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: An educational savings bank and toy is provided that includes a plurality of separate monetary input and storage locations that correspond to different budgetary categories, that automatically calculates an appropriate distribution of funds for each budgetary category based on a preselected percentage of money available to invest, and that automatically calculates the future value of funds in each budgetary category based on a user's age and a preselected time-frame and interest rate appropriate for that budgetary category. Written investment instructions are provided to advise the user on appropriate actual investments for the money totals saved in each category based on the budgetary goal of that category. One embodiment includes a base member with a plurality of representative figures selected to represent each discrete budgetary category and includes a microprocessor that calculates and displays the amounts of an investment total to be allocated to each budgetary account, and their future values.

Abstract: Disclosed an electro-optical sensor which preferably is used to detect leaks in marine surface and submarine anti-pollution hoses which are used to transfer petroleum products to and from ships. The electro-optical sensor is located in housings that allow petroleum products of varying viscosity's to flow to the sensor. A variety of alarm methods can be used to signal that a leak has occurred in the hose.

Abstract: An emergency position indicating radio beacon, sized for mounting on a life vest or the like, that includes a water-activated switch that automatically activates the transmitter when the water-activated switch is mounted in water. The water-activated switching circuitry includes an insulated electrical paddle that separates the exposed electrical contacts a predetermined distance to insure that the device will not be inadvertently activated by moisture, but that it must be immersed in water for proper contact. The system also includes a memory circuit and power amplification.

Abstract: A wall mounting bracket for an ironing board and iron, comprising an elongated rigid member means for mounting to a wall, said elongated member incorporating a top portion for supporting a hand iron, and bottom portion providing pivotal support for a conventional ironing board, whereby said ironing board is movable from a first position, wherein said ironing board is vertically disposed adjacent to the supporting wall and a second position, whereby said ironing board is horizontally disposed in spaced relation to said supporting wall, said ironing board support further providing for vertical adjustment of said ironing board to a user-selected height.

Abstract: An improved frequency counter for more reliably reading the frequency of low level signals by employing a method of separating the desired signal from undesirable noise related signals, wherein the frequency counter comprises signal input amplifier circuitry, a frequency modulator circuit for phase shifting the self-oscillation frequency of the undesired signal to isolate it from the valid signal, a prescaler circuit, a frequency or pulse counter driven by the output of the prescaler, and a correlator circuit for differentiating the self-oscillation frequencies from the main signal frequency so as to reduce false correlations between the self-oscillation, or noise, and valid signals.

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: A pulsating medical (surgical) operating table cushion comprising an air sac array having two groups of pneumatically expandable and contractible air cells respectively communicating with one another in each of the groups. An air pump supplies air under pressure to the cells in each group through a separate conduit pipe for each respective group. Solenoid valves direct the air flow from the air pump either into the first conduit or the second conduit based upon an air supply controller. A timer provided in the air supply control circuitry changes the sequence of the air control valves after a predetermined period of time passes.

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: A gasoline/diesel dispensing system is disclosed wherein the gasoline or diesel is provided only to authorized vehicle through the use of barcode information disposed on the vehicle. The system can be incorporated into a fixed site location or incorporated into a mobile fuel truck.

Abstract: A method for making a reinforced tubular laminate. A dry braided fiber sleeve is placed between a mandrel and spiral tape wrap either over, under, or layered with a pre-preg material. During the initial stages of the curing process, while the temperature is rising, the resin in the pre-preg material flows and wets out the dry braid. When the final cure takes place, the braid becomes an integral part of the finished laminate. The choice of fiber materials and braid angle permit various tubular laminate strengths. The selection of fiber colors and patterns permit a wide variety of tubular laminate aesthetic characteristics.

Abstract: A plumbing stack vent cover or guard is disclosed which is used for flashing. The cover includes a body member and a base member which are preferably constructed integral. The cover is preferably constructed from a non-metallic material and is also preferably pre-molded in its final form prior to installation. The cover can be installed over an existing plumbing stack vent or installed on a point on the roof where a plumbing stack vent will be installed.

Abstract: An appliance muffling device for reducing noise and vibrations produced by conventional appliances, such as blenders, comprising a uniform cover connectable to a uniform base enclosure both preferably having side walls where a connection is made through snapping engagement so as to form an interior volume for enclosing an appliance, wherein the switch or switches of the appliance are engageable by a slidable switch engaging member assembled on opposite sides of the base side walls through an aperture defined by the base side walls. The appliance muffling device further comprises a ventilating system including an air intake chamber, for receiving ambient air from a plurality of air intake channels defined by the base in communication therewith, and an exhaust channel separate and independent from the air intake chamber for exhausting heat produced and emitted by the enclosed appliance.

Abstract: A movable laundry storage unit is provided which generally comprised of a rigid body member having a closed bottom and an open top end and defining a clothing and article storage area. A pair of wheel members are preferably attached to the bottom of the body member and handle member is attached to the back portion of the body member. The storage unit can be provided with one or more dividers for sectioning the storage area into two or more compartments. A cover member is also provided to prevent any stored clothing or articles from falling out of the storage area while the storage unit is in transit.

Abstract: A process for producing a non-woven polymeric fabric web, such as a spunbond web, having filaments of 0.1 to 5 denier with equivalent production rates. A plurality of continuous polymeric filaments is extruded from an extruder and attenuated by a drawing unit that includes a longitudinal elongated slot strategically positioned at an optimum distance very close to the spinneret. A web forming table is positioned below the drawing unit for collecting the filaments and forming the filaments into a non-woven fabric web. At startup, throughput is nominal, air pressure is below 20 psig, and the spinneret is positioned more than 100 cm away from the drawing unit. Gradually, throughput is greatly increased by simultaneously increasing air pressure while reducing the distance between the spinneret and the drawing unit.

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.