Abstract: Shuttle article for games comprising a circular plastic base member having a detachable rubber portion on its bottom, a neck portion on its upper surface, and a cone- or tear-shaped plastic chute flaring from the neck portion to an outer diameter at least twice that of the base member. The chute member is divided into thinly webbed plastic sections by eight plastic ribs which taper from the neck to the outer edges of the chute, with one of the sections being removed to provide an opening for achieving improved turn-around characteristics at the perigee and apogee of flight.

Abstract: Synthetic anatomical members, such as a tympanic membrane and a malleus, are illustrated and a method for making them is disclosed. In accordance with the method, prepared collagenous tissue is placed in a mold and immersed in, or sprayed with, a buffered formaldehyde or functionally similar preservative. After removal from the mold, the tissue retains the shape assumed in the mold. Provisions are made for attaching other anatomical members, such as bone, to the tissue for use in, for example, en bloc reconstruction of an eardrum and ossicles.

Abstract: A data compression apparatus is described having an encoder and a decoder. Data in the form of an N-bit data message from an external data source is received in the encoder and stored in an N-bit memory. Coupled to the memory is a "one's" detector and three arithmetic units. The "one's" detector counts the number of logical "one's" in the N-bit message irrespective of their position in the memory for generating a number Q. The three arithmetic units sum columns of the contents of the memory in three predetermined sequences for generating three numbers A, B and C. The numbers A, B, C and Q are then used to form a P-bit data message, where P is less than N for a sufficiently large N - e.g., for N=256, N/P is approximately 2.8 - for transmission to the decoder. The decoder is provided with an N-bit memory, three arithmetic units and a comparison circuit. Upon receipt of the P-bit data message, Q logical "one's" are stored in the decoder memory.

Abstract: A speedometer-odometer apparatus is described comprising an encoding apparatus for generating pulses as a function of the distance a vehicle is moved, a calibrating apparatus and an indicating circuit means for visually indicating the distance and speed of the movement. Coupled between the encoding apparatus and the indicating circuit means, the calibrating apparatus is provided for controlling the number of pulses delivered to the indicating circuit means from the encoding apparatus so that the indicating circuit means will provide a predetermined output when the vehicle in which the apparatus is mounted is moved a predetermined distance. For providing a highly accurate and direct readout of the distance, there is provided, in the indicating circuit means and coupled to the output of the calibrating apparatus, a plurality of division circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing liquids by hand is described comprising a handle having an upper and a lower portion. Extending from the lower portion is slotted mixing blade means and terminating the lower portion there is provided a salient surface for preventing the slotted blade means from rubbing against an underlying surface and for reducing friction between the apparatus and the surface when the apparatus is placed against and rotated about a line perpendicular to the surface.

Abstract: A surface is prepared for use in electrophotography by spraying an enamel slip comprising a non-aqueous carrier vehicle, a photoconductive powder and glass enamel frit thereon.

Abstract: A device for the detection of hydrogen comprising a semiconductor, a metal electrode and an insulator situated between the semiconductor and the electrode. The metal electrode is made of palladium, nickel, platinum or an alloy containing at least 20% palladium by atomic weight. In one embodiment, the device is a field-effect transistor. Means are also provided for heating the device for improving its response time.

Abstract: A pressure-measuring apparatus and method is described for providing a digital readout of the intra-ocular pressure of an eye. The apparatus comprises a transducer for applanating the cornea of an eye and providing a variable output proportional to pressure as the transducer is applied to the cornea. Electronic means responsive to a change in the output of the transducer is coupled to the transducer for providing a digital readout of the pressure sensed by the transducer when there is a change in the slope of the output of the transducer and the change in the slope has a predetermined polarity and exceeds a predetermined rate. Means are also provided for simultaneously displaying at least four digital readouts of pressure corresponding to four successive pressure measurements. The multiple readouts permit an operator to use the lowest of the four readouts as an accurate measure of intra-ocular pressure when the measurements are taken from a given eye.

Abstract: A low voltage audio fire alarm system fully integrated in a paging and music speaker system. The alarm circuits including pull-boxes and automatic fire, smoke and heat detection apparatus and the audio circuits are fully and continuously supervised against component failure by means of a plurality of current responsive relays. The audio path including the speaker system and associated amplifiers is continuously monitored by a low level supersonic 26KC signal. Fail-safe features utilizing multi-contact switches and relays are incorporated throughout the system to prevent inadvertent silencing of alarms in the absence of an alarm condition.