Abstract: A system is disclosed for generating a plurality of preselected frequencies in a radio frequency device such as a receiver, transmitter or transceiver. It comprises means for generating a first reference signal having a predetermined frequency and means, including at least two voltage controlled oscillators (VCO), a mixer, a programmable frequency divider, and a switch, for generating a second reference signal, with the mixer being coupled to the first reference signal generating means and being selectively coupled on one of the VCO's by the switch to generate an output signal having a frequency corresponding to the difference between the frequency of said first reference signal and the frequency of the selected variable-frequency oscillator.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to improvements in display rack devices and more particularly to display rack devices adapted for attachment to vertical panels and the like. The present invention as illustrated herein contemplates a plurality of elongate arm members, each having a free extremity for telescopically accommodating goods for display purposes. Mounting means at the opposite extremity of each arm member extend laterally thereof, and an elongate horizontally disposed support member extending substantially normal to said arm members is adapted to accommodate said mounting means in horizontally spaced relation. Means is provided for detachably securing said elongate support member to a vertical panel as for example to a panel commonly known as a pegboard.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for generating a plurality of preselected frequencies in a radio frequency device such as a receiver, transmitter or transceiver. It comprises two crystal-controlled reference signal oscillators. First and second controllable variable-frequency oscillators (VCO's), first and second mixers, and a programmable frequency divider, together generate first and second output signals, with the first mixer being coupled to the first crystal oscillator and to the first VCO to generate the first output signal having a frequency corresponding to the difference between the frequency of the first reference signal and that of the first VCO. The second mixer is coupled to the second crystal oscillator and to the second VCO to generate the second output signal which has a frequency corresponding to the difference between the frequency of the second reference signal and the frequency of the second VCO.

Abstract: A cylindrical container is provided at axially spaced locations with peripheral rip-strips for shortening the height of the container as the contents are used up. The original lid fits over the container following shortening thereof. Sealing means is applied over the juncture of each rip-strip with the remainder of the carton to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A process of refining phosphate-ester fluids includes the steps of contacting the fluid with a source of saturated, straight-chain hydrocarbon material and subsequently splitting the mixture by the introduction of water. Organic contaminants originally present in the phosphate-ester fluid ultimately reside in the straight-chain hydrocarbon phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cured polyethylene insulation about high voltage cables by applying uncured polyethylene around a core of the cable. The polyethylene is heated, cured and then cooled to room temperature in a pressurized nitrogen gas atmosphere. In one form the molding apparatus comprises first and second mold forms which define a cavity and which include means for heating the mold halves to the polyethylene curing temperature. Means is also provided to introduce the pressurized nitrogen into the cavity and for subjecting cable portions that extend beyond the mold to pressurized nitrogen until such cable portions are sufficiently cooled to prevent their deformation under pressure, to prevent the oxidation of polyethylene and/or to prevent the formation of voids or enclosures.

Abstract: A gas pressure stabilizer system and valve are disclosed for use with beverage bottle filling apparatus and the like. Gas flow from a pressurized source to a filler bowl is permitted along a conduit, but reverse flow, caused by filler bowl gas pressure fluctuation, is prohibited by a check valve. Rather, a rise in filler bowl gas pressure forces a diaphragm in a stabilizer valve to move away from and uncover a relief port. This port opening permits excessive gas pressure to be vented. Long system service life is encouraged by forming the diaphragm of several membranes.

Abstract: An air eraser is provided generally in the nature of a slightly enlarged pen. Compressed air carries particulate abrasive material from the pen for abrasive removal or erasure of indicia or the like on a base. A trigger controlled air valve is provided upstream of the abrasive material whereby it is impossible for any abrasive material to clog the valve. The flow stream through the air eraser is a straight-through one so that there is no problem of abrasive errosion of corners within the eraser.

Abstract: A wheel interference monitor used with articulated vehicles and vehicles pulling connected trailers or the like, such as a tractor pulling a connected farm implement. The apparatus includes a sensor for monitoring the clearance between the drive vehicle and the pulled trailer or implement, and a circuit for providing a warning alarm to the operator if the clearance reaches a point where the operator must exercise caution, and an additional alarm for warning the operator as the clearance becomes even more critical, approaching a danger area. Also included is a control for setting in the degree of clearance at which the warning and alarm circuit will begin to go into operation.

Abstract: In plowing or towing of other vehicles or implements with a tractor it generally is desirable to move as fast as is economically feasible. Attempting too high a speed may be self-defeating through wheel slippage of the pulling tractor which may reduce efficiency to an uneconomic level. In accordance with the present invention an electronic signal is provided corresponding to the speed of the driving wheels of a tractor, and another electronic signal is provided corresponding to the ground speed of the tractor. These signals are compared electronically, and a visual readout is provided for the operator of the tractor so that he may know if he is operating within acceptable conditions of efficiency. Both audio and visual warning signals are provided to the tractor driver if slippage exceeds a predetermined maximum, corresponding to a predetermined minimum allowable efficiency.

Abstract: An automatically controlled seed planter apparatus is disclosed for planting seeds concurrently in a plurality of rows with controlled seed spacing, including a rotating drum for holding the seeds and transporting the seeds to a plurality of chutes. The apparatus includes transducers for detecting the rotational speed of the drum and for detecting the speed of the planter along the ground. The operator is provided with input controls for setting in signals corresponding to the desired seed spacing and to the configuration of the drum used. The above-mentioned signals are then fed to a control system which processes the signals to form an output signal which controls the rotational speed of the drum, resulting in a controlled seed spacing. A readout device is also provided for the operator to monitor the expected seed spacing produced in this manner by the apparatus, as well as warning the operator of any malfunctions in the system.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ECG monitoring device for attachment to the skin of an individual, which device includes a plurality of electrodes for monitoring bio-skin potential disposed at suitable locations on a base or substrate. The device includes a first resilient sponge-like sheet, and a second resilient sponge-like sheet adhesively attached to the first sheet and having a plurality of openings formed therein. A number of electrodes are attached to the second sheet by an adhesive coating, with the connector elements of the respective electrodes in place in the openings and secured to lead wires for attachment to monitoring apparatus. The individual electrodes include an adhesive base surface that can be exposed upon removal of a cover structure which normally overlies a pre-gelled pad and said base surface. The adhesively coated base surfaces of the electrodes are used to affix the device to the patient.

Abstract: A moisture tester is provided for testing a sample of feed of the silage, haylage, and like compressible variety. The tester includes a chamber for receiving a feed sample. A compressible piston compresses the feed sample in the chamber to a predetermined density to provide accurate, reliable, reproducible results. The chamber comprises spaced electrodes constituting a capacitor such that the dielectric constant of the capacitor is modified in accordance with moisture within the feed sample. A circuit functionally including the capacitor develops a signal in accordance with the moisture content of the sample. A readout, responsive to the circuit signal, provides a visual indication of the feed sample moisture content. A circuit trigger is automatically operated by the compression exerted upon the feed sample to start circuit operation and provide the feed sample moisture content readout.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic valve is disclosed, which comprises a valve manifold and a number of valve cartridge elements disposed at least partly within cavities defined in the valve manifold. To encourage interchangeability and reduce manufacturing costs, each cavity includes a number of axially aligned steps of progressively decreasing diameter. The outermost steps of each cavity is defined by a diameter identical with the outermost step diameter of all other cavities, regardless of whether those other cavities define one or more than one additional steps. Likewise, the second outermost step in each cavity is defined by another diameter which is substantially identical with the second step diameter of all other cavities having two or more steps.

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle jack including a novel release valve is disclosed. The jack is of the type having a high pressure cylinder, a ram partially extensible from and retractable into the cylinder, and a high pressure pump for forcing fluid from a reservoir into the cylinder to extend the jack. When it is desired to lower the jack, the release valve needle is turned so as to withdraw a needle tip from fluid-flow-halting engagement with a valve seat. This needle tip is formed in the shape of a cone having an altitude of a dimension greater than the cone base radius. When the needle tip is withdrawn from its position against the valve seat, a small but precisely defined fluid-flow-permitting orifice is created. Valve lowering action then occurs over an extended time period which permits the jack operator to precisely control or halt valve lowering action as desired.

Abstract: A non-volatile programmable memory storage system for use with electronic musical instruments is provided which utilizes an erasable and reprogrammable read only memory (EPROM). The EPROM is provided with suitable erasure means, either electrical or ultraviolet light. Also provided is means for entering and retrieving data from the EPROM and means for bidirectionally transferring data between the EPROM and the electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: A pouring spout member that is arranged for assembly to the mouth of the container includes a tubular spout and an initially longitudinally extending, anti-drip finger. A cooperating closure cap member deformably engages the anti-drip finger upon assembly with the pouring spout member to convert the finger to its use position.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for offering branch programming for instructional purposes. The apparatus comprises a tape player of the cassette variety, preferably having a tape index or counter. A prerecorded tape cassette carrying the program of instruction is also included. The tape has a plurality of segments of primary material recorded over corresponding spans of tape in a forward direction on a first track. A plurality of segments of supplemental material related to the primary material are recorded in a reversed direction on a second track. The primary material segments each terminate in segment-defining indicia aligned with the initiation of the corresponding secondary material segment. In use, the listener plays a primary material information segment, and then stops the tape player. If further development of the subject is desired, the listener removes the cassette, and flips it over or reverses its orientation. He then reinstalls it in and upon the tape player.

Abstract: A pill dispenser device is disclosed comprising a circular base provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced compartments defined therein. A knurled actuator ring is provided having the same circumference as the base which is affixed to the base outside of the compartments therein and is rotatable within limits defined by an opening in the ring which cooperates with a stop in the base. A cover is provided rotatably attached to the base having a single pill exit opening formed thereon. The cover is also provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth which cooperates with the knurled ring and the base for advancing the pill exit into alignment with successive compartments to allow the removal of individual pills therefrom.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack is disclosed, of the type comprising a ram having a head portion reciprocable in a cylinder between two cylinder ends, and sealing means carried on the ram head portion to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal between the ram and the cylinder interior surface. In this jack, an open sided pressure relief trough is formed in the interior surface of the cylinder adjacent one end to permit the flow of fluid past the sealing means when the head portion is located substantially adjacent the cylinder end and relief trough. Fluid bleeding action past the relief trough thus prevents forcing the ram head and sealing means against the cylinder end. When the jack is so constructed, the sealing means can include an elastomeric seal cup member which will not be damaged by its travel past the trough.