Abstract: An improved helical read/write head is disclosed having a cross-cut groove disposed on the lead sloping surface thereof to improve reliability. The cross-cut groove is positioned between the magnetic gap of the helica head and an initial head/tape interface region of the head and is preferably oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis/direction of travel of the tape. The cross-cut groove may be particularly positioned to accommodate and dampen tape disruption attendant to initiating the helical head/tape interface.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive record and playback head is disclosed which utilizes an acoustic wave traveling along the surface of piezoelectric material so as to distort the surface thereof and to change the stress in a layer of magnetostrictive material along that surface at a point which depends upon the position of the traveling acoustic wave. At the point where the magnetostrictive material is changed, the material is magnetic so that a pulse in an adjacent conductor will cause a flux to form that can deposit a magnetic signal on adjacent magnetic tape.

Abstract: A micro-organism culture bottle is molded of a high strength, high transparency, high temperature plastic which exhibits low permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide and which is chemically inert to the substances intended to be used therewith. The neck of the bottle is asymmetrically positioned on the front face of the bottle to be located below the liquid level line when the bottle is operational to permit an in situ subculture extraction. A pair of substantially identical electrodes are supported from the rear wall of the bottle and extend parallel to the bottom of the bottle in a position to be also totally below the liquid level line. A frosted area on the front face of the bottle is provided upon which pertinent data may be written.

Abstract: An automated micro-organism culture growth and detection apparatus includes a plurality of carousel trays arranged in pairs, providing receptacles for a plurality of culture bottles. The bottles each include a pair of electrodes submerged in the culture liquid and extend through an end wall of the bottle to form contact points. The receptacles include a pair of spring finger electrical contacts for each bottle to connect the electrodes to a measuring circuit. The complementary sets of the pairs of carousel trays are driven in counter-rotational directions to provide agitation for the culture during incubation and to index the individual to an access door in the incubation chamber surrounding the assembled carousel trays. A continuous flow of air at a controlled temperature is caused to flow through the incubation chamber which, together with the agitation, promotes the rapid growth of micro-organism in the culture bottles.