Abstract: Apparatus for reading a plurality of apertured cards in sequence in response to a series of command signals includes a supply hopper for storing a vertical stack of cards. The apertures of the cards are located in a matrix of columns and rows. A solenoid-actuated plunger moves the bottom card from beneath the stack and into engagement with a card drive mechanism. The card drive mechanism includes a floating transport equipped with endless tracks for riding on top of cards passed from the bottom of the stack and exerting a substantially constant downward and forward force on the cards while continuously moving each card in sequence across an array of optical detectors in register with the columns on the cards. A line source of light is carried by the transport for illuminating a card along a line parallel to the rows of apertures on the card.

Abstract: A generally upright cylinder is secured at its upper neck by means of a gimbal mount; and its base is driven in circular motion at a substantially constant angular velocity. As a tube of fluid is inserted into the cylinder, the fluid is stirred by the motion of the cylinder; and the intensity of the stirring action increases with the depth to which the tube is inserted into the cylinder. An appliance removably attaches to the apparatus to provide a vibrating platform.

Abstract: An electronic system employs a calculator as an arithmetic unit and accumulator. A mode switch enables operation as a timer (decrementing from a preset value) or a stopclock (incrementing time). Initial or preset values of time are entered manually through a keyboard in either mode. Sequencing circuitry controls execution of the arithmetic functions of the calculator in proper order and function, depending on the selected mode. The sequencing circuitry also gates the output of an oscillator to provide time increment pulses. A display unit generates a visual display of the accumulated time in both modes. In the timer mode, sensing circuitry senses when a preset time has elapsed and generates an audible signal.

Abstract: A generally upright cylinder is secured at its upper neck by means of a gimbal mount; and its base is driven in circular motion at a substantially constant angular velocity. As a tube of fluid is inserted into the cylinder, the fluid is stirred by the motion of the cylinder; and the intensity of the stirring action increases with the depth to which the tube is inserted into the cylinder. An appliance removably attaches to the apparatus to provide a vibrating platform.