Abstract: A device for the protection of a vehicle's windshield from heat, frost, rain, snow, and the like. The protector is preferably a layer of polyethylene which covers the outside of the windshield. The cover is held in place by two wings which are secured between the vehicle's doors and their frames. Placement of these wings within the door is facilitated through the use of handles or cords which attach to the wing and are long enough to permit the operator to keep their hand from the doorway during closure of the vehicle's door.

Abstract: A tower, or vertical shaft, equipped with a two stage evaporative cooler near the top. The chimney effect, in reverse, causes the cool air to flow by gravity down the tower. The air can be used for cooling and ventilating structures. In one embodiment of the invention, the ambient air flow is all that is required for the embodiment to operate and all reliance upon electrical energy is eliminated.

Abstract: A valve system for the finite control of abrasive media within an abrasive blasting environment. Two valves communicate in series: (i) to stop the flow of abrasive media when the deadman switch is deactivated; and (ii) to adjust the flow of abrasive media into the pressurized hose. The flow of abrasive media is controlled through a control panel housed in the blast handle at the blast site and/or through a control panel at the site of the blast generator.

Abstract: A knock-down or collapsible article of furniture which, in a disassembled state, utilizes some of its components to interlock and create a storage package for the remainder of the components. In the disassembled state, two side panels operate in conjunction with a support member and a locking key to create a box or envelope that holds the remaining pieces of the article of furniture.

Abstract: An archery bow sight wherein each sighting pin is a substantially straight rod extending through holes in a primary brace. The sighting pins are secured in position through the use of a cam mechanism that pinches or bends the sighting pins against the sides of the holes in the brace.

Abstract: A learning aid permitting the student to insert a worksheet into a rigid body having space between two planes. One of the plaens is clear permitting the instructor to mark on it, performing the work demanded by the underlying worksheet. The instructor's marking is erased and the student attempts the same task. The work sheet is secured in place either by (i) its natural mechanical tension with the two planes, or (ii) by an insert mechanism securing the paper either through electrical attraction or by a mechanical clip.

Abstract: A coaster with the attributes of a wipe wherein two layers of absorbent material such as paper are separated by spacers. As the condensation collects on the upper absorbent layer, it sags and creates air pockets preventing the wet glass from sticking to the coaster. Through judicious choices in the spacers, the resulting coaster can be as flexible as a paper napkin or can be used for entertainment.

Abstract: An improved pressure hose handle which is supplied with a "Reverse angle" grip to facilitate use and reduce operator fatigue. The reverse angle, when combined with the rotational ability of the handle, permits the operator to carry the hose either over the shoulder or at waist height. The over the shoulder mode places the weight of the hose upon the operator's legs and thereby reduces fatigue and gives the operator greater control.

Abstract: A conversion and kit for a dual beam spectrophotometer permitting it to operate in dual wavelength mode and thereby obtaining resolution heretofore unavailable from similar machines. The present invention provides for a second light source and directs it through the sample. By eliminating the reference path of the dual beam machine, the second light source permits the converted dual beam spectrophotometer to work in dual wavelength mode and thereby generate higher resolution while using the same instrument. The conversion allows the spectrophotometer to be operated in dual beam mode and for the easy/rapid changing between dual beam and dual wavelength modes.

Abstract: An improved blast handle that is equipped with an operator input panel to permit the operator, at the blasting site, to adjust the pressure and/or the media mixture ratio. This permits the "fine tuning" of the blast to adjust for changing blast requirements as the substrate material changes. Since the operator has complete control of the blasting parameters, the risk of damaging the substrate or target is minimized.

Abstract: An improved pressure hose handle that rotates freely around a pressure hose and thereby eliminates hose torque being placed upon the operator. This reduces operator fatigue and permits the operator to more accurately control the pressure hose.

Abstract: A computer system which learns or assimilates its experience into a hierarchical arrangement. The current set of events, represented as a general directed graph of nodes and arcs, is incorporated into a memory. After each observation or input, the resulting graph is analyzed to determine if any cycles exist. Each cycle is reduced to a single node. This collapsing of the graph creates a hierarchial arrangement of the past events. Each successive level of hierarchy, by burying the details, is a more generalized model of the past experiences. In this manner, not only are computational and memory requirements reduced, but, the computer system will learn from past events which to permit use in such applications as robotics or general operator inquiry and interaction.

Abstract: A metered shade which provides shelter/shade for a specified amount of time before the shade is removed. Through the use of a meter which is activated by either currency of a "credit card" arrangement, the shade is provided for a chosen length of time. The mechanism is activated so that shade is provided for an area such as an automobile parking space. A further enhancement of the invention deactivates the shading process when either the time has lapsed or the vehicle vacates the spot.

Abstract: A device for controlling access to a shaded parking area. In the invention, a parking space is provided with shade. Access to the shade is controlled by a meter in combination with a removable barrier. When the user gains access by insertion of a "credit card", the time of entry is noted together with the later time of exit. The elapsed time is used to compute the amount of charge to the user.

Abstract: A monitor utilizes a sensor which transmits a signal when a specific phenomenon has occurred. The time of the phenomenon is recorded in memory for later withdrawal and analysis by the operator. Being small, palm-sized, the monitor can easily be attached to such items as a drawer to monitor when the drawer is opened. Additionally, through the use of two-sided adhesive tape or the like, the security monitor can be easily moved from one location to another.

Abstract: A manually actuated torque magnifying impact tool in which an annular inertia member surrounds and is directly supported rotationally on a common axis on a ratchet tool head. This construction confines impact stresses to the inertia member and tool head, instead of carrying these stresses through bearings and frame members as in former constructions, which required extra studiness in these members and thus undesirable extra weight in the tool.

Abstract: A two stage cooling system in which the first stage's cooling affect is transferred to the second stage through direct contact with an oil-like material. The oil-like material is cooled by direct contact with water which has been evaporatively cooled. The oil-like material is then utilized to cool the air stream prior to the second stage evaporative cooling. The use of an oil-like material in the first cooling stage of evaporative cooling allows a relatively dry air stream to be produced so as to fully capitalize upon the evaporative cooling affect of the second stage cooler.

Abstract: The present invention uses a speech synthesizer apparatus to produce sounds in response to code input received from a code record pick-up manually moved over a selected strip on a code record sheet or panel. The code record sheet or panel has visual symbols, such as printed material or pictures, identifying the sound produced from each strip. One embodiment uses a speech synthesizer having a microcomputer which responds directly to the record pick-up output. Other embodiments include separate encoding and buffer storage apparatus interposed between the record pick-up output and the speech synthesizer. One embodiment uses bar code read pens and optical bar code records printed on paper pages or sheets along with the message text, other embodiments use strips with bumps or gitches or both and bump or gitch sensing pick-ups, such as phonograph pick-ups.