Abstract: A method for reducing the dynamic range required of a receiver circuit in a remote transceiver in 2-way communication between local and remote transceivers. By repeatedly transmitting a signal with successively increasing power from one transceiver until a response is received from the other transceiver, the dynamic range and hence complexity of the receiving circuit may be greatly reduced. The operating power of the remote transmitter can then be adjusted according to the level used by the local transmitter, thereby promoting the efficent use of the remote's power supply.

Abstract: A patio table and outdoor barbecue combination in which a charcoal pit is positioned in the upper section of a table central, hollow-core pedestal, and can be covered when not in use by a lid flush with the upper surface of the table slab. The cooking griddle, charcoal plate, and ash-collecting bucket are held at successively space-apart levels by the inner wall of the pit-liner which has an inverted frusto-conical shape.

Abstract: A process for growing a light weight, transportable sod-mat and for facilitating the implantation of such a mat on a lawn bed comprises germinating lawn-grass seeds (5) in a thin layer of growing medium (4) spread over a mat of non-woven polypropylene (3) laying on an impermeable membrane (2). After germination, the mat and the inseminated growing medium is installed over a layer of porous material such as decomposed granite covering a conditioned subsoil. Drip irrigation lines are run through the upper region of the porous material.

Abstract: A disposable club head wiping patch is removably stuck to the lower portion of a golfer's trouser leg. The outer working surface of the patch includes a layer of scouring material preferably made of a piling of synthetic fiber segments hard enough to wipe off mud and grass debris that may have stuck to the club head.

Abstract: A versatile cooking, and food and beverage handling utensil comprises a vessel made of heat-resistant material provided with an articulated handle that can assume a near horizontal cooking position or a near vertical drinking position. A heat insulating sleeve can be conveniently engaged over the vessel and locked into place by an extension of the articulated handle. A lid assembly has a sealable aperture and a pouring spout or drinking brim. A sieve press can turn the vessel into a coffee or tea brewing pot that doubles as a mug once the sleeve is installed.

Abstract: A strapping assembly comprising a pair of parallel straps cross-connected at their ends is wrapped around a baseball glove enfolded around a ball in order to shape a pocket in the palm of the glove for more accurate catching and more secure holding of the ball.

Abstract: A golf putter having a monolithic head consisting of a section of a composite intrusive igneous rock having a generally ellipsoidal flattened shape that has been sliced diagonally. The top of the section is drilled to receive the bottom end of the club shaft.

Abstract: A removable pocket is formed over a section of fabric such as the front of a shirt by adhesively securing to the fabric a treated and embossed label-type applique made of two plies of paper permanently bonded about their peripheries and in which a slit along a top edge allows access to the pouch thus formed between plies. The pouch may be filled with merchandise and temporarily sealed with a removable strip.

Abstract: An outdoor lounge chair particularly adapted for sun-bathing comprises a uni-body frame defining a planar body supporting structure bent into a dogleg configuration to comfortably support a person in a reclining position. The support structure is made from two plies of sheet plastic joined around a periphery. A network of copper pipes sandwiched between the two plies of sheet plastic has an inlet port with a coupling for attachment to a water hose. A plurality of outlet ports are fitted with spray nozzles mounted on the peripheral edge of the lounge chair; whereby the user's body can be cooled by the mist emitting from the spray nozzles.

Abstract: A banner display device where a plurality of banners are mounted end-to-end to form a scroll which is wound on a pair of parallel and spaced-apart rollers, each driven by a motor. Pulse code modulated drive voltages are produced by microprocessor based command and control circuitry to accurately and efficiently turn the motors at speeds which impart proper tensioning of the scroll during winding.

Abstract: A capsule loaded with a pressurized gas has a single front aperture sealed by an internal plug made of resilient material. The cartridge is loaded by placing it inside a pressurized chamber, then drawing the internal plug against the aperture before decompressing the chamber. A self-propelling embodiment comprises an expellable volume of liquid stored in the rear section of the cartridge in contact with its puncturable base, and separated from the pressurized gas by a floating piston. The base is concavely formed into a bell shape to focus the expelled liquid in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A golf putter has a pair of rails projecting downwardly from the sole of the head and oriented in the striking direction, thus raising the center of gravity of the head to the same level as the center of gravity of the ball and the striking point on the face of the putter.

Abstract: A surgical dressing comprises a slab or strip of open-cell synthetic foam material sandwiched between layers of gauze. The foam slab provides good absorption capacity and homogeneity to the dressing while reducing adherence to dried wounds. The foam slab also adds some rigidity to a strip of dressing which can then be used to form compressing and stabilizing bandages.

Abstract: A non-lethal weapon for temporarily immobilizing a target subject by means of muscular tetanization in which the tetanization is produced by conducting a precisely-modulated electrical current through the target. Because the electrical current is a close replication of the physiological neuroelectric impulses which control striated muscle tissue, it tetanizes the subject's skeletal muscles without causing any perceptible sensation. The transmission of this current to the distant target is via two channels of electrically conductive air. The conductive channels are created by multi-photon and collisional ionization within the paths of two beams of coherent (laser) or columnated incoherent ultraviolet radiation directed to the target. A single beam may be used to tetanize a grounded target. The high-voltage tetanizing current flows from electrodes at the origin of the beams along the channels of free electrons within them.

Abstract: A non-fogging goggle assembly comprises a transparent film of polyester or polycarbonate coated with a hydrophilic composition that lowers the surface tension of water droplets, causing them to spread rather than form vision-obstructing beads. The film is applied against the inner face of the goggle lens and releasably held in place without any adhesive by pressure-fitting the edge of the film or parts thereof into peripheral slots or grooves cut into the section of the frame surrounding the lens.

Abstract: A skating device comprises an oblong platform, having curled-up front and end sections, mounted on roller assemblies and having a first boot fixedly secured at a right angle on top of the front end section and a second boot pivotally secured above a rear portion of the platform.

Abstract: Twin, thermal-insulated containers held side-by-side for transportation separate to expose deployable pairs of forward projecting and rearward projecting arms that mount a body-supporting web, thus forming a lounge chair whose thermal-insulated containers constitute the sides and arm rests. The arms are connected to toroidal bearings nested in semi-circular cavities in the walls of the containers. Detent nibs projecting from the periphery of the toroidal bearings engage corresponding notches in the bearing cavities when in their deployed lounge chair positions. The body-supporting web and the cross-bar joining the arms can be conveniently stored under the thermal-insulated containers when they are joined together in the transport mode.

Abstract: A self-inflating structure consists essentially of a block of open-cell, resiliently compressible, foam material which has been shaped to a desired form and covered with an airtight envelope having a sealable aperture. The structure can be pressed to expel any air or other fluid out of the foam material and any internal void through the aperture. The structure is kept pressed or the aperture is sealed in order to keep it in its collapsed state. Upon release of the pressing form or the opening of the aperture, the block of foam bounces back to its original state sucking in ambient air and restoring the structure to its full size. The method for shaping the foam block includes extruding, machining, and carving with patterned sets of blades or burning wires.