Abstract: The present invention relates to a new, useful and humane foot-snare trap for trapping of fur-bearing animals. More particularly the invention relates to a unique snare trap design which utilizes a vertically oriented coiled spring which, when triggered, releases vertically to cause constriction of the snare about the leg of the animal in the trap. The vertical arrangement of the coiled spring leads to an upward release of the snare which provides a means to minimize the loss of snared animals while also minimizing the discomfort or injury to the animal and damage to the animal pelt by the recoil spring action.

Abstract: The frame of a portable shelter is disclosed, particularly for use in ice fishing, wherein two planar, usually rectangular, top and bottom frame sections (10, 33) are held apart by an over-the-center linkage mechanism assisted by cable retainer arrangement (51, 52) associated with a seat portion (40) of the collapsible frame of the shelter.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the stabilization of drifter buoys and the like and more particularly to surface or near surface Lagrangian Drifter Buoys launched from aircraft or surface vehicles and to an underwater suspension system adapted for stabilizing and maintaining the buoy at a predetermined depth in an upright position. The suspension assembly for use in combination with a buoy, having a generally elongated cylindrical hull, is comprised of two main components including 1) a collapsible longitudinal stabilizer means for providing horizontal drag and 2) a vertical stabilizer means suspended below and transverse the axis of the buoy. These two components act together to maintain the buoy in an upright position and to maintain it within the layer of water in which it is placed. The assembly is also compliant and as such the assembly has the ability to function for extended periods of time without the need for the use of inordinately strong or expensive materials.

Abstract: An ashtray is disclosed of the kind including a container with extinguishing liquid or particulate material. The top of the container has a grid of a series of inclined ribs forming a venetian blind like structure. The rim of the grid has specially designed rest means which allows the placement of a smoked but not yet finished cigarette or the like only at a predetermined position relative to the ribs. The ribs are spaced from each other a distance sufficient to allow the rolling therebetween of a finished cigarette or the like down into the container. The ribs being flat and inclined, they obstruct the view of the unsightly interior of the container and thus provide a more pleasing overall appearance of the ashtray.

Abstract: Illumination is provided for transmissive displays by the combination of (a) a light source which emits a thin, straight line of light, (b) cylindrical lens in front of the line of light and (c) a reflecting panel having (i) a first transparent layer which has spaced ridges on the side next to the light, (ii) an optional translucent diffusing layer next to the smooth, away from the light, side of the first layer and (iii) a third layer which is transparent and structurally stable that is attached to the second side of the translucent layer.

Abstract: A video display employs a flat surface upon which is displayed more than one set of thin, blinking light emitting sites. A transmissive light valve in front of the surface is capable of displaying images by means of varying the transparency of individual picture elements arranged in a grid pattern across its surface, and of displaying different images as different sets of light emitting lines blink on. The surface and light valve are arranged in such a way that an observer always sees each of the light emitting lines through one set of pixels with the left eye and another set of pixels with the right eye. The display is normally an autostereoscopic display, but it can be also made as a high resolution two dimensional display.

Abstract: An electronic device which, when connected to an electric guitar, or other similar stringed instrument, will effect wireless transmission over a selectable frequency of the FM broadcast band. The unit is compact as it uses the metal strings of the guitar as a partial antenna. The unit remains stationary after being plugged into the guitar's input receptacle, and no transmitting portion of the device has to be attached to the musician's belt or guitar strap, or to the musician's person in any fashion. Furthermore, no large unsightly, cumbersome antenna extends from the device intself. The device is automatically turned on when plugged in.

Abstract: Water soluble terpolymers based on (1) an acrylamide or acrylamide derivative, (2) a cationic vinyl monomer and (3) a hydrophilic vinyl monomer of the formula CH.sub.2 C(R)C(O)O(CH.sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.m O).sub.n E where R and E are each hydrogen or alkyl, m is an integer from 1 to 3 and n is an integer from 1 to 25 are useful flocculants.

Abstract: This invention relates to flow pulsing methods and apparatus for various applications including downhole drilling equipment and in particular to an improved flow pulsing method and apparatus of this type to be connected in a drill string above a drill bit with a view to securing improvements in the drilling process.

Abstract: Homogeneous compositions of a solid, water soluble organic acid, e.g., glutaric acid, and a solid cationic ester-based copolymer flocculant are resistant to mechanical segregation and stratification caused by agitation. The compositions are prepared by coating the polymeric flocculant with the organic acid. The compositions are useful in sludge dewatering, water treatment, paper processing and waste water treatment.

Abstract: A bed for assisting bedridden patients in the excretory functions. The bed includes a frame, a patient platform disposed on the frame. The patient platform includes a passageway for allowing passage of excrement from the patient. A mattress is provided on top of patient platform which includes an excretal mattress section for placement over the opening and allowing passage of excrement through the opening. A bed pan assembly is provided for use with the bed which includes a support frame. The frame is provided with supports for holding a disposable container. The bed pan assembly further includes at least one cushion support layer for providing support to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved biological sludge dewatering process. The process comprises the steps of: (a) heating biological sludge to a temperature of about 90.degree. to about 150.degree. C. which corresponds to a pressure of about 0 to about 55 psig and retaining the biological sludge at that temperature for less than about 15 minutes; (b) centrifuging the heated biological sludge to isolate the solids of the heated biological sludge from the liquid of the heated biological sludge; (c) chemically conditioning the isolated solids; and (d) dewatering the conditioned solids to produce a high solids biological sludge. The present process is used for dewatering any biological sludge to produce a high solids cake. The resulting high solids cake may be used as landfill, incinerated, or used as fertilizer by spreading on land and plowing said fertilizer into the soil.

Abstract: Water soluble terpolymers based on (1) an acrylamide or acrylamide derivative, (2) a cationic vinyl monomer and (3) a hydrophilic vinyl monomer of the formula CH.sub.2 C(R)C(O)O(CH.sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.m O).sub.n E where R and E are each hydrogen or alkyl, m is an integer from 1 to 3 and n is an integer from 1 to 25 are useful flocculants.

Abstract: Flow pulsing apparatus is adapted to be connected in a drill string above a drill bit. The apparatus includes a housing providing a passage for a flow of drilling fluid toward the bit. A valve which oscillates in the axial direction of the drill string periodically restricts the flow through the passage to create pulsations in the flow and a cyclical water hammer effect thereby to vibrate the housing and the drill bit during use. Drill bit induced longitudinal vibrations in the drill string can be used to generate the oscillation of the valve along the axis of the drill string to effect the periodic restriction of the flow or, in another form of the invention, a special valve and spring arrangement is used to help produce the desired oscillating action and the desired flow pulsing action.

Abstract: Contact and intraocular lenses are formed from a polymer formed by polymerizing one or more siloxane monomers of the formula ##STR1## with monomeric crosslinking agents and optionally an acrylic or methacrylic acid ester of a monohydric alkanol. In the above formula G is an electron withdrawing group and the siloxane is a mono- or poly- siloxane group.

Abstract: A bed pan for use in patient care has a disposable plastic liner waste collector suspended from an open frame whose exterior dimensions encompass the plastic liner and retainers for keeping the plastic liner to the frame. The bed pan is advantageously used with a patient platform or patient motivation device, both of which provide a passage way for aliding the bed pan under the patient's excretory organs with out discomfort to the patient.

Abstract: A device for securing a closed inward swinging door from the interior, consisting of a vertical shaft of which one end is secured near the door handle and the opposite end has a pad which rests on the floor. Embedded into or located in this pad may be a one or more spikes or protrusions which upon an attempt to open the inward-swinging door from the exterior push down into the floor thus prohibiting its opening.

Abstract: An indicating device for use with x-rays and similar light transmitting substrates is constructed as a flat, rigid, translucent material coated on one side with a light transmitting temporary adhesive which will temporarily secure the indicator to the substrate at the point of interest.

Abstract: Razors for care of hair are improved by providing the razor with a cutting edge having a series of uniformly spaced imperfections or dents extending across said cutting edge, the dents dulling from 20 to 75 percent of the normal cutting edge of the razor. The normal razor cutting edge is transformed into the edge of this invention by use of a dulling tool. The dented edge razor permits the user, e.g., barber or beautician, to more effectively sculpture a head of hair with greater safety to the user and patron.