Abstract: Parking meter carries photosensor directed at the controlled parking space. The operator of a parked car energizes the meter by coin insertion and meter cranking and thus activates the photosensor. When the vehicle is moved out of the parking space, the photosensor detects the movement and resets the parking meter to zero.

Abstract: A keyboard assignment system for a polyphonic electronic musical instrument employs a small number (typically ten or twelve) of output channels each capable of storing a note identification code used to control generation of a corresponding tone. Output channels are assigned and/or released during an assignment cycle initiated when any keyboard key is depressed or released. During the assignment cycle a keyboard switch matrix and an encoding matrix cooperate to provide sequentially on a data buss note identification codes corresponding to depressed keys. The data buss is connected to all output channels. An identity signal is produced by each output channel which is storing a note identification code corresponding to any which appears on the data buss during the assignment cycle. Assignment logic, responsive to these identity signals, assigns an output channel to each newly depressed key on a priority basis, and releases each output channel which had been assigned to a key which is now released.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed herein for driving and selectively stopping a platform at predetermined work stations which includes a frame rotatably supporting the platform and a index wheel coupled to the platform in fixed relationship therewith. A drive wheel of lesser diameter is offset from the index wheel so as to overlap edge portions thereof and further includes a pin carried on its edge portion slidably engageable with one of a plurality of slots provided in the edge marginal region of the index wheel. The drive wheel is powered so that the pin enters and leaves each slot in a driving relationship whereby the index wheel and the platform are rotatably moved thereby. A spring biased dog operated by a cam mechanism selectively engages with the index wheel to register the platform at each of the respective work stations.

Abstract: Hybrid microelectronic packages contain microelectronic components for the protection and connection thereof. For protection of the microelectronic packages during storage and shipment, they are positioned within a carrier which encloses the body of the package and restrains the package leads for complete protection. Preferably the carrier has electrical access to the leads so that testing of the package can take place when the completed package is protected within the carrier.

Abstract: Polymer composition bags are located in a stack with the holes in the lips of lip bags engaged on wickets. When a stack of bags is so located, it is supported by an anvil, and a tamper foot comes down adjacent the anvil to clamp the stack of bags. A hot needle penetrates the lips on the stack of bags to tack-weld the bags together so that they may be handled as an integral unit, but bags can be individually removed at the bag-filling station.

Abstract: Mat of thin material has an aperture therein to limit the visible area of printed material to be read to aid in the development of good reading habits by controlling the focal scanning area. Set of focal scanning aids has progressively larger apertures to train the eye to scan areas.

Abstract: Automobile shock absorber is locked by this structure which includes a yoke clamped on the larger upper shell of the shock absorber and a collar pivoted thereon and embracing the lower piston shell. When solenoid tilts the collar, it locks the shock absorber piston shell against extension.

Abstract: Noisemasking speakers are positioned in an array to direct noise into a space which is to be used by a number of people so that individual privacy is assured. The array is divided into four or more sets of speakers. The single noise source is equalized, and the same equalized noise is fed to the four speaker sets through time-delay devices so that the noise from each set has low correlation with each of the other sets.

Abstract: Portable scale comprises a platform supported by an air bag with the air bag connected to a pressure-reading device calibrated in weight so that, when a load is placed on the platform, the pressure-reading device indicates its weight. In the preferred embodiment, the air bag is collapsible to occupy little storage space and the indicating device is a bellows constrained by tension spring so that, as pressure increases in the bellows, the lower gage plate moves down the calibrated tape to indicate the weight load.

Abstract: Mast is pivoted to sailboat hull and carries a counter-balance weight below the pivot. Wind pressure causes mast heeling with the counter-balance supplying the mast-righting force. Additionally, movable weights in the hull bottom are cable-connected to the mast so that, upon mast heeling with respect to the hull, the weights are moved upward and outward. The underwater structure of the sailboat is also controlled by mast listing or heeling. When centerboard-equipped, the centerboard is lowered with mast heeling. When keel-equipped, the pivoted keel is swung for maximum stability.

Abstract: Background sound system provides audiofrequency energy in a large office space for masking speech. The system includes a plurality of downwardly directed speakers in speaker enclosures mounted on the top of the suspended ceiling defining the office space. The speakers are thus directly acoustically coupled with the office space.

Abstract: Masking-noise speakers are positioned in an array of lines and rows to direct masking noise into a space. Two separate noise generators provide noise signals respectively to two equalizer-amplifiers which provide their signals respectively to first and second narrow band equalizers. These channel signals are respectively delivered through power amplifiers to first and second sets of speakers in the speaker array. The first and second channel signals are combined to produce a third channel signal, are power amplified, and delivered to a third set of speakers in the array so that no two adjacent speakers on any line or row are powered by the same noise signal. In a modified arrangement, the combination of the first and second channel signals is made after power amplification.

Abstract: Open-ended food freezing chamber has low thermal mass and is unrefrigerated during standby or waiting time. Remote refrigeration source is fast operating with large refrigeration capacity for rapid chamber cooling. Water-containing juice or puree food material is deposited on the walls of the chamber after the chamber is cooled. The resulting frozen material is scraped off into a receiver. Thereupon refrigeration ceases and the chamber rises to ambient to permit the remaining food material to thaw and drain and to prevent the formation of rime ice.

Abstract: Beverage fluid flow controller in line between pressurized beverage tank and beverage dispensing valve has a valve spool area at syrup pressure which is balanced by spring. A land on the spool automatically adjusts orifice flow area as syrup pressure varies so as to compensate for such variations and maintain a constant flow rate, and such adjusted flow area is independent of variations in dispensing valve operation.

Abstract: Advance shaft carries a sprocket for film engagement and carries manual knob for manually-controlled rotation. Framing shaft is rotatable with respect to projector housing and has an o-ring therebetween to serve as a drag brake. Advance shaft is detented with respect to framing shaft by means of an embracing spring. The drag brake of the framing shaft has a greater torque than the detent of the advance shaft with respect to the framing shaft.