Abstract: A signal encoding system for generating at least two encoded signals in response to a plurality of information signals containing audio data representative of virtual images of sources of the data so that the encoded signals can be subsequently decoded by a decoding system including a decoding matrix means for decoding the encoded signals so as to regenerate the information signals. The signal encoding system comprises signal encoding means for generating the encoded signals in response to the information signals; and a duplicate of the decoding matrix means coupled to the encoding means for generating a feedback signal corresponding to each of the information signals; wherein the encoding signals are modified in response to the feedback signals so as to reduce the noise artifacts generated by the decoding matrix when the encoded signals are decoded by the decoding system.

Abstract: A novel electronic printing system for operating both a linear-raster electro-optical display device and a linear-raster type printer, which system is capable of integrating alphanumeric and/or graphics information and gray-scale or picture information, all on a single data base from which one may either (or both) print the data out on the printer as images, or display the data on the display device as images. The system includes look-up tables storing respective first and second subsets of a set of substantially disjoint multiple-bit binary index numbers. Each of the numbers of the first subset represent information corresponding to a respective gray-scale density level rendered as a respective matrix of points forming a corresponding gray-scale cell to be printed by the printer. Each of the numbers of the second subset represent information corresponding to a unique shape of an edge rendered as a respective matrix of points to be printed by the printer.

Abstract: An improved medical device for use with an elongated flexible instrument of the type adapted to at least partially extend into the lumen of a tubular body part and having a front end for leading said instrument through said lumen and a rear end opposite said front end. The device comprises (a) an elongated flexible sheath capable of being coaxially mounted on and axially slidable with respect to said instrument between said front and rear ends of said instrument and (b) an integrally-formed cuff assembly including a front inflatable cuff section adapted to be secured to the front end of said instrument, a rear inflatable cuff section adapted to be secured to the front end of said sheath and a middle expandable section integrally formed with said front and rear cuff sections for protecting that portion of said instrument between the position of said front and rear cuffs.

Abstract: A novel electronic printing system for operating both a linear-raster electro-optical display device and a linear-raster type printer, which system is capable of integrating alphanumeric and/or graphics information and gray-scale or picture information, all on a single data base from which one may either (or both) print the data out on the printer as images, or display the data on the device as images. The system includes look-up tables storing respective first and second subsets of a set of substantially disjoint multiple-bit binary index numbers. Each of the numbers of the first subset represent information corresponding to a respective gray-scale density level rendered as a respective matrix of points forming a corresponding gray-scale cell to be printed by the printer. Each of the numbers of the second subset represent information corresponding to a unique shape of an edge rendered as a respective matrix of points to be printed by the printer.

Abstract: A system for allocating energy use among a plurality of heat exchange terminals each of which includes a heat exchanger and an electrically driven motor and electrical controls for controlling the operation of the motor. Each heat exchange terminal has associated therewith a uniquely address-coded monitor connected for metering the condition of the motor controls. A central control console periodically polls the monitors at each address code, and in response the polled monitor sends to the interrogating console data indicating the status of the associated motor controls. Memory is provided for accumulating the data so that at the end of a predetermined period the console can compute the proportion of total energy used by each terminal and prepare bills therefrom.

Abstract: Compounds of formula: ##STR1## in which R represent a cycloalkylmethyl group; ##STR2## group where --A-- symbolizes a hydrocarbon chain and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each designate an alkyl group or form jointly with N a heterocyclic radical;an anilinocarbonylmethyl group whose phenyl nucleus is possibly substituted; ora substituted benzyl group.These compounds are useful as drugs having cardiotropic activity.

Abstract: An improved surgical fastener having at least one head portion and a filament portion arranged in a T configuration, wherein at least one end of the said at least one head portion is sharply pointed, so that when that head portion is implanted in body tissue, the head portion will attach itself securely to the tissue and will remain there despite the application of a substantial pulling force on the filament portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for replenishing a melt while a crystal growing operation is in process. The apparatus comprises an elongated hollow housing member having an open top end and a closed bottom end. A vertically movable support means for supporting a charge of source material, to be added to the melt, is located within the hollow housing member. The apparatus further comprises a conduit means for delivering a predetermined charge of source material to the support means. A charge of source material is delivered to the melt by operation of a retractor means that retracts the support means downwardly within the hollow housing member against the force of a spring means that yieldingly biases the support means upwardly within the hollow housing member towards the open top end of the hollow housing member. When the support means reaches a predetermined release point in its downward motion, the retractor means automatically releases the support means to the force of the spring means.

Abstract: A surgical cannula having a first seal member having a substantially conical shape and an opening at the tip thereof, and a second seal member having a substantially conical shape and a slit at the tip thereof, whereby (a) when an instrument is inserted into the cannula, the instrument can pass through the first and second seal members into proximity with a surgical site located beneath the cannula, and fluid entering the cannula from the site will force the first seal member to close around the instrument and form a tight seal therewith so as to prohibit fluid from passing out of the cannula and (b) when no instrument is inserted into the cannula, fluid entering the cannula from the site will force the conical second seal member to close tightly on its slit and thereby form a tight seal so as to prohibit fluid from passing out of the cannula.

Abstract: An improved powder-actuated fastener-driving tool is provided which is characterized by (a) improved gas exhaust passages for venting the hot gases of combustion from the interior of the tool, (b) an improved trigger assembly which is simple and reliable in its operation and adapted to be easily disassembled, and (c) an improved cartridge advance mechanism. The invention also includes an improved pole assembly which is detachably secured to the tool and has a unique remote tool-actuating mechanism.

Abstract: In a coating composition for application to a substrate for curing thereon to form an ablative coating of the type including a reactive mixture of epoxy and polysulfide resins, an amine curing agent, and inorganic materials serving as a source of one or more Lewis acids and being capable of forming a glassy reaction product when exposed to heat, the improvement comprising adding carbonaceous pre-ox fibers thereto in a weight amount between about 15 to 40%. When applied to a substrate, the solvent-free composition cures to a tightly adhering, flexible coating capable of providing thermal protection in a very high temperature, erosive environment.

Abstract: An optical wave guide particularly useful in assay apparatus employing total internal reflection of excitation radiation at the interface between the wave guide and a surrounding liquid phase of lower index of refraction. The wave guide in the form of a solid, light-transmissive, elongated rod or fiber made typically of glass, crystal or plastic and having preferably a circular cross-section, is tapered gradually from an entrance face of relatively large diameter to a substantially smaller diameter at some position longitudinally displaced from the entrance face. In one form, the wave guide is formed with a tapering conical input portion coupled to a second portion having a cylindrical configuration and a diameter matched to the smaller diameter of the tapered portion.

Abstract: An improvement to the process of passivation of polycrystalline silicon using a broad beam ion source wherein a controlled flow, greater in volume than the background level, of a low molecular weight hydrocarbon vapor is introduced into the vacuum system of the Kaufman-type ion source used for passivation. The amount of hydrocarbon introduced is between about one third of one percent and about ten percent, relative to the hydrogen flow, depending on the hydrocarbon. The process is especially advantageous in producing a passivated layer that functions adequately as a mask for metal plating.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed for use in a system for growing a hollow tubular body of crystalline material by growing the body from the end of a die member, whereby the hollow tubular body can be cut lengthwise along predetermined lines of the body to provide separate crystalline bodies. The apparatus comprises means (preferably in the form of notches provided in the die end of the die member from which the hollow body is grown) for concentrating stress in the hollow tubular body along the predetermined lines as the body is pulled from the die end. The method comprises the steps of (a) growing the tube from a die end of a die member so that stress is concentrated in the tube along predetermined lines as the tube is grown; and (b) cutting the tube along the predetermined lines so as to separate the hollow tube into the plurality of bodies of the crystalline material.

Abstract: An improved takeup spindle for automatic cassette loading machines is provided. The takeup spindle comprises a shaft having at least a pair of slots therein, a pair of dogs in the slots, means pivotally connecting the dogs to the shaft, and ring means establishing an outer limit position for the dogs.

Abstract: This invention describes a hand held paint sprayer that mixes paint products from at least two reservoirs, then combines the mixture with a pressurized gas source for propelling the mixed paint through a nozzle outlet. The spray gun incorporates a regulator for varying the amount of one product with respect to the other between 0% and 100%.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application an apparatus and method for initiating the winding of a magnetic tape cartridge or cassette which is largely closed except for a relatively small opening which is closed at the end of the winding operation by a leader block secured to the trailing end of the tape and snapped into the opening. The present apparatus includes a vertically reciprocable finger having two sets of perforations to which a vacuum source is connected for attracting the tape temporarily and holding a leading end of the tape to be wound. The upper set of perforations is switchable between a connection with a vacuum source and one with a source of pressurized air. The leading end of the tape is first adhered to the finger by vacuum and a small quantity of water, as small as a single drop, is deposited on the leading end portion of the tape while the finger lies outside the cassette.