Abstract: A television game system is provided wherein a modular unit may be connected to a standard television receiver for the generation, display and control of symbols or geometric figures on the television screen to allow one or several players to participate in a game in which the action is presented on the screen. The modular unit is programmable whereby several different games may be played selectively with the same unit, allowing flexibility in the range of operation of the unit as well as the television receiver. The level of complexity of the games can be adjusted to each player's ability whereby players of different ability can play each other on a competition basis.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device mounted to a mainsail at the area of maximum air activity includes a venturi and a plurality of vertically disposed strips or offsets defining extending fins. The flow axis of the venturi is substantially parallel to the foot of the mainsail and the vertical fins are disposed in a substantially horizontal row along the venturi flow axis. Certain ones of the fins are positioned respectively forward and after the venturi and other ones of the fins are superimposed on the venturi. The aerodynamic device is operative to reach the free air layer beyond the zero activity and turbulent air layers for greater air drive and improved on-wind direction.

Abstract: The sub-surface temperature of a body of water, such as an ocean, is measured remotely by directing a laser beam into a body of water and analyzing the Raman backscatter produced by the water. The Raman backscatter contains information which, when processed, indicates the water temperature at various depths. Precise temperature measurements may be made by separately detecting and measuring the polarization ratio at different wavelength intervals throughout the Raman band and measuring the differential diffuse attenuation coefficient using range-gated Raman backscatter techniques on a wavelength by wavelength basis.

Abstract: A moisture responsive liquid metering device is provided for use in controlling the amount of liquid delivered to a given location according to the moisture level at that location. The device includes a flexible tube through which the liquid flows from one location to another as from a container of water to a potted plant. In its preferred form, a valving device comprised of a wooden tubular sleeve and an elongated valve core are provided for opening and closing the tube in a squeezing action. The valve core is provided with an opening at one end through which the tube is threaded in close proximity to one end of the wooden sleeve which is substantially coextensive with the core. The device is planted in soil, for example, and when the soil is damp, the moisture causes the wooden sleeve to expand to pinch the tubing shut. As the soil dries out the sleeve contracts, releasing pressure on the tube and allowing water to flow.

Abstract: A wall mountable light fixture with a dimmer for controlling luminescence and having a plurality of articulated arms that are movable between a retracted position adjacent the wall and an extended position outwardly of the wall. The arms are interconnected by swivel joints, each of which includes a pair of rotatable cooperating members that are juxtaposed in mating relationship. The mating face of each rotatable member is formed with an arcuately disposed race of predetermined length. A ball received within a channel formed by the races of juxtaposed rotatable members constrains the swivel joint to a maximum rotation of one revolution.

Abstract: A class of amorphous metal alloys is provided in which the alloys are rich in iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium and/or manganese. These alloys contain at least one element from each of three groups of elements and are low in metalloids compared to previously known liquid quenched amorphous alloys rich in iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium and/or manganese. The alloys can be readily formed in the amorphous state and are characterized by high hardness, high elastic limit and, for selected compositions, good corrosion resistance. Products made from these alloys include cutting tools, such as razor blades.

Abstract: A method for determining both the inorganic and the metallo-organic salt content in an organic solvent. A salt-free polar solvent is added to and is mixed with a sample of an organic solvent to be analyzed, producing a two-phase intermediate solution. The intermediate soluton is mixed with and is dissolved in another salt-free solvent in which the polar solvent and the organic solvent are mutually soluble, producing a one-phase final solution. The total salt content (inorganic plus metallo-organic) of the final solution is determined by conventional techniques such as, flame photometry or atomic adsorption spectrometry.

Abstract: Shelled peanuts, preferably blanched, are pressed to remove fat from the peanuts and then are cooked in water for a time sufficiently to gelatinize starch and coagulate proteins and also inactivate enzymes while destroying microorganisms. The cooked nuts are then fragmented into particles as by dicing for relatively large particles, or by grinding, for small size particles to make paste or, with drying, to make flour, for example. The particulate product, as a flour, may be used for baking or may be added to water to form milk substitutes. Shredded and diced nuts so treated may be used as food extenders, fillers and the like. The resulting product is of high protein content characterized by a long shelf life and extremely flexible with respect to water content.

Abstract: In a shoe construction, effective chemical bonding rather than nailing of a lower rubber heel to an inner heel base is enabled by the chemical composition and surface conditioning of the latter. The chemical composition is characterized by a mixture of a polyethylene, an ethylene vinyl copolymer, a filler, and a dessicant in particular proportions. The surface conditioning is characterized by an oxidizing flame treatment.

Abstract: A biofeedback training system is provided in which portable, self-contained modular units may be used independently for relatively simple biofeedback training purposes by a layman or may be connected to a central processor adapted to provide more sophisticated processing of the signals monitored by the portable unit under supervision of a specialist. The system thus provides a partitioning of functions in which physiological signals are monitored and preprocessed in the portable unit, and when the portable unit is connected to the central processor, these preprocessed signals are then fed into the central processor where elaborate filtering, thresholding, converting and integrating functions take place in a biofeedback system. The central processor is capable of receiving inputs simultaneously from multiple portable units.

Abstract: A gear, end plate, or the like, is formed from a hard, tough plastic such as polyurethane and is locked onto a supporting shaft by means of a clamp engaging an integral annular hub formed on one side of the gear. The clamp is in the form of a metal band, the ends of which are provided with a nut and screw by means of which the band may be tightened to apply clamping pressure.

Abstract: Analog signals are converted into digital form in a reproducible, accurate and stable manner. The tri-dual phase technique involves the conversion of the condition to be measured, and typically represented by a voltage, first to a reference level and then to an unknown level in a dual phase conversion, and then solving for the unknown level once the relationship of the reference level, the unknown high input level, and the unknown low input levels are established. A circuit capable of carrying out the technique includes an integrator receiving voltage input signals from a switching device adapted to switch to three different input signals, including a high unknown signal level, a low unknown signal level, and a known signal reference level. The reference level is also fed into a comparator which receives the output of the integrator.

Abstract: A visual presentation sheet is provided with a photographic image stratum and a liquid crystal stratum. Under certain energy conditions, the liquid crystal stratum scatters incident light so that the photographic image stratum is visible by direct observation. Under other energy conditions, the liquid crystal stratum is cleared to enable optical projection of the photographic image stratum.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with a tubular body having helical ribs about its periphery constituting expanded interior and exterior conductive heating surfaces. A clamp is captively held to the tubular body for mounting the heat exchanger to the exhaust duct of a freestanding heating unit. Hot gases passing through the exhaust duct conductively heat is the expanded surface of the tubular body and air therein. A thermostatically controlled blower directs the heated air within the tubular body towards a heated surface of the freestanding heating unit for convectively heating the area about the unit.

Abstract: A pump with a plunger assembly that is received within an outer housing containing a fluid. The plunger assembly includes a slidable sleeve portion defining a vertical channel. A pair of thermally conductive, flexible membranes form outer and inner chambers within the vertical channel. One of the flexible membranes is detachably secured to the slidable sleeve portion, the other membrane constituting a common wall that separates the chambers. A charging fluid is fed to the outer chamber through an inlet valve and exits therefrom through an exhaust valve. A fluid to be pumped is fed to the inner chamber through an inlet valve and exits therefrom through an exhaust valve. The charging fluid governs the interior profile within the vertical channel for providing variable pressure to volume ratios within the chamber.

Abstract: A self-advancing conical boring tool with a tapered frame for supporting roller cutters, each of which has a frusto-conical body with a plurality of teeth randomly disposed about its periphery. Each roller cutter is constrained within a pair of thrust bearings and a pair of self-aligning spherical roller bearings for free rotation about an axis that is both oblique and skewed relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool. A flexible diaphragm is captively held to the frame proximate each roller cutter and forms a pressure compensated chamber for a bearing lubricant, one face of the diaphragm being adjacent a thrust bearing and the other face of the diaphragm being exposed to the environment through a vent.

Abstract: A shield is provided for installation on double-hung windows to prevent the window lock from being jimmied open from the outside. The shield is a flat plate which is fitted to the top of the lower sash around the base of the lock and spans between the two lock sections to close the space between the two windows. The shield prevents the lock from being opened by means of a thin blade, or the like, inserted up between the two window sashes to disengage the lock.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive signalling valve for use on pneumatic tires is adapted to generate a highly efficient acoustical signal whenever the pressure within the tire falls outside of a predetermined range. The emitted signal is detected by means of an acoustical receiver which, in turn, is coupled to an alarm typically in the form of a warning light or audio device conveniently located within the vehicle to alert the driver. The acoustical valve employs a rolling or flat seal disc diaphragm and a flat sealing arrangement providing a positive sealing action, minimal friction, low hysteresis and extremely precise pressure response characteristics.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is provided for use in treating the sanitary and grey waste waters from individual homes in areas where subsurface disposal of these wastes is not feasible and where discharge of treated effluent to a body of surface water is permitted. All toilet wastes, bath and shower wastes, and kitchen wastewater can be treated by this process and system. These wastes are cleansed, disinfected and clarified prior to discharge to the receiving body of water. The system includes a septic tank, a dosing chamber, an enclosed sand filter, and a disinfection unit operatively connected to one another for progressive cleansing, clarification and disinfection of the wastewater.

Abstract: A humidity indicator with a housing having mounted therein a sensing element that changes dimensionally in response to humidity variations. A flexible diaphragm is captively held within the housing and is moved by dimensional changes of the sensing element. An intermediate plate with a cavity forms a reservoir on the flexible diaphragm for a transduction fluid. An adjustable member received within the sensing element contacts a portion of the flexible diaphragm bounding the reservoir for initial calibration of the humidity indicator. A dial and cover assemblage having an internal capillary groove is mounted on the intermediate plate, a port interconnecting the reservoir and capillary groove. The transduction fluid within the reservoir flows into the capillary groove and provides an indication of the percent of relative humidity.