Abstract: A satellite disseminated time and date code is received and converted into local time signal and displayed. The ground stations scan a frequency spectrum for signals from geosynchronous satellites. Once found, the position and time information from the satellites is used to compute the correct local time.

Abstract: Horse hoof pick comprising an arm having front and rear end portions and another arm having pivot connection to the first arm intermediate its end portions, the first arm defining at its front end portion a hoof picking head comprising a terminally pointed and rearwardly tapered hook insertable between the frog and horn portions of the horse's hoof, the other arm being angularly adjustable relative to the rear end portion of the first arm to define a handgripping means for the pick variable between a narrow arm spread for prying picking action against accumulated matter, and a wide arm spread for facilitated torque twisting picking action against the matter.

Abstract: A composite drum head, comprising polyaramide fiber fabric impregnated with a rigidifying amount of epoxy polymer.

Abstract: Faithful replication of a drummer's hits on an electric drum, free of cogeneration of spurious signals by acoustic coupling of the drum pick-up with extraneous energy sources such as nearby musical instruments is achieved by employing as the drum hit pick-up a variable resistance transducer comprising a foamed dielectric matrix, e.g. polymer, having electroconductive particles therein, sandwiched between conductive members one of which is contiguous with the drum head.

Abstract: A front opening holster for semi-automatic and other pistols. The holster includes a body of leather formed into a U-shaped pocket with the base of the U located at the rear. The body is maintained in a weapon holding shape and the front opening formed by the ends of the U held closed by a pair of sheet metal spring members held together at the rear of the holster by a spacer block. The top of the spacer provides a rest and stop for the trigger guard of the weapon. A cantilevered spring member carrying a shaped locking member is secured to the holster body on one side. A relatively rigid backing plate is positioned on the opposite side of the holster body. The shaped locking member when engaged by the trigger guard moves out of the way to allow the trigger guard to pass. A restraining strap allows the spring member and locking members to deflect outward and rearward but not in the forward direction.

Abstract: An improved elongated blade or blade spar comprises successive low-pitch circumferentially wrapped convolutions of a synthetic resin impregnated tape having elongated cut glass and substantially parallel and equal length filaments wherein successive convolutions are overlapped approximately 50% and wherein the axis of the elongated strands lie at an angle of less than 30.degree. from the elongated spar axis. Preferably, resin impregnated filamentary strands are circumferentially wrapped around the mandrel substantially parallel with the direction of the tape wrap between selected tape layers. The improved blade spar mandrel wrapping apparatus includes a split ring support for the mandrel and through which the mandrel extends. The support ring halves may be separated, moved and rejoined during the mandrel wrapping process.

Abstract: Automatic test equipment for determining the optical properties of a test object is described. A highly collimated test beam of approximately one millimeter diameter is directed through the test object, is reflected, and passes through the test object a second time. The test beam source may be a laser and spatial filter, or equivalent. The reflected beam intensity and the exit point and return slope angle at which this beam leaves the test object are accurately measured to determine the optical characteristics of the test object. In one described embodiment, the exit point is determined by moving a knife edge to a point where half the light is blocked. The angle is determined by focusing the reflected beam and determining the position of the focal point, i.e. image height, by means of a pinhole mounted on a three axis micrometer platform. The light transmitted through the pinhole is detected by a light sensitive diode or equivalent.

Abstract: A thumb break type front opening holster employing a body of leather or leather-like material defining a holster retaining cavity having a top opening for insertion of the weapon into the holster and a front opening for removal of the weapon. The weapon is held in place by a strap secured to the outer side of the holster by a permanent but pivoted connection. The strap includes one-half of a snap fastener at its upper or free end designed to be engaged to a portion of the holster to hold the weapon in place. The mating half of the snap fastener is secured to a relatively rigid pivoted thumb break tab which is secured to the holster at an upper extremity. The thumb break tab is fashioned of leather or leather-like material and mounts the mating snap fastener half for the strap. Contained within the tab is a reinforcement member in the shape of an inverted U with outward extending legs extending laterally beyond the width tab.

Abstract: A vibration test, bearing table apparatus comprising a support block having a surface slideably supporting a test piece-carrying slip plate intended to oscillate along a single predetermined axis at a desired test frequency responsive to shaker head driving of the slip plate is provided, with an improvement comprising means within the locus of sliding engagement including a cooperating shaft and bearing assembly distributively coupling the slip plate and support block together in a manner maintaining the test piece on a single degree of freedom path coincident with the test axis, whereby tendencies of the driving force to impart spurious cross-axis pitch, yaw and roll test piece motion relative to the intended test axis are blocked.

Abstract: Hollow filament wound spar structure is provided adapted for rotational hub mounting under centrifugal and bending loads. The structure comprises an integrally wound, filament and resin composite spar of a predetermined wall thickness, a fitting integrally wound therein, the fitting defining rotational hub fastening means and comprising a plug having a mechanical engagement groove circumferentially of its longitudinal axis into which the opposing spar wall portion is deflected responsive to winding fabrication of the spar wall on the fitting. Belt means additionally are provided opposite the groove locally peripherally confining the deflected spar wall portion in mechanical engagement reinforcing relation, against relative dislodgement of the spar wall portion from the plug groove in the mounted condition of the spar structure, under centrifugal and bending loads.