Abstract: The invention rests on the discovery that the onset of sleep is preceeded by a drop in brain temperature as measured within the auditory canal. Auditory canal temperature is thus measured and its value used to activate an audible or visible alarm to prevent the subject's falling asleep.

Abstract: A wave measuring buoy for measuring ocean surface wave amplitude, frequency and direction of propagation is disclosed. The buoy includes a single-axis accelerometer suspended as a pendulum inside a water-proof housing. The water-proof housing is connected to and beneath the flotation hull of the buoy and is located at the center of rotation of the buoy assembly so that the accelerometer is substantially insensitive to roll and pitch motions of the buoy. An inclinometer and a compass are fixedly mounted inside of said flotation hull. Inasmuch as the inclinometer is fixed in the water-proof housing it responds to the pitch and roll motions of the buoy and the compass indicates the direction of said roll and pitch. The output of the accelerometer is an analog signal proportional to the vertical (heave) acceleration of the buoy. The outputs of the inclinometer and the compass are analog signals which indicate the pitch and roll of the buoy and the magnetic heading of said pitch and roll.

Abstract: In the apparatus disclosed herein, a floating spar tethered at its midpoint is employed to determine wave direction. The balance of wave forces acting upon the spar tend to orient it parallel to passing surface wave fronts. A recording compass then determines and records the orientation of the spar.

Abstract: In the apparatus disclosed herein, a continuously operative sample intake is traversed along the shoreline at a preselected subsurface level appropriate for picking up effluents emanating from on-shore septic systems. The conductivity and the fluorescence of the sampled water are measured continuously, the wavelength of the fluorescence measured being chosen to determine the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons and detergent whiteners which are present in distinctive proportions in recharged septic effluents. Signal processing means are incorporated for generating an output signal which varies as a function of the conjoint deviation of the two measurements from the values thereof which are representative of background water levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing a person's cerebral functions by providing a selective increase in the cerebral temperature while leaving the temperature of the rest of the body as is. The method and apparatus elevate the exterior skull temperature to a selected value within the range between 38.degree. and 50.degree. Celsius and change the temperature within a limited rate.