Abstract: A serial-parallel converter converts serial mode 8-bit words, delivered from a plurality of primary digital multiplx highways into parallel mode 8-bit words and multiplexes the 8-bit words to form a signal for a supermultiplex highway. The converter comprises eight parallel-write, serial-read input shift registers and seven serial-write, serial-read output shift registers. The write inputs of the output shift registers are respectively connected to the serial output of the input shift registers having the same rank. The serial read outputs of the output shift registers deliver a serial output of the eighth input shift register to the supermultiplex highway. All of the input shift registers comprise eight stages. The output shift registers have decreasing numbers of stages from 7 down to 1. The writing operation, into input shift registers, and shifting operation through all registers are controlled by a single 8-stage shift register.

Abstract: A continually operating automatic sludge suction unit for use in withdrawing sludge from the bottom of a primarily rectangular or square basin. The unit is controlled for zigzag movement on the surface of liquid in the basin by means of cables and cable guides, and a pump suspended in a cable from a float included in the unit automatically follows any irregularities at the bottom of the basin. A counterweight is included for ensuring smooth movement of the unit on said surface.

Abstract: Separate portions of an image are identified as distinct areas, each of which is identified by a code. Coded signals representing lines extending in one direction across the image are read out of a first store under the control of clocking signals in serial form at a given clock rate to expand or compress the image in one direction. The signals are fed out via an averaging circuit which improves the picture definition and they are fed into a second store. The signals are then read out of the second store in serial form and under the control of clock pulses via a second averaging circuit which improves the picture definition by scanning in lines extending in a second direction to compress or expand the image in a second dimension.

Abstract: An anchor base for integral plastic structures includes an articulated series of lever arms joined together in at least one joint by means of a living hinge in order to establish a preferred point of articulation. The leverage is such that, as a first pair of the lever arms are squeezed together to insert them into a mounting hole in a chassis, a second pair of lever arms, for giving lateral support, are initially pulled down. As the anchor base penetrates the mounting hole, the entire lever system pivots while lateral support levers are pushed up to spread the first pair of arms. Shoulders on the first pair of arms are forced under the lower side of the chassis, in order to capture the anchor base and to resist its removal. If the first pair of arms are thereafter squeezed together below the underside of the chassis, it is easy to remove the anchor base.

Abstract: Compositions of fluorinated glasses are disclosed which result from the ternary composition of ZrF.sub.4 or HfF.sub.4, BaF.sub.2 and ThF.sub.4 or UF.sub.4, each component being within a specified range of composition indices, the indices for the separate components totalling unity.

Abstract: A molded article capable of floatably supporting a human body, which comprises a seamless fluid-containing structure having a predetermined shape, and a supporting framework or the like to laterally support the structure so that one surface of it may be used as a floatable support, said article being manufactured by a mold and molding process wherein said mold has a small hatch or other small opening for providing access to the mold interior. Said mold is rotated and heated at predeterminedd rates and under predetermined conditions until said mold interior is evenly coated with plastic, the plastic is thereafter cured, and the finished product is then removed from the mold through the hatch.

Abstract: A pair of V block centers, for being used with a conventional V block, in order to support and center any rectangular stock upon the V block, while being machined; the pair of V block centers each consisting of an elongated rectangular bar, which has one of its longitudinal corners cut out to form an inside square corner, in which a rectangular work piece is positioned, an opposite longitudinal corner of the bar being cut off at a forty-five degree angle, in order to rest against the angular face of the conventional V block, the V block centers thus supporting the work therebetween, while a conventional V block clamp then holds the work secure therein.

Abstract: A seismograph pickup for use at the bottom of the sea, comprises a detector, a frame, detachable ballast, and a sealed and water-tight container mounted on the frame. The container floats for bringing the pickup to the surface when the ballast is detached. The detector is outside the container so that it may be deposited on the sea bed. The detector is connected to the container by means of an electric transmission cable and a mooring cable. The container includes a power source and means for recording signals delivered by the detector. The invention is also concerned with means for supporting the detector on the frame and for unhooking it when the detector is released.

Abstract: European 30-channel PCM multiplex systems and Anglo-Saxon 24-channel PCM multiplex systems are both standardized in accordance with CCITT recommendations. However they have different nominal binary rates. The connection equipment, according to this invention, provides for connecting a plurality of European PCM multiplex systems with a plurality of Anglo-Saxon PCM multiplex systems. Multiplex words are stored in parallel word memories for two-way transmission in forward and backward directions. Inside the equipment, parallel word write and read operations are performed at predetermined times, corresponding to some selected Anglo-Saxon PCM multiplex system bit times. Write and read parallel word memory addresses are determined by means of a control memory that is read in synchronism with Anglo-Saxon PCM multiplex system bit rate.More generally the equipment enables different types of PCM multiplex networks to be interconnected.

Abstract: A first part of the inventive instrument comprises an insertion and removal device in the form of a catheter which may be inserted through the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus into the stomach. The catheter includes an outer sheath which protects the human body while a tool extending coaxially through an inner sheath is being manipulated. The tool includes a remotely operated pair of tweezers for holding or releasing a loop on insertion or seizing and holding the loop on removal of the second part of the inventive instrument. The second part of the instrument comprises a tube for implantation in the small intestine. While it is so implanted, the tube prevents food from being there absorbed by the body. The tube may be used to treat obesity or alcoholism, or to cover an ulcer and give it an opportunity to heal without exposure to digesting food.

Abstract: A press comprises a pressure roller of relatively large diameter cooperating with a plurality of satellite rollers, the material to be pressed passing between the pressure roller on the one hand and the plurality of satellite rollers on the other hand, each satellite roller having a lateral surface presenting a series of circular grooves, the bottom of the grooves being partially or completely empty to allow the squeezed-out liquid to pass.

Abstract: An acoustic direction finder which identifies and displays bearing of an underwater received signal without the requirement of scanning the ambient space. The output signals of hydrophones at the ends of a pair of orthogonally located dipoles are applied to differential amplifiers to provide orthogonal dipole response characteristics, and an in-phase sum of the signal at the center of the dipoles is obtained. The differential amplifier output signals are integrated and the resultant signals are applied to individual multiplying means with the sum signal whereby a pair of X and Y coordinate deflection signals are obtained, which are applied to a display device.

Abstract: The rim of the upper sheave in a wire induction heating apparatus contains a peripheral groove. The wire passes over a portion of the groove twice, and overlaps for a certain portion. The width of the groove at a height one half the wire width from the bottom supporting surface of the groove is from one and one half to less than two times the width of the wire.

Abstract: There is provided a one-way data transmission system wherein a transmitter station transmits in the form of data packs data from a plurality of channels, the said packs being time multiplexed.One channel amongst the plurality of channels is allotted to transmitting date information. In the receiver equipments, the dead memory stores not only the channel code, but also a subscription period information which permits to validate the channel code depending on the date information received from the date channel. Automatic dead-memory distributors are provided which receive data from a control channel transmitted by the system, like other channels. The system is compatible with television systems.

Abstract: A binary coded signal represented by sequential transmission of two frequencies, comprising means to determine if the frequency of the received signal is below or above a reference frequency generated within the receiver, means for recognizing a change in input frequency relative to the reference as start and end of bit intervals, means to establish if individual bits are of a "one" or "zero" level, means for converting the serial bits to a parallel digital word and means for storing this word indefinitely in the event the received data is a valid signal.

Abstract: A television video signal is used to record a television picture onto a photographic film.The television video signal is sampled, then digitized. Luminance data and chrominance data, if any, for each sample are stored in a memory. Then, such data is read out and selectively applied to an electro-optic device, such as one, for instance, made of electro-luminescent diodes. The diodes generate either monochrome or trichrome luminous points which are recorded on film by means of a photographic camera. Means are provided for eliminating frame interlacing and for using substantially a standard camera.The system may be used with any television standard.

Abstract: A plastic coil bobbin has a recess with the precise dimensions of a thermal fuse. On one side, the recess is open so that, as the coil is wound on the bobbin, successive layers of coil wire form a wall-like surface closing that open side. As the fuse is press fit into the recess, it is also forced into intimate contact against the wall of wire. Thus, the only material between the fuse and wire is a thin plastic shell forming the fuse housing. Since the fuse rating takes this wall thickness into account, there is effectively no thermal insulation between the coils and the fuse. Accordingly, under overheating conditions, the fuse opens a circuit when there is overheating and before a fire can start.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing chenille crests comprising, preparing a large block of chenille material many times the size of an individual crest by Moss stitching background material with white thread, applying by heat transfer a heat transferable and washable coloring ink in the form of crest designs, to the surface of the chenille material, cutting the chenille material along the outline of the crest designs, stitching the cut chenille material along the edges to a felt type backing material, and cutting the backing material outside of the stitching to form complete individual crests.

Abstract: A key retainer having a structure such as to substantially reduce the risk of loss by bouncing out of a pocket. A block of compressible foam such as polyurethane foam has a key chain attached. By compressing the block of foam with the hand and inserting it into the pocket, the foam resiliently expands, substantially filling the pocket or otherwise exerting pressure against the material of the pocket. These forces as well as the accompanying friction forces hold the key retainer securely and safely in the pocket, even in the presence of bouncing or inverting the pocket.

Abstract: A plant watering system comprises a porous inner pot at an elevated location within a water-impervious outer container. Water within the outer container wicks by capillary action up the side walls of the porous pot and wets any soil or like medium contained within the inner pot. The lower part of the inner pot is coated with a water-impervious layer to control the elevation at which the wicking water may enter the soil. Also, a special pot liner enables gases to be bi-directionally vented throughout a selected region in the bottom of the inner pot. When desired, water may be drained out the bottom of the inner pot. The inventive process adjusts the percentage of moisture maintained by soil, or the like, by rating the moisture needs of plant species, the season of the year, and the type of growing medium used. Such a process enalbes a plant grower to select a preferred level of water in the outer container, and therefore the distance over which the water must travel by capillary action through the porous wall.