Abstract: Sportswear having readily accessible towelling means which are detachably and invisibly anchored to the waistband of the garments is disclosed. The preferred garment design is for tennis shorts which includes at least one, and preferably two, quick-release Velcro-like fasteners, one at the waistband and optionally, a second one at the cuff line of the shorts. In both instances, these fasteners are incorporated into the garment so as to be essentially invisible when not in use to retain the towelling means. In another of the preferred embodiments of this invention, sleeve towels are releasably attached, in an analogous manner, to an athletic shirt or jersey.

Abstract: Key marker comprises an elastic ring and integral flanges adapted to be stretched around the periphery of the bow of a flat key. The ring has a slot therein adapted to fit around the bit of the key. An elastic membrane integral with one of the flanges extends part way across the flange inwardly from the slot. An inscription area, which may be a coating, on the outer surface of the membrane is adapted to receive a graphic inscription thereon. There may be a similar membrane integral with the other flange. Also, there may be small protuberances distributed over the outer surfaces of the flanges.

Abstract: An improved toothbrush having a handle and two sets of bristles; one set of bristles being disposed on each end of the handle. One set of bristles is configured as a conventional toothbrush and may, thus, have any one of a number of combinations of bristles and shapes for performing routine dental hygiene. The other end of the brush is unique in both the configuration of the supporting portion of the handle, the crescent configuration of the bristles and the articulation (pivoting action) of the crescent-shaped toothbrush relative to the handle. This portion of the handle is further modified (curved) to support the crescent-shaped bristle as to place them in opposing relationship to the inside surface of the user's teeth. This is achieved without any strain or unorthodox positioning of the brush by the user. Since the crescent-shaped toothbrush is able to articulate (pivot) relative to the handle, it is equally effective in cleansing all inside surfaces of the teeth, not simply the front teeth.

Abstract: A three-conductor booster cable assembly is disclosed for connection of a source of DC power to the terminals of a battery requiring recharging. The uniqueness of this assembly is based upon a combination of features including (a) modification of the terminal clamps on the cable ends to insure that the opposing jaws of each clamp are and remain open when not in contact with the positive terminals of either the battery or power source, (b) the provision of two separate conductors for connection of the positive terminal clamps to the positive terminal of the power source to the positive terminal of the battery to be recharged and (c) control circuitry specific for a three-conductor booster cable assembly. Because of these and other features, the control circuit logic is now capable of preventing arcing of the positive terminal clamps should they become inadvertently disconnected from the terminals once the transfer of power from the power source to the battery has been initiated.

Abstract: A process for the selective conversion of a polymer coating to a ceramic material is disclosed. This process initially involves the provision of a polymer film which has been generated by R. F. plasma vapor phase polymerization of a monomer comprising an inorganic (i.e. silicon) or an organometallic constituent on a receptive substrate. The polymer is thereafter selectively exposed to a coherent or focused energy source (i.e. CO.sub.2 laser) at the appropriate wavelength and power output to effect in situ conversion of a polymer film to a ceramic deposit which is substantially devoid of carbonaceous impurities. This process is also unique for its ability to provide a ceramic deposit that is firmly adherent on a variety of receptive substrates. The degree of adherence is far superior to ceramic coatings derived by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. The process lends itself to the formation of ceramic patterns which have application in the microelectronics industry.

Abstract: A golf-club carrier comprising a rigid cylindrical sleeve having a lower end and an upper end, a base plate mounted within the lower end of the sleeve, and a cylindrical golf-club holder rotatably mounted within the sleeve to the base plate. The holder includes a plurality of wheels mounted on the holder and adapted to provide rolling contact with the inner surface of the sleeve. Sideward forces are distributed among several of the wheels, which are free to roll on the cylindrical inner surface of the rigid sleeve. The holder functions as a club organizer and allows for a separate compartment to be used for each club and the organization of the clubs within the bag in any one of a number of arrangements.

Abstract: A method and system for credit card issuers with cardholders that own insurance policies with surrender cash values in them. The method and system include the use of computerized and information storage systems for obtaining information storage systems for obtaining information from each participating cardholder. The system uses this information to compute a line of credit that is transmitted to the participating bank that issue the conventional cards. Since the system has an assignment of the equity of each policy, it can extend the line of credit with virtually no risk of default.

Abstract: An apparatus and a data processing methodology for the creation, display and/or generation of brand name specific advertising media based upon a combination of sponsor and consumer input, is provided by this invention. The apparatus and methodology of this invention have application in diverse environments with the principal utilization criteria being the consumer's need to compose an integrated listing of elements in the form of an individualized package from among a selection of products and/or services of unrelated suppliers (sponsors). The resultant listing derivative from this methodology is brand name specific, hence the characterization of such listing as an "advertising medium." For example, this brand name specific medium can be formated as a recipe card file or as an integrated shopping list. In both of the foregoing formats, the brand name of the product sponsor is featured for each item/ingredient of the meal/recipe.

Abstract: An improved foil for stained glass assembly is disclosed. This improved foil is unique in that it includes an indexing reference to assist in the precise placement of the foil on the edge of a piece of stained glass. After foiling of numerous pieces of stained glass, they are butted to one another and soldered together along their contiguous seams. The precise placement of the foil on the edge of the glass insures that the solder bead between such contiguous pieces is uniform, thus insuring an esthetically attractive and structurally superior article.

Abstract: The ventilation monitor of this invention includes a plurality of discrete sensors and a plurality of independent channels for processing the input signals from each of the discrete sensors. The principle category of sensor used in conjunction with this ventilation monitor is capable of the reception of information associated with breathing and cardiovascular movement. A second category of the sensor used in conjunction with this ventilation monitor is capable of the reception of audible sounds associated with breathing. Each of the individual input signals from these sensors is initially verified as being indicative of the sensation being monitored and, thereafter, compared in real time with one another and criteria stored within a microprocessor. The purpose of the comparison is to verify a normal breathing pattern and signal an alarm when the breathing pattern is abnormal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved apparatus for scoring glass wherein a scoring wheel is rotatably mounted on an axle within a novel mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be the extension of the handle of a manual glass scoring device or integrated within a cartridge for an automated or semi-automated glass scoring machine. One of the unique features of the improved apparatus of this invention resides in the spatial geometry of the clearance between the mounting bracket and the scoring wheel. The enhanced degree of clearance between these two components substantially reduces maintenance requirements and improves consistency of performance. This results in reduction in accumulation of glass chips between the wheel and the mounting bracket, thereby insuring continuous freedom of movement of the scoring wheel within the bracket even after extended periods of use. Such enhanced clearance also enables simple and precise lubrication of the axle which supports the scoring wheel.

Abstract: An improved one-piece seat cover for an automotive passenger seat is disclosed. This improved one-piece seat cover is superior to seat covers presently available in that the portion thereof which covers the seat cushion is secured and maintained taut and wrinkle free without coupling to the springs of the seat cushion. The improvement resides in the provision of an additional panel which extends from the inside seam that joins the back portion of the cover to the seat portion of the cover. This panel extends from this inside seam of the cover between the seat back and seat cushion. Resilient hold down straps on the seat cover portion are then coupled to this panel under the base of the seat by tensioning means. Thus, the seat cover cushion is maintained secure and in place independent of the position of the seat cushion or the springs which support the seat cushion. In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the seat back portion of the cover is also modified.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved apparatus for scoring glass wherein a scoring wheel is rotatably mounted on an axle within a novel mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be the extension of the handle of a manual glass scoring device or integrated within a cartridge for an automated or semi-automated glass scoring machine. One of the unique features of the improved apparatus of this invention resides in the spatial geometry of the clearance between the mounting bracket and the scoring wheel. The enhanced degree of clearance between these two components substantially reduces maintenance requirements and improves consistency of performance. This results in reduction in accumulation of glass chips between the wheel and the mounting bracket, thereby insuring continuous freedom of movement of the scoring wheel within the bracket even after extended periods of use. Such enhanced clearance also enables simple and precise lubrication of the axle which supports the scoring wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary internal combustion engine having a generally circular geometry in vertical cross section. The engine's rotor is circular, and it is disposed in a housing in two portions, each portion being a section of a different circle, the circles being offset along the engine's vertical centerline. One of these circles is identical in center and radius as the rotor. The other, owing to the displacement between its center and the center of rotation of the rotor, has a gap between it and the rotor. The engine's crank shaft rotates about an axis passing through the center of this second circle. The rotor has a plurality of radially extending holes connected by connecting rods from the crank shaft, each connecting rod having attached to it a sealing means making the holes effective as combustion chambers. This improved engine is unique in the design of the individual combustion chambers and pistons which undergo reciprocal movement within said chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly and method for introducing and transporting sample containers in a chemical analyzer, and in particular, to an assembly for organizing randomly loaded sample containers in a positively-identifiable fashion. The assembly additionally includes a means for sequencing the organization of sample containers and a novel means for dispensing measured amounts of sample therefrom.

Abstract: An improved device for communication of graphic and/or pictorial information. In its simplest form, this device includes a graphic and/or pictorial information display element, a synthesizer element for electronic sound reproduction and a backing plate which couples to the display element and thereby defines a chamber for housing the synthesizer. The audible message produced by the synthesizer can be programmed for enhancement and/or complementary to the graphic and/or pictorial information depicted on the display element. This device can be used as a novelty item, jewelry-like adornments, enhanced security identification badges and various instructional and/or message oriented media.

Abstract: An automated instrument system for analyzing constituents of a patient sample while reacting a reagent specific for the selected constituent within the sample. The analyzer includes: a continuous flexible cuvette belt having a series of parallel discrete reaction compartments thereon, a carousel for dispensing solid tabletted reagents into the compartments, a means for effecting ultrasonic dissolution of the tabletted reagent in the reaction compartment, means for dispensing sample from a source thereof into a reaction compartment, including a sample source transport carousel assembly, and means for transporting the cuvette belt through a plurality of analysis stations located in a linear relationship along the path of travel of the cuvette belt.

Abstract: A method for conducting a ligand assay in an inert porous medium wherein a binding material is immunologically immobilized within the medium, which includes the steps of immunologically immobilizing a binding material within a finite zone of the medium, applying an analyte to the zone containing the immobilized binding material, applying a labeled indicator to the zone which becomes immobilized within the zone in an amount which can be correlated to the amount of analyte in the zone, applying a solvent to substantially the center of the zone to chromatographically separate the unbound labeled indicator from the zone, and measuring the amount of labeled indicator remaining in the zone.

Abstract: A bicycle with a foot cranked sprocket driven rear wheel assembly and a steering arm assembly substantially pivoting about the vertical axis more or less located in coincidence or near and substantially parallel to the axis of the bicycle frame member where the seat post is inserted. At the upper leading portion of the steering arm a hand crank is provided to drive a flexible shaft at one end of it through gearing means with the other end, the said shaft engaging another gear means to drive a ring gear that turns with the foot cranked sprocket. Connected at the lower lagging portion of the steering arm assembly are linking means which are also connected to the upper portion of the front fork to impart rotation of the front assembly about a vertical axis so that the steerable front wheel can be steered by the steering arm assembly.