Abstract: A connector for connecting two groups of optical fibers in axial alignment comprises a receptacle having therein a bore extending through it for holding therein two plugs, one on each side. The surface of the bore has two flat portions, one at each end. The portions of the plugs to be inserted into the bore also have flat portions shaped to contact the flat portions of the bore surface. The three interference bosses on the plugs are positioned such that after the plugs are inserted into the bore the bosses force the flat portion of the plug against the flat portion in the receptacle so that rotation of the plugs relative to the receptacle is prevented and the two plugs are substantially fixed in position relative to each other. Each plug assembly includes a ferrule having therein a passage and whose cross-section is triangular, square, polygonal or star-shaped. The plug assembly includes an insert shaped to press fit into the passage forming triangular spaces between the insert and the passage surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the effects of vertical perturbations of a phonograph disc surface resulting from disc and/or playback system mechanical imperfections. Such imperfections are compensated by closed loop and/or open loop means wherein the deviations of the record path are detected and employed to minimize the effects of the mechanical imperfections.

Abstract: Microcapsules having density controlled to be close to that of an aqueous solution are provided which may be dispersed in liquid bleaching solutions and which are useful as coloring or whitening agents.

Abstract: A method of preparing fine crystal particles of maleic anhydride is provided. The method contains the steps of putting a molten mass of maleic anhydride into a hermetically closed container moved at a moving rate of 1 to 30 times per minute and cooling the molten mass to room temperature over three hours or more. A maleic anhydride composition contains 0.01 to 5 wt. parts of colloidal silica relative to 100 wt. parts of maleic anhydride particles.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second connectors which may be coupled by advancing a connector post on the first connector into a corresponding recess on the second connector. The assembly may then be fully engaged by 180.degree. rotation of one of the connectors about a longitudinal axis. Indicia on the connectors enable an operator to quickly ascertain whether the assembly is in engaged or disengaged position.

Abstract: A sealing system for the sealing passage of cables or tubes, consisting of a rectangular frame, parallelepipedal blocks of resilient material, each block consisting of two identical halves, and featuring a bore adapted to the dimensions of the cables, compression means for compressing the blocks within the frame and retaining means, whereby the half blocks feature at least one groove transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bore on the outer surfaces parallel to said axis and the frame features corresponding grooves while the blocks are locked in place by the said retaining means that may rest in a groove of a half block.

Abstract: A plasma-arc torch is provided having a spring loaded ejector mechanism for expelling the electrode and thereby breaking off electrical contact so as to prevent operation of the torch when necessary parts are not in place.

Abstract: Circuits for modifying the dynamic range of signals, particularly compressors and expanders for use in noise reduction compander systems, in which the advantages of fixed band characteristics (variable attenuation throughout all or part of the frequency band) and sliding band characteristics (variable attenuation through part of the frequency band achieved by a variable pass filter) are provided, without the disadvantages normally inherent in each characteristic. Fixed band and sliding band circuit elements are operated either in parallel or in series, the elements operating in generally the same level range and at least a partial overlapping in frequency range.

Abstract: An encoder converts an analog input signal to a digital signal. The encoder comprises a circuit for generating a control signal with a predetermined bandwidth from the input analog signal. The control signal indicates the desired optimum step-size to be applied in the encoder. The encoder further comprises a converter for converting the analog input signal to a digital signal. The converter is responsive to the control signal representing step-size so that the digital signal will be generated in accordance with the step-size information. Since the generation of a limited bandwidth control signal requires time, the encoder also includes a circuit for introducing time delay to the analog input signal, so that the delayed input signal reaches the converter when the control signal is available for digital encoding.A decoder generates an analog output signal from a digital signal received from an encoder through a transmission medium.

Abstract: The complementary pre-processing and post-processing circuits of this inventiona re advantageous for reducing noise introduced into a signal by a process or medium where the noise introduced rises with the signal level. The pre-processing circuit analyzes the spectral composition of an input signal and generates an emphasis control signal to so indicate. The emphasis control signal is limited by a limitation circuit to a desired bandwidth. The pre-processing circuit includes an emphasis applying circuit for amplifying or attenuating the input signal as a function of the emphasis control signal. A delay circuit delays the input signal relative to the emphasis control signal so that the input signal reaches the emphasis applying circuit when the emphasis control signal is available for controlling the amplification or attenuation applied.The post-processing circuit restores the spectral composition of the signal.

Abstract: An improved hypodermic syringe having a cannula retractable within the syringe barrel after injection. A piston in reciprocable sealing engagement with the interior of the syringe barrel includes an engaging structure at its forward end which is attachable to the cannula base. After administration of the fluid contained within the syringe chamber, the piston engages the cannula base, preferably by "snapping" on to the rearward end of the cannula, and retracts the cannula within the barrel. The barrel may additionally be designed so as to prevent complete removal of the piston. In an alternative embodiment, a cannula retracting mechanism is provided in a hypodermic syringe assembly for drawing blood.

Abstract: A plasma-arc torch includes an interlock in the form of a sliding gas valve which permits interruption of torch operation by closing off fluid flow through the torch when necessary parts such as the electrode, tip, fluid distributor, and/or cup are not in place.

Abstract: A child's bedding is provided which has a flat, generally rectangular blanket portion. A pair of spaced-apart straps are attached to the top edge of the blanket. The straps are adjustable both vertically as well as laterally. A plurality of fasteners permit alternate rows of fasteners to be engaged thereby allowing the bedding to adjust to different size children. A sewn-in pleat further adds to adjustability by allowing the bedding to be lengthened. Fasteners at the bottom of the bedding provide warmth and keep the child from kicking off the bedding. Lastly, a centrally disposed fastener provides a means to secure the child in a maximum vertical position.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for environments where the presence of metals or traces of metals is inadmissible, consisting of a combination of a stretcher with a movable undercarriage, whereby both stretcher and undercarriage have been made virtually entirely in plastic, consisting of a thermoplastic material, the apparatus being absolutely free of metals.

Abstract: A method of treatment for patients suffering from cerebral ischemia is provided by administering an opioid peptide. Particulary preferred is the administration of dynorphin, or dynorphin-related peptides, in the acid or amidated form. Practice of the invention is useful in prolonging survival.

Abstract: A gas pressure reducing regulator for use with high inlet pressures is provided. The regulator includes a diaphragm plate for shielding the diaphragm from deleterious effects of flame and debris during unwanted combustion.

Abstract: To detect a physical parameter such as pressure, temperature, acceleration or force, the physical parameter is allowed to influence the movement of a light transmitting piezoelectric member. Light is supplied to the member and the member is vibrated in a direction transverse to the light transmitted in the member. The vibrations of the member are modulated by the physical parameter. The modulations of the vibrations modulate the light transmitted by the member. The modulations of the light transmitted by the member are then detected to detect the physical parameter. In some embodiments the physical parameter causes nonvibrational relative motion between two flexible light transmitting members. The change in the amount of light transmitted between the two members is detected for detecting the physical parameter.

Abstract: A process is provided in which an organic compound is separated from co-sorbed water directly on a particulate bed. Among the organic compounds which can be so separated and recovered from an aqueous solution are compounds containing the carboxylic group which can be converted to an ester during recovery. The inventive process may be used for the recovery of organic compounds from aqueous solutions such as fermentation broths.

Abstract: A tow basket for use in towing a vehicle. The wheels of the vehicle to be towed are lifted onto the tow basket as the basket approaches and contacts the vehicle wheels. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle wheel is lifted by a conveyor belt onto a first roller and thus carried upwards and into the tow basket, the first roller being operatively connected to the supporting wheels of the tow basket, and the belt being superposed around and upon a plurality of rollers including the first roller. As the vehicle is lifted, a pivoting structure within the tow basket pivots with the shifting weight of the vehicle from an initial position to a final position where the wheel is securely retained. In an alternative embodiment, a novel connection is provided between the tow truck boom and a cross bar having a tow basket slidably mounted on either end; the connection provides for some degree of lateral movement during loading and unloading so that the vehicle may be loaded from or unloaded onto an uneven surface.

Abstract: A technique for programming connections of conductors that is particularly adapted to be implemented as part of an integrated circuit so that a number of connections internal of the circuit can be made from outside the circuit in order to customize it after fabrication. A specific arrangement of five switching transistors is particularly advantageous for each cross-point of two conductors to be connected together in one of many possible ways. The desired switching arrangement at each cross-point may be programmed by use of the same conductors being interconnected to carry control signals from outside the circuit to a memory associated with each cross-point switching circuit. While these memories are being programmed, each cross-point is temporarily forced to a desired state for communicating the control signals from outside the circuit to the memories.