Abstract: A process is disclosed for digitizing (more precisely encoding) speech for the purpose of reducing information rate and bandwidth relative to that of prior art means to digitize speech, while enjoying a high signal to noise ratio. Using the the same encoding techniques the process can be used for storage of speech and machine recognition of speech. The process depends on detecting audio waveform zero crossings and generating uniform pulses at the time of the zero crossings. The uniform pulses are created through a regenerative process and are independent of the actual waveform shape save the time of zero crossing. Transmission (or storage) of these uniform pulses permits reconstruction of highly intelligible speech. Ratios of times between zero crossings is used in a new technique for machine word recognition; said ratios allowing recognition regardless of the speakers actual speech rate.

Abstract: A rotational kite using a plurality of sails derives both lifting force and rotational torque from the same sails. Rotation is useful in both stabilizing the kite and in providing a remarkable visual display. Construction is such that there is a minimum of deadweight; the structure efficiently contributes to the forces required for lifting and rotation.

Abstract: A device having a movable element which floats in a force field. Such placement allowing a minimum of friction. Such element is so placed that it can continuously interrupt and vary an energy field, which variation is then detected as a signal and amplified by appropriate means. Such detection and amplification is then made observable by an appropriate output indicator.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring wind velocity, utilizing impact wind pressure against a movable vane. A spring is used as a mechanical reference and, as such, balances the impact wind force generated against the vane. Flexible means are used to transfer vane motion to a circular indicator disc, which is calibrated in wind speed. Design of kinematic geometry, as well as a unique, non-linear, spring arrangement are employed to counter the square law wind force. Such employment is essential to prevent crowding at the low end of the speed-indicating scale, while maintaining practical full scale values, in a highly sensitive instrument.

Abstract: A device having a slot in which removable-insertable flash cards or flexible tape are placed. On the face of the cards or flexible tape are placed, singly or in any combination, braille letters, braille words, printed matter and pictures. On the same face of the cards or flexible tape are placed lengthwise strips of magnetic tape, flexibly held to facilitate maximum utilization of the wavelength "reading" ability of a magnetic head. In alignment with the magnetic tape on an inserted card or flexible tape is a record-reproduce magnetic head. The cards and flexible tape are disposed horizontally in the preferred embodiment to facilitae learning braille. Said head is mechanically driven with uniform and reciprocal motion over the length of magnetic tape, on rods. Amplifier and control means allow the same head to record potential audio messages and also to reproduce said audio messages.