Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for detecting and playing desired audio segments over a broadcast receiver such as a radio or television. Apparatus is coupled with the broadcast receiver (30) to enable the listener to listen to any of a plurality of different stations and to select desired audio segments being played on any of the stations. Apparatus (46) is provided to store the selected desired audio segments selected by the listener. Apparatus (50) scans the audio being broadcast by each of a plurality of different stations. Apparatus (48) compares the selected desired audio segments with the audio scanned. In response to the comparison, the desired audio segments are played over the broadcast receiver upon occurrence of the desired audio segments on any of a plurality of different stations.

Abstract: This invention is a demonstration device to be used in the teaching of the concept of the Fluid Mosaic Membrane. The Biomembrane Demonstration Apparatus consists of a transparent vessel containing two or three immiscible fluids with sufficient difference in density to support layering. Phospholipid molecules are represented by a spherical head region and two tail-like structures; said molecules are of two types, differing in density such that a lipid bilayer is naturally formed along the interfaces between the immiscible fluids. Protein representing molecules are designed to float within either or both lipid layers. The device may be used as a showpiece or as a working demonstration model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a thermoelectric device includes forming a matrix board (12) with an array of orifices (100) formed therein. A plurality of P-type thermoelements (96) are formed and then a vacuum chuck (92) is utilized to dispose alternating ones of the elements (96) into the alternating ones of the orifices (100). A plurality of N-type elements (108) is formed and a vacuum chuck (104) is utilized to dispose alternating ones of the elements (108) into the remaining orifices (100) of the matrix (12). This forms an assembled array (52). A plurality of conductive tabs (114) is placed onto the P-type elements (98) and N-type elements (108) by a vacuum chuck (116). A second set of conductive tabs (120) is disposed on the opposite side of the assembled array by a vacuum chuck (124). A solder flow oven (54) and a solder flow oven (76) are utilized to reflow the solder on the tabs between the two operations.

Abstract: A weighing scale (10) includes a base (12) with an array of cylindrical bores (16) disposed therein. A network of interconnecting channels (18) is formed on the lower surface of the base (12) with a cover (20) disposed thereover. A layer of elastically deformable material (22) is disposed on the other side of the base (12) to cover the bores (16). The base (20) and the elastically deformable layer (22) define deformable chambers (24) within the bores (16). A load bearing layer (34) is disposed over the elastically deformable layer (22) and spaced therefrom by spherical members (32) disposed proximate the longitudinal axis of the bores (16). A locating layer (28) positions the spherical members (32) in their proper place. The deformable chambers (24) and the interconnecting channels (18) comprise a common reservoir that is connected to an expanding bellows type gauge (36). The gauge (36) allows for volumetric displacement of fluid within the deformable chambers (24).

Abstract: A weighing scale (10) includes a base (12) with longitudinal channels (14) milled therein. A layer (20) of elastic deformable material is disposed over these channels with longitudinal rods (22) disposed over the layer (20) and oriented along the longitudinal axis of an associated one of the longitudinal channels (14). A connecting channel (18) connects the longitudinal channels (14) together to form a common reservoir. A load bearing deformable layer (30) is disposed over the rods (22) to distribute weight thereto. The weight is transferred through the rods (22) to the portion of the layer (20) covering each of the channels (14). The channels (14) are filled with a fluid that expands outward from the channels when weight is applied to any of the rods (22), thereby reducing the volume in the channel (14). A gauge (34) having a diaphragm disposed therein measures the volumetric change within the channels (14).

Abstract: An auxiliary transmission is provided for a light and medium duty truck having manual transmissions. The auxiliary transmission is an electrically actuated two speed gear system to be installed between the clutch and manual transmission for providing a direct pass through of engine rpm or for providing overdrive or underdrive depending on the gear set design.

Abstract: A telephone communication system (10) utilizes a computer controlled PABX (12) which connects telephone trunk lines (13) to a voice response computer (50). The PABX (12) includes an automatic call distribution unit (12a) which provides selected call control and monitoring features. The ACD unit (12a), however, works only into digital control telephone lines while the voice response computer (50) works only with conventional two-wire telephone lines. Incoming telephone calls are transmitted through the trunk lines (13) to the automatic call distribution unit (12a). These calls are routed through a digital control telephone line (18) to a telephone set (24). A register (34) together with a make busy circuit (38) operate the telephone set (24) when one of the telephone lines (40) is available.

Abstract: A well coring apparatus (10) includes an outer barrel (12) and an inner barrel (18). The inner barrel (18) is sealed with a rupturable diaphragm (24) and a check valve (49). A sponge (50) is disposed around the inner walls of the inner barrel (18) for contacting the core (58). A fluid (54) is disposed in the sealed inner barrel (18) to prewet the sponge (50). A piercer (32) is reciprocally disposed within the outer barrel (12) and has a conical shaped surface (38), the apex of which is operable to pierce the diaphragm (24). In response to forming of the core (58), the fluid (54) displaced by the core (58) prevents drilling mud from being disposed between the core (58) and the sponge (50).

Abstract: A meat grinder includes a pump (12) that feeds meat particles into a mixing chamber (32) at a constant flow rate. The meat exits into a frusto-conical shaped collection chamber (36) for passage to a grinder plate (38). A rotating knife (40) with radially extending blades (50) is rotated by a hydraulic motor (42) at a variable rate. The variable flow rate of the particles to chamber (36) and the variable speed of the knife (40) results in a variable particle size output by the grinder plate (38).

Abstract: A density sensor includes a stationary housing (12) and a reciprocating body (22) with a float (26) attached thereto to provide a buoyant force. The reciprocating body (22) is connected to a piston (32) by a reciprocating rod (34). The piston (32) is operable to move within a bore (30). A second piston (52) is also disposed in the bore (30) and is coupled to the piston (32) by a spring (54). A transducer (44) is disposed at the other end of the bore and is connected to the piston (52) through hydraulic fluid disposed in a hydraulic chamber (56). The spring (54) is functional to remove low frequency components of acceleration from the buoyant force and the hydraulic fluid disposed in the hydraulic chamber (56) is operable to remove high frequency acceleration components from the buoyant force. In this manner, the transducer (44) can be isolated from both high and low frequency acceleration components.

Abstract: An orthotic shoe-foot interface includes a shock absorbing layer that is selectively disposed over the bony prominences of the foot and the tendon attachment areas of selected ones of tendons of the foot. An area of shock absorbing material (12) covers the calcaneal prominence, an area of shock absorbing material (14) covers the heads of the matatarsal bones and an area of shock absorbing material (16) covers the base of the fifth metatarsal bone. Areas of shock absorbing material (22) and (30) cover the posterior and anterior tibial tendon attachment points to cause compression thereof. The Achilles tendon is covered by an area of shock absorbing material (20) that also covers the attachment point of the Achilles tendon into the calcaneal bone. The tendons attached to the great toe on the medial side thereof are covered by an area of shock absorbing material (24) and the tendons attaching to the small toe on the lateral side thereof are covered by an area of shock absorbing material (26).

Abstract: A monitor for an electrically-controlled system is provided. A threshold detector senses the voltage variations in the system by means of an optocoupler. The system is disabled by a relay if a voltage level does not meet a predetermined parameter.

Abstract: A nutcracker includes a base (12), a stationary jaw (16), a movable jaw (21) and an adjustable post (20). A driving cylinder (36) is urged along the longitudinal axis of the post (20) by a lever (26) connected through a connecting link (30). A spring (42) allows the post (20) to float until a canting pin (46) contacts one end of a ring (22) disposed around the post (20). When the ring (22) cants to contact the post (20), the force applied to the driving cylinder (36) is translated directly to the post (20) to crack a nut disposed between the stationary jaw (16) and the movable jaw (21).

Abstract: A stabilizing strap (25) for exterior use with a shoe (28) including a dorsal strap (26), an Achilles strap (30) and a plantar strap (32). One end of the dorsal strap (26), the Achilles strap (30) and the plantar strap (32) are connected together at a point (34) on the medial side of the foot. The other end of the plantar strap (32) is attached to two connecting straps (36) and (38). Two ring clasps (42) and (44) are attached to the end of the connecting straps (36) and (38) for receiving the free ends of the dorsal strap (26) and the Achilles strap (30). A fibrous layer (52) and a hook-like layer (50) are disposed on the exterior of the Achilles strap (30) such that the free end thereof can be pulled through the ring clasp and attached thereto. A fibrous layer (48) and a hook-like layer (46) are disposed on the exterior of the dorsal strap (26) to provide a similar attachment.

Abstract: An improved vacuum attachment assembly for suction apparatus is provided. The invention includes a vacuum line coupling system that is incompatible with the inlet port such that inadvertent attachment of the vacuum line to the inlet port is impossible. The vacuum connection system further includes a permanently attached tee and vacuum leader line for parallel connection of the vacuum source to the interior and exterior of a liner disposed within the apparatus. The improved vacuum attachment system allows easy disconnection and reconnection of the vacuum source.

Abstract: A link regulator is disclosed for providing a regulated voltage over a wide range of input frequencies and load currents. The frequency of an internal VCO and the input frequency are phase compared to provide a reference error signal. The unregulated DC voltage is integrated for a duration proportional to the error signal. This duration controls a series switching element to provide a constant volts/seconds. The output of the series switching element is filtered to a DC voltage that controls the frequency of the VCO. The DC voltage is proportional to the error signal, thus providing a feed forward system to regulate the DC voltage. During the period when the series switching element is not conducting, a shunt switch presents a low impedance to the input of the filter to clamp the input to ground. This allows for operation over a wide range of load currents without losing regulation.

Abstract: A foam generating apparatus (10) is provided for circulation of foam within a well (12) for drilling, operation or clean out. A liquid foam generating solution (38) is pressurized by a pump (48). The solution flows through a passage in a mixing tee (66). The mixing tee has a second passage which permits a pressurized gaseous aeration agent (35) to be entrained within the fluid flow. The turbulence of flow and downstream pressures permit onset of foam generation within the well. The foam consistency can be controlled by varying the pressure of the aeration agent and foam generating solution to maximize the effectiveness of the circulation. The ratio of aeration agent and fluid generating solution can also be varied.

Abstract: A cornea endotheliam protection device (10) and method for maintaining the curvature of a cornea, for protecting the corneal endothelium and for maintaining anterior chamber pressure is provided. Cornea endothelial protection device (10) includes a plurality of cannulated needles (12) which are fixedly arrayed with respect to one another so that each of cannulated needle members (12) may be inserted through nonoptical portions of the cornea. A manifold (18) is connected to second ends (16) of cannulated needle members (12). A fluid source connected to manifold (18) allows the injection of fluid through cannulated needle members (12) and into the anterior chamber of an eye when cornea endothelial protection device (10) is inserted in position in a human eye.

Abstract: An induction heating system (40) is provided and includes a plurality of induction heating coils (118). Touch control pads (50, 52, 70, 72) are provided together with circuitry (80) for generating energization control signals. Circuitry (112, 116) is provided for electrically energizing the induction heating coils (118). An electronic digital processor (82) is responsive to the energization control signals for generating energization signals for actuating and controlling the energization circuitry (112, 116) to thereby vary the energization of the plurality of induction heating coils (118).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of pumping a fluid by means of a piezoelectric pump is provided. All moving parts, including the valves and impeller, are piezoelectrically motivated. The preferred embodiment includes a piezoelectric ceramic tube having conductive bands adhered to the outer surface. The conductive bands and an inner surface electrode define tube regions which serve as valve and reservoir pump regions.