Abstract: In magnetic recording devices, such as floppy disk drives, operational difficulties in the faithful reproduction of recorded data include peak shifting. The invention overcomes these difficulties by introducing a read back compensation circuit comprising a frequency equalizer which favorably amplifies a certain harmonic of the original read signal. In a recording device using a modified frequency modulation encoding scheme (MFM), for instance, this harmonic would be the second harmonic. In order to minimize the effect of circuit paramater variations the frequency equalizer may be split between two circuits, specifically between the read filter network and the read differentiating network. First switching means connected to the filter network and second switching means connected to the differentiating network are arranged as to change the damping factor and the frequency of the filter and differentiating network.

Abstract: A firearm training device comprises a combat target mounted at one end of a frame, an adjustabe inclined slide and a slingshot mechanism mounted within the frame. When the device is activated, a heavy ball is rolled down the slide. If the user hits the target with wax bullets before the ball reaches the end of the slide, it releases a trigger mechanism which blocks the further progress of the ball down the slide. If the ball reaches the bottom of the slide, prior to the bullet striking the target, the ball activates a trigger mechanism which releases the slingshot mechanism propelling a projectile such as a rubber ball at the trainee with sufficient force to effectively punish him. The device thus gives added impetus to the trainee's efforts to fire quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A process for the separation and isolation of AHF and fibronectin from blood plasma by adding a sulfated mucopolysaccharide to blood plasma to a concentration of 0.15-0.25 mg/ml of plasma, cooling the plasma to 0.degree. C.-15.degree. C. centrifuging the plasma to isolate a precipitate which forms and then removing the AHF-rich supernatant liquid from the precipitate.The precipitate is washed in a slightly basic solution of dilute salts and then dissolved in a buffered solution of chaotrophic salts of the Hofmeister series having an ionic strength from 0.01-1. Fibronectin is then separated, by chromotographic means, from the dissolved precipitate, which contains fibronectin and fibrinogen.In a preferred embodiment, 0.20 mg of sodium heparin per milliliter of human plasma is employed with the heparinized plasma solution cooled for 3 hours at a temperature of 2.degree. C.-4.degree. C.

Abstract: Two sail structures are disclosed for use in propelling a movable body, such as a ski, skate, iceboat or the like, over a solid surface. One sail structure uses the lateen configuration and includes a triangular shaped sail with an upper spar and lower boom for holding the sail in an open, triangular form; as well as a mast, connectable to the spar and boom, for supporting the sail in a lateen configuration. The other sail structure includes a vertical mast and a horizontal boom connected in a "cross. " A first right-triangular sail is connected at its three corners to the forward end of the boom, the top of the mast and the coupling point of the mast and boom. A second right-triangular sail has its edges connected along the mast and boom, between the coupling point and the top of the mast and between the coupling point and the rearwad end of the boom.

Abstract: A thin, flexible covering material which provides a heat and vapor barrier for walls or ceilings comprises a first layer of vinyl or cloth on which a decorative design may be printed, a second layer of paper or cloth, a third layer of metal foil, and a fourth layer of paper or cloth, the layers being laminated together to form the covering material. Alternative embodiments include applications as floor coverings, rug underlays, wall sections, or window blinds. Optional layers of polymeric foam or wall board may be incorporated into the covering material for some applications.

Abstract: A porosimeter comprises a tube of non-magnetic material connected at one end to a sample chamber capable, like the tube, of withstanding high internal pressures, means to exhaust the sample chamber and tube, means to fill the chamber and tube with mercury, means to deliver to the tube under adjustable pressure a fluid of density different from that of mercury, a float of magnetic material and of intermediate density disposed in the tube, and a differential transformer in which the float acts as a core to indicate the position of the float.

Abstract: The rotational speed and torque mechanical transducer comprises an outer rotor connected to the motor through a power input shaft; a transverse shaft rotatably mounted at the interior of the outer rotor, and presenting an inner rotor secured thereon; a second shaft rotatably mounted in the inner rotor at right angles with respect to the axis of said inner rotor, and carrying secured thereon a central rotor; an intermediate rotor rotatably mounted around the axis of the inner rotor, and connected through a gear transmission with the shaft of the central rotor, and through another gear transmission with a main output shaft, while the shaft of the inner rotor is connected through a gear transmission with an auxiliary output shaft.

Abstract: A solar collector system comprises one or more slate absorber panels each including a series of heat collecting slate members arranged in a shingle-like closed assembly over which water is designed to flow for heating by solar energy. The system includes a trickle pipe mounted at one end of the sloped assembly so that water flows therefrom onto a copper plate having a baffle at one end and then onto the first of a series of slate members where the water is heated by the sun and finally flows into a collecting trough at the other end which also includes an outlet for the water. The assembly including the slate members is mounted within an aluminum jacket having a base and upwardly extending side portions to the ends of which closure members are mounted. Copper side channels of a particular configuration are mounted along both sides of each panel in a manner to provide improved sealing, particularly where a number of panels are to be ganged together.

Abstract: An engine producing combustion of a fuel by compression rather than ignition comprises a conventional engine cylinder having a pair of opposed secondary cylinders mounted side-by-side on the upper portion of the cylinder chamber. The secondary cylinders are driven by a cam arrangement in a direction transverse to the action of the main engine cylinder and at predetermined synchronized time intervals. The secondary pistons operate in conjunction with the main piston entering the respective compression chambers on the 0.degree. top dead center system of the main piston to produce combustion by compression thereby eliminating the need for electric ignition and providing more power per cylinder. As further advantage, there is less pollution due to more efficient combustion in an arrangement which also eliminates the necessity for engine tuneups.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically generating photographic pictures, such as 35 mm slides, includes a number of microcomputer terminals at scattered locations, a central computer at a location remote from these terminals and a picture producing device for creating photographic pictures from computer generated data. The microcomputer terminals are each provided with a color display and input keyboards for enabling the user to enter data. The terminals are programmed to generate and display in color a number of standard graphical representations having certain variable characteristics. A particular representation and its characteristics are entered by users through the terminal input as answers to questions presented by the terminal. The terminals are capable of modifying the display of a graphical representation in response to user entries which change the answers to the questions so as to create a final set of answers.

Abstract: A self-contained Kiosk Unit comprises a unique self-supporting metal frame having a plurality of walls extending upwardly and forming a housing which includes a computer unit mounted therein. The controls for the computer unit are mounted in a recessed portion of the frame on a control panel while the functional portion of the computer is located within the housing. The base of the recessed portion forms a counter below the controls and the upper portion of the recess is equipped with suitable lighting to illuminate the controls and any advertising which might be contained on the frame itself. The frame extends outwardly over a metal pedestal which is an integral part of the housing structure and the outwardly extending portion of the base includes a predetermined number of perforations which permit a flow of air through the unit and upwardly through an aperture in the roof having a fan positioned therein for cooling purposes.

Abstract: A chimney closure is disclosed having a damper which consists of a pair of contiguous generally coplanar leaf sections pivotally mounted over the open end of a chimney. The leaf sections may be pivoted back and forth with respect to the plane of the chimney opening between generally horizontal and vertical positions. One of the leaf sections opens and closes approximately half of the chimney opening. The area of the other leaf section is less than that of the one section and, therefore, it only partially obstructs the remaining part of the opening when the one section is closed. The damper is carried by a casing which surrounds the chimney opening.

Abstract: A coil type filter for diversified applications comprises a spiral wound coil having an inlet and an outlet at opposite ends thereof, said inlet and outlet apertures having a screen positioned to retain the filtering element within the coil. Couplings are provided on the exterior of the coil at each end for connection to other portions of a fluid flow system. The interior of the coil is partially filled with activated carbon granules which perform the filtering operation. In a modification of the invention, the coil would be positioned within a housing which contains a circulating fluid for maintaining the temperature at predetermined levels. In another embodiment of the invention, the spiral wound coil is mounted within a housing with the inlet and outlet both extending outwardly from the same portion of the housing. The filter outlet is a substantially straight tube extending from the interior end portion of the coil substantially parallel to the axis of said coil and along its entire length.

Abstract: An electric trouble finding apparatus comprises means to test either hot or cold circuits with a single unit. The apparatus comprises a first pair of binding posts which serve as the coupling means to a hot output and a second pair of binding posts which may serve simultaneously as connecting means to a cold or inert circuit. The unit includes a four pole double throw switch having a single lever control and a plurality of twelve terminals in the switch arrangement. A first pair of oppositely positioned switch terminals are connected to an AC power source while a second pair of opposite terminals in the switch are connected to respective hot binding posts. One of the cold binding posts is connected through a lamp to a terminal in the switch while the opposite terminal is coupled to the other cold binding post. A pair of terminals in the switch are interconnected while another pair of terminals in the switch are coupled to the hot outlet from the power supply.

Abstract: A display device comprises a rectangular transparent plastic envelope formed from two sheets of flexible plastic material which are seamed together adjacent their top, one side and bottom margins. The sheets also include horizontal enclosed sleeves at the top and bottom of the envelope in which tubular arms are located. Flexible coupling means are provided in engagement with the upper tubular arm while the lower tubular arm is engaged by laterally spaced tension means which permit the lower arm to turn ninety degrees with respect to the upper arm. A zipper-type closure means may be provided along the open side of the envelope to removably seal the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bolster which is used for physical therapy especially for handicapped children. The bolster comprises a pair of solid discs at the ends thereof and a plurality of spaced, hollowed-out intermediate discs having a cylindrical outer shell preferably of relatively light gauge metal wrapped thereabout. The cylindrical shell is then covered with a layer of foam rubber which is adhered thereto and turned over onto the periphery of the end discs. A brightly colored vinyl covering is then placed over the foam rubber. The operation may be facilitated by covering the foam rubber first with a plastic sheet or other low friction thin covering and slipping the vinyl thereover. The vinyl covering is secured in place to the end discs and a handle is fastened to one of the end discs for ease of handling.

Abstract: Window shade hanging apparatus includes a guide block formed of a synthetic plastics material and an elongated rod dimensioned to fit slidably within a through longitudinal bore in the block. The guide block has a vertical recess or channel in one end and a permanent magnet is mounted in the block and has an exposed face within the recess. The elongated rod has a permanent magnet affixed to one end whereby a support bracket for a window shade can be held within the recess of the block by its magnet and aligned with a vertical element of the window frame and a fastening element for the support bracket is held by the magnet on the elongated rod in position to be driven into an aperture in the support bracket and into the vertical window frame element for securement thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fish bait comprising a raw fish which has been ground and pulverized in micronized form, blended with a surface active agent, and the resulting mixture dried by a process which allows the pulverized bait to remain raw, such as by freeze-drying, pulverizing the dried bait again to a micronized form, and thereafter placing the dried and micronized bait into a water permeable container and sealing the same. When placed in the water, the bait thus manufactured, allows the taste and smell thereof to be dispersed throughout the water and thereby attracts a desired fish.

Abstract: A rotary motor comprises an upper rotating collar section and a lower rotating disc, and mounted between the collar section and the disc a predetermined number of knife blades which are rotatable about their mounting and located toward the collar and disc periphery in a manner to prevent damage when the blade strikes loose stones and the like. The disc also includes an integral, radial, depressible spring strip for each knife blade for quick knife changes, suitable air ducts on its upper surface and at least one radially arranged vane on its underside.

Abstract: A fish hook extractor comprises an elongated member having gripping means at one end and a slotted end portion at the other end thereof. The slotted end portion comprises a pair of legs located at an angle to the plane of the elongated member, each of said legs having a tapered outer face leading to the entrance of the slot. The slot is of decreasing width leading to an arcuate base portion. A transversely slidable member is mounted in an aperture extending through the elongated member at a point near the gripping means so that the fishing line may be wrapped thereabout after the extractor is inserted into the fish's mouth and has caught the hook in the slot. The extractor is first pushed inwardly to dislodge the hook and then pulled outwardly drawing the hook out of the fish. A second embodiment includes a member having the rear portion which is slidable along the elongated member and a projecting front portion having a predetermined slot extending inwardly from one side and at an angle.