Abstract: Improved processes and products based on the discovery that metal atoms in complex relationship with complexing agents can be used to moderate the formation of organic salt seed crystals which promote an exceptionally well-ordered acicular growth of organometallic salts such as oxalates of the metal. Some acicular, i.e. needle-like, products have particular utility for being reduced to ferromagnetic metal particles which retain a surprisingly large degree of acicularity and possess extraordinarily favorable properties for use in magnetic recording applications.

Abstract: An improved contouring tool, advantageously used as a skate sharpening machine, comprising means to vary the contour of the skating blade with respect to its longitudinal arc and also with respect to the centering of the arc. The sharpener of the invention also advantageously incorporates a novel low-friction surface over which a skateholder may be manipulated and a novel skate positioning and bent-blade detection means.

Abstract: An improved fluid-operated dispensing apparatus for use in receiving, processing, and applying rods of hot-melt adhesive. Important characteristics of the apparatus include an air-cooling means adapted to operate when the dispensing function is not being operated, and a means for gripping the adhesive rod to assure a uniform advance through the apparatus to the heating zone. Moreover, the use of a drive piston assembly, which is annular with respect to the rod being processed, enables the manufacture of an unusually compact tool.

Abstract: A quick-fastening and compact machine stop of the type used to aid machine operators in positioning of work on machine tools for precision machining operations. The novel machine stop is characterized by a biased neutral adjust mode and a screw-advanced cam surface which engages another cam at an angle to achieve a locking mode in which a plurality of clamp-effecting force vectors are achieved.

Abstract: A compact pumping system especially useful in liquid chromatography wherein comprising a liquid path which is fully flushed on each stroke of a pump, a pump which provides substantially pulse-free flow, a pressure-sensor integrated into said flow path and operably connected to the control circuit of a bifilar stepping motor. This circuit is so designed that the driving current applied to the motor is only that required to pump the liquid. The avoiding of heat associated with a greater current is particularly important in forming a compact package of motor and pump for use in liquid chromatography.

Abstract: An improved magnetic tape having the property of retaining magnetic data even when spooled and subjected to high temperature environments. This thermal resistance is suitably achieved by providing a backing coating which contacts the magnetic-particle-bearing facing coating of the tape and is chemically incompatible therewith. Pairs of chemically-incompatible coatings include polyester polyurethane-polyether-polyurethane; polyfluorinated hydrocarbons-polyurethane. A conductive furnace carbon black is advantageously used in the backing coating, and the substrate is, suitably, temperature-resistant polyimide.