Abstract: An improved squelch circuit for FM demodulators including a low pass filter for filtering out-of-band noise from the demodulator output signals, a delay line for time delaying the filtered signals, a gate for selectively passing the filtered demodulated output signals to an output terminal, and a control circuit for controlling the gate. The control circuit includes a high pass filter for passing the out-of-band noise in the demodulated signals, a detector for detecting the noise level of the noise passed by the high pass filter, and a comparator for comparing the detected out-of-band noise level to a reference to develop a gate control signal which causes the gate to be opened when the out-of-band noise level is relatively low and to be closed when the out-of-band noise level is relatively high.

Abstract: Spirally-tending ribbing on the medial and angular idler rollers of a troughing conveyer including waveform ribbing on the medial roller and normal ribbing on the inner halves of the angular idler rollers for spreading the belting outwardly from center and oppositely-tending spiral ribbing on the outer halves of the angular idler rollers due to lateral shifting of the center of gravity of the material on the belting toward one or the other sides of the trough-formed belting. The oppositely-tending spiral ribbing being of a scalloped type affording more positive traction against the belting especially upon shifting of the load of material on the belt toward an edge thereof over one or the other of the angular idler roller. For extreme cases of such outward climbing of the belting, a feather touch idler roller is set wedge-like relative to the outer halves of the angular idler rollers for effecting greater traction of the belt edge against the latter.

Abstract: An electronic recognition and identification system for recognizing and identifying any one of a family of electrically-coded external objects. The system comprises internal electronics including a pulse widening circuit which enables the system to be responsive to each of the codes of the family of external objects.

Abstract: A combination punching and binding machine for gang punching a stack of sheets and binding the sheets with a pre-curled plastic "comb-binding" element. The machine has a manually actuated lever which, when operated in one direction actuates the punches, and when operated in the opposite direction, laterally moves a comb upon which the binding element is placed, and then actuates a plurality of hook elements to uncurl the curled splines of the binding element for receiving the punched sheets.

Abstract: Video-to-binary conversion apparatus for use in image reproduction systems and the like to convert an input video signal to an output binary signal and comprising an output data normalizer for normalizing the binary output data signal relative to the input binary signal, an integrator for integrating the difference between the input video signal and the normalized output data signal and for developing an adaptable, data state determining threshold signal commensurate therewith, and a comparator for comparing the input video signal to the adaptive threshold signal to develop a binary output data signal which corresponds to the input video signal. The circuit electronically compensates for small signal errors which would otherwise occur in the transformation of the scan data from analog-to-binary form and which would give rise to a moire degradation in the reproduced image.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly and the method of manufacture therefor comprising a generally cylindrical housing having a tapered portion at one end thereof terminating in a circular aperture having an inner diameter, a circular slider body having an outer diameter slightly less than the inner diameter, a media engaging surface and an internal surface and being disposed within the circular aperture and affixed to the housing. The body also includes a first elongated slot disposed along a first diameter and extending through the body, a second slot disposed along a second diameter normal to the first diameter and extending into the body from the internal surface, and a central aperture extending through the body at the intersection of the first and second slots. A read/write transducer has a pair of read/write pole pieces which are separated to provide a read/write gap and which extend into the first slot with the read/write gap positioned with the central aperture.

Abstract: A stripping solution comprising between 80 and 98% H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, between 0.5 and 4% HClO.sub.4, between 0.5 and 4% CrO.sub.3 and H.sub.2 O. The principal application of the solution is to remove polymerized photoresist layers formed during the manufacture of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing helium metal vapor laser tubes having an extended life characteristic. Three main areas of processing are presented which extend the life expectancy of a helium metal vapor laser tube. The first area of processing is directed to a time bake under vacuum of the tube to be used; the second is directed to the melting of the metal in an argon atmosphere; and the third area is directed to a final burn-in procedure of the helium metal vapor laser using the manufactured helium metal vapor tube.

Abstract: A carrying case for darts including a molded unitary body member having a plurality of dart receiving chambers formed therein and a flip-top closure member which can be moved from a closed and locked position to an open position by laterally applied thumb pressure, and can be moved back into the closed and locked position by rotating it into a position above the chambers and then applying a downward pressure thereto.

Abstract: A line printer which comprises a frame, a hammer bank secured to the frame, the hammer bank including a plurality of hammers, a ribbon that is movable past the hammers, a recirculating character belt which comprises a plurality of characters, and a band gate having an adjustable pulley arrangement for removably carrying the character belt. The band gate is pivotally mounted to the frame in such a manner that the distance between the hammers and the characters is adjustable to accommodate paper of varying thicknesses. A phasing circuit controls the firing of the hammers. An adjustable paper feed mechanism controls the positioning of continuous paper form as it passes through the print line, and a stepping motor controls the paper feed mechanism to provie 6 or 8 print lines per inch in such a manner as to reduce the time required to advance the paper to the next print line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating the two analog component signals which make up a dual tone multiple frequency (Touch Tone) signal, converting the component signals into digital identification signals representative of the component signals, and then recombining the identification signals and developing a digital output signal which corresponds to the particular input signal. The apparatus includes signal separating means for separating the input analog signal into its two component signals, frequency identification decoding means for identifying the two component signals and developing digital identification signals corresponding thereto, and digital logic means responsive to the identification signals and operative to develop particular one-of-sixteen digital output signals which correspond to the particular Touch Tone signal input to the system.

Abstract: An electronic recognition and identification system for identifying one of a plurality of electrically coded keys, each having at least one tuned electrical circuit which is resonant at at least one of a plurality of predetermined frequencies. The system comprises a sweep oscillator for generating an alternating current signal. The alternating current signal has a frequency which varies with time over a range of frequencies including the plurality of predetermined frequencies. A condition pulse generating network is connected to the oscillator and produces a condition pulse when one of the keys is proximate thereto and when the frequency of the alternating current signal passes through its predetermined frequency. A plurality of reference pulse generating circuits are selectively connected to the oscillator by a sequential multiplexer.

Abstract: A combined decorative and contact lens storage locket is disclosed. The contact lens locket has at least one compartment in which is mounted a sub-housing made of inert material for storing the contact lenses in their normal storage solution. The door to the compartment may also comprise a mirror. In an alternate embodiment, the contact lens locket is comprised of two compartments with the door for each compartment having a cavity. In the cavity of one door the sub-housing for storing the contact lenses is mounted. In the cavity of the other door a holder for receiving a vial of wetting solution for use with the contact lenses is provided. The two doors to the locket, when open, provide a stand for holding the locket in an upright position. The inside of the locket contains a mirror in one or both of the compartments. Alternately, one of the mirrors or both may be magnifying in nature.

Abstract: A tire traction apparatus for use on a tire comprising at least one chain having first and second ends and a length slightly greater than the circumference of the tire, a latch for securing the first end to a portion of the chain proximate the second end, and a plurality of generally U-shaped members affixed to the chain at spaced-apart intervals, the members including a tire tread engaging base portion and a pair of opposed tire sidewall engaging portions, the chain serving to provide improved traction on ice, the base portion serving to provide improved traction on snow, and the tire sidewall engaging portions serving to maintain the chain on the tread.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a wire through a conduit comprising a base including a planar bottom surface for frictionally engaging a floor and a pair of wedges for anchoring the base to a wall, a pair of upstanding members each being affixed to the base, a shaft oriented with its axis parallel to the bottom surface and journaled proximate each end to the upstanding members, and a pulley secured to an end of the shaft, the pulley having a grooved rim which is formed to receive the wire and having a diameter large enough to prevent the wire from acquiring a set.

Abstract: A laser mirror mounting device adapted to provide for the exchangeability of sets of mirrors associated with various wavelengths of operation of a multi-wavelength laser without requiring realignment of the laser after each set of mirrors is changed. A housing, attachable to a laser support apparatus, is provided and includes an adjustable internal reference surface. The mirror mounting device is adapted for positioning within the housing and includes an external reference surface for adjustment relative to the internal reference surface of the housing. The device further includes support means for supporting a mirror relative to the laser and an adjustment means for adjusting the angular relationship of the mirror relative to the external reference surface. A housing cover engages the device for maintaining the external reference surface of the device in firm contact with the internal reference surface of the housing.

Abstract: Taco shell forming and cooking apparatus comprising a cooking bath, a mesh conveyor belt for carrying a tortilla through the cooking bath, a plurality of wedge-shaped forming members disposed above the bath and guide means for causing the forming members to sequentially engage the conveyor belt and deform the tortilla and tortilla-carrying portions of the belt into a taco shell configuration. The forming mechanism is driven by an electric motor and in turn drives the conveyor belt as the forming members engage and deform the belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing electronic components such as transistors, and the like, having a plurality of wire leads extending from a potted body, and including a gravity feed guide, a metering device for feeding the transistors one-at-a-time to a work station, positioning devices for positioning each transistor fed to the work station in a predetermined orientation, a mating die assembly and forming and cutting assembly for forming the transistor leads into a predetermined configuration and cutting the formed leads to a predetermined length, and a sequencing system for actuating each of the operative devices in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A print hammer apparatus is disclosed which comprises a resilient member having a fixed end and a movable end, the movable end being movable between a cocked position and a striking position, a hammer affixed to the movable end and carried thereby over an arcuate path between the cocked position and the striking position, the hammer including an impact head at one end and a flag member at the other end, the flag member being of magnetic material and having a flag face with a surface which is at all points angularly disposed at an angle other than normal to the path, a stator pole piece having a pole face which matingly corresponds to the flag face, a magnetic side pole disposed laterally of the path, a permanent magnet coupled to the pole piece and to the side pole and operative to develop a magnetic force for causing the hammer to move against the influence of the resilient member and into the cocked position with the flag face engaging the pole face, and a coil disposed on the pole piece for momentarily dev

Abstract: A transceiver comprising a transmit circuit for receiving a transmit audio frequency signal from a voice input transducer and including a delay line for delaying the transmit audio frequency signal, a modulator for converting the delayed transmit audio frequency signal to a transmitable radio frequency signal and a first switchable attenuator responsive to a control signal and operative to selectively couple the radio frequency signal to an output terminal for transmission; a receive circuit for receiving a responsive radio frequency transmission and including a demodulator for converting the received radio frequency signal to a received audio frequency signal, and a second switchable attenuator responsive to the control signal and operative to selectively couple the received audio frequency signal to a voice output transducer; and a control circuit including a transmit detector for detecting the transmit audio frequency signal level, a receive detector for detecting the received audio frequency signal level,