Abstract: An electric drinking cup for use while driving a vehicle comprised of a plastic inner liner, a metal outer shell, and an insulation-filled space therebetween. A heating element is associated with the bottom portion of the inner liner, and is electrically connected to a vehicle's electrical system. The plastic inner liner curves around the upper edge of the outer metal shell providing a cup lip, which does not get hot when containing a hot liquid. The plastic inner liner and heating element further provide a diffuse heat that heats liquid, such as coffee or hot chocolate, slowly to the desired temperature such that, when heated, the liquid does not become burned and distasteful. The outer metal shell provides durability.

Abstract: A cup holder for securely holding multiple tapered cups within, and for mounting within an automatic dishwasher. A first plate contains apertures extending therethrough. The apertures are large enough to allow passage of the small bottom ends of tapered cups but small enough to prohibit passage of the relatively larger top ends of the cups. The first plate is supported by legs attached to its underside, such that the bottoms of the cups do not touch the surface upon which the legs rest. The cups are trapped between the first and second plates. The second plate is latched to the first plate by a plurality of extendable arms. Extendable arms are extendable beyond the ends of the cup holder and are mountable upon horizontal members in the upstanding sides of utensil racks provided and used in various styles and makes of automatic dishwashers.

Abstract: A confocal scanning microscope apparatus and method is used to rapidly acquire spectrally resolved images. The confocal scanning microscope apparatus includes optics used to simultaneously acquire at least two points along a scan pattern on a sample plane of a sample, wherein the points include regions of the sample represented by at least two pixels. A detection arm is placed in the path of the light reflected, scattered, or emitted from the sample plane comprising a spectrometer having a slit for receiving such light and a detector array placed behind the spectrometer. The image corresponding to the at least two points is recorded on the first axis of said detector and the spectral resolution thereof is simultaneously recorded on the second axis of said detector. The confocal scanning microscope apparatus and method offers significant improvements to the current techniques for genetic sequencing, as well as significant improvements to traditional confocal scanning microscope applications.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for verifying that a circuit or other system satisfies its specifications, is based on creating a first Boolean formula G representative of the system and its specification and through a series of steps creating a second formula G' having a known logical relationship to G and using the second formula G' to determine whether the system satisfies its specification.

Abstract: A device and method permits detecting, measuring, and recording the intensity of radiation corresponding to a green plant's photoactive spectrum striking a selected site, and utilizing such information alphanumerically and graphically displaying the photoactive radiation exposure in sols incident at the site during a particular portion of a day, an entire day, a week, or an month. The photoactive radiation information provided by the invention device allows gardeners, farmers, researchers and others to match the types of trees, shrubs, crops or other plants that would grow best under the radiation conditions usually incident at the site over a desired, extended time period.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system transfers fluids from a set of containers each of which holds a different type fluid to a group of apparatus, such as washing machines, each of which requires that certain types of fluid be delivered to the apparatus in a certain sequence. The system operates under program control both with regard to sequence in which particular fluids are drawn from the containers and with regard to the apparatus to which the selected fluids are delivered. Fluid pressure in the fluid lines leading to the apparatus is sensed by pressure sensors located along these fluid lines in a manner enabling the operator of the system to immediately know which of several containers are empty.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular pillow including a cover tube and method for enclosing the inside and outside surfaces thereof. The tubular pillow has a tubular body formed of a soft and resilient material with a central tunnel passing through longitudinally. The cover tube is a fabric tube having closure elements preferably of the snap fastener type. The cover tube is mounted onto the tubular body by passing through the central tunnel and bringing each end of the cover tube around the tubular body with a set of snap fasteners engaging a complementary set of snap fasteners on the tubular body. In a second embodiment, the cover tube has a set of closure elements mounted on each end, configured and mounted so as to connect to each other. When the cover tube is assembled to the tubular body, the tubular pillow of the invention simulates the appearance of a conventional pillow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling temperature and ventilation in an animal confinement building comprising a series of semi-rigid panels that are suspended in cascading arrangement along a flexible cable. The cable is connected to a mechanism for extending and retracting the cable so as to cause the panels to be lowered to open the aperture or raised to close the aperture according to sensed temperature and pressure conditions within the animal confinement building.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system and method of transferring fluids from a set of containers each of which holds a different type fluid to a group of apparatus, such as washing machines, each of which requires that certain types of fluid be delivered to the apparatus in a certain sequence. The system operates under program control both with regard to sequence in which particular fluids are drawn from the containers and with regard to the apparatus to which the selected fluids are delivered. Fluid pressure in the fluid lines leading to the apparatus is sensed by pressure sensors located along these fluid lines in a manner enabling the operator of the system to immediately know which of several containers are empty.

Abstract: The turn signal system of the invention utilizes a timing circuit to electrically activate and deactivate the flashing turn signal. The invention system also utilizes a pair (left, right) of auxiliary, spring-loaded, momentary contact, normally open switches arranged such that if the driver actuates the turn signal lever for a turn, even though the lever is in the actuated position for that turn, the turn signal flashing circuit is reactivated by the momentary closing of the auxiliary switch and the cycle is restarted. The system of the invention is also characterized by the timing circuit being dependent for its operation on signals received from the vehicle's speed sensor such that the timing circuit will not operate unless there is a signal from the speed sensor to indicate the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: The gun mounted turkey call device of the present invention is a slate style turkey call device integrated into a hunting gun, preferably integrated into the stock of a gun, and further includes a striker with an end striking portion to strike the plate to replicate a wild turkey call. In use, a hunter holds a gun incorporating the gun mounted turkey call device of the present invention in a near ready firing position while he or she uses the striker to strike the gun mounted turkey call device.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for simulating strategic planning and operations uses an operations control language (OCL) which has the characteristics of: (a) a target expression, (b) a condition expression, (c) an integer hierarchical priority level, (d) at least one penalty expression, and (e) a value expression. The OCL is a high level programming language for describing operating policies for simulation models, such as those used in water resources management. The OCL of the invention is written into a simple text file. The OCL has syntax, keywords and Boolean and arithmetic operators.

Abstract: A strainer apparatus capable of being installed within an Acme type coupling of the kind used in a pipe connecting a transport gas tank to a gas storage tank comprises a perforated disc and a retainer ring. The outer surface of the retainer ring has a smooth portion and an adjacent knurled portion. The disc acts as a strainer and is permanently fixed inside of the Acme coupling by means of the retainer ring knurled portion being press fitted against the inner surface of a coupling counterbore within which both the disc and ring are installed. The Acme coupling after being fitted within the strainer disc is installed in the pipe line leading between a gas transport tank and a gas storage tank to prevent debris from being pumped through the pipe coupling and towards and possibly to the gas storage tank.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for assembling a curtain wall, which is anchored at one end to a floor and at an opposite end to a primary structure in a sliding relation thereto in order to allow relative vertical flexibility in case of severe vertical deflection due to loading. This sliding relation permits the building sections to move under wind, live load, dead load or seismic forces with a minimum of damage transferred to the curtain wall. The apparatus is a bracket with a first plate for mounting to the primary structure and a second plate for mounting in sliding relation to the wall studs. The second plate is formed with slots which are vertically oriented, and a fastener with a spacer are fastened through each slot.