Abstract: In this invention, there is provided a method and device for shielding and deflecting unguided missiles, mortars and other projectiles and ordnance. A plurality of lighter-than-air balloons are tethered from a plurality of ground anchors so that the balloons are positioned spaced apart, adjacent to, along and buoyed above the border to be defended between the launch area and the target area. A defense shield is suspended from the plurality of tethered lighter-than-air balloons, extending generally vertically covering a range of heights for engaging and deflecting missiles launched along the expected trajectories.

Abstract: In this invention, there is provided a method and device for shielding and deflecting unguided missiles, mortars and other projectiles and ordnance. A plurality of lighter-than-air balloons are tethered from a plurality of ground anchors so that the balloons are positioned spaced apart, adjacent to, along and buoyed above the border to be defended between the launch area and the target area. A defense shield is suspended from the plurality of tethered lighter-than-air balloons, extending generally vertically covering a range of heights for engaging and deflecting missiles launched along the expected trajectories.

Abstract: A step-back eliminating tapered dental cutting instrument for improved root canal treatment and a method of root canal therapy in which the instrument includes a first tapered working portion having spiral-shaped cutting edges which define a first tapered angle, and a second tapered working portion having spiral-shaped cutting edges which define at least one second tapered angle. The second separate tapered angle may have a compound curve taper steeper at the distal tip of the instrument.

Abstract: A set of endodontic cutting instruments, each having handles and each having a different working tip diameter incrementally increasing in size from one instrument to the next. The set includes a first smaller standard size endodontic cutting instrument having a grasping end with a first color according to a standard color code, a second larger standard size endodontic cutting instrument having a grasping end with a second color according to the standard color code and a non-standard intermediate size endodontic instrument having a size between the first smaller standard size and the second larger standard size and having a grasping end with a color combination including a first portion having the first standard color corresponding to the first smaller standard size and a second portion having the second standard color corresponding to the second larger standard size. Nonstandard taper portions on the cutting instruments are provided to smooth stair step root canal cavities.

Abstract: A carrying device for use by a wearer to carry possessions on the wearer's back and comprising a back panel supported adjacent a wearer's back, a moveable pouch supported adjacent the back panel in a first position and supportable adjacent the wearer's chest in a second position, a motion inhibitor interposed between the back panel and the pouch when the pouch is in the first position, and the pouch is attached in a position such that it is graspable by the wearer for moving the pouch from the first to the second position without removing the device.

Abstract: A flipover carrying device for use by a wearer to carry possessions on the wearer's back and comprising a back panel supported adjacent a wearer's back, a moveable pouch supported adjacent the back panel in a first position and supportable adjacent the wearer's chest in a second position, a motion inhibitor interposed between the back panel and the pouch when the pouch is in the first position, and the pouch is attached in a position such that it is graspable by the wearer for moving the pouch from the first to the second position without removing the device.

Abstract: A novel data processing technique is provided for detecting and locating a target from a plurality of two-dimensional images generated by an imaging sensor such as an imaging lidar system. The present invention processes this series of two dimensional images (made with one or more imaging detectors) in an optimal statistical fashion to reliably detect and locate targets. This invention is a process by which the images are mathematically modified to reduce the deleterious effects of noise and thereby provide the highest possible probability of detection while simultaneously maintaining a very low probability of false alarm. The data processing technique described herein also provides an estimate of the reliability of the detection, the target location and an output image to be displayed for visual confirmation and perhaps classification by the operator.

Abstract: An activated work comprising at least two turnable pages pivotably attached to one edge of each of the pages so that the pages are pivotable from a juxtaposed closed position to an adjacent opened position, a visual image display affixed to one of the pages, the visual image display having a first visual activation state at which a visual image is not visible thereon and a second visual activation state at which a visual image is visible thereon, a sound generator attached to the work having a first activation state at which an audible sound is not generated and a second activation state at which an audible sound is generated, connected to the visual display for selectively activating the visual display from one of the visual activation states to another upon pivoting the pages from the open position to the closed position, and connected to the sound generator for selectively activating the sound generator from one of the sound activation states to another upon pivoting the pages from the closed position to t