Abstract: A housing is provided for encasing a video cassette playback machine with selected portions of the machine being accessible through relatively small access openings in the housing to permit restricted operation of the machine. The housing comprises an impact resistant portable carrying case which can be opened for reception of the machine loaded with a selected video cassette and then closed and locked. The carrying case supports a face plate in a position covering the machine control panel wherein one or more access openings are formed in the face plate to permit access to selected machine control devices, such as, for example, the "play" switch, while masking and thus preventing access to other machine control devices, such as, for example, the "record" switch. In one embodiment, a hinged panel is mounted on the inboard side of the face plate and is selectively positioned to open or close access openings in the face plate.

Abstract: A noise control system for an FM stereo radio receiver is provided for controlling noise in the audio output, particularly in an area where the broadcast signal strength is relatively high. The system is designed for use with an FM stereo radio receiver having circuitry responsive to the strength of the broadcast radio signal for reducing stereo channel separation and/or high frequency response in low signal strength areas to prevent deterioration in the signal/noise ratio. The system includes a detection and control circuit for detecting the presence of relatively high noise levels substantially independent of the broadcast signal strength, such as multipath distortion encountered by a radio receiver in a vehicle moving through a high signal strength area. The detection and control circuit operates, in the presence of detected high noise levels, to control the adjustment circuitry to reduce channel separation and/or frequency response and thereby reduce the noise in the audio output.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the mode of operation of a combination radio/tape player unit, particularly of the type commonly installed in vehicles and including a mode control switch for automatically switching the unit from a "radio" mode to a "tape" mode upon insertion of a tape cassette or the like into the unit. The mode control system comprises a mode override switch responsive to operation of the unit in a fast-forward or reverse condition for rapid advancing or rewinding of recording tape to return the unit to the "radio" mode for the duration of the fast-forward or rewind operation.

Abstract: For use with a cabinet containing at least one loudspeaker, a grille is provided which is comprised of elongated frame members connected by corner brackets. A rigid superstructure, comprising corner ridge members and one or more central ridge members joined by ridge joint members, is attached to the frame at the corner brackets, and a covering material is disposed over the superstructure and frame. Any size grille can be constructed using the same corner brackets and ridge joint members.

Abstract: A stereo microphone having two transducer elements that are mechanically held together, adjacent each other, with one of the elements acting as an electrical transducer for audio signals reaching it from the right, and the other element acting as a similar transducer to convert audio signals reaching it from the left.

Abstract: Apparatus for making stereophonic recordings using multiple microphones, and playing back the recordings through multiple speakers, wherein each of the microphones is mounted with a corresponding speaker in a single enclosure. For convenience, the microphones and speakers may be connected by flexible leads to a separate record-playback unit, and, since each microphone is permanently located immediately adjacent a corresponding speaker, the apparatus is capable of accurately reproducing the recorded sounds in their apparent locations by providing the same stereophonic separation for recording as for playback.