Abstract: Apparatus for holding folding clothing in a compact bag, particularly one suited for storage under seats or in overhead bins on commercial aircraft is disclosed. A two part folding panel is connected at one edge parallel to a hinge between two compartments of a suitcase. A hanger carrying an article of clothing is attached to a hook on the interior of a side wall opposite the hinge so that the clothing lays across the bottom of the compartment and portions of the folding panel. Two arcuate padded bars are provided over the hinge and over a fold line on the folding panel so that the clothing is wrapped around same with a relatively large radius of curvature when the first panel segment is folded along the fold line over the second panel segment, and the composite folded panel is then folded into one compartment of the suitcase.

Abstract: A voice coil adaptor ring and loudspeaker system of the moving coil type including a cone diaphragm supported by a frame, a voice coil former for supporting a voice coil, and a lower suspension for securing and centering the voice coil former in a magnetic gap while it is displaced by a magnetic circuit. The voice coil adaptor ring is mounted over the voice coil former and comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve having a ledge extending outward from said sleeve for supporting the cone and lower suspension; an inner glue flange projecting inward from the sleeve so as to define a diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the voice coil former whereby the sleeve, inner glue flange and voice coil former define a gap for receiving epoxies; and a plurality of venting passages in fluid communication with a cap volume defined by the cone and dust cap for venting hot air from the cap volume.

Abstract: A concentric tube suspension system and loudspeaker system of the moving coil type, including a diaphragm supported by a frame, a voice coil including a former and voice coil winding supported by the former, and a suspension system for stabilizing and centering the voice coil in a magnetic gap while it is linearly displaced by an electromagnetic motor. The suspension system generally comprises a tubular stabilizer attached to the bottom surface of the diaphragm so as to concentrically straddle the voice coil and electromagnetic motor, and a lower corrugated suspension attached at one end to the frame and at the other end to the lower end of the stabilizer, wherein the stabilizer and lower suspension provide a centering force below the traditional neck joint location on the voice coil.

Abstract: A combination beach towel and pillow case comprising a towel, which can be made of fiber-reactive dyed velour on one side for a decorative pattern, and a rectangular panel sized in shape and connected at two edges to form a pillow receiving compartment. The panel is folded over itself, connected at two edges and attached to one end of the beach towel, and can occupy approximately one-twelfth the surface area of the beach towel. Alternately, two rectangular panels can be attached at three edges and connected to one end of the beach towel to form the pillow compartment. The pillow compartment includes a closure at the pillow receiving opening to capture the pillow and keep sand and dirt from entering the pillow compartment and reaching the pillow. The pillow can be easily removed from the pillow compartment providing for easy cleaning of the towel, and easy replacement of the pillow.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for thawing frozen food product utilizing desuperheated gas thawing medium near its saturation point. The transfer of the latent heat of condensation from the thawing medium to the frozen food product immediately condenses the thawing medium into a condensate liquid, after which it is recycled back through the refrigeration system. Since the thawing medium quickly condenses upon giving up energy to the frozen food product, it falls away from the upper surface of the thawing deck tube interiors, being replaced by additional gaseous thawing medium near its saturation point, which in turn condenses upon giving up heat, and the process continues until the food product is completely thawed. Since the state of the thawing medium is consistent throughout the thawing deck tubes, the temperature along the length of each of the tubes is uniform.

Abstract: A roof tile hurricane clip formed by selectively bending a generally rectangular piece of material for preventing the nose of an overlapping tile from lifting in high winds. The invention comprises a clip body having a fastening end, a retaining end for retaining an angled lower edge portion of an overlapping tile, and a body portion therebetween. The clip fastening end may incorporate an elongated aperture for accommodating a conventional fastener therethrough for securing the clip to a roof tile such that the clip is subject to adjustment for retaining an overlapping roof tile edge of within certain tolerances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a table surface and side rail, including a replacement table surface or rail, and construction method, wherein the surface or side rail can have nearly any desired appearance, one example being marble, but that is light in weight and does not buckle or separate after construction. The table rail is made using a sandwiched construction method. In one embodiment, an under piece or under layer is provided, which may be a wood under piece, a relatively thin exterior surface layer is also provided, and is made of a suitable material to give a desired appearance, such as marble. A middle or interior layer is sandwiched between the under layer and the exterior layer. The middle layer is made of a gypsum board that does not absorb water and provides a buffer between the under and exterior layers. The sandwich is bonded together using a polyester resin.

Abstract: A supplementary thermal system controller for assisting a main system controller in retaining a desired temperature rise by monitoring the temperature in the return duct, wherein the supplemental controller comprises a microcontroller for reading and processing return duct temperature measurements, a signal conditioner circuit for preparing temperature related signals for processing by the microcontroller, processor readable medium of program code for determining the rate of temperature change in the return duct and providing control signals based on the rate of temperature change, and a supplemental thermal source driver for controlling a supplemental thermal source, such as electrical resistance heating elements, to cause the assisting temperature source to increase or decrease its thermal output.

Abstract: A reinforcement insert for use in a coupling components in marine exhaust systems. The insert is generally made of a much stronger material than fiberglass and is inserted within corresponding openings of exhaust system components which are to be coupled. Thereafter, a sleeve and pipe clamps are secured to the exhaust system components and tightened thereon. The inserts prevent fracturing of the coupling area between the exhaust system components and thereby prevent dangerous leakage conditions which could otherwise result in the sinking of a vessel or other undesirable consequences.

Abstract: A golf practice device, for placement on the turf directly in front of a golfer, including: a first alignment member for indicating proper stance alignment relative to the target line; a second alignment member, parallel to the first alignment member, for indicating swing path alignment relative to the target line; and third and forth members pivotally interconnecting said first and second members thereby forming an adjustable parallelogram structure. Each member defines an aperture sized for receiving either a conventional golf tee, or a rubber driving range type tee, therein such that the golfer is able to tee a golf ball thereon. Markings, in inches, originating at the golf tee aperture extend back along the back swing side of the ball for allowing the golfer to gauge the distance traveled by the club along the target line on the back swing. Furthermore, each member includes a concave depression and a sloped front end portion thereby enabling a golfer to putt a ball therefrom.

Abstract: An improved marine engine exhaust device for discharging exhaust below the surface of the water in a submerged turbulent region generated by said device which is fixed to a the undersurface of the vessel hull, wherein the gas is maintained for a period of time, until the low pressure area following the vessel has passed. The device incorporates a water intake for providing cooling water to the marine engine's cooling system and/or accommodates a sensing transducer mounted therein.

Abstract: An improved surround design for a loudspeaker assembly is disclosed wherein the outside edge of the surround is attached to the outer edge of the loudspeaker's frame via a permanent or removable means. When removably attached, access to the mounting holes of the loudspeaker frame is accomplished by moving the roll to one side, prior to the attachment of the securing means. The method of attachment can vary, and in several embodiments includes the use of a annular o-ring, while in another attaching embodiment the use of a locking finger is provided. In one embodiment, a removable spider is also provided, thus allowing the front end of the loudspeaker to be replaced for repair or reconfiguration purposes.

Abstract: An automatic, voice-directional video camera image steering system specifically for use for teleconferencing that electronically selects segmented images from a selected panoramic video scene typically around a conference table so that the participant in the conference currently speaking will be the selected segmented image in the proper viewing aspect ratio, eliminating the need for manual camera movement or automated mechanical camera movement. The system includes an audio detection circuit from an array of microphones that can instantaneously determine the direction of a particular speaker and provide directional signals to a video camera and lens system that provides a panoramic display that can electronically select portions of that image and, through warping techniques, remove any distortion from the most significant portions of the image which lie from the horizon up to approximately 30 degrees in a hemispheric viewing area.

Abstract: A device for speeding the pace of a game of blackjack is provided. The device is comprised of a housing having a top surface. A card reader for reading at least a portion of a playing card is located within the housing. An indicator cooperating with the card reader is provided to inform the dealer if his down card is of a desired value. There is also disclosed herein a method for increasing the speed of play in an organized game of blackjack.

Abstract: A business case comprises a front compartment, middle compartment, an expandable rear compartment, a removable portable computer carrying case designed to carry a portable computer, and a suit carrier. The bag member can be dropped into one of two panels located on the front face of the front compartment. The panels additionally allow for easy access to a portable computer and related accessories stored within the carrying case. Alternatively, the carrying case can be closed and stored in the expandable rear compartment when the suit carrier is stored in the front compartment of the case. The middle compartment is sized to hold clothing and travel related items for business trips and is equipped with pouches for smaller items. Furthermore, the middle compartment of the housing may include wheels, handles, and feet for easily moving and balancing the case.

Abstract: A synthetic habitat device providing for the enhancement of open estuary systems with regard to the survival potential of juvenile fish. The device is an assembly composed of a horizontal member with a plurality of cylindrical downward curving appendages. The device is permanently attached to existing bulkhead structures bordering an aquatic system and is located adjacent to and below the surface of the water at low tide elevation. The device provides substrate for colonization by marine organisms and sanctuary to juvenile fish in various developmental stages. The device is a substitute for indigenous plant structure and substrate which has been diminished or eliminated from a natural estuary system.