Abstract: A crush indicating device is disclosed which is designed to be attached to an object or a container for the purpose of indicating whether the object or container subsequently is subjected to excessive force, acceleration or shock. The indicator device has a contrasting agent reservoir filled with a contrasting agent, an absorbing wick and a compressible wall. The compressible wall extends between the wick and the reservoir, holding them in a fixed apart relationship while the wall is uncompressed. Application of force to the device compresses the wall and brings the wick into contact with the reservoir. The wick absorbs contrasting agent from the reservoir, resulting in a marked visible change in the wick which signifies that excessive force has been applied to the device. A base is located at one end of the wall, supporting the reservoir and providing means to attach the device to an object or container. A transparent cover sheet is located at the opposite end of the wall.

Abstract: A wrist support device for keyboard operators is disclosed, the device being designed to prevent repetitive motion injury, a prevalent disease among keyboard operators. The device provides a member having upper and lower sections, with a gap between the sections. The gap is narrower than the front end of a keyboard, but may be widened to accept a keyboard by retracting the upper section from the lower section. The device is secured to the keyboard by releasing the retracted upper section, which attempts to achieve its rest position, thus clamping the device to the keyboard. The upper section provides a surface that supports a keyboard operator's wrists. The device adjusts to fit a keyboard operator's finger length by allowing the position of the upper section to be adjusted relative to the keyboard. Elastomeric strips and a pad aid in comfort and ease of use of the device.

Abstract: The detector has two disc shaped magnets that are magnetized through their respective thicknesses. One magnet is fixedly coupled to a container, and the other magnet is left free to slide transversely with respect to the fixed magnet. The magnets are oriented so that the opposite poles of the magnets are adjacent to each other. In the absence of a shock acting on the container, the free magnet remains in a centered position with respect to the fixed magnet. Indicating apparatus is provided to indicate when the free magnet is moved to an off-center position due to an accelerational force, and the direction of the accelerational force. In one embodiment, the indicating apparatus includes a marking device coupled to the free magnet and a recording surface coupled to the container. In another embodiment, the indicating apparatus includes a transparent cover and tabs for retaining the off-center free magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning magnetic tape in a cartridge, and in particularl a 3480 type cartridge, has a cartridge nest for receiving and retaining the cartridge, a rotatable take-up hub, a load arm, cleaning apparatus and control apparatus. The load arm swings between a first position, where the arm engages the cartridge load block, and a second position, where the arm and the load block are at the take-up hub. In moving from the first to the second position, the load arm strings the tape through the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus has tissues for wiping the tape and a scraper for scraping the oxide surface of the tape. The tape is cleaned as it is wound out to the take-up hub and also as it is rewound into the cartridge. The control apparatus provides automatic operation of the load arm, and the wind out and rewind operations.

Abstract: An improvement in a magnetic tape cleaner apparatus that includes supply reel, take-up reel, wiper for wiping the tape, winder and rewinder for moving the tape between the respective reels, the improvement being characterized by a scraper blade for scrapingly engaging the tape for removing debris therefrom for improving subsequent tape-to-head contact and a holder and ultrasonic vibrator for ultrasonically transducing the scraper blade as it is scrapingly engaging the tape before efficiently removing the debris such that subsequent tape-to-head contact is improved.

Abstract: Apparatus for automating assembly of shock detectors having an indicator within an inner tube seemingly disposed within an outer tube, the indicator being adapted for indicating when a shock greater than a predetermined magnitude has been experienced, characterized by an assembly line machine for assembling shock detectors including a plurality of stations at which specific jobs are performed and an indexing table for moving a plurality of elements from station to successive station in the assembly line and including respective sub-assemblies for loading an inner tube into an assembly line rotator, a sealer for sealing a first end of the inner tube, an implacement mechanism for placing the indicator within the inner tube, an outer tube loader for loading the outer tube into the assembly line, a subcombination for combining and sealing the inner tube within the outer tube so as to form the shock detector and an unloader mechanism for unloading the shock detector from the assembly line with respective control m

Abstract: An apparatus which responds to a predetermined acceleration wherein a droplet of liquid is suspended by a holding means which prevents the droplet from escaping, except that when an acceleration of the holding means occurs which is greater than a predetermined acceleration, then at least a portion of the droplet escapes from the holding means.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for indicating that an acceleration greater than a predetermined acceleration has occured; the apparatus being of the type having a liquid reservoir and an adjacent gas region; the liquid-gas surface resisting deformation due to surface tension. The liquid, gas and surrounding structure are chosen such that the surface tension prevents a rupture of the liquid-gas barrier until an acceleration greater than a predetermined acceleration occurs; at which time at least a portion of the liquid enters the region of the gas. Electrical contacts within the gas region are bridged by the liquid, which liquid is electrically conducting. Means are provided to conduct electricity to and from the contacts such that communication of the forming of the bridge is possible.

Abstract: A device for affording an indication when a predetermined mechanical shock has been received, characterized by a base, or means for attaching to a container to be monitored; structure for measuring when a predetermined acceleration has been received by the container and the device; and an indicator for indicating to an observer that the shock has been received. Disclosed are devices having (1) a mechanical structure with a breaking point; (2) a mechanical structure with a biasing means; and (3) a structure employing an interfacial tension phenomenon. The devices may be of the "go-no go" type or may afford an indication and history of the shock, or acceleration forces, received. Also disclosed are the specific details of the respective embodiments.

Abstract: A device for affording an indication when a predetermined mechanical shock has been received, characterized by a base, or means for attaching to a container to be monitored; structure for measuring when a predetermined acceleration has been received by the container and the device; and an indicator for indicating to an observer that the shock has been received. Disclosed are devices having (1) a mechanical structure with a breaking point; (2) a mechanical structure with a biasing means; and (3) a structure employing an interfacial tension phenomenon. The devices may be of the "go-no go" type or may afford an indication and history of the shock, or acceleration forces, received. Also disclosed are the specific details of the respective embodiments.