Abstract: A system for recording heart sounds from a stethoscope-type device and reproducing selected heartbeats stretched out in time but with the same pitch as recorded. In one embodiment the heart sounds are sampled and converted to a digital representations which are recorded on a tape recorder at a first speed. The tape recorder is of the endless loop recording and playback type. At a signal from the user, the tape recorder plays back at a reduced speed the last few heartbeats which are recorded. These are converted to analog signals and fed back to the transducer in the stethoscope for reproduction as natural heartbeat sounds merely stretched in time.Another system records the heartbeat sounds on a rotating recorder such as a magnetic drum. The magnetic transducer may be driven at variable speeds so that, when activated by the user, the speed of the playback transducer is reduced relative to the speed of the transducer during recording, without reducing the rotational speed of the drum.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system combines an electric motor-generator and battery with a flywheel as regenerative power sources. A planetary differential gear train couples together the shafts from the flywheel and the motor-generator. A controller connected between the battery and the motor-generator serves to maintain the current level to or from the battery with a range which develops optimum efficiency of battery energy utilization while causing the flywheel to absorb the relatively large peaks in battery power requirements.In one embodiment, the controller is made up of a transistorized chopper, a free-wheeling diode, a regenerative diode, a current sensor, and a switch to change the controller between the motor and generator modes of operation. The motor-generator is a separately excited, DC machine.

Abstract: A multi-axis actuator which provides force along three translational and two rotational axes through the interaction of multiple windings on a single platen which interact with the poles of a magnetic member spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow linear and rotational motion. Said poles are disposed in a parallel relationship to said platen thereby causing a magnetic field to impinge a portion of said platen at right angles thereto. Further, said windings may be disposed so as to generate linear force only, rotational force only, single or multiple translational forces only or force about rotational axes only or any combinations of the foregoing necessary for the desired force generation.

Abstract: A standardized, modular, fuel quantity gaging system suitable for use with aircraft having a plurality of fuel tanks. The system utilizes a standard electronic module, preferably located on the front spar of the center wing box, to house a redundant, centralized, microprocessor-based electronic assembly. This assembly processes the tank-generated fuel quantity signals and produces a digital data stream which is distributed to display units in the cockpit and at the refueling control panel. The digital signals are transmitted over two 2-wire data busses from the standard electronic module to the cockpit and to the refueling panel. One of these buses is active, the other being held in standby, for use as needed. The two busses are part of separate data processing channels extending between the fuel quantity signal multiplexers in the standard electronic module and the indicators in the cockpit and at the refueling panel.

Abstract: A delivery system for multiple sub-missiles including in the sub-missiles a marking system, a detection system, a diverter for elimination of targets identified by the detector system, a scanner for initial determination of multiple targets, a logic circuit utilizing input from both the diverter and the scanner to eliminate targets and a sub-missile guidance system.

Abstract: An improved work holder for use with a shearing or cutting machine is provided which includes a heavy tray stationary base, two or more spaced fixed upright supports secured to the base, cross-braced to each other and bearing aligned support brackets and a forwardly extending generally horizontal support arm slidably disposed in the brackets for reciprocating into and out of a workpiece supporting position within the machine between the machine's cutter and backstop. A forwardly extending handle is secured to the upper end of a vertical rod spaced laterally of the arm and secured thereto by a cross-bar. The lower end of the rod holds a rotatable ground traversing wheel, so that reciprocation of the handle reciprocates the arm into and away from the workpiece supporting position. A workman is able to manipulate the handle while a workpiece, such as a thin flat flexible sheet of metal, is in place in the machine for cutting.

Abstract: A human powered vehicle of the pedal-driven type having three or more wheels, a frame and seat for supporting one or more riders in a generally supine position, and a streamlined shell enclosure with a transparent canopy which is openable for entry and egress of the rider. The preferred embodiment for a single rider has two steerable wheels located forward of the rider at approximately the widest part of the streamlined shell, and a single fixed drive wheel centrally positioned behind the rider. The drive wheel is equipped with a multi-sprocket gearing arrangement, and a large pedal-equipped sprocket wheel is mounted in a position slightly forward and above the common axis of the front wheels for ready engagement by the rider's feet. A single drive chain extends from the drive sprocket to the sprocket cluster and passes around idler rollers which direct the chain beneath the rider.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding an optical fiber, having both longitudinal and radial adjustment capabilities. The fiber is disposed in a tubular member having an end disc which secures one end of the fiber in an eccentric hole therein. The tubular member is disposed in an eccentric hole of a threaded collet. Relative rotation of the collet with respect to the end disc provides for radial adjustment of the end of the optical fiber. Axial motion of the tubular member within the collet provides for longitudinal adjustment of the fiber. A tapered nut provides for locking capability of the tubular member with respect to the collet. A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a means by which the optical fiber may be adjusted with respect to an optical system to allow optical energy to be focused on the end of the fiber.

Abstract: A low-loss fiber optic tap is fabricated by mounting a portion of an optical fiber with epoxy resin along the curved surface of a solid support form. After curing of the epoxy, a planar surface extending partially into and along the fiber is established by lapping and polishing the device to a carefully controlled depth. A prism having a preferred characteristic angle of 70.degree. is attached to the planar surface along the optical fiber and a photodiode is mounted adjacent thereto. The disclosure teaches how the parameters of the device may be tailored to the specific signal tap requirements of particular fiber optic transmission lines.

Abstract: A low-loss fiber optic tap coupler including an optical fiber mounted and adhered to a curved surface and having a clad single fiber core, a planar surface extending partially into and along the fiber through the cladding, a prism mounted on the surface having two reflective surfaces positioned to receive signals from the fiber travelling in opposite directions, and photodiodes mounted adjacent the prism to receive the reflected signals.

Abstract: A delivery system for multiple sub-missiles including in the sub-missiles a marking system, a detection system, a diverter for elimination of targets identified by the detector system, a scanner for initial determination of multiple targets, a logic circuit utilizing input from both the diverter and the scanner to eliminate targets and a sub-missile guidance system.

Abstract: An improved roller skate assembly in either shoe skate or skate board form is provided which includes a plurality of roller wheels, a frame securing the wheels in spaced relation for rotation and one or more spark generators, each comprising an abrasive surfaced disc or the like connected to a non-load bearing surface of one of the wheels and a sparking element such as a flint or material capable of generating colored sparks releasably held by a resilient flexible holder adjacent the abrasive surface of the disc. The holder vibrates during skating, due to ground shocks transmitted to it through the frame, bringing the sparking element into intermittent contact with the abrasive to intermittently generate sparks for a spectacular unusual effect. The holder preferably includes a metal or plastic coil spring and a fitting which releasably holds the flint and can be adjusted to reposition the flint as it wears.

Abstract: A scatterometer for determining root mean square (RMS) scattering of light from reflective surfaces using monochromatic light which is generated by a source, expanded, collimated into a sampling beam, directed to a movable reflective surface which directs the light to the surface to be tested at a nominally normal incidence angle. The reflected light varies from the normal incidence angle by an amount determined by the slope of the surface being tested. The modified reflected beam is then passed through the collimating lens and reflected to a beam splitter for determination of the thus measured slope. The components of the light are measured by annular concentric sensors, with the amount of light received by the outer sensors being a reflection of the amount of slope on the surface of the plane tested. Also, a second beam splitter and detector combine to provide both corrections for the system and measurement of small slope angle variations in the surface being tested.

Abstract: A two-phase thermal energy conversion system employs an evaporable liquid such as water, and a gas which is not liquefiable within the operating temperature and pressure ranges, such as air. The water and air are mixed and one of the two or both are heated so that the water evaporates and is absorbed by the air to result in a pressure increase. The increase of pressure or volume can be converted into mechanical energy by a prime mover such as a turbine or reciprocating piston engine. The heat of condensation is utilized and converted into mechanical power while the temperature and pressure are reduced. The liquid, such as water, may be below its boiling point. If the water consists of salt water, fresh water is derived as a condensation product from the prime mover.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for using emitting, ionizing, accelerating and collecting elements in a high vacuum to implant a hard film on a plastic substrate or the like. In preparation, a slug of a selected material to be deposited as a film is placed in the emitter. The specimens or articles to be implanted are placed on supports in the vicinity of the collector. A cover enclosure is then placed in position and the region enclosed by the cover is exhausted to a high vacuum. Selected potentials are applied to various elements of the apparatus and an accelerating/directing field, which may be developed electrostatically, magnetically or by a combination of both, is developed in the acceleration structure. The electrostatic field causes electron emission from the ionizing elements to develop an increased charge on the emitted ionized particles.

Abstract: Arrangements for supporting a heat exchanger core within a steel frame structure by a hanger system utilizing flexible members pivotably coupled to overhead support beams. Balancing beams are employed to equalize the load transmitted through the system to the support beams. These support systems permit the heat exchanger core to expand in all directions from thermal growth without restraint relative to the frame structure, thereby minimizing thermal fatigue.

Abstract: A venetian blind slat-tilting mechanism including a pair of top-mounted bars to which tilt strings are attached at opposed positions and which are attached together through a nut threaded to a rod. The rod is connected to a pulley which is turned by a tilt-adjusting cord. The motion of the pulley turns the rod and moves the nut laterally, thus moving both bars and tilting the blind's slats. Additionally a slat-lifting mechanism is provided in the form of lift strings running over support pulleys to raise and lower the blind.

Abstract: A motor vehicle tire chain system including a plate positioned between a tire rim and a wheel hub, extending outwardly past the tire rim and having a plurality of spaced-apart holes around an external circumference for attaching chain sections. A plurality of individual chain sections, each having a pair of ends adapted to hook in the holes in the plate, position the chain section across the tire tread, traverse the outside of the tire, recross the tire tread and are hooked in the holes on the inside of the tire at a position on the plate opposite the first attaching position. Each chain section is provided with a tensioning device which both tightens the chain and allows it to be easily installed and removed. The chain sections, after mounting on the wheel, are fastened together at their point of common intersection to hold the sections in their positions about the tire tread.

Abstract: A dial operated air pressure regulator produces forward, hold and reverse signals in an air operated control circuit which creates corresponding conditions in a hydraulic circuit. The regulator has a pair of spring loaded valves which slide axially in a pair of valve cylinders which in turn control the air flow in the circuit. The valves are depressed by face cams moulded into the dial; rotation of the dial in one direction causes one cam to operate one valve and produces a forward signal; rotation in the opposite direction causes the other cam to operate the associated valve to create the reverse signal; when neither valve operates, the hold signal results.

Abstract: Probes for testing circuitry comprising plural oriented, circular cross-section, microcircuit probes positioned in a dielectric base and having connections on the opposite side of base to attach probe circuitry. A method of manufacture of such probes includes assembling a laminate of a dielectric base, and an aluminum mandrel, drilling holes in the laminate at positions corresponding to the eventual probe positions, electroless plating the entire package, passivating the electroless plated coating, plating the entire assemblage until the holes are substantially filled with plating, separating and shearing off the layers of plating from the laminate, applying a photoresist and developing it on the aluminum side corresponding to the holes for the probes, and on the opposite side corresponding to the desired circuitry, removing the material on the aluminum side to expose the aluminum, dissolving the aluminum to expose the probes, and soldering and reflowing the solder on the probes.