Abstract: A package for administration of activated charcoal (28) to a patient's stomach has a closed container (10) in which there is a predetermined quantity of dry, finely divided activated charcoal (28). There is a means (20, 16) for introducing a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid (30) to the activated charcoal (28) for mixture therewith. A means (18) is provided for attaching one end (52) of a tube (38) to the container (10). The tube (38) has an end (40) remote from the one end (52) for administration of the activated charcoal-liquid mixture (34) to the patient.

Abstract: This ultrasonic imaging apparatus has an array (44, 52 or 100) of transducer elements (44, 50 or 104) for transmitting ultrasonic signals having a first predetermined center frequency (fc1) into an object (12) to be analyzed through use of the transmitted signals reflected from within the object. A means (150, 116-1 through 116-X and 120-1 through 120-X) is connected to transmit the ultrasonic signals from the array (44, 52 or 104) in a stepped array mode. A means (150, 116-1 through 116-X and 120-1 through 120-X) is connected to transmit the ultrasonic signals from the array (44, 52 or 104) in an angle scanning mode. There is a means (150, 128-1 through 128-X) for focusing the transmitted signals at a desired depth within the object (12). The reflected signals sensed by the apparatus have a second center frequency (fc2) less than the first center frequency (fc1) as a result of signal attenuation by the object (12).

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus has an array (10 or 100) of transducer elements (14 or 104) for transmitting ultrasonic signals into an object (12) to be analyzed through use of the transmitted signals reflected from the object and sensed by the apparatus. The transmitted signals have a first predetermined center frequency. The reflected signals sensed by the apparatus have a second center frequency less than the first center frequency as a result of signal attenuation by the object. A means (70, 62 or 150, 152-1 through 152-X) is connected to select a number of transducers (14 or 104) in the array (10 or 100) for transmitting and/or receiving the ultrasonic signals based on the second center frequency. Adjusting the number of transmitting and/or receiving transducers (14 or 104) with changes in frequency produced by signal attenuation gives improved image resolution under a wider variety of use conditions than with prior art ultrasonic imaging apparatus.

Abstract: An electrochemical detector cell (10) and apparatus incorporating the cell (10) includes a first capillary (12) having an entrance (14) connected to an electrolyte source (30) and an exit (16). A second capillary (18) is connected to reactive gas source (32) and intersects the first capillary (12) at (22) to define a reaction zone (20) in the first capillary (12). A sensor electrode (24) is positioned in the first capillary (12) in the reaction zone (20). A third capillary (26) intersects the first capillary (12) within the reaction zone (20). A reference electrode (28) is positioned in the third capillary (26). The third capillary (26) is connected to a solution source (34). The electrodes (24) and (28) may be used for potentiometric measurements. A fourth capillary (38) intersects the first capillary between entrance (14) and intersection (22) of the first capillary (12) and the second capillary (18).

Abstract: This bag opener has a ring-shaped portion dimensioned to fit inside the top of a bag. A plurality of substantially straight leg portions extend substantially normal to a plane defined by the ring-shaped portion. The leg portions are dimensioned to extend inside the bag when the ring-shaped portion is in place inside the top of the bag. The bag opener is especially adapted for use in yard work for filling the bag while it lies along the ground. The bag opener is readily removed from the bag without disturbing its contents when the bag is full of leaves, grass or other materials.

Abstract: An electrical outlet safety cover (10 or 50) comprises a top (20 or 52) dimensioned and configured to fit over an electrical outlet (16) and define a closed space (18 or 58) of sufficient size to include a plug (36) inserted in the outlet (16). The top (20 or 52) defines an opening (32 or 56) through which an electrical cord (34) attached to the plug (36) may pass. Means (24 or 60) removably fastens the top (20 or 52) to a faceplate (14) of the electrical outlet (16). The covers (10 or 50) are substantially fluid tight when installed on the electrical outlet (16).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for applying polymerized coatings to can bodies (12) has a means (13) for applying the coating as a liquid containing a polymerizable or polymer coating material in one or more vacuum liquifiable solvents. The coated can bodies (12) are heated in a confined space (22) a sufficient extent by induction coils (20) to substantially exclude air at entrance (16) to vacuum chamber (18). Second induction coils (28) heat the can bodies (12) further to flash evaporate the remaining vacuum condensable solvent from the coatings and to cure the coatings. The solvent vapor is condensed in the vacuum chamber (18) and condensers (68, 72, 76). A means (50) supplies a sufficient quantity of water at exit (42) from the vacuum chamber (18) to substantially exclude air at the exit (42). The can bodies (12) vaporize the water and the water vapor excludes the air. The water vapor is condensed under the vacuum of the chamber (18) by condenser (52).

Abstract: A human powered hang glider (10) has a fixed wing portion (12) and a pair of movable wing portions (14, 16). Flexible sheet material (26, 28) is connected to trailing edges (30, 32) of the movable wing portions (14, 16). A support structure (34, 36) for the flexible sheet material (26, 28) overlies each flexible sheet material (26, 28). Elastic bands (52) and wires (74, 76) are connected in opposing relationship to the movable wing portions (14, 16) to allow reciprocation of the movable wing portions (14, 16). When the flexible bands (52) cause upward movement of the movable wing portions (14, 16) the flexible sheet members (26, 28) move away from their associated support structures (34, 36), allowing air to pass through the support structures (34, 36). When pilot (70 pulls on wires (74, 76) to move the movable wing portions (14, 16) downward, the flexible sheet portions (26, 28) move against their associated support structures (34, 36) to provide increased lift from the movable wing portions (14, 16).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling positioning of an implement relative to a workpiece, such as a welding head with respect to members to be welded, projects light patterns including an array of light elements each having a known shape and spacing relative to one another on the workpiece. The light elements as reflected from the workpiece are detected and output signals produced in response to the detected light elements. The output signals are classified into groups based on at least one common characteristic resulting from workpiece geometry. The workpiece geometry is defined from at least one relationship between different ones of the groups of the first output signals. Second output signals are produced indicative of the so-determined workpiece geometry. The second output signals are used to control positioning of the implement relative to the workpiece. This apparatus and process allows workpiece geometry to be defined and the implement to be positioned relative to the workpiece on a real-time basis.

Abstract: In a process for fabricating semiconductor devices having a patterned polyimide (PI) or polyimide-iso-indroquinazalinedione (PIQ) insulating layer on the device, a layer of uncured PI or PIQ resin is applied on a surface of the device. The resin layer is heated to produce a first level of partial curing in the resin layer. A photoresist is applied to the partially cured resin layer where it is to be removed. The partially cured resin layer is etched to produce the patterned layer. The patterned layer is then heated to produce a second level of partial cure, sufficient to prevent organic photoresist strippers from attacking the patterned layer. The developed photoresist is then stripped with an organic photoresist stripper, and the patterned layer heated a third time a sufficient extent to complete the curing of the PI and PIQ resin. The process desirably uses etching compositions comprising an amine etchant having the formula R--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --NH.sub.

Abstract: This telephone handset receptacle has a base adapted to be mounted on a substantially vertical surface. At least one support member is spaced away from the base and extends upward when the base is mounted on the substantially vertical surface. The at least one support member is dimensioned and configured to engage the telephone handset so that the handset hangs from the receptacle. The base includes a means for fastening the receptacle to the substantially vertical surface. In its preferred form, the receptacle also includes a sound generation means activated by the presence of a telephone handset in the receptacle.

Abstract: As apparatus for sensing reflected light patterns in the presence of a welding arc has an image-sensing means. Means is provided for directing one or more pulses of light of short duration at a workpiece. Each pulse has a peak intensity greater than that of the welding arc. A means is provided for blocking the light image from the sensing means except during a pulse from the light-directing means. An image sensing process includes the steps of directing light at the workpiece in one or more pulses, each of greater intensity than the welding arc. Light from the pulse reflected from the workpiece is sensed during the pulse, and sensing of light from the welding arc is blocked during the absence of a light pulse. This apparatus and process allows improved sensing of the light patterns in the presence of the welding arc and welding sparks.

Abstract: This can opener opens and empties cans of their contents rapidly, especially paint and similar cans. The opener has a knife edge dimensioned and configured to penetrate an end, especially the bottom, of the can. There is a positioning means for disposing a can having two ends with one end over the knife edge. A means urges the can downward against the knife edge with sufficient force to cause the knife edge to penetrate the one end of the can. A means for receiving contents from the can is disposed beneath the knife edge. Cans may be opened and emptied in rapid sucession with this opener. An emptied can is moved forward by the positioning of a second can for opening and slides down into a can crusher. A piston operated can crusher cylinder is activated electro/pneumatically to come down and crush the emptied can and remove any remaining contents. When the piston retracts the crushed can drops out of the crusher.

Abstract: Ordinary articles involved in transactions that require ascertaining authenticity of the article, such as wearing apparel, electronic parts, identification cards, or credit cards, may be identified as genuine through use of stimulatable inorganic phosphor compositions. The inorganic phosphors are applied to the article to be identified. The phosphors are excited to store energy therein, such as excitation by application of light as in a radiative photon process, or by application of thermal or electric fields as in a conductive process. The storage may be for however short or long a period. The result of storage is a later emission of real--time luminescence, sometimes called fluorescence, or of time-lag luminescence, sometimes called phosphorescence, or of no luminescence, where energy is either totally stored, converted to non-visible emissions such as infrared radiation, or internal conversion processed.

Abstract: An automatic electronic musical instrument generates structured and pleasing musical sound patterns from a random sequence. One phase of the random sequence is supplied to a first shift register. A first plurality of outputs from the first shift register is used to control a rhythm oscillator. A second plurality of outputs from the first shift register is used to control a pitch oscillator. A second shift register receives a second phase of the random sequence and the rhythm signal produced by the rhythm oscillator. A programmed control input provides a song structure to the outputs of the second shift register. The outputs of the second shift register are supplied as inputs to a musical frequency generating means which has the capability of transforming dissonant frequency combinations otherwise selected by those inputs to compatible frequency combinations. The musical frequency generating means also receives the pitch signal from the pitch oscillator.

Abstract: An automatic hydroponic garden includes a single container for water and growing medium immersed in the water. A means is provided in the container for constantly mixing the water and air and circulating the mixture within the container. An enclosure surrounds the mixing means, into which plant nutrient may be added to the water and which disperses the air-water mixture in the container. A means for supplying air is connected to the mixing means. The result is an improved hydroponic gardening method in which plant roots are immersed in the water, which is both constantly aerated and circulated in a manner that does not agitate the plant roots.

Abstract: A seed singulator uses two opposing surfaces, one of which has a groove extending across it dimensioned to receive seeds in a single file. The two surfaces are moved relative to each other, with the groove having an angled relationship of less than 90.degree. with the relative direction motion of the two surfaces. Variation of the angle controls spacing between seeds independently of the velocity of relative movement between the surfaces. The surfaces are preferably flat with a centrally disposed seed containing area and the groove extending from that area to the periphery of the surfaces for discharge of the seed. In this form, the relative motion between the surfaces is preferably rotary to provide continuous operation.

Abstract: This combination connector and plug is for use in a sap collecting system in which plastic tubing is connected to a spout inserted in a borehole in the trunk of a tree. A member has an axial passageway for transporting sap between a first fitting for connecting a first plastic tube to the member and a second fitting for connecting a second plastic tube to the member. A projection extends from the member and is dimensioned to fit in sealing engagement in the end of the spout when the spout is removed from the borehole. With the projection placed in the end of the spout, the plastic tubing connector and spout can be stored by hanging them in a sealed condition on one of the tress from which the sap is collected.

Abstract: A fastener or closure is formed of flexible material having a portion which is deformable from a first fixed configuration to a second configuration. Two projections are spaced apart one from the other when the deformable portion is in one of its configurations, and are sufficiently close when the deformable portion is in its other configuration to prevent removal of a fastened article from the fastener. In this manner, both easy opening and secure closing are obtained with the closure.

Abstract: This apparatus separates downturned flaps of paperboard cases, which flaps are joined by tabs and lying over sides of the case, without requiring the use of a knife or other sharp instrument for cutting. The apparatus has a conveyor for moving the case through the apparatus. There is a first device for engaging one of the flaps. A first thrust device is positioned proximate to the conveyor and connected to the flap engaging device for moving it against the side of the case over which the one of the flaps lies, and below the flap. There is a device operatively coupled to the flap engaging device for moving it along the side of the case until at least a portion of the flap engaging device extends between the flap and the side against which it lies. A device for retracting the flap engaging device is connected thereto and does so with sufficient force to break the tab joining the flap to another one of the flaps of the case. The flap engaging device is preferably frustum shaped.