Abstract: The present invention provides a dot history compensation system for varying the drive current to the points of a thermal print head in response to the printing history of the points. One or two previous print lines may be examined. In addition, the history of points adjacent to a selected point may be used to compute a head drive signal. The inventive system is implemented in an auxiliary control device within a thermal printer. In addition, an end point compensation system is provided to ensure that end points of a thermal print head receive equivalent amounts of energy to central points, even when a large number of points may be simultaneously fired. The inventive system is adapted for operation with both single color and multiple color thermal printers. The auxiliary control device also manages paper movement functions, thus freeing the main microprocessor for communications and other duties within the printer.

Abstract: Planter elements for use individually or in various combinations for a wide variety of uses and which are easily assembled for compact storage/shipment. A base element is a box-like structure having four walls, open at the top and bottom. The walls are attached to posts at the four corners with upper surfaces of the posts in a common plane within the space surrounded by the walls and lower surfaces in a common plane below such space, permitting two or more of these elements to be stacked atop and releasably attached to one another, or be placed under or over other elements, as well as being optionally secured in place directly upon the ground. A similarly constructed element, termed an extension box, may be placed atop the base to increase its effective height, or may be used separately or in combination with other elements. The base and/or extension box elements may be supported upon and releasably attached to a cooperatively structured dolly element for convenient movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable air filtration system for removing contaminants from room air. In one embodiment, the air filtration system comprises a power supply and an air blower module electrically connected to the power supply. The air filtration system further comprises an ionization module engaged with the air blower module and comprising a first control grid and a high voltage grid electrically connected to the power supply. The air filtration system further comprises a filter module removably engaged with the ionization module. The filter module comprises a filter and a second control grid. Engagement of the filter module and the ionization module creates an electrical connection between the second control grid and the power supply. Activation of the air filtration system creates a first ionization field between the high voltage grid and the first control grid and a second ionization field between the high voltage grid and the second control grid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guard that may be attached to molding or trim during painting operations to prevent paint from dripping or splashing from a surface to be painted one color onto a surface to be painted a different color or which will remain unpainted. In its primary embodiment, the present invention provides an elongated strip of material, preferably plastic, having a cross-sectional shape consisting of a terminal first end which extends around in a generally U-shaped hook pattern, a relatively straight central section integrally extending from the non-terminal end of the hook section, and a curved section that extends along a predetermined radius and terminates with a relatively straight portion that extends essentially perpendicularly to the central section.

Abstract: A spacer device for maintaining separation of a plurality of utility lines. The spacer includes a series of non-conductive, insulator members extending in longitudinally spaced relation to one another along a common longitudinal axis, and being interconnected to one another by an elongated rod which also extends along the common longitudinal axis. The insulator members each include respective conductor engaging portions, body portions, and a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The rod engages and extends through the passageways of each insulator member. The conductor engaging portions each include bar members that have a v-shaped notch removed therefrom to facilitate stable and secure engagement of the insulator members on top the conductors.

Abstract: The present invention generally includes three principal components; namely, (1) a hand held transceiver for transmitting a voice pattern while moving (e.g., driving) past an (2) infra-red receiver array which receives the transmitted voice pattern, and a (3) speech enhancement and voice verification algorithm for conducting a comparison between the transmitted voice pattern and the registered voice patterns stored in the computer's memory. The hand held transceiver includes a conventional telephone handset in which a microphone subassembly, a transceiver circuit card, and LED indicators are housed. The transceiver element, also housed in the handset, includes a 16-bit analog to digital converter for converting the analog voice pattern to a corresponding digital signal, a microprocessor, a memory unit for storing the digitized voice sample for a predetermined period of time, and an IR transceiver for transmitting the digitized voice sample.

Abstract: A nut for use with an elongated rod having one end anchored by a hardened resin grouting mix in a drill hole in a mine roof or other such rock formation. The nut has a body portion with a threaded bore through which the rod is advanced and a dome-shaped wall surrounding one end of the bore in radially outwardly spaced relation and an annular lip defining an opening in coaxial, axially spaced relation to the one end of the bore. A metal disc, either solid or with a central opening of smaller diameter than the bore, is positioned in covering relation to the bore and surrounded by the dome-shaped wall. As the rod is advanced through the nut, the disc is moved into contact about its entire periphery with the inside of the dome-shaped wall and rotation of the nut is transmitted to the rod to mix the resin components within the drill hole.

Abstract: A sudser unit having an entry port, discharge port, and a fluid conduit. The discharge port and fluid conduit extend along a common longitudinal axis, and the entry port extends along a longitudinal axis that intersects the longitudinal axis of the discharge port and fluid conduit at an oblique angle. A water supply, such as a hose, is operably connected to the entry port. A converging nozzle having an opening of smaller diameter than that of the entry port is attached to the discharge port, and a detergent reservoir is attached to the fluid conduit. A valve is disposed between the reservoir and fluid conduit. A valve is disposed between the reservoir and fluid conduit to permit selective mixing of the water and detergent, and selective metering of the mixed composition.