Abstract: A filter uses a special autotransformer that has a ferromagnetic core with a plurality of legs and flux return bars. A first coil is located on one leg, and a second coil is located on the same leg, but spaced from the first coil. The first coil and at least part of the second coil are connected in series to receive distorted alternating current and at least that part of the second coil is connected to an output terminal. Between the coils and extending at least part of the way from the first leg to an adjacent leg is a magnetic shunt assembly to divert part of the flux generated in the first coil by the alternating current so that that part does not link with the second coil. An air gap is located to link with the second coil to create an inductor in that coil by flux in the second coil, and a capacitor is connected across the second coil to tune it to the fundamental frequency of the alternating current and substantially reduce harmonics in that current.

Abstract: A bird feeder that includes a container having feed-access openings and a generally helical member attached to the container to extend around it along a path such that, for each of the openings, a portion of the member is close enough and in the proper location to allow a bird perched on that portion to retrieve seed accessible through that opening.

Abstract: A system for informing potential customers in a sales space of the availability and aroma of an aromatic material by automatically dispersing controlled amounts of the material from a mannequin only when people are sensed to have moved to within a certain proximity with respect to the mannequin. The purpose of causing a limited amount of the material then to be pumped inoffensively into the air is to make those people pleasantly aware of the aroma in the hope that they will be favorably impressed with it and will become actual customers. The system includes a proximity sensor, a pump controlled by the sensor to dispense the aroma through vents in the surface of the mannequin, and a timer to allow the pump to operate only for a certain length of time at each dispersal, no matter how long a person remains within that proximity, and only during certain time limits of the day and certain days of the week.

Abstract: An elongated conduit support to suspend a plurality of conduits from an overhead structure includes a generally flat, elongated central plate having with a plurality of closed-perimeter conduit holes to receive conduits therethrough. The elongated plate has strengthening flanges extending along its longitudinal edges of the central plate to prevent buckling of the central plate due to the weight of the conduits and suspension-receiving means including at least first and second passageways, each of which is generally parallel to the central plate and close to the plane of the central plate and perpendicular to the longitudinal side edges to hold the plate so that its plane is substantially vertical and to transfer the weight of the conduit support and the conduits thereon to the suspension means.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising a user's upper body including a U-Shaped guard mounted around a user's waist, a non-elastic cord extending around a central portion of the guard, guide means on said guard for positioning the cord to allow free longitudinal sliding movement and a hand hold at each end of the cord to allow the user to grasp one of the hand holds in each hand and force the cord to slide alternately in opposite directions along the guard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to avian enclosures which are rotated. The invention is presented as a separate electrical device that rotates birdhouses and/or birdfeeders or it can also be made part of the whole enclosure. The electromechnical device that rotates the avian enclosures basically consists of a power source, a motor, and a gearbox. Power is supplied from batteries, and/or solar cells, or an alternating current source. A more complex version of the present invention is also presented that incorporates an electronic circuit to sense the presence of birds and activate the motor only for a predetermined period of time. Consequently, the main purpose of this circuit is to conserve power which is very important for non-rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A collapsible trailer to be towed by a bicycle has front and rear U-shaped members pivotally mounted on an axle to the ends of which wheels can be attached. The front and rear portions of front and rear floor panels pivotally mounted on the axle are suspended from the front and rear U-shaped members, respectively, by tension members when the trailer is open for use but can be pivoted toward each other when the trailer is collapsed. A forward extension of the front U-shaped member can be connected to a bicycle so the trailer can be towed. Foldable front, side, and rear panels, which can enclose or be attached to or comprise the tension members, combine with the floor panels to form the body of the trailer.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle in which a control circuit is actuated to turn on selected exterior lights of the vehicle when the horn switch is actuated. The control circuit includes a relay that has a first contact connected to the battery, a second contact conductively connected to the first contact when the control circuit is actuated, and a plurality of unidirectionally conductive circuits, each connected in series between the second contact and selected electric lights and polarized to be conductive in the direction to conduct operating current from the battery to those lights to turn them on when the horn switch is actuated.

Abstract: A device to be used in practicing to play volleyball includes a ball rotatably mounted on the end of a long, somewhat flexible wand. The other end of the wand is held by a coach. The coach positions the wand so that the ball is above a volleyball net in position to be struck by a player in an effort to make the ball follow a trajectory similar to the trajectory a free volleyball would follow if spiked in a game of volleyball, including such rotation as would be imparted to the ball by the manner in which the player struck it.

Abstract: A continuous wire loop test point to be soldered to a substrate includes five portions of a single length of wire bent to form more than a single turn of a generally helical loop. The central portion of the length of wire lies in a first plane and constitutes a bridging section. The two portions of the wire at the opposite ends of the bridging section are bent away from the first plane and are referred to as support sections because they support the bridging section after the loop is completed and is mounted on a substrate. The two end portions of the wire that extend from the ends of the support sections are bent inwardly to form a base section beneath the bridging section, These end portions extend generally toward each other diverge but at enough of an angle so that their tips do not meet but extend past each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system to alert an aircraft pilot of the presence and general location of other aircraft that might constitute a collision threat to the pilot's aircraft. A first and second antenna on the upper paid lower surfaces of the aircraft each operate in first and second modes characterized by respective first and second directivity conditions. The first and second antennas directly receive pulse signals from a source in order to determine the relative time of arrivals and thus the relative altitude of the source to the aircraft. Analysis means compares amplitudes of responses in the first and second modes to provide an angle indicating signal without having to generate radio signals other than those already being generated by equipment in the other aircraft in response to ground ATC interrogation.

Abstract: The method of making a macroemulsion composition for controlling odors and including droplets of water-immiscible, odor counteracting material dispersed as the discontinuous phase of the macroemulsion in a water soluble binder, which constitutes the continuous phase of the macroemulsion. Upon deposition of the composition onto an appropriate substrate, such as pet litter, and after evaporation of the water within the binder solution, the water soluble binder solidifies on the substrate. In so doing, the solidified water soluble binder substantially encloses the droplets of the odor counteracting material. The water soluble binder easily dissolves upon contact with water in pet excreta, thereby releasing the odor counteracting material in an amount appropriate to counteract the offensive odors at the offensive area where such counteraction is needed most.

Abstract: A drain valve has a hollow body threaded to be screwed into a sump drain hole. A stem longer than the body is slidable and rotatable therein, and a washer encircles the stem adjacent the end facing into the sump. A longitudinal channel extends along the stem from its second end to an opening adjacent the washer, and a flange attaches the stem to a wall that covers a groove that extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the valve body, except for a portion offset laterally at the end of the groove closest to the threaded end of the body. A ball is captured between the groove and a recess in the surface of the wall facing the groove. The valve is normally held closed by a spring that forces the stem to slide longitudinally away from the interior of the sump to draw the washer against the body, thereby sealing the stem to the body. To open the valve, the stem is forced longitudinally along the body in opposition to the spring pressure to bring the channel opening within the sump.

Abstract: A bowling ball propulsion device including a frame that has a rear member to push a bowling ball forward in rolling engagement with the surface of a bowling lane and has two side members extending forward from the rear member. The side members are spaced apart far enough to embrace a bowling ball and to engage it only along opposite diametrical points. The frame is supported above the surface of the bowling lane by supports at the rear of the frame to permit the forward ends of the side members to be tipped down or up to control engagement of the frame with a bowling ball.

Abstract: Sanding apparatus in which dust raised by sanding is drawn by reduced pressure through a porous sanding sheet and directly through apertures into a plenum chamber and from there through an air passage into an air space in a closed container partially filled with water. The air and dust are separated in the container by projecting the dust into the water from a small distance above it and, simultaneously, drawing the substantially dust-free air out of the air space by the reduced pressure so that the air does not need to enter the water.

Abstract: A hinge structure having a leaf having knuckles so formed that leaves having two identical such knuckle structures can be joined together to form a hinge, rather than requiring knuckle structures that are not identical. The hinge structure can have plates to hold beams in alignment to form a structure that is initially pivotal but, with the addition of other beams or structures, can be rigid and with the beams at any desired angle relative to each other.

Abstract: A portable, umbrella-type shelter including a sheet that can be easily stretched to a framework that includes rods removably attached to one end of a jointed post that has a pointed lower end and a weight that slides against a flange on the lower part of the post to drive the pointed end into the ground. The sheet has loops to be hooked over projections near the outer ends of the rods.

Abstract: An electric wiring system comprising a plurality of electrical members including at least one wire and one enclosure to make a connection between the wire and one of the members, and a conduit support bracket. The enclosure having walls perpendicular to each other with one wall having at least one entrance for the wire. The conduit support bracket having a plate member attached at one end to one of the walls of the enclosure while supporting conduits adjacent its second end.

Abstract: A macroemulsion composition for controlling odors and including droplets of water-immiscible, odor counteracting material dispersed as the discontinuous phase of the macroemulsion in a water soluble binder, which constitutes the continuous phase of the macroemulsion. Upon deposition of the composition onto an appropriate substrate, such as pet litter, and after evaporation of the water within the binder solution, the water soluble binder solidifies on the substrate. In so doing, the solidified water soluble binder substantially encloses the droplets of the odor counteracting material. The water soluble binder easily dissolves upon contact with water in pet excreta, thereby releasing the odor counteracting material in an amount appropriate to counteract the offensive odors at the offensive area where such counteraction is needed most.