Abstract: A turntable for use in a video disc playback unit includes a hub assembly adapted to fit within a central spindle aperture in the disc. The disc is secured in position by a plurality of clamp members pivotally mounted for movement in a radial direction around the circumference of the hub. When the turntable is at rest the clamp members retract into the hub to allow installation and removal of the disc. As the rotational speed of the turntable increases, centripetal force causes the clamp members to swing radially outwardly to engage the disc, thereby clamping the disc to the rotating turntable.

Abstract: A demodulator circuit for demodulating a signal which varies substantially sinusoidally with time, such as a stereo signal having a carrier frequency, comprises a mixer circuit having a first input with a linear transfer characteristic which receives the stereo multiplex signal u.sub.m to be demodulated and having a second input with a substantially hyperbolic tangent transfer characteristic, the second input receiving a signal u.sub.d. The signal u.sub.d is a voltage having a triangular wave shape superimposed with the triangular wave shape having the carrier frequency. A stereo output signal L and R is produced having minimal third and fifth harmonics of the carrier frequency is produced from a matrix circuit as a result of the triangular shape and amplitude of the signal u.sub.d.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver comprises a mixer to which an aerial signal and an oscillator signal are applied for generating an intermediate-frequency signal. The oscillator signal is produced by a generator and its frequency is determined by a tuning value which is applied to the generator. In addition, the receiver comprises a number of (N) preselection keys to each of which a predetermined fixed tuning value is assigned, so that by operating such a key that relevant tuning value is directly applied to the generator. Assigning a tuning value to a preselection key is effected by a micro-computer. This micro-computer produces a fixed sequence of auxiliary tuning values which are sequentially applied to the generator. The intermediate-frequency signal obtained in response to each auxiliary tuning value is converted into a test value in a conversion circuit. These test values are compared to reference values from a fixed sequence of decreasing reference values.

Abstract: An error protection code which acts on subpictures together constituting a television picture for the transmission of data for reconstructing the television picture at the receiving end. First each subpicture transformed by, Hadamard functions. Of the coefficients thus formed, a number of most significant coefficient bits which are associated with low frequency transformation functions are protected against a bit error. Moreover, a comparatively small number of coefficient bits within said number are protected against an additional bit error.

Abstract: In an asynchronous transmission mode, the bit synchronization arrangement receives data signals in the form of binary pulse trains (at A). It includes an oscillator (3) whose output signal (at C) has a frequency F.sub.OS approximately equal to twice the binary rate of the pulse trains and a transition detector (1, 22) which supplies a calibrated voltage pulse (at B.sub.2) at each data signal transition. The oscillator supplies a triangular internal signal (at D) at the frequency F.sub.OS and a phase correction circuit (2) is provided to reduce the algebraic value of the slope of this signal during each calibrated pulse so as to produce a predetermined constant advancing or delaying phase shift according as the calibrated pulse occurs during a negative or a positive ramp of this signal.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor either of the radial or axial piston type is used for swivelling a hanging load about an upright axis. The motor has a distributor for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the input and drain ducts of the motor. The motor further has hydraulic ducts extending from the stator to the rotor for transmitting fluid required for operation of the actuator of a gripping device or bucket. The distributor floats, so that radial and axial play as well as deformation of the rotor relative to the stator may be taken up without stress. At least some of the hydraulic ducts pass through the distributor, connections being made by suitable rotary transmissions and connecting points within the motor.

Abstract: Multiplier circuit for multiplying an information signal x(t) by a periodic signal y(t) having frequency f.sub.o, more specifically for amplitude modulation purposes in a stereo decoder. The multiplier circuit comprises N switching circuits 21(k) wherein k=0, 1, . . . N-1 which are each connected to a clock pulse generator 221, 222 by means of a control channel 25(k) and are each connected to an input of an adder device 28 by means of a signal channel 26(k). In addition, each switching circuit 21(k) receives the information signal x(t). A series of clock pulses g(k;t) is applied to each control channel in such a manner that for the control channel having number k these clock pulses occur at the instants t.sub.o +k(T.sub.o /N)+iT.sub.o wherein t.sub.o represents a constant T.sub.o =1/f.sub.o and i=. . . , -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, . . . Each signal channel 26(k) comprises a weighting network 27(k) having a constant weighting factor W(k) defined by the relation W(k)=y(t.sub.o +k(T.sub.o /N)).

Abstract: An electromagnetic deflection unit is disposed around a portion of a display tube and comprises a first deflection coil for producing, when energized, a frame deflection field and a second deflection coil for producing, when energized, a line deflection field the second deflection coil and being located coaxially within the first deflection coil, each deflection coil having two diametrically oppositely located deflection coil units.

Abstract: A television receiving system for converting a video signal of one line standard to a video signal of another line standard. A field delay circuit is provided which separates the video signal of the one line standard into a high frequency and low frequency portion. The low frequency portion of the signal is processed to have a delay during one field different from the delay of a subsequent field. Independent processing means for the high frequency portion of the separated signal is provided. The processed high frequency and low frequency signals are combined to provide a video signal for converting to a different line standard. By processing the high frequency and low frequency portions of the video signal differently, a savings in hardware components is realized without material degradation in performance.

Abstract: The measuring element for a dynamometer consists of a band-shaped substrate of amorphous metal. The band-shaped substrate has one or two necked-down sections on which strain gauge resistors are arranged in the direction of load application. The resistor or resistors may be connected in a bridge circuit together with reference resistors. The load-dependent elongation of the resistors unbalances the bridge circuit to create the desired output measuring signal. Use of a suitable alloy of amorphous metal results in good mechanical characteristic of the measuring element. Specifically, there is a high resistance to creep and to hysteresis effects, while relatively high loads may be measured. Further, such a measuring element is also immune to temperature variations.

Abstract: Slots are provided in at least one wall or surface common to the weighing chamber and the chamber housing the weighing mechanism. These slots are located so that air currents streaming through them will not affect the weighing dish and thereby the measured results. The slots are preferably located in the bottom near the front wall or the rear wall of the weighing chamber. The air currents can then effect rapid temperature and pressure compensation.

Abstract: The transducing apparatus for a dynamometer includes a band shaped measuring element which is subjected to a load-dependent tensile force. The measuring element is made of an amorphous metal. It is band-shaped and may have one or two necked-down portions whose resistance varies as a function of applied force. Such measuring element has particularly desirable mechanical characteristics such as high limits of permissible applied force, resistance to creep, low hysteresis, and stability with respect to temperature variations.

Abstract: A scale has a load receiving member and a force receiving member coupled to the load receiving member by flat springs. The force receiving member transmits the force to be measured to a measuring cell. A hydraulic damper is connected in the force transmission path between the load receiver and the force receiver rather than between the force receiver and the frame of the scale as is current practice. The effects of viscous friction in the damper on the accuracy of the scale are thereby eliminated. The container holding the hydraulic fluid of the damper is sealed by a simple packing ring. Overload protection for the measuring cell is provided by a preloaded spring which is connected in series with the damper in the force transmission path.

Abstract: In a scale wherein the force or load receiver is guided along a vertical path by a parallel guidance system having an upper and a lower plate, the lower plate cooperates with a recess in the lower part of the housing to form an air damper. Specifically, the lower plate of the parallel guidance system constitutes the piston of the air damper. For the scale with a capacitive sensor, the plate constituting the piston of the air damper is a metallic plate which also constitutes the movable plate of the measuring capacitor.

Abstract: The key provided for manual operations of the functioning of an electrical scale is constituted by an elongated bar which rests on two control switches. The control switches are connected to the control circuit of the scale so that activation of either one will result in the furnishing of the same control signal to the control circuit. The location of force applied to the activating member is immaterial, since no matter where the bar is touched, one or both of the switches will be depressed. This permits the operator to control the functioning of the scale without moving his eyes from the display.

Abstract: A single unit made of a light metal or alloy preferably in a diecast process is shaped to constitute the frame, the levers, and hinged bearings of a platform scale. Even the measuring element can be integrated into this one-piece unit. The resultant scale has a very low profile and is particularly suitable for mass manufacture for applications not requiring excessive resolution as, for example, post office scales or scales for home use.

Abstract: A sensor measuring the partial oxygen pressure in furnace exhaust gas has an active layer of palladium. When the sensor is maintained at a particular temperature, for example about 700.degree. C., the palladium changes to palladium oxide at a specific air number, namely 1.2. The change from palladium to palladium oxide and vice versa causes a change in conductivity by a factor of approximately 20. This change in conductivity is a clearly defined output signal which can be adjusted to occur at any desired air number in the region from 1.05-1.4, depending upon the temperature at which the sensor is maintained. Two sensors may be used, each maintained at a different temperature so that a control region is defined as the air number region wherein the sensor maintained at the lower temperature is oxidized while the second sensor is reduced. Preferably, the active layer consists not only of the metal oxide but also of a ceramic component such as cerium oxide which is doped with 0.5-10% by volume of Nb.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A pyroelectric or ferroelectric sensing element consists of a substrate with a thin layer of sodium nitrite. Electrodes may be applied to both sides of the sodium nitrite layer, or, alternatively, only one electrode may be used. In one embodiment, an array of electrodes is applied to one side of a continuous sodium nitrite layer, while the other side has a continuous electrode. In another embodiment, the sodium nitrite layer consists of separate portions, each interposed between one electrode of an electrode array and either the substrate or a second, continuous electrode.

Abstract: In a scale having a digital display, the available weight range, that is the difference between the maximum allowable weight on the scale and the then-present weight on the scale, is displayed in response to activation of the tare key. The available weight range number may be displayed for a predetermined time interval or it may be displayed while the tare key is depressed, release of the tare key causing the normal display of net weight to resume.

Abstract: To achieve an automatic stabilization of the zero point in a scale having a digital display, any difference between the load proportional signal and the stored reference signal (for example, the tare value) is compared to a threshold value. Differences which are less than the threshold value are halved in a divider. The halved difference signal is then used when the next subsequent one of the load proportional signal is compared to the reference signal, preferably by algebraic addition of the halved difference signal to the reference signal.