Abstract: A bass guitar incorporates a number of damping pads which are individually mounted and individually adjustable without tools. Rotational motion of the adjustment is isolated from the pad and its carrier by rotatably mounting the latter to an adjustable shaft, restraining rotation of the shaft and minimizing resistance to relative rotation of the pad carrier and adjustable shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for digitally encoding an NTSC color television signal in a manner that facilitates comb filtering of the digitally encoded signal. In accordance with the invention there is provided a means for generating a first sampling signal having a characteristic frequency of three times the NTSC color subcarrier signal. Another means is provided for generating a second sampling signal having the same characteristic frequency, this second sampling signal having its sampling reference points interspersed equally in time between the sampling reference points of the first sampling signal. Enabling means, responsive to the NTSC color television signal, are provided for alternately enabling the first and second sampling signals during successive horizontal scanlines of the television signal. Further provided is a means, responsive to the enabled sampling signal, for sampling the television signal. Finally, means are provided for converting the sampled television signal into digital form.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving electronic signals and embossing modulated grooves on a carrier medium as a function of the received signals, includes a support for supporting an embossing assembly and a carrier medium in spaced relationship therewith, as well as apparatus for causing relative motion between the carrier medium and the embossing assembly. In accordance with the invention there is provided a wafer of piezoelectric material affixed to the mount, the wafer having electrodes for application of the electronic signals. Further provided is a horn-shaped stylus member having a relatively blunt end affixed to one side of the wafer and tapering to a relatively pointy stylus end, the stylus end being positionable in contact with the medium. The horn-shaped member serves to match the mechanical impedence as between the wafer and the carrier. A dummy horn on the other side of the wafer adds a vibration reducing load to the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decoding four individual audio signals to the extent they are contained in first and second composite signals. The first composite signal contains the first individual audio signal in dominant proportion and two other individual audio signals in subdominant proportions. The second composite signal contains the second individual audio signals in dominant proportion and two other individual audio signals in subdominant proportions. In accordance with the invention there is provided a means for measuring the degree of directional predominance of each of the four individual audio signals. Means responsive to the composite signals are employed to form four partially decoded signals, each of the partially decoded signals including a different one of the individual audio signals in dominant proportion and two other individual audio signals in subdominant proportion. The four partially decoded signals are respectively applied to four output terminals.

Abstract: A pressure gradient directional microphone of the moving coil type in which the acousto-mechanical function of the transducer is achieved by a vibratile diaphragm the major area of which is of coneiform shape and the central portion of which is of dome shape and of significantly smaller area and provides a surround for attaching the coil. One side of the diaphragm is exposed to the sound field surrounding the microphone, and the other side is exposed to two cavities, one of relatively large volume behind that portion of the diaphragm which is of coneiform shape, and a second behind the dome portion which is sufficiently smaller that it is unnecessary to provide any phase-shift action for any sound pressure generated therein. The diaphragm is secured at its periphery to a support ring having a plurality of openings formed therein which serve as acoustic ducts from the ambient into the larger cavity.

Abstract: A compatible four channel sound system for use in conjunction with a recording system for recording four individual audio signals designated L.sub.f, L.sub.b, R.sub.b and R.sub.f on a recording medium having first and second primary information channels and first and second subsidiary information channels, the first and second primary information channels carrying information that is consistent and compatible with existing monophonic and stereophonic standards. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, means are provided for forming a first composite signal designated L.sub.T which contains, to the extent they are present, L.sub.f in a dominant proportion and L.sub.b and R.sub.b in sub-dominant proportions, L.sub.b and R.sub.b being phase shifted with respect to each other. Means are also provided for forming a second composite signal designated R.sub.T which contains, to the extent they are present, R.sub.f in a dominant proportion and L.sub.b and R.sub.b in sub-dominant proportions, L.

Abstract: A compatible four channel system for use in conjunction with a radio transmission system for transmitting four individual audio signals over a medium having primary and secondary information channels and first and second subsidiary information channels, the primary and secondary channels carrying information that is consistent and compatible with existing monophonic and stereophonic standards.