Abstract: A substantially non-metallic golf cup provides a metallic sound indicating that a golf ball has dropped into the cup. A non-metallic carriage having a metallic portion is suspended above a metallic plate. A golf ball dropping into the cup forces the carriage to be displaced causing the carriage metallic portion to make contact with the metallic plate thus producing the metallic sound. A transparent cover on the carriage is hermetically sealed for protecting advertising material contained within the cover for viewing when approaching the golf cup.

Abstract: A bowling lane construction includes synthetic panels having a tab and a notch cut formed along the side surface of each panel and attached to a bowling lane substructure with fasteners. The panels are juxtaposed so that the tab of one panel fits into the notch of an adjacent panel. A clear flexible sheet is attached to the juxtaposed panels with an adhesive. A hardened finishing coat is applied to the sheet to provide a sliding surface. The sheet functions as a barrier layer between the finishing coat and the top surface of the panel so that the bowling lane may be refinished by peeling the sheet from the panel. A foul line joint coupler is provided to connect a wood or synthetic approach panel to a synthetic bowling lane. A compressible insert is used with panel fasteners and ensure that the tops are flush with the top surface of the corresponding panel.

Abstract: A method of improving a golf club swing by providing a planar reflecting surface having a proximal edge, a forward and back side edge, a distal edge that describes a convex arc, the perpendicular distance to which from the center of the proximal edge is dimensioned to fit between the feet of the golfer and the head of the golf club, the golfer in position to take a swing, the reflecting surface dimensioned to provide a view of the golfer from the head to the knees; andsupport means disposed beneath the distal edge of the reflecting surface of a height sufficient to tilt the reflecting surface toward the golfer to provide a view of the golfer from the head to the knees;positioning the device so that the support means and proximal edge of the reflecting surface rest on the ground;positioning the feet of the golfer on the ground adjacent the proximal edge of the reflecting surface;positioning the head of the golf club on the around adjacent the forward end of the top edge;viewing the golfer's image in the reflec

Abstract: An apparatus for radiating high intensity energy at a subject for treating diseases such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis and a method for using the same. A radiation source generating radiation at a predetermined output wavelength transilluminates affected tissues of the subject for a predetermined duration. The radiation source has sufficient intensity and is applied for sufficient duration to photolyze disease-specific antigens within the transilluminated tissues responsible for evoking complex immune response, thus reducing inflammation and disease progression.

Abstract: Alphanumeric keyboards are described for use with one hand to enter data. Each keyboard includes a plurality of individually movable alphanumeric keys that are each assigned a different letter of the alphabet. The keys are positioned side-by-side in multiple rows such that when four fingers of one hand are positioned over a home position, these fingers can depress all the letters by moving less than three key positions from the home position. Specialized key features are provided on the keyboard to facilitate the execution of multi-key combinations.A right-hand keyboard and a left-hand keyboard are disclosed as interchangeable with a conventional keyboard in a supporting shell. Alternatively, both the right-hand and left-hand keyboards are supported on opposite sides of a common rotatable member pivotably mounted in the supporting shell.

Abstract: The sensor includes a range finder having means for emitting a directional output of pulsed energy toward a fixed area, and includes a transmitter section which divides pulsed energy into divergent beams, which are then received as reflective energy in a receiver section. The receiver alternately selects between outputs of two detectors receiving reflections from the beam and provide inputs for purposes of determining time of flight, and for measuring the time interval between interceptions of the two divergent beams for a given object. The sensor also receives inputs indicating the time that each pulse is emitted and the selected outputs from the detector to indicate when returning energy is received from the corresponding pulse to determine the elapsed time between the two.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking cartons for transport. The apparatus includes a plurality of straddles that engage with stacked cartons. Each straddle attaches to a top edge of a wall on an upper stacked carton and a bottom portion that extends from the top portion to a wall on a lower stacked carton. A cover fits over the upper stacked carton and contacts the straddles in a manner where the bottom portion engages with the upper and lower stacked cartons to prevent the cartons from slipping during transport. In another embodiment straps engage with handles on the side of the carton.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic swimming pool cleaner which is self propelled over underwater surfaces by a pivoting oscillator. The pool cleaner includes a row of bristles extending from the housing from scrubbing the surfaces to be cleaned. Surrounding the row of bristles is a skirt extending from the housing. The skirt is tapered along its length, relative to the bristles, to control the flow of water through the pool cleaner and thus provide effective movement of the cleaner.

Abstract: A vending machine has a front panel with plural removable storage and dispensing trays extending through the enclosure, and defining a rear vertical chute curving gradually in a horizontal direction under the trays and communicating with a vend opening. The machine includes a bar code reader or similar input apparatus for receiving plural control and inventory inputs representative of a UPC code for articles to be inserted in each tray position, the quantity of articles inserted in each tray position, the identity of the tray position and the selection button corresponding to each tray position. A sensor is located at the back of each tray position at the exit into the chute, for detecting when an individual article passes into the chute to provide a sensing output, the operation of the tray position being continued until an article is dispensed into the chute.

Abstract: A single integrated circuit for multiple vehicle voltage regulator applications is inexpensive, programmable and responsive to mixed signals. The integrated circuit provides both analog and digital functions, and uses a single voltage comparator serving all comparator functions. A variety of features are included with the single integrated circuit in order to permit the programmable, mixed signal and multiple application characteristics of the device.

Abstract: A noise reduction system for removing unwanted audio noise during a pause. The system receives an intelligence plus noise signal that is split and fed to a first rectifier having a first polarity, and through a filter to a second rectifier having a polarity opposite to the first rectifier. The filter removes components below a frequency where most energy-frequency is distributed in human speech. The output of the rectifiers is summed to produce an output signal when most audio noise between pauses in voice is reduced.

Abstract: A bowling ball is returned from the pit area of the bowling alley to the ball storage rack in the approach area of the alley through a pneumatic transfer apparatus and method. The bowling ball is delivered from the pit area to an elongated tube via an inclined track and sucked into the elongated tube where it is accelerated through the tube located under the alley toward the approach area of the alley. As the bowling ball reaches the approach area it is diverted from its travel in the elongated tube and forced into a lift tube which delivers the bowling ball to a ball storage rack in the approach area located above the alley floor. The bowling ball return apparatus makes use of pneumatic techniques and controls the speed of the bowling ball by regulating the fan rotation of an inline motor and fan assembly. The pneumatic bowling ball return apparatus is modified for use with conventional power lift devices used to carry the bowling ball from the subway below the alley floor to the ball storage rack.

Abstract: A by-pass valve is affixed to the housing of a self-propelled submersible swimming pool cleaner. The pool cleaner includes a head having a suction chamber in which a propulsion mechanism is located for operation by water flow into the suction chamber. The head incorporates a by-pass inlet to the suction chamber downstream from the propulsion mechanism. A leaf spring biases the closure member over the by-pass inlet. The tension of the spring is overcome by the suction in the suction chamber when water flow into the chamber is blocked. Water flow is thus allowed into the suction chamber via the by-pass inlet. By placing the spring controlled by-pass inlet into the system flow stream between the cleaner propulsion mechanism and the system weir in the typical pool system, there is a small probability of the by-pass becoming blocked.

Abstract: A system and method for processing credit card transactions includes a data processor with memory storage capable of accessing an electronic clearing facility through a time rated (e.g., long distance) communication link. The system generates a real-time communication with the clearing facility to determine card validity and to initiate funds collection for transactions above a predetermined amount, and generates an off-line batch communication to the clearing facility at a time when communication rates are reduced to initiate funds collection for transactions in the system below the predetermined amount. The system relies upon local card validation, including memory storage of a previously validated card during a predetermined time period, as well as rejection of previously invalidated cards during another predetermined time period.

Abstract: A golf putter useful for training a golfer in improving putting skills includes a club head which is dimensioned in a lateral direction to the club shaft and balanced with the shaft so as to permit the head to lie flat upon a playing surface with the club shaft standing upright while unattended. Alignment marks or a detachable alignment guide permit the golfer to observe the alignment of the club face or a hole with respect to a golf ball, while the club is unattended with the shaft inclined at a substantial angle from the vertical.