the ANALYST'S column L. T. Hallett, Editor
iCBOCiTE," a method for making in dexed information directly acces sible and reproducible, is being developed to increase the effectiveness of literature searching at the National Bureau of Stand ards. Proposed for use in the bureau's instrumentation reference service, the Microcite feature consists of photographi cally storing greatly reduced copies of citations and abstracts (called microabstracts) so they can be readily located and read. The Microcite technique was devised by J. Stern to improve searching with the "Peek-a-boo" filing and retrieval system used in the reference service [Natl. Bur. Standards Tech. .Veios Bull. 39, 8 (1955)].
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The instrumentation reference service maintained by the bureau was inaugurated several years ago as part of a program on basic instrumentation [Natl. Bur. Standardu Tech. News Bull. 37, 9 (1955)] spon sored by the Department of Defense and the Atomic linergy Commission to help government scientists obtain existing in formation on instruments, controls, and data-handling devices without a timeconsuming literature search. The infor mation search system used makes use of hand-manipulated punched cards, each of which represents an index term such as "electromagnetic," "detection," or "heat." T h e identity of documents to which the index term applies is noted by punching holes at appropriate locations on the card; the location of a hole is determined by the serial number assigned to the document. To carry out a search, the investigator removes from the file a number of cards, each labeled with an index term associated with the type of references he is seeking. These cards are placed on a plastic reading illuminator which properly aligns them. Any holes common to all the cards will then be seen as small spots of light. In the basic Peek-a-boo system the coordi nates of these spots, determined with the aid of a numbered grid, identify the serial numbers of references common to all the selected cards; the serial numbers lead in turn to the actual references sought. With the Microcite feature added to the Peek-a-boo system, information on the subject of interest appears as a direct re sult of superimposing the term cards, rather than requiring an intermediate serial number. In one version, the film containing the matrix of micro-abstracts can be placed over the stack of selected Peek-a-boo cards. The micro-abstract of
Cut GLASS T U B I N G AND BOTTLES with the Welch HOT-WIRE CUTTER O b t a i n NEAT, QUICK, CLEAN, STRAIGHT BREAKS • • • •
Cuts Pyrex Brand Glass or Soft Glass Adjustable heating current Step-by-step instructions on top Wire is readily replaceable, extra wires included
Glass tubing bottles, or jars up to 3 inches in diameter can be cut neatly and quickly with this cutter. Soft glass, Pyrex-brand glass, or other hardglass tubes can be cut with equal ease. The article is first encircled with a scratch made by a cutter wheel conveniently mounted on the side of the trans former, the scratch is heated by contact with the hot wire, and then cooled quickly by applying water or by blowing on it. No other equipment is required. The cutting wire is supported on two insulated posts and is heated by current from a 12-volt trans former serving as the base. No. 24 (B & S gauge) nichrome wire is used and is easily replaced. Three extra wires are included. By means of an adjust ment on the transformer, the current can be con trolled to give the optimum heat for whatever type of glass may be used. An instruction plate is mounted near this control. The unit operates on 115 volts, 50 or 60 cycle A.C. Over-all dimensions are 6 χ 4ι/·2 χ 9 inches high.
Each, $29.50
No. 5210
W. M . WELCH SCIENTIFIC COMPANY DIVISION OF W. M. WELCH MANUFACTURING COMPANY
-ESTABLISHED 18801515 SEDGWICK STREET, DEPT. A - 1 , C H I C A G O 10, ILLINOIS, U.S.A. Manufacturers of Scientific Instruments and Laboratory Apparatus
NEW
TEMCO
FLASK HEATER
already proved by "in-use" tests and nationwide acceptance
Several differentflasksizes can be used in this unit.
Here's the greatly improved flask heater with inter changeable Mon el mesh baskets that perfectly "nest" your flasks . . . and let you use several sizes in the same unitl Radiates heat uniformly to lower half of flask . . . mini mizes "bumping." Easily replaceable heating element eliminates time and use losses. No fabrics to become shoddy, saturated, or worn. Heating chamber sealed to contain accidental spillage . . . easily cleaned. TEMCO Flask Heater is ruggedly built with stainless steel and buffed aluminum double-case construction. Well-venti lated . . . perforated outer shell never too hot to handle . . . table-top heat-protected . . . sturdy, permanently attached support bracket. M a y be used with control unit shown below, or with other makes of controllers. Two models for all popular flask sizes: $ 2 2 . 5 0 and $ 3 4 . 5 0 . N e w Controller for extremely fine control of flask heaters Model 700 Temcometer power input controller of " o f f - o n " type with completely stepless control and short time cycle. Permits excep tionally fine selection, close holdins of desired temperature. Com pensates automatically For wide fluctuations in voltage. Ideal com panion unit for TEMCO Flask Heaters and other makes of heaters and mantles. Price complete with power and connecting cords, $20.85. Quality is assured under the TEMCO label.
Write for complete data and name of nearest dealer.
THERMO ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO. 478 HUFF ST., DUBUQUE, IOWA For further information, circle number 49 A-2 on Readers' Service Card, page 83 A V O L . 2 9 , N O . 1 1 , NOVEMBER 1 9 5 7
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49
For further information, circle number SO A on Readers' Service Card, page 83 A
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