Abstract: An interactive display having an array of independently labelled display elements such as LEDs. The output of a recirculating shift register is supplied as long or short pulses which are scanned across the array. Each element in response emits either long flashes and appears lit or short flashes and appears unlit. A light-pen, when pointed at an element, detects the flash from that element, and causes a bit of the opposite sense to be introduced into the shift register in place of the recirculated bit. The display state of each element can thus be changed, both from lit to unlit or vice versa. The contents of the shift register can also be transferred to exterior equipment or supplied by it, allowing the display to act as an input/out device.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the possibility of wrinkling arising during the feed of multi-layer strip material along a feed path including a change of direction, the apparatus including a rotatable paddle-like paper guide having blades which successively engage the inner layer of the strip material in such manner that any excess material which would contribute to the formation of the wrinkles is accommodated in the space defined between adjacent blades.

Abstract: A new, improved, and inexpensive method and mixture of cements for the manufacture of imitation stone used for the purpose of decorating the object or surface upon which it is applied for giving it the appearance of being made of real stone.

Abstract: A method of making flexible radially compressible tubular electrical connectors involving producing a hollow elastomeric core in a tube of precise dimensions, and then removing circumferential strips of the tube to leave separated conductive rings and strips which provide the electrical connector elements of the connector.

Abstract: A new and improved pneumatically shaped ear plug comprising and constructed of an elastomeric hollow body of sheet material dimensioned to and constructed for being inserted into the ear canal or ear cavity, and end of the cylindrical hollow body being of a material performing as a diaphragmatic member so that when it is depressed, the volume of air therein extends the cylindrical side, and vice versa, said end member having a lead or handle means for retracting said diaphragm when it is depressed for restoring it to its original condition, said end member being of such resiliency of said elastomeric material that it retains its depressed condition when it has been so depressed, and retains its released condition when it has been released, thereby constituting a dual state condition as operated upon by action on said diaphragmatic member.

Abstract: An improved system and method of analytical testing for medical purposes including reagent and sample measuring and dispensing by means and steps of forming matrixes of tubes or containers for specimens, applying the specimen to a spectrophotometer for quantitation, recording the results, then routing the chemicals and biological materials to an ion exchanger for final disposition for elimination of problems of pollutants and sediment collection.

Abstract: A hierarchical data storage system comprises a main store and a smaller, faster slave store containing data currently required for processing. The memory system responds to a store access command to retrieve an item of data. In addition, for certain types of store access command, the system performs a look-ahead action to ensure that the slave store is loaded with another data item which forms part of a possible sequence. In certain cases, a test is made to determine whether the possible sequence is in the ascending or descending direction, and the look-ahead access is then made in the appropriate direction.

Abstract: A scaffolding assembly for use particularly in the construction of large holding tanks and which incorporates a novel construction and method of being raised from one level to another, the device including a series of scaffold sections made of aluminum and steel, the sections being pivotally attached together to conform to the tank contour, each section having brackets secured therebeneath that fit into bracket straps welded to the tank wall; the entire assembly being raised together on sky climbers in which all hoists are controlled by a single switch so to lift the assembly all together from an old set of straps to a new set thereabove.

Abstract: A new and improved water scooter for serving to facilitate sensory motor integration comprising a pair of spaced apart floatation devices of generally prismatic configuration and being constructed of generally soft, pliable flexible material throughout, being covered with nylon-reinforced waterproof canvas, a connecting nylon reinforced waterproof, hammock-forming canvas disposed around each of the floatation devices, and fastening devices on each of the connecting canvas and the floatation devices for securing the parts together and for allowing adjustments in size. An attachment strip of nylon reinforced waterproof canvas extends throughout the length of the floatation device and the connecting canvas provides for lending security to the apparatus of the water scooter, and the fastening devices are grommets for sizing and for anchoring bottom supporting material.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for indexing and retrieving information items recorded on a media and each given an index number. The process uses a criteria recorder having, for each value of a retrieval criterion, a recording position capable of holding a single bit. For each item the recorder is set according to the characteristics of the item and the resulting binary pattern recorded as a train of bits, together with the corresponding index number, on a magnetic index tape. To retrieve items meeting specified retrieval criteria, an electronic register is set with the bit pattern corresponding to those criteria, the tape searched for matching patterns, and the corresponding index numbers displayed as a guide to retrieving the actual items.

Abstract: A data file searching system in which data is compared with a search key, and the results of the comparison are then analysed by a processing unit. The action of the processing unit is initiated by an end-of-record signal which is generated in accordance with an end-of-record criterion. This criterion can be varied, and this permits the boundaries between records to be effectively varied.

Abstract: A multiprocessor data processing system comprises a plurality of processing modules interconnected by a mains data highway. Each module contains an internal highway connected to main highway by means of a port unit, which monitors activity on the internal highway and reproduces on to the main highway any addresses which do not evoke any response on the internal highway. The invention has particular application for constructing flexible systems from large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) technology.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for shelling vegetable peas and separating the hulls from the pea, in which the method and apparatus includes a tumbler and agitator for displacing the pea from the hull, agitator which shells the peas, and a separator of novel design and function for separating the hulls therefrom.

Abstract: A system for hard wiring information into large scale integrated circuit elements, in which a waveform generator produces a plurality of fixed patterns each representing a portion of the information it is required to hard-wire into a particular element. The wired-in information may be used in uniquely identifying the individual circuit elements. Each element has at least two terminals to which a portion of the information is applied by connecting the terminals to various combinations of lines of a group of distribution lines to which the waveforms are applied. The terminals of the circuit elements each receive a plurality of bits of the wired-in information.

Abstract: A code converter comprising a pair of memories which are addressed by respective halves of the input code. The outputs of the memories are concatenated to provide an address for a third memory. The output of the third memory provides the output code. The converter is initially set by applying the desired input codes in sequence, and writing the contents of a counter into the addressed locations of the three memories, the counter being incremented for each new input code. A particular example of the use of such a converter is for assigning replacement addresses in an auxiliary memory for faulty locations in a main memory.

Abstract: A data processing system is described in which a plurality of microprogram address registers are provided, some of the registers being associated with operations involving a processor and others of the registers being associated with peripheral devices. Each register corresponds to a different level of microprogram interrupt and the registers associated with processor operations correspond to levels lower than the levels associated with the peripheral devices.

Abstract: An excavator comprises a basic frame carrying an independently operable excavator mechanism and being seatable on a transport vehicle, the basic frame being provided with at least three folding support legs.

Abstract: This device consist primarily of a main body with an extending handle, the top portion being pivotable upon a bolt and includes a second handle which is used to rotate the top member, the body including a sleeve and rod, the rod being adjustable within a bottom plate secured adjustablely to the main body by a threaded bolt.

Abstract: A manually operable open-close valve remotely operated from the dashboard of a vehicle cooperates with the hydraulically controlled braking system of a vehicle having brakes on front and rear wheels to either block flow of hydraulic fluid to the front wheels or to permit normal flow.