Abstract: A cane holder for holding upright a walking cane at the side of a bed has a generally planar frame to be inserted between a mattress and a box spring of a bed. A clamp on a side of the frame protrudes to one side of the bed. A walking cane held in the clamp provides a convenient hold for a person rising from the bed. The cane can then be released from the clamp for use as a walking aid away from the bed. A preferred walking cane has a foldable mid-height hand grip in addition to a top handle to provide two holds at different heights on the cane.

Abstract: Output protection for arc discharge lamp ballasts is provided by applying sampled ballast current to a burden capacitor selected to present a low impedance across the winding to a substantially symmetrical waveform of the sample current. Asymmetry between the positive and negative half-cycles of the sample waveform, such as partial rectification caused by abnormal lamp operation, results in charge buildup across the capacitor. Sufficient charge buildup actuates a ballast disabling switch such as a silicon controlled rectifier.

Abstract: A buck derived isolated DC-DC converter includes a half or full bridge of switching devices which are asymmetrically controlled so that top and bottom switches are opened and closed at mutually exclusive times. Primary side and secondary side DC blocking capacitor(s) and a small valued inductor are placed in series with an isolation transformer. A single secondary rectification uncontrolled switch and inductor-capacitor output filter are included. Additionally a voltage clamping circuit is added across the rectifier which includes an active switch which also may be connected to a tap on the output inductor.

Abstract: A quick connect splice for concrete reinforcement bars includes two diametrically opposed half-shells spanning the aligned ends of the rebars. The half-shells interlock with raised ridges on the bar surfaces to hold the bar ends together. Two sleeve elements slipped over the bars are screwed to each other over the shell sections to secure the splice joint.

Abstract: A portable commode with spring assisted lifting seat has a lightweight self-supporting stand, a seat hinged to the frame and a pair of pneumatic springs for lifting the seat to an elevated position. The springs yield under the body weight of the user to depress the seat to a lowered position. The springs can be easily set at different positions on the seat to adjust for users of different body weights. A removable waste receptacle on the frame permits the commode to be used by itself, as at a bedside location, or over a conventional toilet bowl installation.

Abstract: A holder for medical specimen slides is made of a single sheet of corrugated cardboard cut and folded to make a tray portion and a cover portion hinged to each other for holding one or more slides therebetween. The holder features a tab integral with the cover which is pressed into a cutout in the tray portion to secure the holder in closed condition without need for external fasteners such as adhesive tape.

Abstract: A lap tray for use by a sitting person has a base plate, an upright midportion rising from the base plate and a tray attached to the upper end of the midportion. In use the base plate is held down under one thigh of the person, the midportion between the thighs, and the tray rests on the other thigh. Food and beverage receptacles may hang from the tray portion to one side of the person, allowing for unobstructed use of the tray in an automobile by a driver sitting behind a steering wheel.