Abstract: A noise suppression circuit adapted for use with bifilar windings such as normally present in magnetic pick-up heads. The signals from the windings are coupled to a pair of operational amplifiers having a common gain control resistor for filtering out common mode noise. The first stage amplifiers are coupled to a pair of second stage amplifiers biased at the voltage of the bifilar windings and have resistance-capacitance filter circuits. The second stage amplifiers are coupled to a third stage amplifier which transforms the signal to digital form, the remaining noise appearing as spikes in the signal. The output of this amplifier is coupled to a digital noise filter circuit which includes a one-shot multivibrator coupled to a flip-flop arranged to control the digital waveform so as to filter out the spikes, that is, to eliminate the noise in the signal.

Abstract: A support system for an object such as a crashworthy aircraft crew seat which is floor mounted will isolate the seat from floor distortions as well as floor vibrations which would otherwise be introduced into the seat. The floor distortions occur only during a severe crash or impact. The floor vibrations occur continuously during normal flight as well as during maneuvers which could increase or decrease from a nominal level of relatively high G forces as they are transmitted from the floor. The invention provides a plurality of vibration and distortion isolating units from which the chair is supported at a plurality of points. The isolation units are circular holding members made of resilient material with crushable metal inserts in the resilient material. Supporting pins or members pass through the metal inserts in the isolation units. The isolation units are carried by rail guides constructed to translate along rails. The isolation units provide the capability of plus or minus 10.degree.

Abstract: A variable mirror having a reflecting surface which can be formed to have a curved, that is, a convex or concave contour to provide variable degrees of magnification. The mirror is adapted for utilization in a compact or vanity case, or the like. Various mechanisms are provided for varying the degree of curvature and magnification of the mirror, these means preferably being manually actuatable.

Abstract: An improvement in gas operated firearms having means for regulating the flow of gas from the barrel of the firearm to the piston which operates the action of the firearm. The improvement is a device which eliminates the necessity of having to change the barrels to accommodate different types of ammunition and loads. The improvement embodies a combined gas regulator and piston receiver associated with the reciprocating piston that actuates the action of the firearm. The combined gas regulator and piston receiver is reversible and in either of its positions fits in sealing relationship against the member which depends from the barrel of the gun and contains the gas orifices that deliver the gas from the barrel, to the regulator. The regulator-receiver has a bore that fits on the forearm shaft. Equally angularly spaced axial passageways are provided of partial circular configuration at the internal diameter of the regulator. An axial bore or passageway is also provided through the regulator.

Abstract: A reading stand is provided having a base and holder for holding material to be read in a predetermined position. The base supports a frame which carries a magnifying glass in a position to magnify the reading material and to be easily seen. The holder for the reading material is adjustable from the front part of the device towards and away from the magnifying glass. The frame provides simplified up and down and transverse adjustments of the magnifying glass relative to the holder.

Abstract: A bow compass, the parts of which are formed by a plastic injection molding process. The compass is provided with a fine adjustment by threaded means and also a quick adjusting coarse adjustment. The compass minimizes screw threading operations, there being a threaded barrel nut which like the other parts is formed by plastic injection molding.

Abstract: A watering device for growing plants. A container which may be a flower pot filled with soil or the like which has an aperture in the bottom. A second container for water is provided below the first container. A rigid probe having a central bore is provided that can be inserted through the aperture in the bottom of the first container or pot and extended up into the earth in the container. A wick has a part immersed in the water and a part extending up through the bore in the probe and is then wrapped around the probe and fastened. The probe is axially slotted to allow moisture to be drawn up through the wick and to transfer to the convolutions of the wrapped wick and for dissemination into the soil in the container.

Abstract: An electric generator is driven by one or more steam turbines through gear train means, embodying one relatively large gear which serves the purpose of a flywheel, serving to stabilize the speed and voltage and frequency output of the generator. The system adapts itself particularly to conversion of the steam power plants of reserve vessels to floating, electric power generating stations by disconnection of the propeller shaft from the main or bull drive gear and installation of the electric generator.

Abstract: Spasms in flexor and extensor muscles such as calf muscles are alleviated by topically administering to the surface of the adjacent skin a nitrite vasodilator agent, such as glyceryl trinitrate, in a suitable carrier.

Abstract: A cassette constructed to serve as a film holder for X-ray film or the like. The cassette is a rectangular container or box having a hinged cover, hinged by way of a piano type hinge and having a catch member opposite the hinge for holding the cover in closed position. A light trap is provided around the peripheral edges of the box and cover to make the container light tight. Preferably the hinge and catch members are fabricated from continuous metal strips.

Abstract: A pneumatically driven device which in the exemplary form of the invention is an air tool driven by pistons. In the exemplary form there are two pistons having racks which drive the reciprocatable shoe through pinion gears. One piston drives in each direction. Each piston at the end opposite the driven end has an annular groove in it with a sealing ring with ports for communicating air to the area behind the ring for pushing it out against the inside surface of the cylinder. During a piston stroke at this end of the piston air is compressed to provide a cushioning and braking effect which improves the overall operation, and avoids excessive wear.

Abstract: An improved gas operated firearm utilizing a metering device positioned for regulating the flow of gas from the barrel of the firearm to a piston which operates the action of the firearm. The metering device consists of a metering plug which has an annular rib where the plug is inserted into a cylinder which communicates with the piston which operates the action of the firearm. The area of the gas flow opening between the rib of the metering plug and the bore of the cylinder is thus selectable to one of the flow of gases. The metering plug may also have a plurality of flats on its surface of different dimensions and the metering plug is adjustable to selected positions for varying the degree of restriction posed to gases passing beteween the plug and the bore of the cylinder.

Abstract: An improved thermopile construction particularly adapted for use as an electric generator for producing a signalin response to heat from a pilot flame. Groups of elongated elements of dissimilar metals are assembled or arrayed in a circle within a metal sleeve to produce a pilot generator. The first group of elements is arrayed against the inside wall of the metal sleeve and the second group of elements is assembled radially inwardly from the first group. Respective ends of the elements of the first group and the second group are joined with the opposite end of the respective end of the element of the second group being joined to the opposite end of the next adjacent element of the first group. Individual elements of each group have a cross-sectional configuration to provide for optimum heat transfer between the sleeve and elements of the first group and to provide for assembly of the elements of the second group in a circle of smaller diameter.

Abstract: A tennis racket cover constructed of a fabric material or the like and having at least a partial peripheral zipper. One side of the cover is formed at least partially as a cap or hat. The cap or hat has a peripheral zipper for securing it to the other part of the cover. The one part of the cover may be formed as a cap with a crown and a bill or it may be formed as a hat with a crown and a brim. When formed either way, the cap or hat is provided with an adjustment as to size.

Abstract: Self-defense device has a charge of liquid, preferably substantially water so that, when the device is actuated, it is heated and expelled from a nozzle to be directed at an assailant. Heating of the water may also develop gas pressure which causes the expelling of the water, or heating may cause boiling to result in both pressurization and water expulsion. Black powder and cordite comprise mixtures which, when combusted, cause heating of the water and expelling of the water by separate gas generation. In other cases, a material can react with the liquid to cause expelling of hot liquid. An example of this is alkaline metal, such as sodium, being admixed with the water when expelling is desired.

Abstract: Automatic electrical control systems for gas fired equipment. The systems embody electrical ignition. The systems eliminate the need for a constantly burning pilot. In one form, wherein the main burner is electrically ignited the pilot is omitted altogether. The systems are adapted to retrofit of existing systems having a pilot to provide for electrical ignition, eliminating constant burning of the pilot. Safety interlocks are embodied and responsive to a thermocouple, providing an assured safe and positive operation under all possible conditions.

Abstract: The derailleur is mounted inboard as respects the bicycle frame. It is aligned with the rear drive sprockets. The take-up cage carrying sprocket wheels over which the slack part of the chain passes is carried on an actuating rod or stem, which engages a positioning means which provides for positive transfer of the chain from one drive sprocket to another, and for positive alignment of the take-up means and drive chain with individual drive sprockets. The positioning means is in the form of overlying plates, having overlying slots configurated to positively guide the stem carrying the take-up cage to assure the positive transfer of the drive chain, and positive alignment with individual drive sprockets.

Abstract: A swivel chair of the type embodying a support platform or pedestal with an upright and with jointed or articulated arms carried by the upright with the chair rotatably supported at the end of one of the arms. The chair can swivel or swing through 360.degree. around the axis of the upright. If the floor on which the support platform rests is not level the axis of the upright is not vertical and the chair tends to swing by gravity to the lowermost position. The invention embodies an improvement to compensate for floor that is not level. The upright embodies a spindle and tilt ring having complementary inclined surfaces. By relative rotation of these elements the spindle can be brought into a vertical position and fixed at that position. The spindle is secured to a base member by a special nut having a convex surface cooperating with a complementary concave surface held within the base member.

Abstract: A universal floating tool holder adapted for floatingly holding tools and particularly adapted for holding a tap for a tapping tool. The toolholder embodies telescoping bodies with a clutch in between the two bodies. Also between the telescoping bodies there are provided resilient means preferably in the form of O-rings. Provision is made for a limited amount of relative axial movement or displacement between the two bodies sufficient for clutch disengagemeent. The resilient means between the two bodies allows for relative radial or lateral float or displacement of one body relative to the other. The outer telescoping body holds the tool which may be attached in a chuck.