Abstract: A winged hybrid airship (dynastat) combining the advantages of lighter-than-air (LTA) and heavier-than-air (HTA) aircrafts is disclosed. By combining the dynamic lift of low drag, high aspect ration airfoils (e.g., length over chord >10) with the static lift of low drag, laminar-airflow airships, a platform is formed which is capable of prolonged high altitude flight, maintaining station over a given point on the earth, carrying a payload of communications, reconnaissance or meteorological equipment. Solar collection cells and microwave antennas allow for recharging of on board batteries/fuel cells for powering both the airship and on board avionics computers and reconnaissance or meteorological equipment. An alternate embodiment, having strengthened structural members, is able to provide low altitude heavy cargo lift in remote regions regions or cross country transport of goods.

Abstract: A portable, minature greenhouse. The greenhouse is modular, having vertically stackable sections. The base section has a floor, wheels, and insulated upright walls having reflective interior surfaces. Subsequent sections have transparent walls. Optionally, at least one wall is slidably mounted to the greenhouse. An opaque, insulated lid covers the top section. The lid has openings enabling passage of air. The base and subsequent sections have slots formed in their walls for receiving slats placed therein in spaced apart relation. The slats form shelves of selectively variable width. The greenhouse has at least one light and reflective hood mounted in the lid, a timer disposed to control the light, a water supply conduit, forced air ventilation, an air filter which in alternative embodiments has an activated carbon element or a HEPA element, and an air ionizer.

Abstract: The present invention features a voltage-limiting regulator for use with an AC generator having DC-excited fields. The AC output voltage from the generator is sensed and compared to a fixed reference representative of the sensed difference is amplified and applied to the DC field excitation input of the AC generator. As the DC voltage supplied to the field varies, the AC output voltage from the generator may be held constant under varying load conditions. The voltage-limiting regulator is particularly useful for vehicle-mounted, high power, single phase AC generators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-element filtering system assuring serial filtration of a liquid through multiple filter cartridges while enabling flushing without requiring removal of the filter cartridges. Both conventional and reverse osmosis filtration is performed, sequentially, within the system. After filtration, the water is subjected to ultraviolet irradiation for purification. The filter cartridges are held within a canister which is pressed against the cap and constrained against rotation with the cap. The canister is divided into chambers, and has passages in its floor arranged to enable serial transfer of liquid from one chamber to the next. Flushing employs liquid introduced under normal pressure. Passages leading to the flush liquid outlet enable flushing to proceed when the flush liquid outlet is opened. At other times, filtered liquid will pass through passages leading to the filtered liquid outlet.

Abstract: Snacks such as tortilla chips with melted nacho cheese toppings have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the dispensing of such snacks, as a single unit, in microwavable packages, for either home or vending stand use is desirable. A major problem with packaging cheese and chips in contact with one another in a single container, however, is that over time the chips, which are a low moisture content food, would draw moisture from the cheese, causing them to become soggy. The present invention remedies this problem by separating the cheese from the chips by containing it in an open grid integrated into the package top in such a way that when microwaved, the cheese will melt and be evenly distributed over the chips.

Abstract: A novel end cap assembly for attachment to a commercially available paint roller assembly allows the application of a coating material, such as paint, uniformly to two intersecting surfaces such as in a corner. The inventive end cap comprises a unitary disc like base having a prong projecting laterally therefrom, the base and prong being formed unitarily from a suitable polymer. A textured material such as fabric, open celled foam, or sheepskin bearing natural wool is adhered to the base. A single prong engages a space existing between the inner surface of the roller cover and the outer surface of the roller frame barrel so that the possibility of damage to the possibly damp paper tube of the roller cover is avoided when the end cap is installed. The prong is straight where joined to the cap at its proximal end, and is curved at its distal or free end. The prong is formed from a material imparting spring qualities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a three-dimensional object within a block of transparent material by using a laser beam. This is useful in the field of rapid prototype manufacturing (RPM) in which a computer-generated CAD file defining an object may be converted directly to the described object. A CAD surface model is sliced and the data from the sliced model used as input to a numerically controlled machine. Because only the surface of the volume being cut from the solid block must be scanned by the laser beam, this process is much faster than other RPM manufacturing techniques where a laser beam must scan every point inside the shape being formed. Objects having complex geometries and/or hollow interiors may readily be formed using the disclosed apparatus and method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slightly bendable nail file which has indicia in the form of a pictorial image. The file comprises a flexible foamed synthetic resin core sandwiched between paperboard panels, at least one of which is of a luminescent material. At least one paperboard panel has a layer of transparent grit bonded thereto. At least one paperboard panel also has an image formed thereon, the image being outwardly visible through the transparent grit. The second paperboard panel may optionally have a mirror coating. A sound chip, light emitting diode (LED), or image projector may optionally be imbedded in the foam core for enhanced audible and visual messaging.

Abstract: A slightly bendable nail file which has indicia in the form of a pictorial image. The file comprises a flexible foamed synthetic resin core sandwiched by paperboard panels. Each paperboard panel has a layer of transparent grit bonded thereto. One paperboard panel has a photograph formed thereon, the photograph being outwardly visible through the transparent grit. The other paperboard panel has a mirror coating.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an aggregate for use in cementitious building materials which-successfully incorporates plastic such as recycled plastic scrap of diverse types and a abrasive, inorganic grit particles. The plastic scrap is impregnated with a grit, such as sand, glass or other inorganic material. The plastic will then bond satisfactorily with a ark cementitious binder. Impregnation is accomplished by heating the plastic in particulate form, the grit or both, then mixing the plastic and grit. The aggregate can be reinforced by the addition of metallic or artificial fibers. Optionally, the aggregate can be formed with gas filled voids by adding sodium bicarbonate or borax during the heating process or by using plastics which “off-gas” during heating. In a further option, adhesive can be added to the cementitious mix, thereby fusing plastic particles together such that a skeleton providing reinforcement or support is formed in the cured aggregate.

Abstract: A modular cutting/pastry board having a plurality of joinable board sections is disclosed. Each board section, typically of a food grade plastic material, has a keyed tongue disposed along a first edge and a keyhole groove disposed along a second edge such that when engaged, a single, rigid board is formed. Removable handles using the same keyed tongue and keyhole groove provide ease in moving the cutting/pastry board. The board segments can be used individually for smaller cutting/pastry tasks or joined for larger tasks. Disassembled, the board is compact for easy storage or dishwasher cleansing.

Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner (preferably polyester), a first layer of tacky film, stainless steel mesh, a second layer of tacky waterproof compound, and a second release liner (preferably polyethylene). The double release liner embodiment is symmetrical, and can therefore be installed with either side against the surface to be protected.

Abstract: Testing apparatus for testing string lamps such as hose of Christmas lights. The apparatus includes a hand held housing having two sockets for testing lamps, an indicating lamp, and a buzzer. One socket connects power from a battery to the electrodes of the lamp. The other socket is associated with an inductive circuit which energizes the indicating lamp and buzzer when the inserted lamp is operable. Externally exposed electrodes connected to the indicating lamp and buzzer enable testing of fuses. Internal circuitry includes a 4069 chip containing a plurality of individual amplifiers.

Abstract: The present invention features a device to facilitate female urination from a standing position. A collapsible structure is readily expanded by pressing on two opposing edges. Once expanded, the device is held in its open state by a unique locking mechanism. Because a user does not need to exert continuous pressure on the device to keep it in an open, operable state, it is easier to use than other similar devices. The device may be cleaned, collapsed and stored for re-use or may be supplied as a single use, disposable unit.

Abstract: A highly compact loudspeaker which produces high fidelity, omnidirectionally propagated sound from only two sound drivers. The loudspeaker has a cylindrical, sound tight housing in which are mounted a relatively high frequency sound driver and a relatively low frequency sound driver, and optionally, an intermediate frequency sound driver. The high frequency driver is fixed at the top of the cylindrical housing, and is oriented to direct sound upwardly, away from the housing. The low frequency driver is fixed to the housing at the interior thereof, thereby dividing the housing into two sound resonating chambers. The low frequency driver directs sound downwardly into the lower of the two chambers. The bottom of the lower chamber is closed by a floor which bears a crossover network conventionally connected to the two sound drivers. The sound drivers are both coaxially centered within the housing. The loudspeaker optionally has two pairs of input signal terminals and a switch for selecting between the two pairs.

Abstract: A socket having a slot with an array of terminals for providing an electrical connection with an array of terminals on the edge of a printed circuit board includes an alignment mechanism for progressively correcting any misalignment between the board and the slot as the board is moved towards and inserted into the slot. The alignment mechanism includes a pair of guides supported near opposed ends of the slot. Each of the guides includes a base surface and guide surfaces sloping upwardly and away from the base surface. The socket may also include a release mechanism interactive with the alignment mechanism.

Abstract: A bracket for suspending a washing basin from a cart having an upwardly extending frame member. The bracket includes a connector for engaging the frame member. In alternative embodiments, the connector is either a clamp operated by threaded fasteners, or a sleeve which encircles the frame member, the sleeve having an adapter which occupies the interior of the sleeve and cooperates closely with both the sleeve and with frame members of different cross sectional configurations. A stop prevents the sleeve from sliding downwardly along the frame member of the cart. Two rods project laterally from the sleeve on opposite sides thereof. One support arm is pivotally supported from each rod. The support arms have eyes for receiving fasteners which are threaded into the washing basin. The support arms are configured to support the washing basin at about a forty-five degree angle to a horizontal direction. The support arms are readily releasably attached to their respective rods.

Abstract: The present invention presents a stretching frame for fabric materials such as an artist's canvas which can be easily assembled and disassembled, while providing superior rigidity. Unique inner frame members interlock orthogonally along the inner length of outer frame member to prevent the tension of the canvas from deflecting the frame inwardly. Half lapped joints at the corners of the inner frame members provide additional strength for the frame and the ability to adjust the tautness of the canvas in either a single direction or two directions by the insertion of wedges or turnbuckles.

Abstract: In the wiring industry is often necessary to either run a number of individual wires together as a bundle or to use a variety of different types of wire on a regular basis. In either case it is cumbersome to have to handle a number of individual spools of wire while working on an installation. Therefore, the present invention presents an easily maneuvered, four wheeled cart upon which a number of spools of wire, or other spooled material, of either like size or different sizes, can be rotatably mounted along inclined plane such that wires can be pulled from multiple spools without becoming entangled one with another. A wire guide aids in bringing the various wires together as a bundle for pulling as a single unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-element filtering system assuring serial filtration of a liquid through multiple filter cartridges while enabling flushing without requiring removal of the filter cartridges. Both conventional and reverse osmosis filtration is performed, sequentially, within the system. The filter cartridges are held within a canister which is pressed against the cap and constrained against rotation with the cap. The canister is divided into chambers, and has passages in its floor arranged to enable serial transfer of liquid from one chamber to the next. Flushing employs liquid introduced under normal pressure. Passages leading to the flush liquid outlet enable flushing to proceed when the flush liquid outlet is opened. At other times, filtered liquid will pass through passages leading to the filtered liquid outlet. Liquid is circulated to assure filtration even when flushing, so that contamination of filtered liquid is precluded.