Abstract: A tape cassette which locks up to prevent more than one play through of the information carrying portion of the cassette has a label with an encrypted unlocking combination for the cassette along with a memory address for a key code needed to decrypt the combination. A locked up cassette may be inserted in an unlock terminal which reads the information on the label and looks in memory at the address on the label for a key code. The returned key code is used to decrypt the unlocking combination read from the label and the unlocking combination is applied to unlock the cassette. A host may intermittently communicate with the unlock terminal in order to update the memory of the unlock terminal.

Abstract: A joint seal comprises two elastomeric elements, configured to fit as a nested assembly within the gap between adjacent slabs. The outer element (the "outer seal") is a generally U-shaped channel (with sides and a bottom), and performs the actual sealing function. The outer surfaces of the channel sides are formed with a series of longitudinally-extending fins, which frictionally engage the slab edges. The inner element ("the core") is formed as a generally rectangular tube that provides a structural strength for the seal assembly. It includes a tubular outer wall and an internal truss-type framework consisting of a number of interconnected webs. The seal assembly is installed under compression.

Abstract: A blower centered on the axis of a combine immediately to the rear of the seive that carries the majority of the chaff for discharge onto the ground has a bilateral air nozzle that directs high velocity air perpendicular to the axis of the combine to cause the chaff to be spread across a substantial width distance at the rear of the combine. The spreading reduces concentration of such chaff in a narrow path and spreads it fairly evenly on the ground. The spreading reduces or eliminates problems encountered in minimal till or no-till planting that can be caused by having a deep layer of chaff that is toxic to successive crops that are planted without tillage. Any volunteer plants emerging from a chaff row cause competition for the planted crop and reduces yields.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling the wells of an antibiotic plate with different concentrations of fluid including an array of fluid containers, each having a single needle valve inserted through a stopper member which is held in an open end of the container. Each needle valve includes an inner tube for supplying pressurizing air to one end of the containers which forces the fluid through an outer tube of the needle valve and out the opposite end of the container. A length of flexible tubing connected to each of the needle valve outer tubes carries the fluid through one of a plurality of slots formed in a pinch valve assembly. The pinch valve assembly includes slide members and resilient pinch rods extending laterally from sides thereof. In a first position, the slide members are held such that the pinch rods close the flexible tubing to prevent passage of the fluid into the wells of the antibiotic plate.

Abstract: A self feeding bunk or barrier used for permitting cattle to eat directly from stacks of forage such as hay, and which comprises a modular member having an upright, slat barrier through which the animals can feed from a forage stack that the sections surround. The barrier modules include a horizontal support deck attached to the upright barrier and held by end frames. The horizontal floor or deck is of sufficient lateral width (outwardly from the stack) so that the animal which is feeding cannot reach through the upright barrier for eating unless it is standing on the deck. The barrier module is securely held by the animal itself as it eats so that the barrier cannot be dislodged.

Abstract: A depth control for grain drills, planters or the like utilizing a press wheel which can be adjusted to control the depth of each individual furrow opener to insure uniform depth of planting across the width of wide machines presently in use.

Abstract: A motor driven inoculator is provided wherein a plurality of bacteriological transfer loops are mounted on a common head and are activated in response to the positioning of a tray of inoculum to cause the head to be lowered and then raised so that the loops pick up a sample of inoculum. The subsequent positioning of an antibiotic or antimicrobic microtube plate, etc. causes the head to be lowered and raised a second time so that the loops are lowered into the plate to place samples of inoculum in each of a plurality of wells in the plate by dispersion. The removal of the antibiotic plate initiates a sterilizing cycle wherein the head is lowered and raised a third time whereby the loops are heated to a very high temperature by passing electrical current therethrough to volatilize all material thereon and then they are subsequently air cooled prior to the beginning of the next cycle. In an alternative embodiment the inoculum on the loops may be dispersed by percussion.

Abstract: A plant stake is disclosed comprising a telescoping post supported on legs that swing pivotally from the base of the post into engagement with the ground. Ground anchor members are provided at the end of the legs for securing the post in a position such that the post may be aligned vertically by adjustment of the legs. A basket is suspended from beneath the post, the basket being used to support or grow tuberous plants. The basket is hoisted from a level slightly below ground level up to the base of the post by means of a hoist such as a threaded shaft having a rotatable flange thereon on which the basket may be secured, the threaded shaft threadably engaging either the flange or the post along the longitudinal axis of the post.

Abstract: A miniature electrical relay, particularly for telecommunications systems, has the armature releasably attached to the armature hinge spring by arranging for the armature and hinge spring to be of U formation, the ends of the legs of the armature and hinge overlapping, and with projections on one of the sets of legs engaging in recesses in the other set of legs. This avoids brazing or other more permanent ways of attachment and reduces fatigue fractures.

Abstract: A feeding control for regulating the feeding of hay or other forage crops into a grinder of the "tub" type wherein a large hopper or tub is used for feeding the forage into a rotating cylinder adjacent the bottom of the tub, and wherein the forage or hay crop is moved across the cylinder for grinding. The feed control comprises a slidable cover plate member that regulates the size of the effective inlet opening to the cylinder to control the amount of forage which can contact the cylinder at any one time.