Abstract: A low-level, low-power radio frequency (RF) communications system designed to operate as a point-to-point power line communications sytem (PLC) utilizing frequencies from 50 to 600 MegaHertz (MHz) superimposed onto the AC power signal in a building.

Abstract: An audibly distinctive test signal, a pink noise signal at a standard level and periodic but brief interruptions (optimized for the ear's memory for level and spectral differences), is applied to a recording medium or transmission channel. The test signal recovered from the recording medium or transmission channel is compared and matched to a reference uninterrupted pink noise signal at a standard level, the interruptions being used to switch between the test and reference signals and to provide an audible cue as to the identity of the signal heard at any moment so that a rapid confirmation and adjustment, if necessary, of recording/reproduction or transmission/reception calibration can be achieved primarily by ear and, if desired, also by applying the signals to measuring instruments.

Abstract: A transplant tray comprises a number of germination cells, each cell including side walls for holding and retaining a growth medium and seeds or seedlings for germination. Each cell has an opening at the top for retrieval of the growth medium and seedlings for transplanting after germination. The cells are connected to or are integral with one another forming a planar structure. The tray further comprises a skirt connected to or integral with the perimeter of the planar structure. When two trays are stacked the skirts of the two trays are nested within each other thereby enclosing the space between the two trays forming a germination chamber. Vent holes of appropriate sizes are provided in the skirts permitting limited and controlled gas exchange between the germination chamber and the environment to enhance the uniformity of germination conditions within the chamber. The vent holes are not so large as to cause significant loss of moisture to an uncontrolled environment.

Abstract: A mixer-unit is attached to the cold and hot water mains and serves to adjust the quantity and temperature of the water. The mixer unit is not fitted with an operating handle or lever, the adjustment of the water quantity and temperature is achieved by pivoting the water outlet about two independent axes of movement. Disc-shaped regulating elements serve for the independent adjustment of both the water quantity and temperature which are operable by means of a cam connected to the rotatable and pivotable water outlet.

Abstract: The drain-source conductance of a wide variety of FETs can be made to conform to a predetermined function of a control signal. The control signal is multiplied by a factor and an offset is added or subtracted therefrom to derive a modified control signal. The modified control signal is then applied to the gate of a FET. The factor and the offset are such that the drain-source conductance of the transistor is substantially the predetermined function of the control signal. When a desired attenuator characteristic defined with respect to a FET is to be provided using a FET having characteristics different from those of the reference FET, the control signal to the FET used can be similarly modified so that the desired attenuator characteristics are obtained.

Abstract: A blower serves for circulating larger gas volumes, in particular for high-power laser systems operating according to the gas-transportation principle. The blower comprises a radial compressor, having a compressor element extending into a connection duct to blow a gas from a first to a second gas duct. The radial compressor is driven by a vertical shaft which is provided with an axial and radial gas bearing within a gas-tight housing. A gas duct system is provided for supplying lubricating gas to both the axial and the radial gas bearings. The gas duct system is fed by both one of the axial gas bearings and by an external pressure-gas pump. Throttles and adjustable valves are provided at predetermined locations of the gas duct system to establish a predetermined profile of gas pressure in the duct system.

Abstract: A blower is used for circulating larger gas volumes, in particular for high power laser systems which operate according to the gas-transportation principle. The blower comprises a radial feeder being arranged in a connection between two gas ducts. The radial feeder is driven by a vertical shaft, rotating at high rotary speed. In order to permit extremely large gas volumes, typically in the range of several ten thousand cubic meters per hour, to be circulated, the shaft is seated in a pressure-tight housing. Two axially acting seals are arranged on the shaft at a certain distance from the radial feeder. The seals define a pump chamber connected with one of the gas ducts, a lock chamber and a drive chamber. The seal between the lock chamber and the drive chamber comprise an axial upper sliding ring resting elastically on a lower thrust ring.

Abstract: A toy windmill and noise maker comprises a frame and handle. The frame rotatably carries a shaft that has a windmill mounted at one end for rotating the shaft. The handle is connected to the center of the bottom member of the frame so that the device is balanced. Radially extending paddles are carried by the shaft and these actuate drumsticks that beat upon a metal drum supported by the frame. A rubber band having two enlarged ends is stretched across two side members of the frame and supports the drumsticks and causes them to strike the drum after they have been released by the paddles. The bottom member of the frame defines a depression therein near the drum to avoid damping the drum. The windmill is formed from a single square blank which has cuts therein to define the four blades. The four blades have integral extensions where the extensions of diagonally opposed blades are connected to each other in two pairs to hold the blades in concave shape.

Abstract: A torch handle is provided which includes a mechanism for locking the valve in the closed position. An actuator collar is positioned to be manually actuable with one hand to a forwardmost or open position. The quick-disconnect coupling assembly has a coupling collar, which may be retracted to remove a torch tip and thereby moves the actuator collar to return the valve to the closed position.

Abstract: Means for reducing the effects of vertical perturbations of a phonograph disc surface resulting from disc and/or playback system mechanical imperfections. Such imperfections are compensated by closed loop and/or open loop means wherein the deviations of the record path are detected and employed to minimize the effects of the mechanical imperfections.

Abstract: A carburator for internal combustion engines has a main jet for delivering fuel to be entrained with air as it passes through the carburator to the inlet side of the engine. A throttle valve is disposed downstream of the main jet for controlling the flow of air and entrained fuel. An idling jet disposed downstream of the throttle valve is adapted to deliver fuel to the air stream at a rate sufficient to ensure that the engine continues running while the throttle valve is substantially closed. The idling jet is additionally adaptable to admit air to the stream of air-fuel mixture as it flows through the carburator at higher rates of air flow. Means are provided to switch the idling jet between fuel delivering and air delivering modes in response to engine speed. Thus, at lower engine speeds fuel is delivered through the idling jet and a slightly rich mixture passes to the engine. At higher speeds, air is admitted resulting in a weaker mixture than has been set by the main jet and the throttle valve.

Abstract: Several specific types of optical sensors capable of measuring temperature, pressure, force, acceleration, radiation and electrical fields, fluid level, vapor pressure, and the like, are disclosed, along with an electro-optical system for detecting the optical signal developed by the sensor. One such probe utilizes a convex shaped structure consisting of an elastomeric material attached to an end of an optical fiber, the elastomeric material being coated with a luminescent material, a combination that is capable of measuring both temperature and pressure. Such a probe is also specifically adapted for measuring surface temperature by making a good physical contact with the surface being measured. Another such probe utilizes a similar structure but of a non-elastomeric material for the purpose of detecting both temperature and either index of refraction of vapor pressure changes.

Abstract: A dye laser system especially useful for generating short pulses in response to excitation laser pulses directed to an appropriate dye contained between opposing mirrors that form a short cavity within a small, easily replaceable cell. The spacing of the mirrors is adjustable by application of a force from outside of the cell, thereby allowing control of the frequency of the laser output. The cell is self-contained, including a dye reservoir maintained in continuous liquid communication with the cavity for providing fresh dye to it.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of trailing zeros in a number. The number is divided into a plurality of consecutive groups, each group having an address. The system also determines the address location of the lowest order group which contains at least one non-zero bit and which precedes any trailing zeros of the number. Such group defines a target group. The system includes a first circuit for dividing the number into a plurality of consecutive words where each word contains more bits than any group. The first circuit also determines the lowest order word which contains one or more non-zero bits and which precedes any trailing zeros of the number. The system includes a second dividing circuit for dividing each word into a plurality of segments each having a number of bits equal to or greater than the number of bits in the target group.

Abstract: A plasma-arc cutting torch housing defines a chamber which has an outlet at the end of the housing. The torch also includes an electrode in the chamber near the outlet and a provision in the chamber for separating the gas flowing towards the outlet of the housing into a primary gas flow adjacent to the electrode for generating a plasma and a secondary gas flow away from the electrode for cooling the torch and the workpiece. The electrode has a centrally disposed bore therethrough for conveying gas. An insert in the workpiece end of the electrode burns away so as to expose the essentially disposed bore therethrough, thereby automatically quenching operation of the plasma arc so as to minimize damage to the torch. In the preferred embodiment, the electrode has a stepped centrally disposed bore which stops short of the insert. In an alternate embodiment, the stepped bore extends through to the insert and accommodating insert bore.

Abstract: A floribunda rose variety having vigorous upright growth-producing medium length stems bearing unusually colored off-white fringed with red flowers, a high degree of mildew resistance and high quality foliage.

Abstract: A hybrid tea rose variety having high centered delicately colored flowers borne on upright vigorous plants. Flowers have a pleasant fragrance, are stiff petalled and are carried on thorny, glandular peduncles. Leaves are an attractive glossy green.