Abstract: An exercising article which may be in kit form for converting a step board exercising member into a slant board exercising device by the rearrangement of the separate end supports of the step board member in relationship to the top platform which they support and the addition of a knee restraint adapted for connection to one or both of the end supports.

Abstract: An escape device for pets including a passageway opening from the inside of the enclosure to the outside thereof which passageway is normally closed by a primary door and an apparatus is provided for opening such door at the onset of a smoke emitting emergency such as a fire such that the door is open for safe egress for the pet or pets. In addition, a pre-recorded message preferably in the owner's voice directing and/or commanding the pet or pets to the open passageway is provided.

Abstract: A hair separating comb in which a plurality of major parallel teeth are provided so as to form a series of parallel major grooves in which hair strands by comb action engage and additionally where a longitudinally movable separation shaft moves between and a rest and an operable position to trap and separate hair strands within such grooves from those in other positions within the comb.

Abstract: The invention is an improved seat device to be used by those who have pain or discomfort sitting on a regular seat. The seat device can be attached to a chair frame or be used as a portable unit in the home or while traveling.

Abstract: A mailbox signal device positioned entirely on the interior surface of the cover of a rural mailbox through which a signal opening is provided wherein the signal device includes a spring mounted panel visible through the signal opening in its signal position and maintained is a non-signal position until the mailperson delivers mail to the box thereby providing a convenient way to determine whether or not mail has been delivered to the box.

Abstract: An air shield for partially enclosing the forward end of a ladder such that the ladder can more easily and efficiently be carried on the top of vehicles which shield includes an aerodynamic outer shell and an interior of yieldable cushioning material which reduces ladder rattle and vibration.

Abstract: This invention is a method for determining when combustion cans or turbine blades are failing in gas turbine engines. It measures the specific ions emitted by hot spots of can and blade material when they have failed or are failing. The invention relies on the electromagnetic energy radiated by ions that are created as combustion gas erodes and ionizes the materials in these hot spots. Acceleration by the earth magnetic field and by acoustic and mechanical forces normally present in combustion machinery cause these charged particles to radiate identifiable electromagnetic emissions. The frequency of the radiation, being a function of the charge and mass of the particles, allows free ions in the exhaust stream to be identified. The device operates by measuring the electromagnetic spectrum and relating detected frequencies to the mass of the ions from can liner and blade materials. The device can be used in fixed installations such as power plants, ships and aircraft.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting children in various normal sitting and reclining positions in which separately movable seat, leg and back supporting sections are provided and wherein the leg and back sections are pivotally movable in unison with respect to the seat section such that the possibility of careless positioning of the supported child or infant is reduced.

Abstract: This invention is a composite acoustic lens that can be steered internally through electrical control. It can collect and direct acoustic energy from a plane wave to focus it on a transducer. It can also take the nearly omnidirectional output from a standard acoustic transducer and direct its energy in a plane wave. In the receive role the lens increases the effective signal-to-noise ratio of the array; in the transmit role it reduces the output energy that is responsible for reverberation. The lens is steerable by virtue of its material: it is electrorheological. Its bulk modulus, and the resulting speed of sound, can be changed electrically. Controlling the gradient of the index of refraction allows the steering to be adjusted precisely, continuously, and quickly. It is held by a container of plastic material that matches the acoustic impedance of water and minimizes the presence of near-field scatterers.

Abstract: A game apparatus including a dual-bodied missile member which consists of two elements connected to each other by a flexible cord portion and a tossing/catching implement or stick member which is used in launching and receiving the missile. At least one rest or missile support ledge is provided along the longitudinal shaft portion of the tossing/catching implement to position the missile on the shaft for overhead tossing therefrom.