Abstract: An improved scannable latch circuit allows its output to be monitored during effectively 100% of the system clock cycle. The circuit further provides dual isolated outputs, one of which is used as a latch output and the other of which is used as a shift-register output. A computer system, in which the scannable latch circuit is used, in conjunction with combinatorial logic and error detection circuitry, may thus monitor the latch output, which is not loaded down by the shift register output, for error detection and other purposes without having to slow down the system operating speed. A preferred embodiment of the scannable latch circuit includes first, second, and third latch elements. When operating a latch circuit, the first latch element operates as the "master" and the second latch element operates as the "slave" of a master/slave latch circuit.

Abstract: An automatic load/unload apparatus is disclosed for handling of workpieces that must be removed from protective cartridges prior to use. In particular, the workpiece to be handled is an optical disk adapted for use in an optical disk information storage device. The load/unload apparatus includes a guide frame, a cartridge pull-in tray, a cartridge insert separator, reciprocating means for moving the pull-in tray and separator, and an elevator assembly. During a load operation, the cartridge is inserted into the information storage device wherein the load/unload apparatus is housed. The cartridge is received in the guide frame and opened, allowing the pull-in tray to be slideably removed. The disk is separated from the pull-in tray and raised by the elevator assembly to a desired position. An unload operation proceeds in a reverse sequence.

Abstract: A centering mechanism for centering the disk recording medium over the spindle of a rotating disk storage system is presented. The invention consists of a centerpiece in the disk having three or more fingers pointing in the direction of insertion and curved away from the center of the disk. As the disk is inserted over a tapered spindle, one side or the other of the fingers will contact the spindle and center the disk as it moves toward the tapered spindle. The bottom edge of the center hole of the disk is rounded to form a stop for the fingers. The fingers bend as the disk is inserted, and this stop ensures that the fingers will not bend too far and break. When the disk is fully inserted, all the fingers around the circumference of the hole are contacting the tapered spindle hub and are also bent back against the stop surface on the disk to provide good centering.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed cassette cartridge is disclosed, which encapsulates an optical disk suitable for use in an optical information recording and retrieval device. The cassette cartridge comprises a structural casing having a cavity for containing said recording medium and a spindle hub adapter for rotating the disk for data access. Data transfer is accomplished through a flexibly mounted transparent window, said window serving not only as a hermetical seal but also to alleviate the need for a thick dust defocusing layer on the said encapsulated recording medium.

Abstract: A CMOS static RAM and CMOS logic gate array are combined on a single substrate to form a new CMOS logic masterslice. The RAM includes dual port capability whereby two independent address and data paths access a common memory cell. The logic gate array includes a large number of logic blocks that may be selectively customized to provide system needed logic functions. Two metal interconnect layers are employed to provide the desired interconnections between the RAM and gate array elements. In a preferred embodiment, the masterslice contains a 128.times.9 dual port static RAM, 586 blocks of gate array logic (each block being the equivalent of two-2 input logic gates), 96 I/O pads, and 8 power pads. In this embodiment, the masterslice may be realized on a substrate having a size of approximately 5.8 mm by 6.05 mm, and exhibiting typical address access times of 20 ns and write pulse widths of less than 15 ns.

Abstract: A scannable asynchronous/synchronous CMOS latch circuit that includes a first, second, and third latch element, an asynchronous latch section, and a clock control section. When operated as a synchronous latch, the first latch element operates as the "master" portion and the second latch element acts as the "slave" portion of a master/slave latch. The clock control circuit enables the clock signals to control the synchronous operation of the master/slave latch. When operated as an asynchronous latch, the clock control circuit disables the clock. The output of the asynchronous latch section is connected to the input of the first latch element. An asynchronous signal appearing on one of the inputs of the asynchronous latch section passes through the first and second latch elements and is applied to another input of the asynchronous latch section, causing it to be latched, or held. Separate outputs are provided for the asynchronous latch and the synchronous latch.

Abstract: An improved cooling system for electronic components wherein an air supply housing with two openings cooperates with a manifold with one opening to allow air distribution from the air supply housing through the manifold to a card cage both while the manifold is closed for normal operation and while the manifold is extended to allow maintenance of the electronic components. When the manifold is closed for normal operation, the first opening in the air supply housing is blocked by the manifold and air flows into the manifold through the second opening. When the manifold is extended for maintenance, air flows into the manifold through the first opening and the second opening is blocked by a flapper which swings down over the second air supply housing opening.

Abstract: A composition and method for preserving hops at room temperature utilizes the inherent properties of fermentable hydroscopic powders to retain essential volatile oils and hop acids for extended periods of time. The composition is an intimate mixture of a fermentable hydroscopic powder such as maltose and dextrose and granulated hops having a low moisture content. This composition is prepared by reducing the size of the hops to a granular size and mixing the hops intimately with an equal or greater weight of hydroscopic powder.

Abstract: A crushing apparatus adapted for crushing cans and the like has a piston assembly reciprocal within a cylindrical housing. The piston assembly includes a piston head and a drive rod which is provided with a plurality of gear teeth. The gear teeth of the drive rod are engaged by a circular gear mounted on a shaft positioned transversely in the housing with the shaft being rotatable by means of a crank arm to reciprocate the piston assembly in the housing. An end wall secured to the housing defines a fixed crushing surface while the piston head provides a movable crushing surface. An enlarged entry opening is provided in the housing to permit insertion of a can to be crushed between the fixed and movable crushing surfaces with the piston head being movable completely past this opening. An exit opening is also provided in the housing, preferably at an angularly spaced-apart orientation to the entry opening with the exit opening permitting the removal of the can after it has been crushed.

Abstract: A rekeyable cylinder lock includes removeable spacers between top and bottom tumbler pins, and a key bit device for removing a spacer from the pin chamber through the key way. The key bit device includes bitting thereon to position the spacer in the top pin chamber and a cut in the opposite side thereof adapted to capture the spacer from the top pin chamber and remove it from the lock. The spacer is preferably smaller in diameter than the tumbler pins, and the cut is large enough to receive the spacer but too small to receive the tumbler pin. In another embodiment of the invention, a key bit device is provided for placing a spacer into a pin chamber of the lock to rekey the lock. It includes a mechanism, such as a spring, in a cut on the back side of the key bit that is adapted to force a spacer out of the cut and into the pin chamber in the lock.

Abstract: A solar system conquest game has a game board including a plurality of movement paths that form a first set of concentric circular orbits and a second set of orbits intersecting the circular orbits at pre-selected locations with these orbits defining movement paths for playing pieces corresponding to each player. The intersections define exchange points where pieces may change orbits. A set of cards determines additional pieces to be entered onto the board by a player, and dice determine the number of movement steps to be traversed by a player during his turn, and a second set of dice controls the outcome of a confrontation between playing pieces. The game board may further be divided into a number of sectors, and a set of instruction cards influence events in a particular sector for all players having pieces located therein.

Abstract: Excercising through pivotal motions around the region of selected neck vertebrae is obtained by an attachment to a vertically tensioning assembly. The vertical tensioning assembly includes a yoke adapted to sit on the shoulders of the wearer with an extendible support framework, such as pneumatic cylinders, connecting the yoke with a pivotable harness arrangement suspended from over the wearer's head. The attachment is adapted to couple to the vertically extendible framework so that it can be adjusted and secured in a vertical direction. The attachment includes a neck surface engaging pad configured in the vertical direction so as to overlie a small region preferably of one vertebrae in length. The pad is configured horizontally to generally conform to the neck contour. By this relationship to the user, a fulcrum point is established at a selected vertebrae level so the wearer can exercise with pivotal motions around the selected vertebrae while the neck is in tension.

Abstract: A bin with a hopper bottom is provided for storing and dispensing dog food, including a sliding gate located at the bottom of the hopper for regulating flow of dog food from the bin. The gate includes a solid center section which prohibits flow of dog food from the bin when positioned across the outlet hole at the bottom of the hopper, an opening which allows dog food to flow from the bin when positioned in alignment with the outlet hole, and handle means on its forward end projecting out the front of the dog food dispenser for convenient manual operation. The sliding gate also includes unique forms of agitators connected thereto and protruding upwardly through the outlet hole and into the bin in such a way as to agitate the dog food in the vicinity of the outlet hole as the gate is slidably moved thereby breaking down bridging of the dog food particles and encouraging smooth flow of the dog food from the bin.

Abstract: Carrier apparatus for a packhorse includes a pair of cabinets, each constructed of a rigid, unitary shell of upwardly convergent configuration having a door forming an inclined front panel portion also serving as a table in open position and removable, internal shelf separations for carrying items of various sizes. Each cabinet is contoured on the rear or inner side thereof to generally conform to the sides of the packhorse. Nylon straps or mounting frames suspend the cabinets on each side of the horse in a balanced arrangement from a pair of cross bucks. Further, each cabinet has a flat, rigid base, a flat, horizontal top surface, and substantially vertical rear side extending downwardly from an upper concave surface forming a part of the shell so that when the cabinets are removed from the horse they can be placed back-to-back on the ground with no other support such that the combination of the top surfaces provides an additional enlarged flat working surface or table top.

Abstract: A dispensing and measuring device for dry particulate matter includes a container having a downwardly discharging outlet therein and a guideway port extending transversely therethrough beneath the outlet. A measuring scoop having a tapered forward end is adapted for insertion into the guideway port so as to be positioned immediately beneath the discharge outlet. A spring-biased closure plate disposed within the guideway port immediately beneath the outlet is guided by a slide member between guide rails longitudinally on either side of the outlet so that the closure plate is movable longitudinally of the guideway port to open and close the outlet, return springs being connected to the closure plate to maintain the closure plate in a normally closed position beneath the outlet.

Abstract: A pair of specially configured tire mounting rims are adapted for attachment to the axle hub of an existing vehicle for converting from single to dual wheel mount configurations. The wheel mounts include one dish arrangement which incorporates a substantially flat radial web plate including appropriately spaced holes for attachment to axle bolt positions so that the rim channel generally overlies the axle terminating assembly. The other wheel mount has an interior web which extends in a convex or conical relation with matching bolt holes for placement over the axle bolts. The convex or conical web plate of the second wheel mount is arranged with sufficient extension so as to retain the tires on both mounts in separated relation while providing dual wheel support for the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scrubbing or removing ammonia fumes by passing the ammonia vapor through a shower of ammonia-absorbent liquid such as water in a chamber are disclosed in this invention. The ammonia vapors are absorbed by and enter into solution with the liquid, the clean air is discharged into the atmosphere, and the solution of ammonia and liquid is disposed of in an appropriate manner. Preferably, a portion of the solution is recirculated to absorb additional ammonia in the chamber while the balance is discharged; and fresh make-up liquid is added to prevent the solution from becoming fully saturated with ammonia or from losing its effectiveness in the scrubbing process. The apparatus includes a cabinet, air transfer means, a shower chamber and means for producing a dense shower of liquid droplets, liquid circulator and discharge means and control mechanism to maintain absorbent liquid within the system.

Abstract: The present invention includes a novel and unique combination poncho or rain garment with means adapted for suspending the poncho from an overhead object in a manner whereby a portion of the waterproof fabric of the poncho forms a bag-like configuration for containing a quantity of water and a water dispensing means in the form of a shower head mounted in the poncho for allowing the water to be drawn from the reservoir in the bag configuration for use in washing and showering. The shower head is uniquely adapted for this purpose having an integral valve assembly which can be opened and allowed to close with the use of only one hand, as well as maintained in the full open position without the necessity of maintaining manual force on the valve operating mechanism.