascertaining at the DCC whether a transaction initiated by a message is synchronous or asynchronous; passing the ascertained transaction from the DCC to the XP for generating a response; and processing the responses to synchronous transactions in progress, while retaining the responses to asynchronous transactions until the synchronous responses are completed.

Abstract: A method of spraying grapes, comprising traversing harvested grapes from a harvester into a bin, and spraying a series of pulses of preservative liquid over the harvested grapes before they enter the bin, and adjusting either the "OFF" time or the "ON" time of the pulses so that the spray quantity is matched to the harvesting rate.

Abstract: A floating container cap for liquid storage containers used adjacent to bodies of water or similar liquids, the storage containers having a cylindrical input port of a predetermined internal diameter with a threaded surface for interaction with the container cap, comprising a cylindrical housing which is fluid tight with an external diameter less than the container input port. A generally circular metallic top having a diameter larger than the remainder of the housing forms a top end of the housing and a foam material is disposed inside the housing. To removably secure the cap in place, a plurality of threads are disposed on the outside of the housing adjacent to the top for interfacing with the input port threaded surface.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for generating a pulsed liquid stream, comprising a fluid tight housing having a cylindrical side wall, and first and second ends being compact enough to be hand held by a user. A piston mounted in the housing forms a liquid tight seal with the sides of the housing and slides between a first and a second position in response to an actuation means operated by hand pressure. An output port in the second end of the housing is connected to a nozzle for directing liquid at a desirable location. A liquid control means connected between the output port and the nozzle receives pressurized liquid exiting through the output port and transfers discrete portions of the liquid to the nozzle forming a pulsative stream of liquid exiting the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for releaseably and mechanically attaching an electric-motor-driven device (22), such as a ceiling fan, to an overhead support, such as a ceiling (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring structural characteristics of a manufactured circuit board containing solder joints by automated real-time digital X-ray radiographic inspection techniques. A circuit board under examination is automatically positioned by a digitally controlled multi-axis positioning system between an electronic X-ray source and an electronic X-ray imaging system. X-rays, in a beam of X-rays from the X-ray source, are directed towards the circuit board. The X-rays are absorbed, scattered and transmitted through the circuit board. The X-rays transmitted through the circuit board are directed upon the X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging system converts the transmitted X-rays into digital images which represent the radiographic density of the portion of the circuit board under examination. The digital images are stored within a digital image processor.

Abstract: A plastic drip irragation tape of unitary construction is disclosed that employs a water impervious polyethylene film folded lengthwise with the edges overlapped and joined together in a heat sealed seam to form a flat flexible conduit. A narrow preformed groove along one edge defines a small secondary conduit within the seam that resists deformation to maintain a consistent controlled drip rate along the tape. Breaks in the seam at regular intervals form inlets through which irrigation water flows from the main conduit into the secondary conduit and outlets through which the water is emitted from the secondary conduit to the soil.

Abstract: An easily assembled, steerable two-string kite suitable for sailing in light or strong winds having curvature adjusting and maintaining wing members with passed flexible rods to maintain the curvature, a substantially v-shaped frame made of lightweight material and covered with flexible sail material, capable of in-flight maneuvers including maintaining constant speed over a wide angle relative to the ground, direct overhead flight, 90-degree turns relative to the center of the kite, and lift-off from the ground, all without need to adjust or alter the position of the strings affixed to the kite.

Abstract: A rubber band powered gun includes a barrel assembly within which a projectile traveller slides between a cocked position and a release position. A singulator also slides in the barrel assembly and feeds a single projectile from a magazine to the traveller each time the traveller moves from the release to the cocked position. A slide, movably mounted on the barrel assembly, engages and moves the traveller to the cocked position. At the cocked position, the slide disengages the traveller and is movable toward the release position. A rubber band is connected between the traveller and the slide for exerting an elastic force directed toward the release position on the traveller at the cocked position in response to movement of the slide toward the release position. A trigger is provided for retaining the traveller at the cocked position while the slide moves toward the release position. A mechanism retains the slide at the release position.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching pipe having first and second elongated mandrels each having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface of a predetermined cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis of each mandrel. A displacement system is included for adjusting the relative distance between the mandrels. A cylindrical spiral ribbed pipe is positioned lengthwise over the mandrels with the mandrels fitting against the inner wall of the pipe. The displacement system increases the relative distance between the mandrels so as to reform the original circular end cross-sectional shape of the pipe.

Abstract: A catamaran vessel comprises a pair of spaced, parallel elongated pontoons with a strut extending upwardly from each of the pontoons and a superstructure supported on the struts for riding above the waterline. Each pontoon has a sharp chine at its inner and outer edges and is of varying cross-sectional width along at least part of its height, with the widest point in the cross-section being situated below the upper surface of the pontoon. The lower surface of each pontoon comprises a planing surface on which the vessel planes at speed.

Abstract: An underwater electrical connector comprises a pair of mating plug and socket connector shells each containing a contact carrying insert body. When the shells are connected together, contact pins projecting from the front face of one of the insert bodies engage in corresponding contact sockets on the front face of the other insert body. The connector shells have an interengageable key and keyway formation for maintaining correct orientation as they are secured together. Each insert body has a keyed engagement with its respective shell as it is inserted. One of the insert bodies has a rearwardly projecting sleeve which engages in a corresponding rearwardly projecting sleeve on the respective connector shell as it is inserted. The shell sleeve has an axial through slot extending from its free end, and the insert body sleeve has a corresponding outwardly projecting key for engagement in the through slot.

Abstract: A convertible picnic table has a table top which retracts pivotally to serve as a bench back. Adjustment of the table top attitude is effected by a slotted bracket having one end pivotally mounted to the table top, and a second end slidably mounted to a palm nut mounted on a horizontal frame member.

Abstract: A fare collection ticket transport mechanism transports tickets along an open longitudinal slot with a portion of the ticket projecting sideways out of the slot so that a patron depositing the ticket in the mechanism can see it while it is being transported and can grasp the projecting portion to release it if it becomes jammed. The portion of the ticket within the slot passes over read, write and verify components of the mechanism. The slot has a side wall or guide projecting out of the slot for guiding the projecting portion of the ticket. The guide has spaced notches to permit a patron to grasp a ticket and vertical ridges or lips at the outer edge of the guide act as stops for the outer edge of the projecting portion of a ticket to prevent the ticket from moving transversely out of the slot.