Abstract: Digital video effects equipment for providing special effects by controlling the number of quantization levels for each sample of an incoming television video signal. Each video signal sample is converted into a digital signal comprising a predetermined number of binary digits. A gradation modification circuit decreases the gradation represented by the digitized video signal and the decreased gradation signal is reconverted to an analog signal. The resultant special effects gives the video picture an oil-painting-like impression.

Abstract: There is disclosed a soft x-ray source comprising (a) a substrate formed of a thermally conductive material, such as copper or a copper alloy, which tends to generate predominantly hard x-rays upon the collision of an electron beam, (b) an intermediate layer formed on the substrate, the intermediate layer being at least one of rhodium, silver, palladium, and molybdenum, and (c) a silicon film formed on the intermediate layer. There is also disclosed an x-ray lithographic apparatus comprising (a) an electron beam source, (b) the soft x-ray source described above, and (c) means for irradiating an object with the emitted soft x-rays. The method for manufacturing the soft x-ray source comprises (a) preparing a substrate, (b) setting the substrate in a vacuum chamber, (c) introducing a gas or vapor-containing silicon in a vacuum chamber, and (d) forming a silicon film on the intermediate layer by generating a plasma within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a heat-detection system with optical, scanner and display components for periodic mechanical heat-scanning of a given field and for so correcting the phase of electrical signals developed in the course of scanning as to enable development of a visible display of the field without phase-shift errors which are attributable to mechanical motion of the scanner.

Abstract: A full duplex data modem for general application, e.g., cable system signal distribution, terrestrial or satellite radio link, or the like includes transmit and receive portions for permitting reliable communications between plural stations coupled to the common communications link.In accordance with the present invention, a fixed value is applied to a modem adapted in a test mode to speak with itself, and the number of transitions counted at the modem receiver output, to measure the error rate of an entire system.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a compressor unit includes a deflector depending from the inner wall of the compressor housing for directing the oil on the inner wall through a passageway of the front housing into the shaft seal cavity. A flange member extends from the depended end of the deflector along the inner wall of the compressor housing to prevent the oil flow directed to the shaft seal cavity from leaking into the interior of the compressor housing. A balance hole that permits a blow-by refrigerant gas to flow from the crank chamber into the suction chamber is formed in the cylinder block near the center thereof so that oil in the crank chamber is prevented from flowing into the balance hole. The compressor may also include a wobble plate supported by a bearing ball. A seat of the bearing ball is provided with an oil passageway which communicates with a crank chamber so that the bearing ball is lubricated.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a document printer for the automatically indexed sequential account numbering of successive documents, with the added feature of printing alongside each sequential number an automatic indication of the validity or invalidity of the number printed, said indication being a "check digit" which, in conjunction with the printed account number, renders the printed account number self-checking. The invention is described in application to weighted-modulus self-checking systems of the Modulus 10 and Modulus 11 varieties, inter alia.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an apparatus for precise mutual dilution and dosage of liquids, which apparatus comprises a dilution and dosage unit consisting of two cylinder spaces of different volumes and cross-sectional areas, as compared with each other, and connected to a common intake and exhaust tip, as well as of pistons arranged into said cylinder spaces. According to the invention, in each dilution and dosage unit, the lower part of the smaller cylinder space forms the intake and exhaust tip and the piston in the smaller cylinder space consists of a tubular component whose upper part is opened into the lower part of the larger cylinder space of the dilution and dosage unit concerned.

Abstract: A disposable pipette tip vessel intended for use in connection with a dosage pipette. The lowest point of the tip vessel has a hole for suction of the liquid to be pipetted into the tip vessel and, correspondingly, for emptying of the tip vessel of the liquid contained therein. In the bottom part of the tip vessel around the filling and emptying hole, a plane or gently conical bottom portion has been shaped so that the tip vessel is arranged so that, between subsequent dosage steps to be performed by means of the pipette, the tip vessel allows the air column to be sucked into the bottom part of the tip vessel to rise as an air bubble or as bubbles of air above the liquid in the tip vessel, whereby the liquid column is correspondingly lowered to the bottom of the tip vessel.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a hand-held and hand-operable stitching device capable of performing a stitching operation at substantial offset from the region of manual contact. The stitching is performed as a special filament-carrying needle is shuttled in a reciprocating cycle of alternated release and retention at corresponding needle-retaining ends of two arms having articulated connection remote from their needle-retaining ends.

Abstract: A closed cycle gas cooling apparatus capable of producing very low temperatures (lower than 100.degree. K.) is provided. The apparatus utilizes a combined cycle with the gas expanding and working against a piston, as well as expansion by means of an evacuating compressor system. The expanding gas can be used to act on the piston motor shaft, so that the work effected by the gas during expansion accelerates the motor which operates as a brake, accumulating energy for a subsequent phase in which the piston lowers again.

Abstract: Interactive electronic polling/testing/didactic apparatus employs a microprocessor having fixed (ROM) and variable (RAM) memory connected thereto. A sequence of output visual messages are provided under microprocessor control.A user actuated input device, e.g., a keyboard, enters a user reaction to the visual material presented. The user responses are accumulated, and reported as via a digital printer. The response significance varies with application, and may represent for example, game results, preferences, opinion in a sampling or polling context, or educational achievement.

Abstract: The invention contemplates apparatus for simultaneous photometric observation of a plurality of elements in a liquid sample, wherein a dilute solution of the sample is atomized and fed to an elongate steady flame and wherein light from a hollow-cathode lamp, and containing at least one narrow-band emission line of one of the elements to be determined, is directed through the flame; plural photoelectric receivers, each with an associated filter unique to a line characteristic of a different specific element to be determined, are disposed to respond to light passing through the flame or to light emitted by the flame, as the case may be. The detected outputs of the receivers are fed to a computer for evaluation, the outputs of emission receivers being first electronically processed for the effective removal of "dust flashes" in the flame.

Abstract: Low-cost articles characterized by a surface of revolution, such as truncated spherical balls, e.g., plain spherical bearing balls, are provided made by the powder metal compaction and sintering of blanks followed, in the case of ball elements, by densification of the outer spherical surface by mechanical working, such as by roll-forming, the balls so produced being characterized by improved sphericity and dimensional tolerance and improved wear resistance combined with optimum resistance to corrosion. The spherical surface of the ball is substantially free of pores, has a work hardened structure and has a density at and adjacent the surface of at least about 95% of the theoretical density of the metal, the density substantially below the surface being less and ranging to as low as at least about 70% of theoretical density.

Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning the pulleys of a belt drive in three planes. The device includes a clamp releasably attached to each pulley which mounts a member extending normally to the face of each pulley. Each member has a universal joint at each end and an adjustable link joins the universal joints. Slidable guides oppositely disposed on each side of the universal joints indicate alignment of the pulleys in two planes when the faces of the guides are parallel. The device may also be used to determine if the pulleys have become angularly misaligned.

Abstract: An elongate frame member of uniform cross-section is provided for a combined door and window frame assembly. The said frame member is adapted to divide an outer perimeter frame into two areas, one to accommodate an opening window and the other to accommodate a sliding door in its closed position and comprises a rigid supporting portion, an elongate recess of L-shaped cross-section to receive one edge of the window and an elongate flange connected to the supporting portion and spaced therefrom by an intervening web, said flange being so positioned, in the assembled frame, that a part of the sliding door when closed can engage between the flange and the supporting portion to facilitate a draught proof seal.

Abstract: A frame synchronizer for a television receiver in which the incoming television signal is digitized and stored in a memory, includes a circuit for generating a write-inhibit control signal for inhibiting the write-in of a digitized second television signal into the memory between the switchover from a first television signal to the second television signal and the beginning of a complete frame of the second television signal.

Abstract: A flame spray powder mix is provided for producing coatings on metal substrates, such as substrates of steel, cast iron, non-ferrous metals, among other substrates, the powder mix comprising agglomerates of a metallo-thermic heat generating composition (i.e., a thermic composition, such as an alumino-thermic composition) mixed with at least one coating material, such as metal and/or non-metal coating materials.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a rack construction as for carrying skis or the like on the roof or other exterior part of a vehicle. Plural pairs of skis are vertically clamped, back-to-back, by like pairs of relatively movable upstanding post members and a single lockable means carried by the rack is operative to selectively hold or to release a control member for releasing all post pairs in unison. The respective posts of each pair are capable of limited longitudinal displaceability and limited pivotal action, and the lockable actuator is operated to determine whether or not the posts of each pair are to be permitted their pivoted action.

Abstract: A flame spray powder mix or blend is provided for producing metal coatings on metal substrates, such as ferrous metal substrates, e.g., steel, cast iron, among other metal substrates, the powder mix comprising agglomerates of at least one oxidizable metal, e.g., aluminum, homogeneously mixed or blended with a coating metal powder, such as nickel powder. The coating produced is characterized by a strong bond and also being substantially low in dispersed oxides.

Abstract: A planar structural assembly has a series of cells formed by elongate structural members, the cells each receiving a pane or panel. To provide a weather-seal, closed loops of resilient sealing strips extend around the exterior edge of each pane or panel and are mounted on auxiliary members secured to the structural members. The auxiliary members clamp the sealing strips in compression against their panes or panels to ensure the seal there. The contiguous edges of the sealing strips of adjacent cells are locked in place and a seal formed between them by locking or zipper strips.