Abstract: A device and method for applying and retaining a data carrier to a living body for providing identification of the body with respect to a reference group wherein the body's external nail surface structure, the method comprising selecting a carrier suitable for attachment to the nail surface, modifying the carrier to include a unique data format and attaching the carrier at the nail surface. The data carrier comprises a thin, substantially flat carrier suitable for attachment to the nail surface and a unique data format applied to the carrier adapting the same for repeated detection. The device and method are adaptable for use within identification systems such as hospital patient identification, clinical testing and security access control environments.

Abstract: A collapsible fence structure suited for recreational application such as baseball outfield fencing and the like, comprising a flexible, resilient, plastic fence mesh attached to fiber reinforced plastic support posts which are adapted to deflect under the weight of impact of an individual falling against the fence and being operable to immediately restore to an original, upright condition without causing injury to the individual or damage to the fence structure.

Abstract: A reusable window buck or pouring frame for forming a window opening in a cast concrete wall or the like is provided. The window buck comprises an inner and outer rectangular frame in which the inner frame is adapted to be at least partially received in mating relationship within the outer rectangular frame. Releasable clamp means are provided for releasably securing the inner and outer rectangular frame structures together as a substantially interlocked unit.

Abstract: A log splitting apparatus comprising an elongated driving shaft, a wedge shaped splitting tip attached at one end of the driving shaft and an elongated driver sleeve in which the driving shaft is telescopically mounted. The driving sleeve includes a catch coupled through the sleeve wall and adapted for releasable engagement with respect to the driver shaft. The catch is biased to a nonengaging position to allow the driver shaft to freely move within the encasement except when the catch is depressed by the user. When depressed, the catch locks the shaft in an intermediate position to enable the user to transport the apparatus in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A flotation trampoline adapted for use on a body of water comprising a non-elastic, collapsable encasement having a symmetrical configuration. The base cover is attached to a perimeter on the lower, interior tube surface and is adapted to seal off a rapid air or water flow through the tube opening to thereby create a substantially closed volume between the base cover, lower interior tube surface and the water surface upon which the tube is placed. A resilient cover is attached at the top of the encasement to provide a trampoline spring mat.

Abstract: A simulated tubular member for use as part of a highway safety device wherein the tube is comprised of a stiff, resilient rod which provides rigidity to maintain the simulated tube in straight orientation during static conditions, but deflects upon impact to avoid destruction. The rod includes a plurality of plastic bulbs which are configured to provide the appearance of a hollow plastic tube in conformance with state and federal highway specifications.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating athletic running, throwing and swinging movements and for exercising and strengthening leg, arm, wrist, shoulder and back muscles used in such athletic movements. The apparatus is operated by the athlete and utilizes the athlete's body as a fulcrum to develop rotational motion such as arises in running, pitching, throwing and swinging motions. The exercise apparatus has an elongated rigid tubular member, with an attached hand grip at one end thereof. An exercise grip member is attached by an elastic cord to the opposing end of the tubular member and is used by the athlete to exercise the throwing/swinging arm or leg. Simulation of actual throwing and swinging motion, with greater freedom of movement on the part of the athlete during such exercises may be carried out with the device.

Abstract: A device and method for applying and retaining a unique data carrier to a tooth surface of an individual. The data carrier comprises a thin sheet of material having a data format unique to the individual. This data carrier is attached to the surface of the individual's tooth and is adapted for detection by a reader which can be operated by a third person. All phases of installation and detection of the carrier involve passive, noninvasive techniques which can be applied without regard to age and can be maintained as part of a permanent identification system. The system further comprises a central data bank which becomes a verification source for identifying information carried at the individual's tooth surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic activation and control of windshield wipers in response to moisture accumulation at the exterior surface of the windshield, including a pair of thin wires sandwiched within the windshield and positioned below the surface of the windshield to be cleared by the windshield wipers. The wires provide variable capacitance to a detection circuit, based on the amount of water occurring at the windshield surface. Activating circuitry is coupled to the detecting circuitry and wiper motor for initiating wiper action when capacitance measurement exceeds a predetermined reference standard.

Abstract: A transmission device for providing positive geared, constant mesh, variable speed, rotary power transmission. The device includes a power drive shaft with an axially mounted, slidable drive gear. This drive gear is locked in rotational movement by means of an axial guide track fixed to the power drive shaft. A transmission drive shaft is fixed in oblique orientation with respect to the power drive shaft and carries a plurality of reduction gears of decreasing radius. The reduction gears are mounted on the transmission drive shaft on a spherical mounting race which permits the reduction gear to have an axis of rotation oblique to the axis of the transmission drive shaft and parallel with the axis of the power drive shaft. The spherical mounting race includes projections which are housed in elongated recesses within each reduction gear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing increased thermal conductivity and heat capacity to a pressure vessel containing a hydride-forming metal material which is capable of absorbing and storing relatively large amounts of hydrogen gas. An elongate pressure vessel, having an opening therein for charging and discharging hydrogen therefrom and valve means in combination with the opening for controlling flow of hydrogen gas to and from the container, is provided with a plurality of elongate, aluminum magnesium, or copper tubes as a tube bundle, with the longitudinal axis of the tubes being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The tubes are packed in the vessel so that tubes are in firm contact with adjacent tubes, and the outer tubes of the bundle are in firm contact with the longitudinal inside surfaces of the vessel as well as with adjacent tubes in the bundle. Particulate, hydride-forming, metal material substantially fills the otherwise void spaces within the tube-containing vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for transferring heat to or from metal hydrides contained in storage containers as hydrogen gas is being charged to or withdrawn from the storage containers, wherein the hydrogen gas being charged to or withdrawn from the storage containers functions as a convective energy carrier. A plurality of the containers are connected together in flow communication in series, so that when a pressure differential is established across the series of containers, hydrogen gas associated with the metal hydride will flow from one container to the next container in the direction of the lower pressure. A pressure differential is created across the series of containers by charging hydrogen to either the first or last container in the series, or by withdrawing hydrogen from either the first or last container in a series of containers that has been previously charged with hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for producing electrical power during peak power demand periods and for, in effect, storing electrical power or energy during low power demand periods. Two or more cavities are provided in an underground salt dome or other thick salt deposit, with a first one of the cavities being located above the level of the second. Oil or other liquid in which salt is substantially insoluble, such as saturated brine, is placed in at least one of the cavities for use as a working liquid to produce electrical power. The power is produced by delivering the liquid from the first cavity to a pump/turbine unit located at a level below the first cavity to thereby drive the unit so that it produces electrical power. Such power would be produced, for example, during peak load demand periods when the need for power was greatest. Liquid discharged from the pump/turbine unit is delivered to the second cavity for temporary storage.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between solid particles includes an inclined cylindrical drum in which is disposed a helical auger. The outer lip of the auger, which is maintained in contact with the interior wall of the drum, is curved in the upward direction of the incline axis. The auger blade includes a plurality of apertures of generally uniform size. A feed bin is provided to introduce a first granular material into the upper end of the drum, with the particles of such granular material generally being of a size less than the size of the apertures in the auger blade. A second feed bin is provided to introduce a second granular material into the lower end of the drum, with the particle size of the second granular material generally being greater than the size of the apertures. The drum and auger are rotatable about the incline axis.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with a remote communication station responds to predetermined sequences of characters received over a communication channel by initializing or conditioning equipment located at the remote station. The predetermined sequences include a plurality of synchronization characters followed by a plurality of identification characters, the latter of which identify the nature of the initialization or conditioning to occur at the remote station. The apparatus "looks" bit by bit at received data to determine when a synchronization character is received. When such a character is detected, the apparatus "looks" at the succeeding characters on a character by character basis to ascertain whether the predetermined sequence of characters is received. For each character received, a programmable read only memory produces an output which is compared with reference signals produced by another programmable read only memory.