Abstract: A pocket sized, hand held electronic device for indicating the ball path for both the strike and spare ball. To indicate where the ball should start from the foul line, over which arrow it should pass and where it should strike the pin array. A plurality of indicators are provided at appropriate locations on the part of the device on which the static image of a standard bowling alley is provided. By pressing switch elements of a membrane switch arranged in the same configuration as the pattern of the real bowling pins, the user indicates which pins are still standing for the second ball, for a spare. With this input the device indicates the recommended ball path. Pressing a reset switch returns the display to the strike setting, to again indicate the ball path for the first ball of the next frame. The device can be adjusted to match the actual curve of the ball. One embodiment provides limited directions while a second embodiment provides more directions for the advanced bowler.

Abstract: A slide receptacle comprised of a bin (8) and hopper (11) for receiving the bin. The bin is of substantially parallelepipedic shape, having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, and four sidewalls. A pair of stop means including outwardly protruding tines (26, 28) are located on first and second opposing sidewalls at the lower end. Each of the stop means includes inwardly protruding tabs (22, 24) for partially closing the lower end, such that slides in the bin are prevented from dropping out of the lower end. The stop means are flexible such that pressure on tines (26, 28) causes tabs (22, 24) to open to allow slides to pass through the lower end. The hopper (40) has four inner walls, the dimensions of which conform to the outer dimensions of the bin. Two opposing inner walls (44, 46) are provided with grooves (48, 50, 52, 54), a bottom portion (70) of each groove bending outwardly.

Abstract: A computer-controlled slide previewer, sorter, projector tray loader and archiving system. Slides are held in a stack in a hopper in a known sequence. A slide release mechanism is provided to deliver one slide from the stack of slides to a position over one of a plurality of sorting bins or compartments of a projector tray. An accession number is derived for each slide either from a number read from a label affixed to the slide or from the relative position of the slide in the hopper. This accession number is transmitted to a sorting logic. In accordance with a sort algorithm using the accession number, the sorting logic positions the appropriate bin or compartment to receive the slide. The sorting logic then activates the release mechanism to deliver the slide into the bin or compartment positioned to receive the slide.

Abstract: A device for regulating the maximum time a television or the like can be operated, comprising a first counter (19) that can be manually set by use of a key (24A) to set a switch (24) with a predetermined time period. A second counter (20) deducts the actual operating time of the television from the first counter. The device interrupts the power circuit to the television when the predetermined time period expires. The switch can be set to allow operation of the television without deducting time from the first counter.

Abstract: A disk drive that generates a smooth spiral during the recording of data so that the recording operation is continuous. A magnetic read/write head (2) is mounted on an arm (4) so that it can move generally along a radius of a disk (8). A rotary motor (12) is used to spin the disk and to drive a gear train. The output of the gear train is used to move the arm-mounted head across the disk. The pitch of the spiral generated is controlled by the relative gear ratio between the disk and the head mechanism. Rapid retrace of the head mechanism to its starting position is accomplished by placing a return spring (56) on the head mechanism and a clutch (42) in the gear train. The location of the clutch in the gear train is chosen so that the head mechanism, while being returned to the starting position under spring power, spins a neutral pitch fan (102). The energy dissipated by churning the air by the fan limits the peak velocity of the head mechanism.

Abstract: A disk drive having a head actuator that is capable of quick, fine adjustments in position of the transducing head in order to precisely follow data tracks. A magnetic read/write head (2) is mounted on a first arm (4) so that it can move generally along a radius of a disk (8). A rotary motor (12) is used to spin the disk. A primary motor (36) in conjunction with a cable (42) and drum (40) is used to move the arm-mounted head in coarse movements across the disk. A secondary motor (32) in conjunction with a second arm (34) is used to move the arm-mounted head in fine movements across the disk. The primary motor may be used for track jumping, while the secondary motor may be used for track following.

Abstract: An apparatus for the very precise centering of a flexible recording disk (2) onto a disk-drive spindle (8), for clamping it firmly for spinning, and for the easy removal thereof. Disk (2) is provided with a reinforced center hole (4) so that it can be manufactured to a tight tolerance. Spindle (8) is provided with a precision-alignment cylinder (12) over which the disk must slide in order to rest on a spindle seat (6). Once disk (2) is resting on spindle seat (6), it is clamped there by a self-aligning, rotatable spindle cap (24), which is brought down on top of the disk. The disk is centered for sliding along the alignment cylinder through the action of a conical surface on cone (14). The cone (14) in its entirety may be part of spindle (8), or alternatively, in order to facilitate insertion and removal of the disk, part of the cone may be integral to the clamping-spindle cap (24), or be a retractable plug.