Abstract: A method for growing crystals of sodium beta" alumina is described. The crystals are grown by Czochralski type processes or analogous methods wherein single crystals are formed from a flux or melt. The melt is a eutectic type liquid primarily containing Na or K, (Li, Mg or other divalent element, e.g. Ni.sup.2+, Co.sup.2+, Cr.sup.2+, Fe.sup.2+, etc.) Al, in proportions to produce beta" alumina. To lower the melt temperature to where e.g. Na.sub.2 MgAl.sub.10 O.sub.17 beta" or Na.sub.2 Li.sub.1/2 Al.sub.11/2.degree.17 beta" can crystallize in its stability region (approximately less than 1700.degree. C. for the Mg version and approximately less than 1600.degree. C. for the Li version) high valent ions, which do not enter the structure, particularly V.sup.5+, Nb.sup.5+, Ta.sup.5+, Zr.sup.4+ and/or Hf.sup.4+ are added to the melt. The method has allowed the growth of single crystals of the Li-stabilized sodium and potassium varieties for the first time.

Abstract: By using a combination memory, shift register, logic gates and buffers, a stimulator used in an automatic testing instrument is able to provide two data rates for stimulating different equipment under test. The fast data rate is obtained by serially shifting parallel inputted data from the memory at a much faster rate than the operational speed of the memory. To accommodate equipment having a lower operating frequency, stimuli are transmitted to the equipment in a parallel mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic retrain method applicable to full duplex data transmission modems which shortens the conventional protocol for retraining in the instance where signal reception can be improved by retraining only the automatic equalizers of the linked modems. If the retrain-initiating modem fails to detect a retrain signal from the linked modem within a predetermined time after transmitting its own retrain signal, the conventional retraining protocol is then adopted in order to retrain both the echo cancellers and the automatic equalizers of the linked modems.

Abstract: A radio receiving circuit provided with a search tuning mechanism. A broadcasting radiowave signal is received during a search tuning operation, and a shift amount of frequency produced in frequency of an intermediate frequency amplifier output is experimentally determined within an inertia self-travelling time interval search tuning mechanism due to the mechanical inertia thereof from the moment at which a drive force applied to the search tuning mechanism is interrupted to the time when the mechanism temporarily positively stops its function. The drive force applied to the search tuning mechanism is interrupted at a frequency deviated by the shift amount in advance from a center frequency of a pass band width of the intermediate frequency amplifier circuit, whereby after the mechanism has self-travelled due to its own mechanical inertia force and when tuned to the center frequency of the received radiowave signal, the search tuning operation is suspended.

Abstract: A sturdy, virtually indestructible mailbox is presented comprising a thick-gauged cylindrical mailbox shell, a top pipe stem, a middle resilient spring stem and a bottom anchor post pipe stem having a circular driving auger. The shell and stems are connected by means of horizontal holes in the pieces through which are inserted first, second and third attaching bolts.The inside of the mailbox shell includes a perforated horizontal letter tray and a spring-ball latch mechanism that contacts an inner horizontal door flange for latching the door of the mailbox.

Abstract: Disposable litter boxes of the type for containing an absorbent material which are suitable for use as cat litter boxes or petroleum and other liquid waste containers wherein the boxes are foldable to create tray-like receptacles which include a bottom wall and upwardly extending ends and side walls which are continuously joined with the bottom wall so that no openings are created therebetween. The receptacles contain an absorbent material which when used may be selectively enclosed for disposal within a closed box created by folding the opposing end walls of the tray into overlapping configuration. The boxes may be sold or shipped in either a flat or folded configuration, and when folded may be sold with an absorbent material already packaged therein.

Abstract: A receiver for optical digital signals which have different amplitudes which comprises a transimpedance amplifier which has a photodiode connected to its input and which produces an output that is supplied to one of the inputs of a comparator. Oppositely poled diodes are connected between the inputs of the comparator and a reference voltage is supplied to the other input of the comparator and a capacitor is connected to the other input of the comparator which together with a resistor comprises a differentiator for the output signals of the transimpedance amplifier.

Abstract: The invention provides a laying nest for domestic fowl with automatic egg collection. The nest includes a housing consisting of a substantially horizontal, at least in part substantially cylindrical drum-like structure provided with a window-like opening extending at least along a portion of its length, a rotatable rake-like member provided with a tine portion comprised of a plurality of tines and located inside the housing in substantially parallel, but eccentric relationship with the axis thereof, the tine portion, when rotating, sweeping out a layer of the housing interior corresponding in depth to the length of the tines, and a counter-rake attached to the housing and having a tine portion comprised of a plurality of inwards-pointing tines, the counter-rake tine portion penetrating the path of sweep of the rotating tine portion. A method for collecting eggs in an automatic laying nest is also described.

Abstract: In a gate turn-off thyristor including two separate gate electrodes, a first turn-off gate signal is applied to the first gate electrode and then a second turn-off gate signal is applied to the second gate electrode after a predetermined time has elapsed in order to improve the controllable anode current and to improve the capability against an anode-voltage rising rate. This is because the flow distribution of the anode current is unbalanced asymmetrical with respect to the structural center of the GTO and therefore the internal resistance between the cathode K and the second gate G.sub.2 is reduced, so that it is possible to increase the magnitude of the turn-off gate current near the time when the anode current drops sharply or at the end of the GTO switching off operation.

Abstract: A radio channel control method for a narrow-zone mobile communication system in which a plurality of base stations share a plurality of channels and each selects any of the channels for setting up a call independently of the others, e.g. a portable telephone system or a cordless telephone system. Installed in each of all the base stations are transceiver, free to use all the channels, a device capable of indentifying channels on which radio waves have reached the own station based on reception sensitivity, a device for selecting a channel, a device for transmitting a pilot signal and others, and a device for setting up a call. The channel for a pilot signal is adequately changed to shorten a duration of cochannel interference. Connection of multiple base stations to a single mobile station is eliminated by causing each base station to add to the pilot signal identification data which is particular to the base station.

Abstract: A microwave oscillator integrated in a waveguide includes a negative-resistance diode encapsulated in a capped micromodule, a capacitor fixed on the cap, a resonator fixed on the capacitor and a metallic strip fixed on the capacitor and on a grounding stud. The metallic strip constitutes a device for coupling the diode with the auxiliary load and with the resonator. Outside the resonance frequency of the resonator, no oscillation is possible since the diode is in that case loaded by a low resistance and is not capable of oscillating. The dielectric resonator is the only element which resonates, thus endowing the oscillator with high stability.

Abstract: A computer-controlled portable radio communications device has RF and audio circuits controlled by a programmed computer in accordance with a predetermined modus operandi and includes an externally accessible multi-point electrical connector having input/output connections which communicate with the programmed computer. The computer is programmed to monitor the electrical impedance externally connected to at least one contact point of the connector and to alter the modus operandi of the portable radio system in response to such monitoring. In the exemplary embodiment, each of plural different types of accessory devices include a predetermined electrical impedance uniquely corresponding to that particular accessory device. The circuits are arranged so that no damage can be inflicted by accidental external electrical short circuits which the user may accidentally cause.

Abstract: A radially compliant and zero net thermal radial taper mechanical face seal. The seal includes a primary seal ring which is radially compliant to the opposing ring due to its narrow ring length, and an opposing ring which has a geometry and physical characteristics such that the thermal rotation caused by itself and the primary ring is zero. The seal includes further design features for enhancing the radial compliance and the zero net thermal rotation characteristics.

Abstract: An objective lens driving device with a multipole magnet which includes a cylindrical yoke with an E-shaped cross section for defining an annular gap between the central yoke section and the outer cyclindrical yoke section; four rectangular tracking coils attached to the side of a focusing coil such that a pair of vertical coil sides of each tracking coil are parallel to a supporting shaft; and a pair of circular multipole magnets disposed within the gap between the central and outer cylindrical yoke sections and each having at least three magnet sections, with opposite end magnet sections having a polarity opposite to that of the central magnet section so that the vertical coil sides interlink with magnetic fluxes having opposite directions to each other, whereby tracking forces act upon the vertical coil sides in the same direction.

Abstract: An automatic variable pitch propeller comprising a central hub defining an axis of propeller rotation and a plurality of blades connected to and extending from said central hub substantially normal to the axis of rotation, each blade being mounted for rotation about a pitch axis, means to translate outward movement of that blade resulting from centrifugal forces imposed on that blade by rotation of the propeller into a force tending to rotate that blade about its pitch axis toward a feathered pitch condition, the force being opposed by a feathering force acting at a center pressure of the blade offset from the pitch axis, caused by resistance to rotation of said propeller and tending to decrease blade pitch toward a feathered condition.

Abstract: This invention attaches a flexible truck bed cover to the truck, by means of a plastic strip sewn into the cover, fitting inside a gap at the top of the bed, created by a supporting frame or a bed liner. The stretch in the flexible cover allows the plastic strip into the gap on all four sides of the bed and the contracting of the fabric keeps it in there, plus while the vehicle is in motion, the downward motion of the slipstream increases the forces holding the strip into the gap. A zip out access panel facilitates a separate opening within the cover itself for one-handed opening and ease of access by means of a U shaped panel behind the cab of the truck. Being the full width of the bed and 25 inches down the bed, it gives 10 square feet of access.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the separation and collection of hydrocarbons, including methane, from a gas emanating from an earth formation to determine the hydrocarbon potential of such earth formation. The apparatus includes a sequential network of cryogenic traps, adsorbent traps and furnaces to recover methane in one such cryogenic trap as a condensed carbon dioxide sample, in combination with (i) a valve antecedent to such network and (ii) a vacuum pump subsequent to such network to continuously provide a subatmospheric pressure throughout the network and prevent condensation of oxygen or atmospheric carbon dioxide in the cryogenic traps.

Abstract: In the recording or reproduction apparatus using a disc cassette having a shutter releasably locked in the closed position, a mechanism for opening and closing the shutter as the disc cassette is inserted into, and pulled out of, the apparatus has its closing member made by bending an elastic line wire to such a form that the locking means can pass under it without being operated to release the shutter, but its engagement with the shutter is maintained against the load however large, when the shutter is closed.

Abstract: A compressor for a gas turbine engine has a split case and a split stator vane inner shroud. Selected rotatable stator vanes longitudinally restrain the shroud and seal carried thereon to retain the desired roundness.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine distinguished by its yellow fleshed fruit and deep red coloring which, together with its round shape, depressed apex and firm flesh make the fruit particularly resistant to bruising.