Abstract: Computer organ tone input for alterable stops is achieved by single-key input through a decoded keyboard which is couple to a logic network and optoelectrical output drive circuitry. The decoder circuitry activates selected optical emitters in an array which is mounted in the optical reader of a computer organ such that the decoder circuitry is electronically isolated from the computer organ. The invention eliminates the need for a tone card library, does not interfere with the sensitive circuitry of the organ and permits instantaneous reprogramming of alterable voices.

Abstract: X-ray information is encoded onto photographic film by placing an optical grating between the light-emitting scintillating screen and the photographic emulsion. Information at different energies is encoded by displacing the grating between exposures or by using static gratings with an energy-selective dual screen.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a beaded liquid to reduce the coefficient of friction between the inner surface of an elongated support, such as a tubular conduit or pipe, and the outer surface of an inner member, such as a pipe or cable, disposed in and moveable along the support when the latter has horizontal and/or inclined portions. The support contains a flowable liquid which may or may not be provided with beads therein, and the inner member contacts the liquid as the inner member moves along the support. Beads are dispensed into the liquid in the support either in a dry condition or in a mixture with another liquid as the inner member moves along the support.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the concentration of a gas by measuring the amount of mercury vapor generated when the gas is passed through a mercuric oxide bed. The apparatus includes a body having a central bore therein with a quartz rod at one end for directing ultraviolet light from a source through the central bore. A second quartz rod at the opposite end of the central bore directs the ultraviolet light to a detector coupled to an electronics circuit for analysis purposes. A fitting coupled to the body has a gas inlet port and a passage from the port to the central bore of the body. The mercuric oxide bed is across the passage so that the gas, in passing through the bed, causes mercury vapor to be generated and to pass into the central bore of the body. The amount of mercury vapor is measured by its spectral absorption in the ultraviolet range when the mercury vapor is in the central bore of the body.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously applying a solution to a surface and immediately thereafter wiping the surface free of excess solution. The device includes a handle provided with a pair of end extensions and a hollow member at the end of each extension, respectively. Each hollow member has a slot or opening therethrough facing away from the handle. A wiper member of resilient material is partially received within one of the hollow members and projects outwardly therefrom through said slot thereof. A body of absorbent material, such as sponge material or the like, is partially received in the other hollow member and projects outwardly through the slot thereof. The length of the handle is in the range of 4 to 9 inches so that the wiper member and body can simultaneously engage and move along the surface to be cleaned yet the user has sufficient control of the device to permit rapid cleaning and wiping of the surface in a single pass over the surface.

Abstract: A method and product for use in controlling the deposition of silica-containing scales and their adhesion to the walls of piping and other plant components. The product is an amine to which is attached at least a pair of terminal groups. Each group is selected from the family of compounds consisting of furfuryl and a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radical substituted with one or more members selected from hydroxy and carboxy, or a hydrohalide thereof. The method includes injecting the additive into saline brine or brackish water containing silica which may tend to precipitate as a scale.

Abstract: Lenticular x-ray film having a parallax grating mask near the lenticulations of the film and a high resolution intensifying screen near the emulsion side of the film. The film, the mask and the screen form a unit for placement in a cassette for use with an x-ray tomograph to produce x-ray photographs which can be viewed in three-dimension. The mask has a substrate transparent to x-rays and is provided with spaced recesses for receiving mercury, tungsten or other flowable material which is opaque to x-rays. The spaces between the recesses present gaps for the passage of x-ray beams and the gaps are shaped so that the spread of the x-ray beams striking the emulsion of the film is the same width as each lenticulation. Each groove has a certain height so that the material in the grooves is sufficiently opaque to the x-ray beams in the range of about 30 KVA to about 150 KVA.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for detecting Korotkoff sounds using a pair of microphones carried by an inflatable cuff adapted to be wrapped around a limb of a patient whose blood pressure is to be determined. A Korotkoff sound is first sensed by one of the microphones to produce a first signal which is coupled to a delay unit which has an output signal delayed by a certain time interval, such as 12 millisecond. At the end of this interval, a window is opened. The same Korotkoff sound is later sensed by the second microphone whose output signal is applied to the window and passes through the window so long as it is open. The output signal then actuates a recorder, such as an oscillograph.

Abstract: Apparatus for minimizing the transmission of long wave infrared energy without significantly affecting the transmission of solar energy to provide an energy efficient building component is disclosed. A flexible plastic substrate is used having a thickness of no more than approximately 20 mils. A long wave infrared radiation absorbing material is fixed to the plastic substrate. The substrate and the absorber in combination are at least 94% transmissive to visible solar radiation so that transmission of solar energy is substantially unaffected. However, the substrate and the absorber absorb sufficient long wave infrared radiation so that transmission of at least 80% of all incident long wave radiation is prevented, in large measure blocking the transmission of heat energy through the system.

Abstract: A ball-shaped device for use in supporting an eating utensil, such as a knife, fork or spoon, or a toothbrush, so that the device operates as an eating or oral hygiene aid for persons having arthritis or other crippling diseases or injuries of the hands. The device has a first passage through it for receiving a handle of an instrument to be held, such as an eating utensil or toothbrush. A second passage transverse to and intersecting the first passage is used to threadably receive a screw which can enter the first passage and bear against the handle of the instrument. In this way, the instrument is releasably secured to the device and the instrument can then be used in a normal fashion, such as for eating or brushing the teeth. The screw has a flat head on its outer end for easy turning of the screw even with only one finger. The device is formed from a pair of substantially hemispherical members which mate to form the spherical body of the device.

Abstract: An improved flue pipe for placement in the flue associated with an interior fireplace having a stove mounted therein. The flue pipe extends through the flue and has a spark arrestor mounted on its upper end. The lower end of the flue pipe has means for connecting it to the combustion gas outlet of the stove mounted in the fireplace. The flue pipe has a number of interconnected sections and several of the sections are of shapes permitting the flue pipe to extend through the damper region of the flue notwithstanding the reduced cross-sectional area of the damper region.

Abstract: A magnetic disc drive system having a pair of vertically spaced discs rotatably mounted in a compact housing provided with a cover for closing the housing. The cover has a duct extending along its inner surface for performing part of an air flow path through the housing. An impeller mounted above the upper discs rotates with the discs and generates the air flow which moves outwardly off the discs to keep the surfaces of the discs free of foreign particles. The air flow path extends downwardly past the discs and along the bottom of the housing and into a cavity which contains a filter which traps foreign particles. The upper end of the filter is coupled in a sealing relationship to one end of the duct to complete the air flow path. A number of read-write heads are mounted on a shiftable carriage and are coupled with the discs for movement back and forth along the discs in response to signals applied to a reversible motor coupled to the carriage.

Abstract: An improved resistivity probe comprised of a rigid strip of electrically nonconducting material having a number of metallic, generally parallel pins coupled thereto. The strip can be mounted in a vertically shiftable probe head in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the pins are rigidly secured by an epoxy to the strip. In another embodiment, the probe includes a pair of rigid strips having semi-cylindrical recesses on the inner faces thereof for receiving therebetween a number of resistivity measuring pins. The strips are held together by rivets or other fasteners. A multiple probe assembly can be made with a disk-like body having a number of angularly disposed slots therethrough for receiving a number of probes with each probe including a rigid strip having a number of pins coupled thereto. The probes extend into respective slots of the body so that the pins project downwardly from the lower face of the body to permit multiple resistivity measurements to be made without having to rotate the probes.

Abstract: A photographic chemistry comprised of a solution containing a mixture of different chemicals which cooperate to minimize the need for long film exposure times to achieve high film quality and contrast. The photographic chemistry includes a number of alkalies in a pH range from about 8 to 14, a developer in solution with the alkalies, a solvent mixed with the alkalies and the developer, a modified alkanolamide in solution with the alkalies, the developer and the solvent, and a hydrotrope mixed with the modified alkanolamide. Other chemicals that can be used in the photographic chemistry include an emulsion penetrant, a cleaner for various components of film processing equipment, a chelating agent, and an enzyme to enhance the reactions of the various chemicals in the photographic chemistry. A specific mixture of chemicals is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing a game using a ball as a player piece movable over the upper surface of a gameboard having side and end walls. The ball is propelled over the gameboard surface by a paddle or a striking member which is hand-held and has a hole through it for sighting the ball before the ball is struck. The gameboard has a plurality of spaced pins projecting upwardly from the upper surface thereof to present obstacles which can be struck with a ball as it is propelled forwardly. A pair of goals are at opposite ends of the gameboard, the goals being defined by wickets. Preferably, the ball is of metal and each goal has a magnet behind the corresponding wicket to attract the ball after it enters the wicket. A layer of fabric material covers the upper surface of the gameboard and the inwardly facing surfaces of the side and end walls. The material has a pile or fuzziness which allows uniform movement of the ball over the gameboard surface without the need for leveling the gameboard.

Abstract: A knowledge storage and retrieval method is performed to result in a single address number of a storage region which represents a large quantity of information. A first character of a data sequence and a starting number are directed into a two-position buffer to form an input matrix. The storage locations of the storage region are addressed to see if the matrix is found in the storage region. If the matrix is found, the address number of the storage location of the storage region at which it is found is then stored in the second position of the buffer region. Then the next data character is directed into the first position of the buffer region and the searching step is repeated. If the matrix in the buffer region is not found in the storage region, the matrix is stored in a free storage location of the storage region and the address number of the free storage location is directed into the second position of the buffer.

Abstract: A calendar having a plate-like support adapted to be mounted in an upright or flat position. The support has a number of first strips having spaced, vertically aligned numerals thereon which indicate certain days of a month. The support has mounting means for removably positioning the strips in generally upright positions so that, when the strips are properly arranged on the support, the numerals on the strips will be in the proper positions to indicate the days of a particular month. A group of second strips with the months of the year printed thereon are used one at a time to indicate a particular month. Mounting portions on the support removably positions each of the second strips on the support. In one embodiment of the calendar, the support has a recess for storing the second strips which are not being used. In the first embodiment, the mounting portions are pegs which extend laterally from the flat front face of the support and are received in holes in the first strips.