Abstract: A parallel silent communication system comprises a secretary or phone operator console and an executive console. The executive console has a screen for visual display (discretely visible only to the executive to avoid interruptions to clients, callers, patients or visitors) of an unlimited language message composed remotely by the secretary or phone operator on her keyboard. A limited language or coded message may be returned by selecting one of a series of buttons or switches at the executive console which communicates specific directions or other responses to the secretary or phone operator at her keyboard. The pre-established communication channel need not be intercepted and can discretely be maintained unless the executive chooses to interrupt.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter structure comprises a pair of composite frame sections corresponding, generally, to front and back walls of the shelter. The front and back frame sections are held in spaced relationship by struts that themselves may be foldable as by a retractable splint structure. The struts are external of the fabric or other flexible walls forming the shelter and all of the frame elements remain connected to the companion elements when the structure is collapsed. In a tent configuration, the front and rear frame sections each include rafters that pivotally connect together to form a weather stable arrangement even absent a ridge pole.

Abstract: A closure head of a plumbing valve engages a protruding bead formed around one opening of a hollow highly flexible sealing member. Supply fluid is conducted to the interior of the sealing member through another opening. The hollow sealing member provides a flexible lip surrounding the bead, the lip responding to pressure of the supply to urge the bead firmly into engagement with the closure head. The lip deflects upon engagement with the closure head and its inner side is free of restraints that would prevent deflection. Limits are placed upon movement of the head while no effective limits are placed upon deflection of the lip. A lip around the supply port to the sealing member also effects a static seal. The sealing member is snap fitted into the bottom of a removable cage.

Abstract: A rotary garden cutter utilizes a series of flexible cutter lines conveniently attached to a cutter head. Each cutter line threads into and out of companion apertures in the peripheral wall of the cutter head skirt. Parts of apertures extend circumferentially about the cutter head. A generally cylindrical detachable clamp part fits into the skirt to hold the cutter lines in place. Worn lines are easily removed and new lines readily installed.

Abstract: A spotlight housing has a rear section in which a lamp socket is accommodated. The lamp projects forwardly through the back of a reflector. The lamp socket is mounted on a heat sink. A coil spring is interposed between the heat sink and the rear section of the follow spot housing. A screw threaded rod projects from the back of the heat sink, through the spring and through a large clearance opening in the rear section of the housing where it connects with a positioning knob. The knob is urged against the outside surface of the housing, which is spherically formed with a geometric center located near the access opening to the reflector. By shifting the knob along the surface, the lamp filament can be moved laterally in any direction relative to the reflector axis or focus. By rotating the knob, the rod length changes as the spring compresses and expands, thus moving the filament more or less into the reflector housing as the heat sink limits rotation.

Abstract: In this full duplex card reader/printer, a transport mechanism carries a card first past a read head at a constant rate and then incrementally past a printer. Under microprocessor control a message is printed on the card which is responsive to data read from the same card. A first transducer associated with the drive transport mechanism provides "read sprocket" pulses that are utilized by the microprocessor to ascertain the presence under the read head of a card data column. Stepping of the card past the printer is enabled by the microprocessor when a responsive message is ready for printing. As the card is stepped to each new print position, a "move sprocket" pulse is transmitted to the microprocessor. The microprocessor then compares the next message character with the character available for printing, as indicated by a set of pulses supplied from the printer. When these are the same, the microprocessor generates a command to print the character.

Abstract: High efficiency, low cost solar energy conversation is facilitated by using tubular photovoltaic solar cells situated at the focus of a line-generated paraboloidal reflector. Advantageously each solar cell comprises a pair of concentric glass tubes that are hermetically sealed at the ends. A photovoltaic junction is formed over the entire inside surface of one of the concentric tubes. For example, this may comprise an inner electrically conductive film, contiguous layers of Cu.sub.2 S and CdS forming a heterojunction, and an outer film of optically transparent but electrically conductive material. The conductive films provide electrical connection to the junction via external contacts that are symmetrically disposed at the ends of the tubular cell.In other embodiments the photovoltaic junction is formed in a crystalline silicon layer that is grown in situ on one of the glass tubes. Techniques for promoting oriented semiconductor crystalline growth are disclosed.

Abstract: A power deflator for a buoyancy vest includes a Venturi tube attached to the vest fitting. A mouthpiece control unit has an actuator movable in a path. Initial movement opens a conduit for slow deflection powered by ambient pressure. Continued movement of the actuator sends pressurized air through the Venturi tube for faster deflation of the vest.

Abstract: The spectral response of a photovoltaic cell is controlled by modifying the minority carrier transport characteristics of the cell semiconductor body. Recombination centers are provided in the body that reduce the lifetime or diffusion distance of minority carriers. Thus a reduced percentage of minority carriers produced deep in the body by absorption of relatively long wavelength photons reach the cell junction, as compared with carriers produced at lesser depth by absorption of shorter wavelength photons. The result is a shift in the peak spectral response of the cell toward shorter wavelengths.

Abstract: A gravity feeder for a liquor distribution system includes a manifold having a vented chamber, there being a series of vertically extending nipples on the manifold that are of different lengths. Interchangeable feeder caps detachably secured to individual bottles telescope over the manifold nipples to support the bottle in inverted position. Each feeder cap has a feeder tube that projects into the manifold chamber with its lower end at a level corresponding to the different lengths of the nipples themselves. A feeder system is established in which the bottles go on line in sequence. An uncomplicated and efficient system is provided.

Abstract: A female attachment for a dental prosthetic device is made by embedding the precision male part of a precision core into a wax-up, leaving the anchor part thereof exposed; sculpting the wax at the boundary line between said precision male part and said anchor part; investing the wax-up and core with investment material; removing the wax, leaving the core and the investment material to form a mold cavity; casting the prosthetic part in the mold cavity to form a female attachment in the resulting prosthetic device; and thereafter removing the core and the investment material.

Abstract: A metal door frame has trim molding applied to its flanges by the aid of separate clips. Each clip interfits an aperture in the flange and a notch at the flange edge. The aperture and the notch are punched in the flange so that the spacing thereof from the corner of the flange is constant whereby alignment of the clips is assured notwithstanding lack of critical dimensional control of the flange.

Abstract: A pair of companion hardware parts are connected together by a screw in order to close a link for webbing components of a drag chute or the like. One of the parts provides a threaded hole for the screw and the other of the parts provides a recess for accommodating the head of the screw and also provides an access opening for passage of the screw shank for engagement with the threaded hole. A spring retainer is detachably received in an internal groove of the recess. The retainer has a key that interfits keyways in the screw head and the recess whereby the screw is locked in place notwithstanding vibration and shock. No part of the mechanism projects beyond the recess. Hence it cannot catch or snag. Desirably a tang extends diagonally from the retainer in order to block access to the screw to inhibit attempted removal by an untrained or unauthorized person.

Abstract: A speaker system for pulsato and chorus effects for an electronic musical instrument includes one or more rotating sound channels, which consist of a speaker in a rotating drum, all supported as an assembly which also rotates or reciprocates. All axes of rotation are parallel. Reciprocal assembly motion is perpendicular to the axes of channel rotation.

Abstract: Concentric rings of acoustic damping material are mounted on a turntable surface and combine with an insulating adapter to provide acoustic isolation for records with large or small spindle holes. The rings are unconnected to prevent acoustic coupling between the rings while providing a flat surface on which a recording disc may be mounted. The adapter is formed of acoustic damping material and is resiliently mounted in the center of the turntable to be received by two different size spindle holes of various recording discs. The adapter is in the form of a disc having a thin annular section adapted to be received in a large spindle hole and an upstanding cylindrical section or boss of smaller diameter adapted to be received in a small spindle hole. The adapter is resiliently extended to normally position the annular section in the same plane as a recording disc mounted on the concentric rings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a single-handled valve for controlling both combined volume and relative proportion of hot and cold water. A control valve stem extends between diametrically disposed moldable sealing members, the sealing members respectively cooperating with hot and cold water inlet openings. The axial and angular positions of the stem determine the combined volume and relative proportion while the sealing members perform all of the sealing functions between the inlet openings and the valve outlet.

Abstract: A valve control stem extends through a thick sleeve-like sealing member fitted in a valve body. The sealing member has a short passage linking a body inlet port with the control stem. The passage has an intermediate enlargement forming an atrium or pressure chamber. The chamber forms outer and inner lips which are urged by supply pressure to seal against the valve body on the outside and (in the OFF position) against the control stem on the inside. A ring insert in the atrium provides a mechanical assist positively forcng the lips into sealing position and corrects for any imperfections in the lips that might otherwise prevent initiation of a proper seal. A reliable and effective seal is achieved.

Abstract: A series of flashing lights arranged in a line or circle appear as a group to move or rotate by properly timing the OFF or periods of the lights. The lights are divided into three interpositioned groups for separate control. The groups progressively go dark in one sequence and then in the reverse sequence by the aid of a simple cam clock means that periodically switches the cadence of only one of the groups to cause it alternately closely to lead or follow one of the other groups. No mechanical reversals of clock means occurs.

Abstract: The waterbed comprises a body supporting liquid filled bag or bladder and a freely expansible ballast chamber in unrestricted fluid communication with the body supporting bag or bladder. The fluid interchange operates to regulate and maintain at a comfortable low value, the surface stress of the bag or bladder.