Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a sleep inhibiting device comprises a plurality of ring-like, metallic contacting devices worn on adjacent fingers of a human hand. The contacting devices close an electrical circuit when brought into mutual contact as a result of the adjacent fingers being brought into a contiguous relationship. The sleep inhibiting device may also comprise means for physically attracting the ring-like devices to each other, thereby requiring a wearer to consciously apply a countering force to prevent physical contact of the ring-like devices. Upon inadvertent relaxation of the muscles of the hand and fingers of a wearer, the ring-like devices are brought into contact with each other and thereby close a circuit that activates a stimulation means, such as a buzzer, and thereby awakens the wearer. In one embodiment of this invention, the ring-like devices are magnetized and oppositely poled to increase the likelihood of contact upon relaxation of the muscles of the fingers and hand.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer is provided which employs a piezoresistive substrate support body of semiconductive material of which a first type N or P and a lineal resistor composed of material of a second type (P or N) formed on one surface thereof. The support body has a reduced neck intermediate two pads. The lineal resistor extends between the pads and across the neck on one side of the support body. The lineal resistor is formed by diffusing semiconductive material of the second type of conductivity into the substrate material. Strain is detected by measuring the change in resistance of the lineal resistor. When the transducer is subjected to strain, the resistance changes by an amount depending on the strain. While the electrical current flows through the resistor, heat developed in the resistors flows into the neck and then is conducted through the flaring portions of the neck to the pads and then to an object under test.

Abstract: An on-site reglazable window assembly suitable for mounting in an aperture in a wall of a recreational vehicle and comprising a stationary glass panel, a slidable glass panel, a slidable screen panel, and slidable storm panels. All of the panels are removably positioned within a generally rectangular frame formed of a unitary metal extrusion having a plurality of flanges which provide glazing channels for the panels and means for mounting the frame to the vehicle wall. One of the exterior flanges includes a key-shaped slot which receives a correspondingly keyed flexible gasket along the entire perimeter of the frame. The gasket has a plurality of splines attached to a compressible tube so that the splines and tube are compressed between the inner surface of the exterior flange and the outer surface of the vehicle wall. The slidable screen and storm panels slide within respective channels of a removable multiple channel track.

Abstract: A modular minicomputer is provided which is assembled from a central processor unit module and a plurality of memory modules. Small calculators on the memory modules are so interlocked that when the computer is powered up, memory address boundaries are calculated automatically. As a result, the bank of memory modules appears to the central processing unit the same as a single large memory unit.

Abstract: The electromechanical acoustic emission detector of this invention comprises a plurality of sensor elements secured in an areal array on a base plate. The spacing and arrangement of the sensor elements are such that the transducer is "tuned" to acoustic emission waves that travel along the surface of the vessel to which the transducer is attached. Because of the non-linear character of the array the transducer detects waves arriving from different directions with substantially equal sensitivity.

Abstract: Improved multiple mode dampers for damping Aeolian vibrations of electrical cables are provided which employ a single mass and two resilient support members that are respectively connected between separate points of the mass and separate points of the cable. The modes of vibration of the damper are made interdependent by utilizing springs having different moments of stiffness with respect to the center of gravity of the mass. The mass is made of concrete. The improvement comprises the use of springs which are independently connected to the cable at different points permitting the spreading of the springs which can be accomplished economically and yet permit an increase of the rotational torque exerted on the damper by the cable. This facilitates concentration of damper vibration resonance frequencies at critical wind speeds which would ordinarily induce great dynamic mechanical stress in electrical cables.

Abstract: A prefabricated sheet metal wall module comprises: an upper horizontal cap member of inverted U-shaped cross-sectional configuration with a pair of parallel longitudinal dependent side flanges; a lower horizontal floor track member of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration with a pair of parallel upwardly extending longitudinal side flanges; and a series of parallel upright studs each having a pair of opposite longitudinal side flanges. The upper and lower ends of each stud telescope into the upper and lower horizontal members respectively with the side flanges of the stud in intimate surface contact with the side flanges of the horizontal members thereby providing four rectangular areas of two layers of metal.

Abstract: A method and products produced thereby, namely, the method of splicing together two abutting channeled members by inserting a bent plate of suitable size and shape across the joint line in the common channel of the abutted members and flattening the plate in the channel so that the plate edges are forced into pressure engagement with the walls of the channel thereby rigidly connecting the two members to the plate and to each other. By this method a unitary extruded metal rectangular frame for slidable window assemblies may be produced.

Abstract: An electrical switch is provided with a switch wheel having indicia appearing around the periphery of the switch wheel adapted to be presented to view through an aperture in a switch case as the switch wheel is rotated by a lever that projects through the wall of the switch case. The switch wheel rotates in accordance with the rotation of a lever-actuated switch plate with which the switch wheel is interconnected. Gears are provided interconnecting the switch wheel and the switch plate thereby allowing the switch wheel to be rotated through about 360.degree. when the switch plate is rotated through a much smaller angle, such as about 90.degree..

Abstract: A panel in the form of a movable window frame hinged along its upper edge is swung from a closed position to an open position by a mechanism which includes a torque rod and crank-operated self-locking gearing to actuate the torque rod. A vibration damper in the form of a friction pad or brake shoe that engages the torque rod at a distance from the gearing, prevents chattering of the window when it is being swung towards its closed position and also resists any tendency for wind or vibration to oscillate the window.