Abstract: A portable light and reflector for use on the spoke of a bicycle wheel or on other similar vehicles uses a centrifugal switch to complete an electrical circuit between a light source and power source. The centrifugal switch responds to the centrifugal force occurring from the rotation of the wheel. The centrifugal switch, power source and lighting circuitry is mounted within a water tight chamber of the light and reflector housing. The housing contains both translucent and reflective surfaces to take advantage to light incident upon the reflector from outside sources as well as transmitting light and reflecting light from the light source provided. The portable light and reflector disclosed use an LED and lithium battery and is has an easy method for assembling and attaching the housing to the spoke of the bicycle wheel.

Abstract: An object sensor and method using pulsed laser range imaging technology is adapted for controlling an agricultural spraying system. A single laser sensor employs a continuously scanned pulsed laser transmitter and optical receiver to determine the presence or absence of foliage in predetermined spray zones to selectively control spraying only in those spray zones where foliage has been sensed. Range and distance data are also collected and stored in a microprocessor for use in determining the appropriate zones requiring spraying.

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 suction head useful with a self-propelled submersible pool cleaner having an elevation limiter formed as an inverted, generally U-shaped pipe or bulging body connected to the suction head and being dimensioned and disposed such that when an outward extremity of the limiter breaks a surface of water as the suction head climbs a submerged pool wall, gravitational force diminishes any forward impetus of the suction head.

Abstract: A low volume irrigation system includes a length of a thin-walled plastic distribution tube extending horizontally along a row of plants with a plurality of vertical hand assemblies extending downwardly from and spaced along the distribution tube, each hang assembly having a lowermost sprinkler and an intermediate feed tube for delivering water from the distribution tube to the sprinkler. Each hang assembly is made from a material that is selected to maintain the sprinkler of each hang assembly located generally underneath the distribution tube, irrespective of any axial twisting of the tube.

Abstract: A low volume irrigation sub-assembly is dimensioned to be removably fitted in an extensible riser of a conventional pop-up spray housing. The sub-assembly has an upstanding low volume emitter extending generally axial to the direction of elongation of the housing and the riser, and includes a filter and flow control device for restricting the pressure of water passing between the interior of the riser and the emitter aperture.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating the installation of fascia materials such as tile on bathtub walls, fireplace facings and feature walls includes a support member with arms that extend so as to fit between facing side walls and be self supporting. The support member contains spring loaded arms that are activated by the push of a button and are locked into position against the side walls. Side bar members are attached to the support member and leveled for installation of tile on the facing walls of a bathtub or shower stall. The support member and side bar members have spirit levels attached for an accurate and quick leveling adjustment. Fascia material designs such as tile patterns are centered by the use of calibrated scales on the arms activated to extend and lock against the side walls. By attaching a second support member to the support member, the device is configured for use in setting fireplace facing tiles.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for converting a reciprocating angular movement into one directional angular movement is disclosed for driving a shaft in a submersible cleaning device. In particular, a positive engagement clutch converts an alternating pivotal or angular motion of a shaft to a unidirectional circular motion of a driven gear. The shaft is affixed to a collar formation comprising pockets in which pawl elements are movably placed. The pawl elements engage teeth of a periphery ring that encloses the collar. The driven gear is affixed to the ring. The pawl elements operate in a dense medium such as the water of a pool in which the device is operating. The water imparts a high degree of inertia to the pawl elements and cause them to engage in the peripheral ring during the alternating motion of the shaft. Rotational movement of the driven gear to one direction is accomplished using a second pawl engaging a ratchet affixed to the periphery of the ring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving confidential facsimile messages includes a receiver to receive a sheet of facsimile paper having two margins each coated with a heat-molten adhesive strip and to form the sheet of facsimile paper into a paper roll, a first rolling means and a second rolling means to roll the paper flat, and a heating element to melt the heat-molten strip so that the margins are sealed.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for dislodging a submersible cleaning device from a vertical wall after a predetermined time period on such wall. The mechanism includes an operating gear that engages when the cleaning device climbs the wall. Once engaged, the gear drives a cam mechanism which in turn engages a device for pushing the cleaner off the wall thereby breaking the suction of the cleaning device and causing the cleaning device to drop from the wall. A turning brush is used to break the suction but it will be appreciated that any lever or similar device can be employed.

Abstract: A friction clutch drive is used to translate the oscillating angular movement of the oscillator in a submersible pool cleaner into a unidirectional periodic angular movement. A disc element affixed to a drive shaft of the oscillator is urged into contact with a second friction surface using a compression spring. The second disc is secured to a drum formation to which a gear to be driven is integrally formed so that rotational movement of the second disc causes rotational movement of the gear. To limit movement of the driven gear to one direction, a ratchet gear is affixed to the periphery of the drum and which engages a pawl to permit the single directional rotation of the drum and thus the driven gear.

Abstract: The condition of signal lamps (R1, R2) in a traffic light system is monitored by compiling a table of power consumption levels at different levels of applied voltage. The table is then used to adjust measured levels of power consumption at intervals during the service life of the traffic light system. A fault condition is signalled if the adjusted values differ by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for regulation of automotive electrical generators and battery system. A generator is coupled through a rectifier to a voltage regulator and a battery. The regulator is activated by a low voltage level stator signal from the generator. The activation voltage level is set to an improved initial activation time when the generator starts to charge the battery while maintaining tolerance to rectifier leakage current. A feedback is included in the regulator to lower power dissipation during regulation and protect the regulator during a voltage surge.

Abstract: A composition and method for spraying an area to inhibit web growth and discourage spiders, other insects or the like from returning to the sprayed area. The solution includes liquid soap that is blended with oil of anise and coriander oil. Capsicum is then added and completely blended in the soap mixture. The mixture is blended with an acetic acid solution to form the solution.

Abstract: A prism gain module is placed in a resonator for generating or amplifying coherent light energy. The module has a first and second side each with a planar surface. The surfaces are partially coated with a reflective material. The first and second sides are angled so that a resonator beam path is formed within the module such that coherent light energy enters an uncoated surface on the first side of the module of Brewster's angle, reflects off of the reflective material on the second and first sides, and then exits the module through the second side with an exit angle also equal to Brewster's angle. The prism gain module provides pump position flexibility by permitting coherent light energy to pump the gain module from multiple sides so long as the coherent light energy is focused along the beam path.

Abstract: An exercise device having a driving sprocket coupled to a resistive driven sprocket. Pedals are connected to the driven sprocket and rotated by foot about an axis in a first direction. The driving sprocket and pedals may then be repositioned to a second position where the sprocket may be rotated by hand. The position of the sprocket as well as the direction of rotation of the sprocket can be adjusted to exercise various parts of the body. An indicator may be coupled to the device to display the speed of sprocket rotation irrespective of the direction of sprocket rotation.

Abstract: A power boat hull that has central running surface and na outer running surface that flanks the central running surface. The outer surface forms a channel with concave curvature which extends from the bow to the stern. The channel is shaped so that pressure builds in the channel during turning of the boat to lock the hull to water throughout the turn. A transom may be provided with a deflector plate having a curved surface that is lifted out of the water during high speed running of the boat and operatively deflects water downward to force the bow of the boat into the water during low speed running of the boat.