Abstract: An adjustable RMS circuit for an input signal is first compressed by use of a bipolar logarithmic converter. The low-level, high-frequency accuracy of the converter may be improved by increasing its gain in response to the presence of such components. An inverted half wave rectified signal derived from the compressed signal is then combined with a half intensity signal derived from the compressed signal to produce a signal which is substantially equal to the absolute value of the compressed signal. A reference signal of variably selectable level is further combined with the combined signal to provide an output signal offset to a desired threshold level.

Abstract: A noise reduction system compresses an input signal at a constant ratio in response to a control signal derived from the compressed signal. Added to the derived control signal is a counterfeit control signal which causes the compressor to mistrack when the compressed signal falls below a preselected threshold level. Thus, low level compressor output signals are increasingly deemphasized. A constant counterfeit control signal produces a logarithmic decrease in compressor output signal levels below the threshold point. The resulting compressed signal is used in two ways to enhance system noise reduction. First, the compressed signal is expanded at a constant ratio over all signal levels so that low level mistracked signals are further deemphasized and the system noise floor is lowered.

Abstract: A valve controls the rate of flow of fluid through its outlet pasage by selective alignment with the passage of a jet having an orifice of area less than that of the outlet passage. A plurality of jets in a single valve provides variable flow rate control and interchangeability of jets allows use of the same valve in a wide variety of applications and environs. The same valve can further be easily adapted for continuous or intermittant flow operation.

Abstract: A signal device is usable with motorcycles or the like to identify the presence and direction of motion of the vehicle in limited visibility situations. A mast extending upwardly from the vehicle supports the signal lamp assembly above the vehicle. A pair of transparent domes secured on the signal lamp assembly in a forward-rearward relationship with respect to the vehicle enclose separate lamps. The domes are color-coded so that the forward and rearward ends of the vehicle are identifiable without actual visual contact with the vehicle. The signal device circuit may be interconnected with the vehicle indicator circuits so as to be operable therewith. The mast may be telescopically extended to provide greater ranges of visibility.

Abstract: Preservation of biological materials is accomplished by apparatus and a process with and by which the material is cooled at a substantially linear rate to approximately freezing temperature, changed from the liquid to the solid phase at relatively constant temperature, and cooled at a substantially linear rate to an end temperature. The environment surrounding the material is rapidly chilled when the material reaches freezing temperature or a temperature minimally warmer than freezing temperature in the liquid phase to initiate phase change with minimal risk of super cooling the material, and is then warmed to freezing temperature or a temperature minimally cooler than freezing temperature to minimize temperature drop in the material upon completion of phase change. The apparatus contemplates, among other things, preselection of cooling rates, duration of phase change, and the end temperature.

Abstract: A pipe coupler has a pair of gripping members with corresponding angularly displaced channels and planar webs. The gripping members are adapted to clasp the pipes between corresponding channels with the gripping members in a spaced apart relationship. Means are also provided for cooperation with the webs to draw the gripping members into closer spaced apart relationship so as to rigidly secure the pipes in the channels.

Abstract: A device for use in stacking pallets in which a pallet spacing assembly adapted for vertical tandem mounting of a similar spacing assembly thereon has secured thereto a pallet support assembly, the support assembly being detachably connectable to the pallet to cantilever the pallet from the spacing assembly, thereby converting the pallet into a storage rack.

Abstract: A pedestal mountable structural panel is formed by lamination of a series of wraps about a core. A sawtooth arrangement of the junctions of corresponding laminar members of consecutive wraps provides an attractive, sturdy assembly without the use of braces. Additionally, the laminar arrangement of the wraps renders the panel readily adaptable for pedestal mounting on legs formed by a laminar arrangement of elongated members, also without the use of braces.