Abstract: A pliers-like clamping device having offset bone gripping plates temporarily grips and clamps together two bone segments above and below as diagonal cut at an osteotomy site. The device includes a pair of handle members having distal ends which are turned at substantially right angles to the handle arms and parallel to each other and offset both vertically and horizontally from each other. The distal ends form bone-gripping plates which may be serrated or ribbed on their inwardly facing surfaces. A ratcheting mechanism is provided near the proximal end of the device so that the clamping force may be set and maintained at a desired level.

Abstract: A system for providing randomly-accessible animated objects having synchronous audio and visual features suitable for use as an education system or video entertainment system is provided. The speech sounds and the associated visual and behavioral characteristics of language are broken into their constituent parts to produce encoded communication patterns and characteristics associated with speech. In response to coded input signal representing speech sounds or combinations of a speechsounds forming words, a coded model is constructed including a voice and animated visual image having synchronized audio and associated visual characteristics to speak the sound or words which were input. A user is presented with a viewing screen having several rows of what are perceived to be domino-like tiles each inscribed with one or more letters. An animated character including a talking head is also displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A tool offset indicator for setting up cutting, milling and drilling operations in manually or programmable numerically controlled machines is provided. The tool offset indicator includes a block of insulating material interposed between electrically conductive top and bottom plates. An electric circuit providing power to an indicator is connected between the top and bottom plates such that when a tool cutting edge contacts either of the plates, the circuit is completed and the indicator device energized. One of the plates is compressively mounted to a surface of the block to prevent damage to the tool cutting edge if it over travels initial contact with the indicator surface.

Abstract: A set of characters is provided wherein each character is formed by arranging a number of relatively small like characters in a pattern that presents a filled-in outline of the character. Each of the small like characters are printed by a thermographic process to provide a character which protrudes slightly from the media surface thus providing tactile feedback when the character is touched or traced with a finger.

Abstract: A mud-flap supporting assembly is provided that allows pivotal movement of mounting arm and mud-flap about both the vertical and horizontal axes adjacent to the vehicle to which the arm is attached. A spring connected between the base plate and the end cap of the mounting arm holds said arm in the usual position parallel to the vehicle axle. Should the arm be pushed out of position by an obstruction making contact with the arm, the arm will automatically return to its usual position when the obstruction is passed. Upon return, the base plate's raised portion embeds itself into the exact duplicate negative opening of the mounting arm, and returns the arm precisely to center.

Abstract: A signal receiving system for receiving messages from each of several unequal amplitude FM carriers occupying the same portion of the frequency band.

Abstract: A drive system for a twistable septum in a feedhorn for use in satellite communications antenna systems. The drive system includes a flexible drive rod, coupled to a drive motor, which bends to accommodate off-center coupling with the septum drive wheel.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible post having at least two sections rotatably coupled together by a pair of hinges in end-to-end fashion. When one of the hinge pins is removed, the sections will rotate about the axis formed by the remaining hinge pin allowing the post to be folded or collapsed reducing the overall length of the post. A cross arm member may also be attached in similar fashion to the upper portion of the post to support one or more signs to be displayed. The post is removeably mounted on a mounting stake driven into the ground and includes an anti-swivel bracket to prevent the post from turning in the wind when so mounted.

Abstract: A protective shield device for use with medical apparatus and instruments, namely syringes, hypodermic needles and the like, comprising a removable shield which fits snugly over a needle sheath near its open end and extends radially outward and upward to prevent injury to the fingers and hand when a needle is being inserted into the sheath is described. For a double-ended needle and sheath assemble, a pair of shields coupled together with a flexible tether is provided.

Abstract: An articulated vertical support stand having an articulated base plate for holding and supporting cut trees or staffs having an irregularly shaped, curved or twisted trunk in a substantially vertical, upright position. A horizontally oriented base plate having a central opening is supported by three support members pivotally and removably attached to the base plate at points equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the base plate forming joints allowing articulation therebetween. The support members having sharpened spikes protruding from their upper ends for engaging and gripping the lower portion of the trunk when the lower portion of the trunk is inserted through the opening. The base plate includes a plurality of cam means pivotally attached to its lower surface for engaging the lower portion of the trunk protruding through the opening.

Abstract: A pneumatic massage device for applying suction to the skin including a suction cup member, a solenoid operated needle valve and a solenoid operated vacuum pump is provided. A pair of positioning straps are attached to the suction cup member to facilitate a person positioning the suction cup member on any desired area of his body without the assistance of another person. Each strap includes a form-fitted handle with a push-button switch to independently control the needle valve and vacuum pump.

Abstract: A clarinet stand made of semi-flexible plastic, constructed in such a way that there are no loose parts to assemble. Said stand, because of a unique, riveted spring action of the legs, makes possible the folding and unfolding of said legs in a matter of seconds. With legs folded, the units size and shape is comparable to that of the contour of the clarinet bell interior thus creating a unit that may be packed and stored in said bell while the clarinet is in the case. With the legs unfolded, the unit becomes a lightweight, durable stand which will hold the instrument securely, in a vertical position, when not in the player's hands.