(A) SYSTEM FOR RECORDING AND REPRODUCING PULSE CODE MODULATED DATA NASA Case No. XGS-01021 Canada Address inquiries to: Attn: Patent Counsel Mail Code: 204 Greenbelt, MD 20771 [Corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 3,277,373] In pulse code modulated magnetic tape recording and reproducing (playback) systems, the playback head tends to alter the shape of the recorded signal. Accordingly, the reproducing system must reconstruct the proper signal from the altered one. This invention eliminates the need for this reconstruction function by the design of the playback head in which the head gap is approximately one-half the wave length of the recorded pulse code modulated data at its fundamental pulse repetition frequency. The playback head thus provides an output signal which is an integral of the recorded signal and contains all of the recorded information. The invention also allows a higher packing density of the recorded information on the magnetic tape. LIGHT DETECTION SYSTEM NASA Case No. XNP-01059 Canada Address inquiries to: Attn: Patent Counsel 4800 Oak Grove Drive [Corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 3,354,320] A system for determining the position of a light source about two axes of a reference position. The system, originally developed for orienting antenna on the Mariner spacecraft, utilizes a single movable part, a vibrating reed shutter, for alternately blocking and passing light from the source projected onto a photosensitive detector at the position of reference. Expanded metal, that is, a thin metal strip which has first had short longitudinal cuts made therein and then been pulled transverse to the cuts to open the cuts into diamond shaped holes, has been used as interconnectors in a solar cell matrix to provide a flexible, somewhat resilient array. The solar cell array can be compactly stored prior to deployment and then deployed into a variety of shapes through the use of a new expandable frame in which telescoping tubes are extended to a desired length and then cemented to form a rigid support structure. BALANCED BELLOWS SPIROMETER NASA Case No. XAC-01547 Canada Address inquiries to: [Corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 3,420,225] A laboratory instrument for measuring total lung capacity, vital capacity, maximum breathing capacity, tidal volume, functional residual capacity and oxygen uptake of human subjects. The spirometer, which employs two mechanically interconnected bellows, is compact, retains calibration, and is unaffected by acceleration fields along all three coordinate axes. A quick attach and release fluid coupling for use in those instances where it is desirable that the coupling not only be free from leaks, but also be both easily assembled together and separated. The mating conical and spherical sealing surfaces of this coupling serve to eliminate alignment problems. The coupling is ideally suited for use in cryogenic piping systems where icing conditions are encountered. |