Abstract: An apparatus for assisting with the handling of a door of a tailgate cart features two springs that are strung in seriatim. The first spring is connected at one end to the tailgate door, and connects to the second spring at its other end. The second spring is anchored at a distal end to the frame of the tailgate cart. The first spring has a shorter length than the second spring. As the tailgate door is pivotally lowered from its upright position, the shorter spring moves in tension providing a matching small force. As the tailgate door reaches the end of its travel, the second spring adds its compressive force to the first spring, and a greater force is provided to counterbalance the door.

Abstract: A kit is described that modifies a standard screw jack for a trailer hitch, by introducing a safety lock mechanism. The modified screw jack will be inoperative until the safety lock mechanism is opened. In the inoperative position, the screw jack cannot be turned to lift or lower the trailer hitch. The crank for turning the screw jack will be freewheeling or frozen. Turning a key in a lock keyway will release the safety lock mechanism, thus putting the crank into rotational engagement with the screw jack.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a packet for carrying and dispensing of sanitary articles needed in toilet hygiene. Restroom facilities do not always offer toilet seat covers for use to the patrons of the establishment. Sometimes the supplies at various toilet stations are depleted. The article of this invention comprises a sealed packet of useful toiletry materials that easily fits in the pocket or purse of a traveler, and which opens to supply a toilet seat cover, as well as tissues, towels, temporary underwear, or undergarment liners.

Abstract: The invention features a mailbox indicator for determining when the daily mail courier has deposited mail in a rural or suburban mailbox. The mailbox indicator features a pivotal rod, which is pivotally secured to a base. The base is attached to the top of the front end of a mailbox in proximity to, and extending out beyond, the door latch.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting with the handling of a door of a tailgate cart features two springs that are strung in seriatim. The first spring is connected at one end to the tailgate door, and connects to the second spring at its other end. The second spring is anchored at a distal end to the frame of the tailgate cart. The first spring has a shorter length than the second spring. As the tailgate door is pivotally lowered from its upright position, the shorter spring provides a matching small force. As the tailgate door reaches the end of its travel, the second spring adds its force to the first spring, and a greater force is provided to counterbalance the door.

Abstract: The invention features a sanitization method and apparatus utilizing multiple microwave sources. Bacteria are killed by the combination of microwave heated water vapor, which is allowed to accumulate within the sealed chamber, and the microwave field effect acting in synergy with the accumulated water vapor.

Abstract: This invention features a new computer system architecture comprising a variable comparison of input data with programmable Template data. The system has the capability to provide an "almost" condition, which is a similarity match between a near or close actual data and the "exact" data stored in template memory. Different degree levels of "almost" are possible with the inventive system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a built-up roof material that has a composite membrane that is formed and affixed to the roof substrate in a single step. The membrane comprises a sheet of heat-resistant, non-woven polyester sandwiched between layers of asphalt. The upper asphalt layer is caused to flow through the polyester and meld with the lower layer of asphalt to form a homogeneous membrane. The polyester sheet is layed in strips side-by-side across the asphalt in widths greater than forty inches across, in order to reduce the number of seams and to conform more closely to the contours of the roof substrate.

Abstract: The invention features a sanitization method and apparatus utilizing multiple microwave sources. Bacteria are killed by the combination of microwave heated water vapor and the microwave filed effect. Articles such as moist fabrics, that are contained within a substantially sealed chamber, can be sanitized and dried by this method.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cutting die or punch that comprises a hardened blade and a base portion which is relatively more compressible than the blade. The compressibility of the base allows it to deform under pressure more than the blade. The compressibility of the base provides for a reduction in the requirement to adjust the blade contact with the platen in areas of irregularity. The cutting die of the invention in effect achieves a self-leveling which reduces set-up time, and increases the operational life of the blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microwave heating and drying method and apparatus utilizing a multiplicity of microwave propagating sources positioned about a heating and drying chamber. The microwave energies are optimized to provide a greater uniformity in the heating and drying of articles disposed in the heating and drying chamber, while preventing interference of the wave propagations. The microwave pulses are cross-polarized and time-multiplexed. Also, the focusing and spread angles are controlled. The end point of the drying cycle is sensed to control microwave generation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is featured for encoding electronic intelligence into the horizontal synchronizing pulses of a television video signal, utilizing Amplitude Modulation of the horizontal synchronizing pulses during the active picture portion of the video field. The prime function of the invention is to utilize television transmission links as a co-existant transport medium for another form of electronic intelligence, typically, but not limited, to text, simultaneously with the transport of the television video signal. The invention clearly multiplies the efficiency and utility of existing and future television transmission links, by allowing another form of electronic intelligence to share transport mediums in a parasitic manner.

Abstract: The invention features a unique pH control system and method for maintaining the proper pH in a continuous process stream. The system backmixes a sample stream, which decreases the dynamic gain of the control system, and which allows for the ease of adding a controlled amount of reagent or buffer to the process stream on a continuous basis.

Abstract: The invention features a suction cleaning device for cleaning hard-to-access areas such as crevices and corners.A crevice tool in the form of an extendable wand is disposed within a floor or rug attachment.The wand is built-in to the housing of the floor or rug attachment and does not require removal or change of attachments to actuate the crevice tool, thus providing convenience and a saving of time.

Abstract: An improved fabric dryer having a cabinet with a closable door, a stationary microwave impermeable container within the cabinet having an opening contiguous to and in alignment with the cabinet opening and having air inlets and an air outlet opening, a magnetron for generating electromagnetic energy and a wave guide for directing the energy into the container, an air and microwave permeable basket removably positionable within the container through the opening therein, the basket having a latchable door and being adaptable to receive fabric therein to be dried, rollers within the container for rotating the basket to tumble fabric therein and a fan for drawing air out the container air outlet. The removable basket facilitates placing fabric into and out of the dryer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for investigating samples of materials subjected to high centrifugal forces, generally in excess of 5.times.10.sup.5 g. The sample is encapsulated in a closed microvessel that serves as a magnetic or magnetizable rotor. The centrifuge provides a rotating magnetic field that drives the microvessel to very high speed, thus subjecting the sample to centrifugation. An optical system coupled with the driving system allows for viewing the sample during rotation.

Abstract: A fiber filling system features a picking device for separating clumped fiber, that feeds to an air and fiber circulation chamber. The circulation chamber aerates and fluffs the separated fiber into a fibrous billow, which is then discharged to a stuffing chute. A stuffable article, such as a toy, pillow, or furniture cushion casing is attached to the chute and is filled with the fibrous billow in a metered amount.

Abstract: The invention comprises a two-piece bathing suit having a hidden pocket in a panty section. The pocket can contain additional bathing suit materials for creating an ensemble effect, or for changing the appearance of the bathing suit from a two-piece to a one-piece look.

Abstract: A compact garment rack features a master frame that attaches to a pole or wall fixture in a closet. The master frame has a series of tiered sub-frame sections that are articulated with respect to the master frame. Each sub-frame section has a respective hanger rod member that carries an item of apparel. The sub-frame sections are movable from a generally fold-down position to an open access position. When a sub-frame section is in the open access position, its corresponding hanger rod member is slidably disengageable from the sub-frame section, whereby the apparel item can be easily inserted or removed from the rack.