Abstract: This disclosure is directed to novel systems and methods for supporting a game apparatus, actuating a paddle, and storing coins deposited in a coin-operated device. A game apparatus is disclosed for receiving coins and for storing the coins in a manner such that the theft of the coins by merely inverting the game apparatus is substantially prevented. Further, a paddle mechanism is disclosed for actuating a paddle in response to a mechanical input from a player without the need for electrically-powered sensors, solenoids, or motors. Moreover, the game apparatus is disclosed as being supported by a novel support system which enhances the stability of the table apparatus and may be conveniently assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: Microthin sheet technology is disclosed by which superior batteries are constructed which, among other things, accommodate the requirements for high load rapid discharge and recharge, mandated by electric vehicle criteria. The microthin sheet technology has process and article overtones and can be used to form thin electrodes used in batteries of various kinds and types, such as spirally-wound batteries, bipolar batteries, lead acid batteries, silver/zinc batteries, and others.Superior high performance battery features include: (a) minimal ionic resistance; (b) minimal electronic resistance; (c) minimal polarization resistance to both charging and discharging; (d) improved current accessibility to active material of the electrodes; (e) a high surface area to volume ratio; (f) high electrode porosity (microporosity); (g) longer life cycle; (h) superior discharge/recharge characteristics; (j) higher capacities (A.multidot.hr); and k) high specific capacitance.

Abstract: Novel structures and methods are disclosed for creating and maintaining an underwater air chamber beneath a volume of water within a conventional aquarium for access by amphibious life within the aquarium to permit the amphibious life to selectively leave a water environment for a dry environment. In one embodiment, the underwater air chamber includes a hood secured to a base which defines a hollow chamber. After the apparatus is submerged in an aquarium, pressurized gas is introduced into the hollow chamber to create a dry environment within the hollow chamber. A gas effluent control is associated with the hood to selectively release the gas under pressure from within the chamber. An entryway into the chamber is also formed in the hood to permit amphibious life to selectively enter and exit the chamber, as well as to permit larger air bubbles to escape from within the air chamber. Another embodiment discloses an underwater air chamber formed integrally with an aquarium.

Abstract: A dental patient's chair which is fully and completely adjustable which includes a foot control system that eliminates the need to manipulate any hand-operated control knobs or levers. The dental patient's chair includes a linkage assembly which allows the seat to pivot and move in the same manner as the human body when the human body articulates about the complex pivot created at the pelvic bone, the upper legs, and the lower part of the backbone. The dental patient's chair allows the patient's body to remain in the same position relative to the backrest and the seat of the patient's chair as the chair is articulated in a variety of positions.

Abstract: An adjustable medical outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve flow control for fluid (liquids and gases) and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein may be flexed both distally and proximally by respective pressure differentials across the diaphragm. One or more adjustment members are provided on one or both sides of the diaphragm to selectively adjust the amount of pressure differential required to open the slit valve.

Abstract: A compound bow carries eccentrics, each of which has a non-circular string groove with a geometric center removed from the axis of the eccentric and a take-up groove which is out of registration with the string groove about substantially the entire peripheries of the grooves. The two grooves are carried by respective sheaves rotatably joined through a hub which is itself rotatably connected to one of the sheaves.

Abstract: An enclosure apparatus for processing devices includes a portion movable between an open position and a closed position. A receptacle in which items to be processed are contained is placed within the enclosure when the movable portion is in the open position. Upon securing the enclosure about the receptacle, the enclosure engages a lid covering the receptacle to maintain the lid in position within the receptacle. Engagement of the lid by the enclosure causes the lid to flex outwardly and seal against the receptacle opening. A switch may be interposed between the enclosure and the processing device to immediately initiate a blending cycle at the moment the enclosure is secured about the processing receptacle.

Abstract: Novel structures and methods are disclosed for creating and maintaining an underwater air chamber beneath a volume of water within a conventional aquarium for access by amphibious life within the aquarium to permit the amphibious life to selectively leave a water environment for a dry environment. In one embodiment, the underwater air chamber includes a hood secured to a base which defines a hollow chamber. After the apparatus is submerged in an aquarium, pressurized gas is introduced into the hollow chamber to create a dry environment within the hollow chamber. A gas effluent control is associated with the hood to selectively release the gas under pressure from within the chamber. An entryway into the chamber is also formed in the hood to permit amphibious life to selectively enter and exit the chamber, as well as to permit larger air bubbles to escape from within the air chamber. Another embodiment discloses an underwater air chamber formed integrally with an aquarium.

Abstract: Beverage fill valves, adapter nozzles for placement at the discharge end of beverage fill valves, novel counterpressure, and snift discharge valves including plungers, actuators or buttons, and unique counterpressure snift flow paths in novel combination with fill valves and/or fill valves with adapter nozzles, and related methods are disclosed, whereby automatic filling of a can having a smaller diametral opening at the top thereof is accommodated.

Abstract: A method of enlarging the lumen of a vessel is disclosed, by which an access opening or passageway is provided to the vessel, a head is inserted through the opening and advanced to a constriction within the vessel. The head engages, severs, and removes plaque. A vascular graft lining is inserted into the vessel and to the site of enlargement where it is secured within the vessel at the site of enlargement.

Abstract: An adjustable comb apparatus for firearms involves a base mounted within the stock of a firearm, a pair of servo-clamps adjustably secured within the base, a comb which has a pair of pins which are slidably received by the servo-clamps, and a locking screw which secures the comb at a desired position relative to the firearm stock. The servo-clamps allow the comb to be adjusted simultaneously in a cast direction and in a vertical direction. A single locking screw is rotated to secure the adjustable comb in the desired orientation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing ceramic filter media for water filters involves the steps of mixing a plurality of raw ceramic materials and a plurality of extrusion-aid materials to form a mixture of constituent materials, extruding the constituent materials to form tubular filter media, drying the tubular filter media, and firing the tubular filter media to create ceramic tubular filter media. The step of drying the tubular filter media preferably comprises placing the tubular filter media on top of rotating rollers which dries the tubular filter media evenly and preserves the desired characteristics of the tubular filter media.

Abstract: Iron-rich material waste products, such as electric arc furnace dust, are formed with an organic binder into discrete shapes, such as briquettes and/or other solid shapes. The shapes can then be used in iron and steel making processes and the iron and heavy metal values in the waste product recovered.

Abstract: A rangefinder includes an angle sensitive transducer and a programmed data processor to calculate the distance to a target. In one embodiment, the rangefinder also includes a point-to-point measuring device. Another embodiment provides a linear actuator to selectively move a sight indicator vertically. A yet additional embodiment includes a liquid crystal display which displays information to the user.

Abstract: An adjustable game call apparatus includes a sounding board, an air passageway formed in the sounding board, and a vibrating reed positioned within the air passageway adjacent the sounding board. A pair of guide posts extend upward from the sounding board to receive a pair of cut-out areas formed in the reed. The slots and posts allow the reed to be longitudinally adjustable relative to the sounding board of the game call apparatus. Another aspect of the game call apparatus comprises a moisture diverter system which involves a plurality of diverters formed in the sounding board to direct moisture away from the reed and toward a trough formed in the sounding board. The diverters also provide a precision tuning system for the game call to ensure the full high and low ends of the desired range of tones are produced by the game call.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: Beverage fill valves, adapter nozzles for placement at the discharge end of beverage fill valves, novel counterpressure, and snift discharge valves including plungers, actuators or buttons, and unique counterpressure snift flow paths in novel combination with fill valves and/or fill valves with adapter nozzles, and related methods are disclosed, whereby automatic filling of a can having a smaller diametral opening at the top thereof is accommodated.

Abstract: A mining system and related methods are disclosed by which gold and/or other heavy metals are recovered at multiple sites along a continuously hydrated ore processing route. The gold-bearing ore and primary or carrier water are dynamically and circuitously displaced to segregate the gold, and precipitate the gold particles into predetermined recovery sites along the flow path of the mix. Boil box recovery sites are selectively provided for recovery of nuggets and smaller gold particles. Secondary water churns and disrupts the primary carrier flow of the mix through each boil box.Each trough includes a dynamic segregation box having successive compartments across which a top layer of turbulent flow continuously occurs. Within each compartment, during use, a bottom layer of laminar flow takes place not only within each compartment, but from compartment-to-compartment.