Abstract: A stackable storage and dispensing rack for multiple articles such as computer tape cassettes which includes a plurality of side frames each being formed by a perimeter member of generally rectangular configuration, an intermediate structural member extending longitudinally of the perimeter member and an intermediate strut member oriented in substantially normal relation to the intermediate structural member. The side frames are secured in side-by-side relation by means of upper and lower stringer members and form elongated article storage and dispensing compartments between each side frame member. An article support in the form of a single elongated support wire is positioned between the lower portions of the side frames to support the articles and to permit the articles to slide toward the front of the rack when the rear portion of the rack is elevated.

Abstract: An improved locking box clasp for use with jewelry comprising a generally rectangular box with a top opening, a side opening and front end openings, a clip member and a locking pin. The clip member inserts into the front end of the box, and contains a locking boss on the top side thereof, which locking boss is of dimensions slightly less than the top opening of the box. When the clip member is inserted into the open front end, it must be compressed and the locking boss seats into the top opening. A locking pin, articulating from the rear end of the box, has a tongue which, when inserted into the side opening of the box, prevents unintentional compression of the locking boss of the clip member, and therefore, unintentional removal of the clip member from the box. One end of a jewelry chain is anchored to the clip member, and the second end is anchored to the box.

Abstract: A light rail system for supporting light fixtures which is flexible so as to conform to curved and irregular surfaces. The light rail has two strips, fabricated from a single piece of conductive material, surrounded by upper and lower tracks of thermoplastic material. Extensions from the strips form contact tabs which are folded perpendicular to the strips, and extend through slits in the upper track. Source plugs integral with the conductive strips mate with a feed plug providing external electricity. A special coupler allows several rails to be joined together.

Abstract: A modular landscaping system variable in size and configuration usable when making shrubbery and flower beds for masking ground surface surrounding bed plants, for permitting watering of the plants from a single location, and for enhancing the aesthetic characteristics of ground surfaces in the beds. The system comprises a plurality of interlocking plastic plates, each having one or more plant holes through which plants may extend. Each plant hole is surrounded by a flared collar which collars a plant's stalk several inches above ground level. The collar is designed to be adjustable in size for use with differently sized plants. Each plate has a raised rim along the portions of its periphery which are not interlockable with other plates. In the assembled system, the rims of the plates collectively form a liquid retaining barrier which, in combination with the number of small seepage holes passing through each plate near the plant holes, allows the plants within the system to be watered from one location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for steam cleaning of conduit or exhausting of high velocity steam with minimum noise levels in which high velocity steam is expanded with the simultaneous introduction of a decelerating fluid such as water in the form of a fine dispersion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a peripheral connector for a standard coupler, which permits the coupler to be remotely connectable and disconnectable. A male unit and a female unit of the invention enclose a male half and a female half of the coupler, respectively, and cover them with protective boots. A female unit projects an assembly, thereby opening the boot covering the female coupler half. The projected assembly pushes against portions of the male unit, opening the boot covering the male unit, and connecting the coupler. Disconnection is accomplished by moving the projected assembly in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle is disclosed which is adapted for alternative land and water modes of operation and in which both modes of operation are performed efficiently. The amphibious vehicle includes a vehicle body supported, during land-bound operation, by a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels. Each of the wheels of the vehicle are surrounded by specially-configured fender/sponson units which are rotatable between first and second operational positions through an angle of approximately 180.degree. about the encompassed wheel. In the first operational position, the fender/sponson units function as wheel tenders for land operation. In the second operational position, the fender/sponson units function as sponsons providing floatation to the vehicle and effectively contributing to the streamlined character of the vehicle during traverse through the water by presenting nautical wedges to the water.

Abstract: A coin control mechanism for use with a dispensing machine and containing a three-way adjustable price setter and a mechanical linkage to quickly change the coin control mechanism among any one of three preset prices, thus allowing for different price settings on different days. Three adjustable legs control the preinsertion position of a totalizer which calculates the cumulative total of coins inserted into the coin chute of the coin control mechanism. A three-position keyway and linkage allows an operator to quickly change the preinsertion position of the totalizer from outside of the coin control mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanical latching device for repeatable latching and unlatching of downhole well tools is adapted for use in a mandrel interconnected with a tubing string of a well, the mandrel forming a downwardly directed internal shoulder. The latch mechanism incorporates a fishing neck adapted for interconnection with the downhole tool. The fishing neck is disposed in upstanding generally centralized relation within the mandrel. A collet member which may be a component part of a well service tool or which may be a component part of the latch mechanism defines pulling shoulders at the free extremity of collet fingers defined thereby. A latch retainer is disposed in movable relation about the fishing neck and is movable between latched and unlatched positions relative to the fishing neck. In the latched position the latch retainer provides external support for the collet fingers to maintain the collet fingers in latching interengagement with a pulling flank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the roof of an automobile so as to enable the automobile to be easily converted from a detached roof style to a T-top style is disclosed. The method involves the preparation and removal of a portion of the existing vehicular roof. After reinforcement of the wind shield header and rear roof portion, the header and rear roof portion are adapted to accept an apparatus for bridging the header and the rear roof portion to permit the removable attachment of roof panels. The apparatus comprises a spanning member having a first end adapted to be removably secured to the modified header and a second end adapted to be removably secured to the modified rear roof portion. The apparatus further has sealing means on the ends of the spanning member which align with sealing means on the modified header and rear roof portion.

Abstract: An alignment fitting for implements such as buckets and hammers, which are to be removably attached to a bachhoe. The invention includes a pair of cylindrical bosses, which are affixed to opposing apertures in mounting flanges on the implement. A cylindrical bushing is rotatable inside each boss. A pin is placed through an eccentric bore in each bushing, and through the backhoe dipperstick. The eccentricity of the bushings allows the bushings to compensate for misalignment that may occur in the implement or the backhoe dipperstick. The invention may also be used with a hitch to provide greater tolerances when nonstandard size implements are attached.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately placing orthodontic brackets on the lingual or labial surface of a model of a patient's maloccluded teeth in conjunction with an indirect bonding procedure or the like. A model support incorporates an immovable base forming a spherical surface segment which receives a complimentary spherical surface segment of a movable model platform thus providing for rotation of the platform in all planes of space about a centroid region. The maloccluded model is placed on the movable platform with a selected tooth thereof located at the central region of a sphere of which the spherical surface segments form a part. A tooth orienting template is releasably supported in fixed relation to the base structure and is selected according to the centrally positioned tooth of the model. The optimum position of the selected tooth relative to an optimum dental arch at the labial surface thereof is identified for bracket attachment to the labial surface.

Abstract: A drapery pole installation system is provided having an elongated generally cylindrical drapery pole forming an elongated slot extending the length thereof. Intermediate support for the drapery pole is provided by one or more intermediate hangers adapted to extend from a wall structure of a building with fingers extending in supporting relation within the elongated slot of the drapery pole. End support for the drapery pole is provided by elbows which are supported by substantially concealed brackets and which effectively compensate for slight errors in drapery pole measurement. The drapery support elbows have hollow receptacles at one end and support apertures that receive support pins of the wall mounted brackets.

Abstract: A compact, low electrical noise power supply for fluorescent lights used in conjunction with a borehole television system. The outputs of first and second power sources are combined to initiate operation of the fluorescent light. After the operation of the light has been initiated, the second power source is disabled and the light is maintained in operation by the first source of electric power. In the preferred embodiment, the first source of electric power is a source of high voltage DC current and the second source of electric power is a high frequency oscillator. A transformer is provided to combine the outputs of the two sources of electric power. The operation of the oscillator is controlled by a momentary start switch which disables the oscillator after the light has been activated.

Abstract: An attachment for temporarily converting a flexible cord-type lawn trimmer to a lawn edger is disclosed. The attachment comprises a base plate for mounting to the housing of the lawn trimmer. The attachment includes an edge guide, a deflection shield, a bracket and wheels mounted to the base plate. The bracket supports a portion of the lawn trimmer housing upon securing the base plate to the lawn trimmer.

Abstract: A cardiovascular monitor having improved safety features and data transmission ability. Sensing devices placed on a patient's body, such as electrocardiogram electrodes and phonocardiogram microphones, are electrically isolated from the data recorder and AC powerline, thereby protecting the patient from dangerously high voltages existing in the recorder and the external power source. Isolation amplifiers are employed in the signal conditioning circuitry at the front end of the recorder. Special isolation transformers are also used to prevent ground loop currents between the signal conditioner and the recorder thus minimizing noise due to powerline leakage. Similarly, isolation amplifiers are used during the playback mode between the recorder and a data processor to avoid ground loop currents between the recorder and the processor.

Abstract: For seismic exploration, a method and apparatus are set forth wherein geophones, preferably arranged in XYZ relationship to one another fixedly within a hermetically sealed housing, are located in a deviated well. The position of the housing with respect to a reference such as the earth's north axis is determined. This reference enables determination of the geophone location and the direction of propagation of seismic impulse.

Abstract: An ointment for relieving impotence. The ointment generally consists of a primary agent, a carrier, and a base, and is applied directly to the penis. The primary agent is a vasodilator selected from the group consisting of papaverine, hydralazine, sodium nitroprusside, phenoxybenzamine and phentolamine. The carrier is used to assist absorption of the primary agent through the skin around the penis. When the primary agent enters the corpora cavernosa within the penis, it causes dilation of the corpora, resulting in an erection.