Abstract: A holder (3) for retaining a sheet of X-ray sensitive film (24) for making X-ray pictures includes (1) an outer cassette (5) with a low-friction shape and surface and (2) an inner cassette (20) that can be opened and closed, that is lightproof when closed, and that can be accommodated in the outer cassette. The inside of the closed outer cassette is longer and wider than the film and considerably higher than the film is thick.

Abstract: A method of and printer for printing photographs on light-sensitive paper of a particular format from transparent masters on a roll of film by means of a projector. Both the film and a strip of the paper are advanced through a printing point. The paper is displaced across the direction the film travels in with the center of the prescribed paper format at a distance from the optical axis of the projector. The projector can be adjusted to project the image of the master larger or smaller than the paper format.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for retrieving information from a secure electronic information source, wherein at least some of the information is in encrypted form and may be decrypted for use. The device comprises:(a) a computer, having an input device and a display device, for selecting information to be retrieved from the information source;(b) an information retrieval device, coupled to the computer, for retrieving the selected information from the information source;(c) a decryption device, coupled to the computer, for decrypting at least portions of the selected information retrieved from the information source; and(d) a data logging device, coupled to the computer, for maintaining a data log of the selected information as it is retrieved from said information source and decrypted. According to the invention, a unique brand code is automatically, electronically added to at least some of the selected and decrypted information, and to the data log.

Abstract: An acoustic touch position sensor having a transducer which imparts a wave, propagating along a first axis. A reflective array disposed along the first axis which reflects the wave as a set of waves having a horizontally polarized component and a non-uniform volumetric energy density along an axis normal to said surface, traveling along a different axis into the touch surface region of the substrate. The waves are partially absorbed, attenuated or perturbed by an object touching the substrate, to create a modified waveform having characteristics indicative of the axial displacement and/or contact condition of the object with the substrate. The wave perturbation is detected by collecting the set of waves with a reflective array, which redirects the wave energy to a receiving transducer. The transducers preferably produce and are responsive to Rayleigh type waves, with the reflective arrays mode-converting acoustic wave energy between higher order horizontally polarized shear waves and Rayleigh type waves.

Abstract: An image plate coated with a photostimulable element and a method of testing a digital device for scanning such plate with respect to various system parameters.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of operating a telecommunication system for providing a limited access message service to a plurality of end users. Existing telecommunication lines with a telecommunication switching network and a computerized central switching station are used to establish a billing system for sponsors and to form an account for each sponsor purchasing subsequent usage relating to one third party telephone number, the usage being based on a predetermined bulk rate for consumption of user time over a preset time period. It also includes distributing a user unit to each of a plurality of end users for calling the one third party telephone number. Each end-user is given the third party telephone number, and at least one unique personal identification number.

Abstract: An imagesetter of the "internal drum" type for producing an image on a flexible section of photosensitive material. The section of material has a first end, an opposite second end and substantially parallel side edges extending between the first and second ends and delimiting between them the image area of the section. The imagesetter retains the section of material in a substantially cylindrical configuration in such a way as to provide physical contact with the section along the edges and on opposite sides of the line of scan. The scanning mechanism comprises a reflector, arranged to rotate about the central cylindrical axis, for deflecting an axial beam radially outward to the image area.

Abstract: A device for winding strips of photographic film inside a housing. A film-guide slot opens into the housing's approximately cylindrical interior. A film reel rotates freely in the housing interior without a positive drive and demarcates, in conjunction with the inner surface of the housing, a more or less annular film-guide channel. The film-guide slot opens more or less tangentially into the interior channel.

Abstract: A data and television network for digital computer workstations that operate on a local area network (LAN) to exchange data. The network includes a private branch exchange (PBX) having a plurality of television ports for transmitting and receiving television signals, an electronic switch for selectively connecting each television port with any other television port, and a control computer (PC), connected to the LAN and to the switch, for decoding data messages received from a workstation via the LAN and controlling the interconnection of the television ports by the switch in response thereto. A software program, stored in and operable on the computer of each workstation, generates the data messages to be transmitted via the LAN to the control computer of the PBX.

Abstract: A hand-held, self-contained, self-powered, submersible, portable water pump appliance having physical dimensions and weight enabling it to be hand-held and transportable by a person. The appliance can recirculate water in a pool of water, as in a bathtub or spa, and is useful for providing massage and stimulation to the body of a person.

Abstract: A videoconferencing network for digital computer workstations that operate on a local area network (LAN) to exchange data. The network includes a signalling local area network (A-LAN), connected to a first port of a plurality of workstations, for transmitting and receiving data signals between selected ones of the workstations and a broadband local area network (B-LAN) connected to a second port of the plurality of workstations, for transmitting and receiving television signals between selected ones of these workstations. Each television signal is transmitted at a selected frequency channel so that no two transmissions interfere. A software program, stored in and operable on the computer of each workstation, generates and receives data messages, transmitted via the A-LAN, to and from the computer of another workstation, respectively.

Abstract: An array of tines are connected to and extend out from a rake head support bar at right angles thereto and are connected thereto in two sets with shank portions of a first set of tines disposed in a first plane and shank portions of a second set of tines disposed in a second plane parallel to said first plane. Action ends of the first set of tines are disposed in a first row which is parallel to and spaced further from said rake head support bar than action ends of the second set of tines which are disposed in a second row. A coil spring is formed from the material of the shank portion of each of the tines so as to unwind if a force is applied to the tine as in effecting a raking action. An alternate embodiment includes a third set of tines similar to the first and second set but with its shank portions in a third plane parallel to the first and second planes and with its tine ends in a third row parallel to the first and second rows.

Abstract: A method of, and a device for positioning an X-ray cassette (5 or 10) in relation to a source (1) of X-rays that emits radiation in a specific preferred direction (A). Another beam of radiation is emitted parallel to that direction at a specific distance (d) therefrom. The other beam is intercepted by a positioning device (20) secured to the cassette. The device produces a signal as long as the angle of incidence of the other beam does not exceed a specific threshold angle (.theta.) with respect to the normal to the cassette.

Abstract: A seal is in the form of a continuous annular strip (3) of elastic material. The seal is intended for insertion between a housing (1) and a lid or cover (2). The surfaces of the sealing strip facing the housing and lid are provided with thicker areas in the form of beads (4). The beads are separated and rest independently liquid-tight against both the housing and the lid. One bead rests off the lid and against the housing and the other rests off the housing and against the lid.

Abstract: An array of tines are carried by a frame assembly so that the tines of the tine array are spaced one from the other across the assembly and so that ends of alternate tines form two rows of tine ends. The frame assembly is made of hollow pipe rods connected together by elbows, pipe, connectors and "T"s and so that one end of each tine is lodged in a first rod and the tines extend through a second rod. A bias rod extends across the tines and is spring urged against the tines proximate free ends thereof. Prongs, either separately formed, or extensions of the tines extend out from the frame assembly in a direction opposite to that of the tines. A removable push handle is pivotally carried by the frame assembly for movement between a first or raking disposition and a second or collection disposition. The push handle, when removed, is disposable on the frame which may thereafter be carried by a carry handle also secured to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring the optical density of an original, especially a three-color negative, from which photographic prints are made, to control how much printing light of each color penetrates the original when the image is projected onto a color print medium that is sensitive to these colors. The spectral sensitivity of the measuring apparatus is adjusted to that of the print medium. Measuring light is projected through the original and is resolved into at least one spectrum. The intensities of the light at the various ranges of wavelength are weighted and totaled in accordance with the spectral sensitivity of the particular print medium. Light valves with translucencies that can be adjusted to the sensitivity of the print medium to that range of wavelengths are distributed along the spectrum. The accordingly weighted intensities of the light of each color are separately sensed and measured.

Abstract: A plurality or spaced side walls of flexible cloth-like material extend up from and are secured to a bottom wall, of the same material and define therebetween an interior space for a fisherman's tackle bag. A pair of interior pockets are formed within the interior space and a plurality of exterior pockets are secured to outer surfaces of the side walls; the pockets being of a size and configuration to house fishing tackle. A hollow tube is secured to and rises up from the bottom wall through which an opening is formed in alignment with the hollow in the tube so that the tube may be positioned about the vertical support post of a fisherman's chair to position the tackle bag and tackle in the space between the chair bottom and the deck of the boat to which the chair is mounted. At least one drain hole extends through the material of the bag leading from the interior space.