Abstract: An adapter for an eight track cartridge playing machine having a transfer roller to engage the conventional capstan and suitable motion transmitting means to drive an upright capstan in a cassette housing. Playback heads are carried on a carrier which may be raised or lowered to the desired level in accordance with which of a vertical bank of cartridge receivers is to be activated. Two cartridges are carried in each receiver and the receivers are independently pivotable so that a control knob may be turned to pivot the receiver and bring the selected cartridge into engagement with the drive capstan, and into operative association with the selected playback head.

Abstract: A distance indicating device comprises a probe having therein a light source and light sensitive element to receive light reflected from the surroundings of the probe. A reference point is movable relative to the probe. The light sensitive element gives rise to an electric signal. A first storage means stores a signal representing the maximum reflected light returned to the light sensitive element. A second storage means stores a signal representing the light returned to the light sensitive element representing the minimum reflected light. A selection means selects a signal level between the maximum and minimum stored signals' and a measuring element measures the distance between the reference point and a further reference point, associated with the probe, when the signal level reaches the selected signal level.

Abstract: An indicator principally for measuring fat depth on animal carcasses includes a base and has a probe extending outwardly from the base. The probe defines at or adjacent its end remote from the base a first reference point and a moveable contact plate provides a second reference point. An indicator is provided to give an indication of the distance between the first and second reference points. An elastic means is provided between the base and the contact plate, the elasticity of the elastic means, which in the preferred form comprises springs, being selected so that in use the contact plate compresses the material, such as the surface of the animal carcass, by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A compass includes a chamber, a card, needle or the like together with suspension means which suspend the card, needle or the like within the chamber. Magnet mounting means are engaged with the card, needle or the like and a magnet is engaged with the magnet mounting means in such a manner that in use the magnet may rotate at least in a plane normal to the plane containing the card, needle or the like, and such movement does not cause any substantial movement of the card, needle or the like.