Abstract: A Multiple Sample Pipetting Device is disclosed which is adapted to remove small predetermined volumes of liquid from a plurality of sample wells arranged in a compact rectilinear array, or conversely to transfer small predetermined volumes of liquid from one large reservoir container to a plurality of sample wells arranged in the same array. The apparatus has a plurality of small tubes extending downwardly with the upper end portion communicating with reservoirs that have a predetermined volume. A flexible diaphragm extends across all of the reservoirs, and the upper ends thereof are in communication with a common manifold chamber. The application of positive or negative pressure moves the diaphragm downwardly and upwardly into contact with the lower and upper reservoir walls, respectively, and either extracts or expels liquid from the tubes.

Abstract: A line monitoring apparatus is disclosed which is particularly adapted for use in determining whether a ball lands inside or outside of an area having a premarked boundary, such as a line on a tennis court. The apparatus incorporates electrical circuitry which distinguishes between a player's foot or a ball activating the switching means monitoring so that a player cannot activate an audio or visual indicator. An embodiment of the system includes pressure operated switching means for monitoring the boundary, as well as a service foot fault detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the pasting temperature of starch and the like is disclosed wherein a quantity of starch granules are mixed to form a slurry which is heated while a light source is passed through the slurry. Photosensor means detect the light transmittance through the slurry and are connected in circuit to place a visual temperature display means in a hold condition displaying a temperature representative of the pasting temperature of the starch when the light transmittance reaches a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A steam-hydrocarbon reformer is provided having a catalyst tube assembly which includes an outer casing and a central coaxial inner tube within the casing. A column of stacked catalyst pellets surrounds the inner tube. An annular passageway is provided between the outer surface of the column of stacked catalyst pellets and the outer casing. The fluid containing the reactants and products flows in this annular passageway and through another passageway in the center of the inner tube.

Abstract: A reliable low voltage, electrically actuated, all secondary explosive detonator device is disclosed which is thermally and chemically stable and is relatively insensitive to shock and electrostatic charge. The device includes a cylindrical body having a chamber containing a donor secondary explosive, an elongated bore extending from the donor explosive to an acceptor secondary explosive, with a generally flat annular shoulder located at the junction of the bore and the chamber, an impactor disc positioned within the chamber against the shoulder and blocking the bore and low voltage electrical deflagration initiating means positioned within the chamber and extending outwardly of the body. Application of low voltage current to the conductors initiates deflagration of the donor explosive so that the central portion of the impactor disc is sheared and accelerated through the bore striking the acceptor explosive with sufficient velocity to detonate the acceptor explosive.

Abstract: Fluidized bed process for coating materials with pyrolytic carbon. A gaseous atmosphere including a carbonaceous substance is flowed upward through a vertical heated enclosure to fluidize a bed of particles therein. An exit conduit extends into the particle bed and a controlled flow of inert gas is fed through the conduit to regulate the exit passage of particles from the bed. Additional particles are added to the bed from above.

Abstract: A flavored peanut composition is provided comprising a peanut spread or peanut butter in intimate mixture with a dispersion of sugar and flavor in a margarine type oil, the composition having a moisture level of less than about 1 percent. The sugar is present at a level in excess of about 10 percent of the composition and principally comprises sucrose. The flavored peanut composition is of smooth texture and does not stick to the roof of the mouth.The flavored peanut composition is prepared by making a fluid peanut butter or peanut spread; making a dispersion of sugar and flavor in a margarine type oil with more fat than sugar being present in the dispersion; intimately mixing the peanut spread or peanut butter and dispersion in fluid or liquid condition at a temperature above about 110.degree.F.; cooling the mixture with agitation to a temperature between about 45.degree.F. and about 60.degree.F.; and immediately packaging the flavored peanut composition.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for positioning the needle of a stitching machine in a preselected position along its reciprocatory path including a pneumatically powered positioning motor connected to the drive shaft for the needle, a source of pressurized fluid (preferably air), conduit means connecting the source of pressurized fluid to the positioning motor, normally closed valve means interposed in the conduit means, and control means also interposed in the conduit means at a location between the valve means and the positioning motor and adaptable to activate and deactivate the motor for positioning the needle. Apparatus is provided to enhance the reliability and speed of start-up of the positioning motor and to enhance the accuracy of the position of the needle relative to its desired position at the end of a positioning cycle.

Abstract: A fuel element for a gas-cooled nuclear reactor having a housing surrounding a plurality of fuel pins through which coolant flows over the fuel pins. The housing has a portion of varying cross section and a plug disposed within the housing adjacent the portion. The plug and housing form a generally annular orifice through which the gas coolant flows, the size of which orifice is variable in accordance with the axial position of the plug, which can be varied from exterior of the reactor pressure vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning and cleaning computer printout ribbons is provided with an electromagnetic clutch drive which facilitates connection and reversal of direction of the motor drives for transporting the ribbon in a forward or reverse direction of travel. This increases the production rate of the apparatus. Also, a magnetic means is provided to remove metal particles from the ribbon in combination with a vacuum means which uses suction to clean lint, dirt and other foreign matter from the ribbon as it travels from a supply chuck means to a take up chuck means.

Abstract: An improved diaphragm pump including motor driven reciprocating means secured at its outboard end to a flexible diaphragm spanning a pump cavity defined by a pump head including an integrally formed auxiliary chamber provided with valve means adapted to depressurize the pump cavity and the downstream side of the pumping system and to drain the downstream side of the system preparatory to dismantling the pump.

Abstract: An eye-hand perceptual-motor trainer trains a student to make sequential predetermined perceptual motor responses. A visual-kinesthetic sequence training board has a plurality of stations, as in the form of metallic segments, spatially arranged in a predetermined manner. A sequencing means, such as one comprising a digital counter, has a plurality of unique output states each corresponding to a respective one of the board stations. Each time the sequencing means is actuated, it advances from one state to the next in the same sequence as the corresponding stations are to be touched by the student. As the student touches the respective stations of the training board, a comparator compares the state of the sequencing means with the station touched by the student. A comparison signal is applied to display means which provides feedback to the student as to whether or not he is performing correctly in the proper sequence.

Abstract: A microfilm storage device is disclosed which takes the form of a book-like support cover having a hinged side movable to an open position to expose a pair of storage receptacles each of which is adapted to receive a plurality of microfilm reels or cartridges. The book-like storage device may be stored on a conventional book shelf and utilizes the full depth of the shelf to substantially maximize the number of microfilm reels or cartridges that may be stored on the shelf.

Abstract: A centralized system for simultaneously monitoring a plurality of predetermined remote areas and selectively indicating an unauthorized intrusion into any of the areas. A preamplifier is placed in each of the areas for amplifying the electrical signals from each of a set of microphones in that area and the amplified signal is coupled to a central monitoring and alarm station. The central station may provide a sound level indicating lamp for each area, an alarm lamp to indicate when the sound in each area exceeds a predetermined background or threshold level, and a system for simultaneously listening to the actual sound in all of the remote areas or selectively listening to the sound in any one of the areas.

Abstract: Apparatus for attachment to a standard typewriter for selectively actuating one or more of a plurality of magnetically actuated switches in electrical circuits that are connected to recording means through an electrical matrix circuit. A switch and actuating lever are provided for each of the unique keys of the typewriter so that signals identifying the corresponding character or function can be produced. The apparatus is compact and can be easily installed beneath the keyboard under the typewrter. Pivotable actuating levers having magnets thereon move into close proximity to the magnetically actuated switches in response to striking of the typewriter keys. The apparatus also includes magnetic shielding for preventing a lever from actuating more than one switch, even though the switches can be in extremely close proximity to one another.

Abstract: A device for treating human blood prior to its return to a living human body. The blood filter employs a bed of fibers between about 1 and 100 microns in diameter, the outer surface of which is formed of impermeable carbon. Suitable fibrous substrates may be coated with vapor-deposited pyrolytic carbon, and the fibers may be supported between upper and lower screens which are likewise coated.

Abstract: A recreational and amusement toy for children in the form of an inflated balloon-like jacket which covers the torso, permitting children to bounce or roll off one another while standing erect or while prone upon a lawn or soft-surface play area.The generally spherical configuration permits the child to quickly return to his feet from either a bounce or roll action when balance cannot be maintained.Arms can be retracted with bent elbow into the arm openings to permit the child to roll readily on the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for measuring anisotropy in the reflectivity within a region of a surface. The apparatus basically comprises a polarizing microscope which employs a rotating half-wave plate which rotates the polarization direction of the light incident upon the surface being examined and which also rotates the polarization direction of the light reflected from the surface being examined. The intensity of the reflected light passing through a polarizing filter is detected and related to the anisotropy.

Abstract: A dental prothesis for permanent or prolonged implantation in a jawbone of a living body comprising a carbon root having specified properties including a modulus of elasticity of about 4.times.10.sup.6 psi, and an adherent, porous polymeric coating having specified properties and which is adapted to interface with bone.

Abstract: A storage rack for holding superposed loads of palletized goods for use with a stacker crane or the like. Parallel upright trusses are spaced apart to define storage bays therebetween, and compartments within the bays are provided by rails carried by the trusses. U-shaped members connected to the columns of the trusses constitute parallel rails extending, respectively, into adjacent storage bays. Rectangular tubes may be crush-bent to the desired U-shape and connected by welds and/or brackets or supports to the columns of the trusses.