Abstract: An apparatus/method for measuring the volume of urine in a human bladder, including a scanhead and transceiver for transmitting a plurality of ultrasound signals (10, 24) into the bladder and for receiving the returning ultrasound signals (10,24). The apparatus further includes a signal processor for automatically processing the received signals (26), a digitizer for converting the analog signal into a series of digital data elements (28) and a CPU and signal processing software for processing the data elements (12,34) so as to determine the distance between the front and rear of the bladder or the area of the plane of the ultrasound signals, and for computing the volume of the bladder and hence the volume of urine in the bladder from the distance or area information (12, 34).

Abstract: A graphic/tactile musical instruction system includes a three-row equal temperament whole tone graphic/tactile keyboard and a nomographic system of music notation. In a first embodiment of the keyboard, an upper row of keys produces the notes C.sup.# /D.sub.b, D.sup.# /E.sub.b, F, G, A and B, with the C.sup.# /D.sub.b and D.sup.# /E.sub.b keys being extended forward. The upper row keys are narrower in the highest octaves. The middle row produces the notes C, D, E, F.sup.# /G.sub.b, G.sup.# /A.sub.b and A.sup.# /B.sub.b, with the F.sup.# /G.sub.b, G.sup.# /A.sub.b, and A.sup.# /B.sub.b keys extended forward. The lower row keys are aligned with and play the same notes as the upper row keys. In a second embodiment of the keyboard, the upper row keys are narrower in the upper octaves. The F and G upper row keys have raised top surfaces, extended and beveled front ends, and darkened surfaces. The middle row C keys have extended and beveled front ends, raised top surfaces, and darkened surfaces.

Abstract: A base element (10) is fixedly mounted to a microscope. The upper surface (18) of an annular mounting portion (15) at the top of base element (10) is flat and forms a track which extends around the vertical centerline, i.e. the optical axis of the microscope. Movably secured to the upper surface (18) of the annular mounting portion (15) is a positioner element (28). The positioner element (28) includes a portion (46) which is movable toward and away from the centerline of the microscope (12). On the top surface of the movable portion (46) is a translator element (64) which is rotatable relative to the positioner element (28). A micromanipulator (73), which is a microscope accessory, is mountable on the translator (64). The apparatus as a whole provides a stable platform for support and movement of a plurality of micromanipulators.

Abstract: A load support platform for use in conjunction with a vehicle tire wherein a pair of outwardly flared feet 22, 24 interact with the tire such that lateral or downward forces on the platform 6 is resisted by the weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A blank, stored in a flat condition including fold lines and cuts to form a paper vase having a flat triangular bottom, tapered sides and an irregular sculptured upper edge.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument wherein the interconnection between the main body portion and the neck is arcuate in shape whereby the two parts may be quickly and easily aligned during manufacture without requiring a restructuring.

Abstract: A marine animal trap comprising entrance gate means including a plurality of plastic fingers having a relative buoyancy and arrangement to be maintained closed and to reclose by buoyancy action after an animal enters the trap by buoyant action. In preferred forms some fingers have a slight positive buoyancy and some have a slight negative buoyancy in water. A mounting frame suitably includes journal rods mounting said plurality of fingers for pivotal movement in a generally vertical manner, and stop means whereby when the trap is in water the nominal state of rest of at least some of the fingers is with the finger partially spanning the gate entrance and with such fingers in such position being restrained from outward pivotal movement, the fingers being nonetheless free to pivotally move inwardly so as to not impede animal ingress through the gate. The form, arrangement and placement of the fingers in the trap can vary.

Abstract: A container which includes a lower body portion to receive articles and an upper lid portion which forms a top for the body portion. An upstanding rib is provided along the upper edge of the body which is received into a mating channel on the lower edge of the lid. The lid is hinged to the body and clamps are included which secure the lid to the body. The body includes a horizontal rib which extends outwardly from the body in the vicinity of the upper edge thereof, while the lid includes a mating horizontal rib which extends outwardly in the vicinity of the lower edge thereof. Both the lid and the body include an indented portion in the front surface approximately central thereof. A portion of the horizontal rib of the body extends across the opening defined by the indented portion, thereby forming a handle for the container.

Abstract: A modular, electromagnetic de-icing system, useful for aircraft, each module being self-contained and including an actuator coil which has a surface configuration which is substantially the same as the shape of the aircraft surface to be de-iced. Each module further includes an electrolytic capacitor which, when discharged, produces a current pulse through the actuator coil, as well as a power supply connected directly to the aircraft-voltage supply for charging the electrolytic capacitor to a selected level, and an electronic switch for selectively connecting the capacitor to the coil when the voltage on the capacitor reaches a selected level. The current through the coil results in a magnetic force pulse which acts on the metal skin of the aircraft to debond and shatter the ice therefrom.

Abstract: The process of producing from urea a reaction product which is predominantly cyanuric acid, which process involves only the application of heat without use of solvents or catalysts. The process in its first stage involves heating molten urea for a time and at a temperature to convert the urea to a first stage reaction product comprising less than 40% urea and at least 30% biuret, then cooling and comminuting the first stage reaction product, then as a second stage of the process, passing hot air through the comminuted first stage reaction product at temperatures progressively increasing but maintained below the melting point of the reaction, such solid phase heating of the reaction product during the second stage of the process being maintained until the cyanuric acid content is at least about 50% of the final reaction product and is preferably at least about 70%.

Abstract: A retractable truck bed cover comprising a plurality of relatively narrow slats (12--12) which are rotatably interfitted together along their longitudinal edges by means of mating elements (26,28) so that the cover is flexible in its longitudinal direction. The slats include wheels (64) which extend from the opposite end edges thereof and which are mounted for rotation. The wheels are received into opposing side rails (36,38) which are mounted along the top edges of the truck bed. A cover retracting mechanism (18) is positioned adjacent the cab of the truck, and includes two vertical end pieces (100,102), on facing surfaces of which is located a shallow spiral track (108), which receives the wheels (64) of the succession of slats comprising the cover, permitting the cover to be conveniently rolled up upon itself.

Abstract: An article of insulation and its method of manufacture, in which a planar sheet member has a plurality of score lines (24--24) made in the exterior surface thereof, and is then folded along the score lines (24--24) and then sealed to form an enclosed, airtight volume. Positioned between the upper and lower portions (12,14) of the sheet member are a plurality of thin, flexible, resilient, spaced interior elements (36--36). The combination is deformed to form corrugated surfaces and then expanded so that the upper and lower portions are spaced apart and the interior elements are again substantially flat. The space between the upper and lower elements is evacuated.

Abstract: An on-board system for measuring vehicle loads on dual axles with a suspension system having a front hanger, a rear hanger, an equalizer and an equalizer hanger. Attached to the equalizer, in one embodiment, are a plurality of strain gauges, arranged in two cut-out portions. The strain gauges are positioned so that the measured strain corresponds to the force of the vertical load on the equalizer. The output of the strain gauges is then applied to a conventional bridge circuit and from there to a conventional electronic circuit to provide a display which indicates the weight of the load on the dual wheels.

Abstract: An improved gasification system, in which synthesis gas is produced through the operation of a fuel gas production bed comprising an upper layer (66) of organic input material, typically in the form of pellets or briquettes of substantially uniform size and configuration, two intermediate layers, one intermediate layer (70) for carbonizing the input material, and the other intermediate layer (72) for partially oxidizing and substantially completely pyrolyzing the input material and a lower layer (68) of tar-free charcoal. The length of the gas production bed from the top of the upper intermediate layer to the point where gas exits from the gas production bed is approximately at least 1.5 times the diameter of the bed, but not less than 7 feet. The removal of charcoal from the gas production bed is controlled and the operation of the bed otherwise controlled such that the charcoal produced during the process is activated carbon.

Abstract: A portable door lock for securing a door from the interior. The lock includes a retractable blade (10) for interaction with the door strike plate and a handle (12) including mechanism to prevent motion of the blade when the handle is not coliner with the blade.

Abstract: A three dimensional game including a base element (10) including a plurality of bores (20, 22, 24) each rotatably containing a cylindrical member (32, 23, 36). Each cylinder has a plurality of radial shallow bores (40) for receiving game pieces (26) which are selectively placed in one of the bores (40) by passing through one of the openings (26, 28, 30) in the top of the bore element (10).

Abstract: A containment vessel for potentially harmful fluid including a fluid impermeable primary container having a multi-layer floor including a leak detection system. A concentric secondary fluid impermeable containment vessel surrounds and is spaced from the primary containment vessel and likewise includes a multi-layer floor including a leak detection system.

Abstract: The joint uses a cruciform connector and machine bolts to interconnect two or more beams, and one or two posts, in such a way that the connector is concealed, and the beams as well as either post, may be removed from the joint at a later time, if desired, or added to the joint at such time, if not all of the quadrants of the connector were used initially.

Abstract: A method of tensioning screening material on a tension frame for use in a silk screen process including the steps of (1) squaring the material, (2) attaching the material to rotatable frame members along a portion of their length by adhesive (3) rotating the frame members until the appropriate tension is reached, and (4) securing the frame members in position. The fabric may be retensioned without removal. The frame includes four rotatable cylindrical elements including a plug at each end which has a plurality of radial bores for rotation by a spanner wrench.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a driver (86). The driver (86) includes a front portion (90) which is adapted to receive a riveting die (92), and a rear portion (88) which is a copper plate. The copper plate (88) is receptive to the establishment of magnetic field currents therein. The actuator further includes a coil (72) which is positionable in close proximity to the copper plate (88) of the drive (86). The apparatus further includes a bank of capacitors having a stored charge so as to produce a current pulse through the coil (72) when the capacitors are connected to the coil (72). Still further, the apparatus includes a control means for selectively connecting the stored charge from the capacitors to the coil. The copper plate (88) is relatively thick compared to that used in high voltage electromagnetic actuators, such that the present apparatus requires only a relatively low voltage in order to produce the required high forces to accomplish the desired riveting.