Abstract: Noise reduction on a video signal is achieved by an adaptive filter system which is capable of automatic changes in filter parameters. This inventive concept includes an automatic method of independently changing both the width and center frequency of the teeth of a comb type bandpass envelope of the filter, as well as adjusting the amplitude response of the filter, independent of the bandpass characteristics, in order to closely match the filter bandpass response to the power spectrum of the video signal being processed, thus rejecting noise in those portions of the spectrum not being used by the video signal. The filter system herein disclosed also provides an adaptive spatial processing of the video signal thus further improving said signal by enhancing detail in the image and by smoothing low amplitude noise in relatively detail free areas of the picture.

Abstract: A door operator mechanism which has a motive power source and drive and a manual drive for use with a manual source of power. A mechanism is included which by the simple expedient of pulling a chain or cable disconnects the power source and associated driver and connects the manual drive for use of a manual source of power. Release of the cable causes the reverse.

Abstract: A hydrostatic steering unit is presented with axial spool valve actuation, and a gerotor set with valving in the rotor side face. The gerotor set comprises an orbiting gerotor displacement device with rotor valving, and with an input drive system directly to the gerotor device without driving through the valving, and also with an axially movable valve with a torsion member between the orbiting gerotor member and the input shaft. There is a split actuation pin for the valve, an eccentric bushing for the pin, and an adjustment for the neutral position of the valve.

Abstract: A tire rack for changing a vehicle tire comprised of two tubular members formed in the shape of an inverted U with the ends of the U-shape adapted to fit into brace members which engage the ground. Mechanical means are provided between the ends of the U-shape and the brace members to vary the vertical height of the rack. The intermediate portion of the U-shape is formed with a reverse U-shape which carries ball members adapted to engage a tire to be changed to facilitate movement of the tire.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for casting metal in sulphur-containing molds is disclosed. The mold is washed before casting with a compound, preferably barium dioxide. The compound reacts with gaseous sulphur compounds produced by the mold, thus lowering the diffusion of sulphur into the casting, and thereby minimizing graphite deterioration at and near the surface of the casting.

Abstract: A watercraft rudder assembly including a rudder blade having a forward planar rigid portion and a rearward planar flexible fin portion, such fin portion having a resiliency rendering it planar at low craft speeds and bendable to opposite sides of the rigid rudder portion at high craft speeds so that low speed turning ability of the craft is substantially enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating loose paper pieces from a bath of caustic soda including a tank with a hopper-like structure disposed at the top of the tank. A helical screw conveyor is operatively disposed below the hopper and has its discharge exteriorly of the tank. A pair of perforated stainless steel screen-type spaced rotatable drums is operatively disposed between the hopper and the conveyor, and a hollow stainless steel screen-type cylindrical filter (with a nylon filter cover) is positioned in the bottom of the tank and has an outlet extending to the tank exterior. In operation, a caustic soda solution mixed with paper pieces in the hopper is discharged by gravity onto the rotating drums which feed the paper pieces via the outer (rotating) drum surfaces into the conveyor and then to the exterior of the tank. The caustic soda solution flows through the perforations in the drums and then to the bottom of the tank and through the cylindrical filter for final filtering and then to the tank exterior.

Abstract: A floor topping, mortar and grout which include ferrosilicon in particle form. The ferrosilicon increases the wear resistance and impact strength of the topping, mortar or grout without the oxidation or discoloration normally attributable to materials which include iron borings. In addition, the ferrosilicon increases the light reflectivity of the topping material.A method of hardening and rendering wear resistant a concrete structure such as a floor comprising the placement of a mixture of Portland cement and particles of ferrosilicon material at the surface of the structure and thereafter troweling the mixture to a smooth surface.

Abstract: A pedal-actuated ski brake which is biased into the braking position. The ski brake may be easily released from the biasing device so as to permit the ski brake to be released into a non-braking position permitting free access to the sides and bottom of the ski.

Abstract: An indicator in a grasping piece of a safety ski binding for indicating the setting of an adjustable operating characteristic of the grasping piece, including a window in a part of the grasping piece, a sliding indicator visible through the window and a flexible connection connected at one end to the operating characteristic adjusting means and at the opposite end to the sliding indicator to move the sliding indicator in response to adjustment of the operating characteristic.

Abstract: A wax base makeup composition primarily for use by children in creating various disguises. The composition consists essentially of from 85 to 92% of amber microcrystalline wax intimately admixed with 8 to 15% petrolatum. Artificial coloring materials are added and a copper activated zinc sulfide pigment may be added.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing shell molds for investment casting using an artificial stucco material is disclosed. The stucco particles comprise refractory powder held together by a binder which volatilizes or otherwise disintegrates at firing temperatures. Since the particles lose their structural integrity in the firing process, the shell mold may be more easily broken away from the finished casting.

Abstract: An improved louvered ceiling construction is disclosed in which louver channel members are suspended from runner channel members by means of outwardly bent tabs on the ends of the channel members. The tabs are inserted behind widened slots in the runner. The runner slots are overlapped entirely by the tabs and louver channel interior so that leakage of light is prevented.

Abstract: An automatically resetting alarm switch includes a casing which may be mounted into a stationary frame of a window or other closure. The casing has a side opening through which a contact head protrudes. The contact head is connected to an internally located trip lever which, in turn, is in contact with a microswitch. A solenoid having a plunger also is disposed within the casing. The plunger is capable of shifting the trip lever. The contact head is coupled frictionally to a sliding surface of the closure. Upon movement of the closure, the contact head is moved which causes the microswitch to trigger a remotely located alarm device. The solenoid also is activated and the resultant movement of the plunger resets the contact head in readiness for sending another alarm signal.

Abstract: A device is adapted for viewing transparencies disposed circumferentially on a disk. It comprises a case (10) adapted to contain a disk (12). A pin (15) is adapted to mount the disk (12) for rotation within the case (10). The disk (12) may be driven in rotation by virtue of at least one peripheral opening (10F, 10G) in the case (10). A pair of windows (10C, 10D) are disposed in face to face relationship and so that the transparencies (13) can move between them. A front member (11B) on one side of the windows is adapted to support an optical system comprising at least one lens (15) in line with and spaced from the windows. A rear member (11C) is adapted to constitute a shank for clipping the device to an article of clothing. The device may be used and worn as a badge, since the front surface of the case (10) may carry any form of inscription or illustration.

Abstract: An underwater construction which includes a concrete base slab and a protective wall. The lower end of the protective wall remains somewhat in the concrete cast of the base slab. The protective wall is formed by vertically extending elements. Water may be pumped from the space within the protective wall to produce a dry space.

Abstract: An electronic ski binding including orthogonal, obliquely mounted transducers for detecting oblique components of skiing forces applied to the binding. The binding may include isolation means for structure the transducers from the effects of ski bending. A means of mechanical compensation for the forces applied to the binding by the leaning of a skier may be included. A pivoted linkage between a sole plate and base plate of the binding may compensate for leaning forces by varying the portion of the force applied to the binding that is transmitted to the transducers depending upon the degree and direction of leaning by a skier.

Abstract: Selecting mechanism which provides for alternate connection as desired between a selected device or clutch of a plurality of devices or clutches (32, 33) with an actuator or dead-man lever (16), by sliding a bar member (21) carried in a block member (17) operatively connected to the actuator or dead-man lever (16) so as to interlock the bar member (21) with only one of a plurality of engaging members (24, 25) each of which is independently connected with one of said devices or clutches (32, 33) selected to be controlled by movement of the actuator or dead-man lever 16.