Abstract: A tape recording deck employs a capstan, transducer, and precision tape guide all mounted in fixed aligned position and immovable during use. The cassette has a minimum of parts, none of which need high precision manufacture, and can be inserted into and removed from the deck with a unidirectional motion.

Abstract: A novel magnetic disc recording cassette is provided as a thin polygonal cassette housing containing a disc of flexible magnetic recording media. A drive hub attached to the media is exposed through the cassette and cooperates with a complementary drive hub in a deck which receives the cassette in slot-loading fashion into a carriage which in turn positions the cassette for driving of the recording disc. The cassette and disc may be single or double sided, and includes access opening for a magnetic transducer to follow different circular tracks, or a helical track. The thin magnetic disc is provided with backing in the cassette to assure compliant interface of the transducer with the magnetic recording disc. The backing may be a backing sheet, discs of backing material, or felt surfaced shims adjacent the region of interface with the transducer.

Abstract: A muffler for attenuating the exhaust gas noise from an internal combustion engine in which there is an elongated shell having a pair of end caps rigidly secured to the ends thereof. Inlet and outlet conduits are mounted in said end caps and are operatively connected to sound attenuating means carried within the shell for reducing the noise level of the exhaust gases entering the muffler through the inlet conduit and exiting through the outlet conduit. Intermediate its length the shell has a groove formed therein to thus form a fracture point in the shell for controlling the location of a rupture in the muffler in the event that the muffler is subjected to an excessive number of backfires.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved switch particularly adapted to be used as a coaxial cable switch for cable television systems because of its superior isolation of the signal inputs. The switch comprises an electrically insulating body, first, second and third terminals located on the body in spaced relationship, a movably mounted contact, which is movable along a predetermined path to form alternative conductive paths between the first terminal and either of the second or third terminals, and a partition means between said terminals and located adjacent the path of the contact to form a barrier to radiated signals from whichever of the second and third terminals that is not in contact with the movable contact. Additionally, terminating means for the unused terminal and/or shielding means to further isolate the unused terminal from the used terminal can be provided.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for automatically stopping the tape drive motor of a magnetic tape recording and playing unit. A set of contacts is provided in the circuit to detect electrically conductive means located at preselected points along the magnetic tape, and upon such detection, to alter the conductive states of three control transistors to cause de-energization of the tape drive motor. Diode logic means in the circuit prevent automatic stopping of the drive motor when the recording and playing unit is operated in a particular mode wherein such stopping is not desired.

Abstract: An exhaust gas manifold for an internal combustion engine in which there is provided an outer shell including an outer sleeve having a pair of end caps closing the ends thereof. An inner shell is carried within the outer shell and is formed by a plurality of slidably interfit inner sleeves which are supported in spaced relation to the outer sleeve on mounting members mounted on a second pair of end caps closing the ends of said inner shell and connected to said first pair of end caps. A plurality of inlet conduits and an outlet conduit are connected to said outer shell, and a plurality of inlet conduits and an outlet conduit are also connected to said inner shell with the conduits on said inner shell being carried in, and movable with respect to, the conduits on said outer shell.