Abstract: A method of allocating investments in an international mutual fund is based on the gross national product of each country represented in the fund. In one embodiment, the gross national products of the countries represented in the fund are summed. The percentage that each country's gross national product contributes to the sum of gross national products is then computed. An investment is made which is approximately the same percentage of the fund in each country represented in the fund as that country's gross national product contributes to the sum of gross national products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the isolation and purification of isoflavones from a number of different biomass sources. More particularly, the present invention relates to a three-step process whereby a biomass containing isoflavones with a solvent thereby forming an extract that is subsequently fractionated using a reverse phase matrix in combination with a step gradient elution, wherein the resulting fractions eluted from the column contain specific isoflavones that are later crystallized. The purified isoflavone glycosides may then be hydrolyzed to their respective aglycone.

Abstract: An electronics circuit for digitizing an analog audio data signal into a ital equivalent signal and then introducing digitized nyquist dither data into the digital equivalent signal to substantially eliminate the need for removing the nyquist dither data from the digital equivalent signal prior to its conversion to an analog signal which is a substantial replica of the incoming analog audio or like data signal. The electronics circuit comprises a first pseudo-random number generator which generates a series of digitized nyquist dither bits for addition to the digital equivalent signal. The digitized nyquist dither bits are, in turn, provided by an external computer using a computer program which first generates a pseudo-random sequence of positive integers over a first predetermined range.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for an acoustic modulator which modulates air flowing tugh the acoustic modulator. The valve mechanism comprises a pair of cylindrical shaped members with each member having a plurality of elongated ports. The first cylindrical shaped member is held in a fixed position, while the second cylindrical shaped member is movable with respect to the first member. There is located at the lower end of the second cylindrical shaped member a drive coil which is positioned in a magnetic field such that when the coil is excited by an electrical sinusoidal input signal, movement of the second member occurs, partially aligning the ports of the second member with the ports of the first member which opens the valve mechanism. The sinusoidal input signal causes a frequency "doubling" to occur, that is the valve mechanism of the present invention completes an open-close-open-close cycle during each cycle of the sinusoidal input signal.

Abstract: A limited stroke hydraulic actuator which may be located in the structure of a steered axle in a shallow blind bore. The piston which may be slidably received in the bore is displaced by an adjustable protrusion secured to the steering system. Displacement of the piston causes hydraulic fluid to flow through an orifice from one side to the other. Resistance to flow of fluid through the orifice damps the motion of the piston and consequently the steering system. A spring returns the piston to an initial position when the steering system is removed from end of travel position.

Abstract: An excessive wear indicator for a brake system having a fluid actuated linearly moving piston which is disposed in an opening of a housing and is associated with at least one moveable brake friction element is disclosed. The brake wear indicator comprises a manually actuated, spring biased plunger pin which is slidably disposed in a bore formed in the housing which extends traversely with respect to the direction of movement of the piston. The plunger pin includes a distal feeler end and an actuator end and is disposed in the bore such that the distal feeler end is disposed adjacent a piston wall portion at least when the piston is in its brake actuating position for so long as excessive piston travel associated with excessive brake wear is absent and the actuator end extends outside the housing.

Abstract: A self-adjusting actuator is disclosed that utilizes a hydraulic system for adding necessary brake fluid to move brake actuating pistons sufficiently to bring brake linings into contact with a brake drum, regardless of how much wear has taken place on the linings. The self-adjusting actuator also incorporates a threaded plunger sleeve, interposed between an actuating piston and the brake shoes, to limit the retaction of the shoes away from the brake drum so as to maintain the proper running clearance after adjustment. The system incorporates a compensator piston having one face acting on incompressible brake fluid filling the chamber between the compensator piston, the actuating piston and a surrounding housing. An opposite face of the compensator is acted upon by pressurized brake fluid when the operator of the vehicle depresses the brake pedal.

Abstract: A planetary drive axle has an offset trunnion bracket to permit a steering actuator to move in a horizontal plane while the axle oscillates in a vertical plane. The differential-receiving bowl is machined on centerlines offset laterally and downward from the pinion and axle centerlines and from the trunnion centerline. A steer cylinder bracket is mounted on the bowl within a trunnion bearing downward from the trunnion centerline. As the body which is mounted on trunnion brackets oscillates around the trunnions, the steering actuator remains in the plane of the axle and clears the trunnion brackets.

Abstract: A hammer mechanism for an automatic gun has a hammer 742 connected to rotate about a pivot rod 741 and the hammer has a firing pin striking surface 743. A strut 750 is connected by a pivot 752 to the remote side of the firing pin striking surface 743 from the hammer pivot 741 and the opposing end of the strut 750 from the hammer is spring biassed to rotate the hammer toward a firing position. The top surface of the strut 753 is arranged to be tangential to a top surface on the hammer defining a radius 744 so as to enable a block 300 of the bolt carrier assembly 3 to ride completely rearwardly of the hammer and not to foul thereupon on its forward portion of the bolt operating cycle.

Abstract: A mud flap assembly for installation on an automobile without drilling holes or otherwise modifying the automobile body including a flap member, an L-shaped bracket mounted on a top outer corner of the flap member and having a hole therein for receiving a trim screw normally extending between lower and upper fenders of the automobile body, and a pair of clamps including straps extending around a brace extending between the automobile frame and the lower fender, the straps having ends secured to the ends of bolts mounted on the flap member.

Abstract: A portable exercising device of simplified design and construction which enables a user to perform a number of different types of exercises. An upright frame or scaffold is provided. A cage or frame for supporting weights is positionable between uprights at the sides of the frame or scaffold. A system of pulleys and lines is provided with detachable hand grips or a bar at the ends of the lines so that a user in various positions holding the hand grips or bar can pull on the lines to raise and lower the cage holding the weights. The user may work between the uprights at the sides of the frame to perform uplifting exercises using barbells and the like. The system of pulleys includes pulley blocks and pulleys at the lower part of the frame and pulley blocks and pulleys at the upper part, the lower ones being swivel mounted and the upper ones being hinged. Alternatively, the lines can pass or not pass over the lower pulleys, the device thereby accommodating many different manners or modes of utilization.