Abstract: Preparation of 9-acetyl-6-hydroxy-4-methoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydronaphthacene-5,12-dione (the object intermediate), and precursor compounds to the object intermediate. Preparation of the object intermediate according to the invention begins from 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene, wherein the latter is converted to 6-acetyl-4a,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-1(4H) naphthalenone (one of the two precursor compounds) which is subsequently reacted with a phenylsulfonyl isobenzofuranone to furnish, regiospecifically, 9-acetyl-5,12-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-6(11H)-hexahydronaphthacenone (the other of the two precursor compounds). Heating the hexahydronaphthacenone in dimethylforamide under an oxygen atmosphere gives the object intermediate.

Abstract: A thin-film, floppy and compliant, electromagnetic, read/write head structure which is adapted to be pressed against a magnetic imaging medium during reading and writing. Individual heads and associated structure are distributed like "bumps" on one face of a support substrate--the opposite face of which is the one designed to contact a medium. Other bumps, some connected functionally with the heads, and others isolated from the heads, are distributed over the same first-mentioned substrate face in a manner whereby they cooperate with the head bumps to minimize preferential point-pressure telegraphing (through the substrate to a recording medium) during compliant pressure-biased contact with such a medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a magnetic image in a magnetic image storage medium. The apparatus includes a thin-film magnetic web with a pole-defining face and a second thin-film blanket magnetically spaced from the first magnetic web and having a second surface defining a second pole face. Spaced from the pole faces is a diamagnetic spacer which forms a special back gap in the magnetic circuit. An electrical coil sandwiched between the two magnetic materials induces flux in them. The spacer may extend normal to the flux path beyond the effective flux paths otherwise existing in the web and blanket.

Abstract: A method of encoding, uniquely, different characters in the Chinese language. The method includes the steps of (1) associating with a selected character a phonetic tag formed with no less than one and no more than three of the recognized Chinese phonetic symbols, (2) associating with the same character a tone tag in the form of a single one of the five different recognized Chinese tone symbols, (3) further associating with the character a two-digit number tag each digit of which is associated, respectively, with two different ones of the four recognized corner configurations in the character, and (4) assembling these tags in a preselected sequence to generate a combined electronic data stream usable in a data-handling device such as a digital computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring articles, such as pails, from a first station to a second station so that the articles may be loaded at the second station in a preselected spaced-saving array includes a transfer carriage operable for selective shifting along a path between the first and second stations and a gripping device utilizing clamps mounted on the transfer carriage operable for selectively gripping and releasing the articles. An orienting device is operatively associated with the gripping device and is operable for selectively imparting rotation thereto so that the articles may be loaded in a nested array.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for growing plants having a floor with a plurality of raised projections defining trough regions therebetween and being adapted to hold plant watering fluid at a level relative to the upper periphery of the projections. An insert for the pan is also provided, having a plurality of spaced, downwardly extending cells, each cell including a bottom defining an opening. The insert is shiftable between a first position and a second position. The first position is one in which the bottoms are disposed in the trough regions below the level of the watering fluid so that the fluid can enter the openings. In the second position, at least some of the bottoms rest upon the projections so that the openings are less than fully obstructed by the projections and so that fluid within the cells can drain therefrom. Another aspect of the invention is a method for germinating plant seeds.

Abstract: A magnetic-image read/write head including inner and outer, substantially co-planar, symmetrically arranged pole portions. In one embodiment, the head is disclosed with the inner pole portion presenting a substantially full-circular facial expanse, and with the outer pole portion presenting an annular facial expanse surrounding that of the inner pole portion. In another embodiment, each of the two pole portions presents a substantially annular facial expanse with the inner pole being hollow. In both embodiments, the inner pole portion has a magnetic permeability which is significantly lower than that of the outer pole portion. An image unit written on a magnetic-image-storage medium by the head takes the form, generally, of a dot characterized by an appreciably larger magnetic field intensity adjacent its perimeter than inside the perimeter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making available an electrical current, which comprises placing a conductive airfoil in a moving air mass, sinking a conductive element subsurface, and insulating the airfoil from the conductive element and producing an electrical potential between the airfoil and the element in a moving air mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading coded information formed on the lid of a carbonated beverage container. The coded information takes the form of spaced linear code elements, such as indentations, and reading of the information contained in the arrangement of these elements is accomplished through sweeping a laser beam over the elements. In most, but not all, cases, the linear code elements radiate from the axis of revolution of a lid, and the reading of information results from the production of relative rotary movement between the region of beam/lid impingement, and the elements. Preferably, this impingement region is elongated and linear in nature, and sweeps over such code elements in such a manner that, as it passes over each particular element, its long axis substantially coincides with the long axis of the element.

Abstract: A collapsible baton for use by a police or security officer which includes first and second tubular baton sections joined together and biased to an extended position by a biasing collapsible coupler. The coupler includes a first member with a sleeve portion and a second member with a stem portion. The stem portion of the second member conforms with and extends through the sleeve portion of the first member, and is snugly fitted therein. The collapsible coupler further includes an elongate non-extensible connector which extends through the first and second members and is acted upon by a spring means, the spring means and connector cooperating to urge the stem portion into the sleeve portion, thereby aligning the baton sections in an extended position. A strap is provided to retain the baton sections in a folded position when the first and second members are separated and the baton sections are folded over.

Abstract: A tester unit for testing a patch cord to determine if a short, or a break in either of the conductive paths in the patch cord, exists. The tester unit includes a pair of jacks adapted to receive the plugs of a patch cord, and reverse connections of contacts in these jacks with the poles of an internally carried battery means.

Abstract: A vehicle luggage rack is provided which includes the following components: a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel frame members, each having a first and a second end and being adapted to be fixed to a vehicle; a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel slide members, each of which is slidably mounted to and aligned with one of the longitudinal frame members adjacent the first end thereof; at least one longitudinally extending guide rail disposed parallel to the longitudinal members and being adapted to be fixed to the vehicle; a transverse rail extending between the longitudinal slide members to form a slide/transverse rail assembly, the transverse rail being slidably mounted to the guide rail so that the slide/transverse rail assembly is longitudinally slidable with respect to the longitudinal frame members and the guide rail; and apparatus for releasably fixing the position of the slide/transverse rail assembly with respect to the longitudinal frame members.

Abstract: A method for the implosive consolidation into a solid body of a mass of free particles, which mass consists, selectively, entirely of amorphous particles, or a mixture of amorphous and nonamorphous particles. During the consolidation act, pressure and temperature are controlled in a manner which assures that the consolidated amorphous particles in the solid body exhibit substantially the same amorphous characteristics as those displayed by the unconsolidated, free amorphous particles.

Abstract: A method of producing a hand-hewn look in a false wood beam. The beam is formed from a planar laminate composed of a foam core sandwiched between an outer cover and an inner multiply paper backing. The laminate is rolled along its length, with the outer cover on the outside of the roll, to produce creases in the laminate along irregular, longitudinally spaced lines. These creases create irregular surface facets which, with the laminate unrolled, appear as irregular cutting planes in the laminate's outer cover.

Abstract: The board turner apparatus and method is capable of turning a board over several times for repeated inspection of both sides of such board for more accurate grading of such board before allowing the board to be conveyed forward past a retractable stop. The retractable stop means when extended above the conveyor engages the leading edge of the board at a fixed stop position along a conveyor means and keeps the board from advancing along the conveyor means until such stop means is retracted. The board inverter means includes a plurality of curved turner arms which pivot about the axis of a common support shaft between a lowered position below the upper surface of the conveyor and a raised position above such upper conveyor surface.

Abstract: An anti-kickback saw chain including a cutter link having a cutter portion which includes a shoulder located rearwardly of a cutting edge at the forward end of the cutter portion.

Abstract: A dual-operating mode stage collar adapted to form part of a conduit string positionable in a well bore. Included is a tubular body having a side port with inner and outer openings. A first sleeve is axially shiftable relative to the body during one operating mode inside the body from one position closing the inner opening toward another position exposing it. A second internal sleeve is connected to an outer-port-closing slide through an aperture in the body and is axially shiftable as a unit relative to the body in a second operating mode from a position in which the slide and second sleeve are remote from the port toward another position in which the slide covers the outer port opening. In the preferred embodiment, the second sleeve covers the inner port opening as the slide covers the outer port opening.

Abstract: An open-end ratchet wrench including a handle joined to a crescent-shaped head portion. A jaw member is detachably received within the head portion, the jaw member being removed by axial displacement. Spring-biased, indent-detent means resists axial displacement. Ratchet means is interposed between the jaw member and head portion.