Abstract: Apparatus for producing a time standard including a source of radiation, two fibers of different length to transmit the radiation, and means to produce a signal representative of the difference in propagation time through the fibers that is constant despite temperature changes.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter features a ground lead in a transducer that has an aperiodic meander structure. This arrangement permits the self-capacitance and inherent resistance of the transducer to be utilized in forming the RC networks of a phase shifter associated with the transponder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting digital data between data terminals via a telecommunications exchange. Data is transmitted asynchronously between the terminals and the exchange and synchronously within the exchange. Transmitted data and internal exchange signals are differentiated even when they are identical. This is accomplished by using a data frame comprising both an information code and a control code which indicates whether the information code contains data to be transmitted. If the transmitted data is not identical to specific digital codes reserved for internal processing in the exchange, the control code is set to one state and the information code contains the data to be transmitted. If the data is identical to one of the digital codes reserved for the exchange, the control code is set to a second state and prescribed substitute digital data is inserted in the information code portion of the data frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and managing overloads in a telecommunications exchange having a central processor for controlling certain operations of the exchange, line/trunk groups connected to the central processor which include telecommunication trunks and/or subscriber lines, and a switching network connected to the central processor and to the line/trunk group which enables telecommunication trunks and/or subscriber lines to communicate with one another. The exchange also includes apparatus for sending a message to the central processor whenever the telecommunication trunks and/or subscriber lines are to communicate with one another, and apparatus for the central processor to receive the message and send a responsive message back to the line/trunk group.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for detecting the position of an object within a viewing field, such as a CRT display screen. The apparatus includes point sources of radiation arranged at spaced locations around the edge of the viewing field and a retro-reflective surface disposed around the perimeter of the viewing field. The retro-reflective surface reflects radiation received from its originating source back toward this source. A radiation receiver is arranged adjacent to each source to receive the radiation reflected back from the retro-reflective surface and to determine the angular position of an object within the viewing field which interrupts the path of radiation.

Abstract: A technique for converting linearly encoded digital signals into non-linearly encoded digital signals using two separate ROMs.

Abstract: A measuring device for checking the tightness of an ear impression mold serving as pattern for the production of an otoplastic and/or of an otoplastic inserted in the auditory passage of an ear through which an air pressure deviating from the air pressure prevailing on the outside can be produced, via an air permeable connection, in the inner space defined by the ear drum and the ear impression or otoplastic. Through the device changes in the generated deviating air pressure can be measured. The air permeable connection is connected to a pump serving for the generation of the deviating air pressure via a pressure chamber whose volume is a multiple of the volume of the inner ear space. A control circuit presetting the timing of the pumping and measuring process is provided. The device is insensitive to differences in the volume of the inner ear space and produces reproducible test results which reliably indicate the quality of the ear impression of otoplastic.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the manufacture of substrates from carbon-coated SiO.sub.2 fabric that can be used for large-surface silicon bodies, in which mineral materials or waste containing SiO.sub.2 are used as starting materials and a mixture of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and oxides of the alkaline and/or alkaline earth metals is used as a flux for the transformation into the glass phase. The glass fibers made from the homogenous glass melt are processed into a glass fabric, which is then subjected to an acid leaching process and coated with carbon. The process is used for the low-cost production of substrates for silicon bodies that are manufactured according to the strip-coating process for use in solar cells.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive transducer arrangement comprises a matrix of transducer elements which are formed at the points of intersection of row conductors (35, 36) and column conductors (5 to 7). A flat substrate (2) is provided with column conductors (5 to 7), each of which is covered with a similarly-structured piezoceramic material as a dielectric medium (15 to 17). This piezoceramic material is separated from the row electrode (35, 36) by empty spaces (24 to 26). Due to bilateral spacing of less than 100 micrometers for the row conductors and column conductors, a sensor matrix is produced with a dense packing of pressure-sensors functioning as capacitors which are formed at the cross-points of the row and column conductors. These sensors are particularly adapted for use in the gripping device of an industrial robot and make it possible to detect and determine the position of robot workpieces.

Abstract: A system for on-line, concurrent self-testing of a computer is disclosed which is capable of checking the "test kernel" of the computer; that is, the portion of the computer that must be fault-free in order for the computer to test itself with a self-test program. The test kernel includes the computer CPU, the ROM which contains the self-test program, and the intraboard data, address and control buses, bus drivers and multiplexers. The system operates in a transparent fashion to test the computer during its normal operation. The system includes a linear feedback shift register connected to control signal outputs of the CPU and thus determines whether the CPU produces the proper control signals during fetch and/or execution of each program instruction.

Abstract: Improved detection circuitry is disclosed for calculating the position on the crystal of a scintillation event in a scintillation camera. Electrical signals developed by photomultiplier tubes for successive events are weighted by a resistor matrix and transferred to integrators which develop event position signals based on the quanta of radiation incident on the scintillation crystal. To improve the count rate without sacrificing the resolution, parallel integrators are provided so that a second integrator can integrate electrical signals from a second scintillation event during the time that a first integrator is processing the signals from a first scintillation event. Common storage buffers are connected to the integrators to hold the integrated signals for further processing.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a first apparatus part and a second apparatus part which is disposed on and extends outward from the first part. The second part is movable with respect to the first part between an attracted position, in which it is extended to a predetermined extent, and a retracted position, in which it is extended to a lesser extent. The apparatus also comprises a security device disposed on at least one of the first and second parts. This device includes a magnetic device for exercising an attractive magnetic force between the first and second parts. Thereby the second apparatus part is maintained in the attracted position. It also includes a spring device for exercising an attractive mechanical force between the first and second parts. The mechanical force is comparatively low in the attracted position. It increases with increasing deviation from the attracted position towards the retracted position.

Abstract: A magnitude signal representing the approximate magnitude of a control parameter vector for the control of multi-phase electrical apparatus is developed from the Cartesian coordinate signals of the vector. Signals representing one or both coordinates of a plurality of auxiliary vectors are formed by vector rotation coordinate determination techniques. The signal from among the auxiliary vector coordinate signals (and, optionally the control parameter vector coordinate signals) having the greatest absolute value is selected as the magnitude signal. Auxiliary vector coordinate signals are formed by proportional stages coupled to adder stages which combine specified constant proportions of the control parameter vector coordinate signals. A diode network provides biasing so that only the signal with the greatest value will be passed. The auxiliary vector forming method for vector magnitude approximation provides accuracy and simplicity.

Abstract: An attenuation zone plate for coded-aperture imaging of a radiation source has mercury contained within a wedge-shaped chamber in a plastic housing. Reservoir and relief cavities facilitate filling the housing with mercury and accommodate changes in mercury volume. Lead plates positioned on the perimeter of the housing provide a field of view mask. In one embodiment, the housing cover pivots to vary the wedge angle. Advantages include greater facility in precision manufacturing and greater attenuation pattern flexibility.

Abstract: An ultrasound tomography device for scanning an object under examination from a plurality of directions. Coronal slice images of the plane areas near or at the female breast wall are obtained. Ultrasound lobes from ultrasound transducers are electronically directed or mechanically positioned to obliquely strike the coronal slice located at or near the breast wall. A full image of the coronal slice plane is reconstructed through section by section combination of the images obtained from the several ultrasound lobes.

Abstract: An ultrasound tomography device for scanning an object under examination from a plurality of directions. Coronal slice images of the plane or planes near or at the female breast wall are obtained. A sagittal scanner is used to obtain numerous small sectional oblique views of the slice to be viewed. A full image of the coronal slice plane is reconstructed through section by section combination of the images obtained from the several small sagittal sections. By providing the sagittal scanner with a scanning motion as well as with translational mobility a full composite view is provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a safety device for releasing excessive pressure in a pressurizable container having a pressure release outlet, rupturable closure element in the form of a membrane which hermetically seals the outlet, a cutting device arranged to rupture the closure element when a predetermined maximum pressure in the container is exceeded, a rigid retaining device which holds the cutting device in a position out of engagement with the closure element when the container pressure is less than the predetermined maximum pressure, and a predetermined weakening provided on the retaining device which breaks when the predetermined maximum pressure is exceeded so as to allow the cutting device to move under the action of the pressure in the container so as to rupture the closure element. The retaining device is rigidly connected to the cutting device, and the latter is rigidly connected to a first plate.