Abstract: A variable reflectivity automobile mirror assembly is operable by automatic electrical circuitry responsive to variations of incident light upon the mirror and ambient light level about the automobile to provide positions of high and low reflectivity. The assembly also includes a support member or housing, a reflective mirror panel, motor means, actuation means secured to the housing and driven by the drive element of the motor, and a timed-drive circuit for directing the current through the motor in opposite directions to move the mirror between the two positions. the automatic circuitry can include photosensing means and means to combine the output of the photosensing means and to compare it to an independent source. The circuit can position the mirror in response to the output of the comparing means.

Abstract: A new Tenaculum for gripping the human uterine cervix presses it against an inserted medical instrument such as the sheath of a hysteroscope. The new tenaculum has a pair of movable extension members which branch into two spaced arms each extending into a knob. Each knob has a tooth which projects toward an oppositely facing knob, with the teeth offset to avoid point to point interface. Each knob has a substantially flat surface for engaging the cervix to better distribute the gripping force. The teeth and knobs are integral with their corresponding extension member.

Abstract: An improved interior lighting system for use in an automobile incorporates a traditional manual switch and door switch for turning the interior light of the automobile on and off, and provides circuitry for causing the interior light to rise transiently to a maximum level when activated to turn on and for causing the interior light to decay transiently to a minimum level when activated to turn off. Circuitry is also provided to automatically turn off the interior light after a predetermined time lapses from the interior light being manually activated by the manual switch, when the ignition to the automobile is turned off. The lighting system also includes circuitry to cause the interior light to remain on for a predetermined time after the door of the automobile is opened, and circuitry to override the predetermined time delay when the ignition of the automobile is turned on.

Abstract: A container of ingredients for an iced bakery good, and a method of icing a bakery good. The container comprises a first compartment which can hold batter or dough which can be frozen or cooled, and can hold the batter or dough during baking, or can also hold a prebaked bakery good. A second compartment is removably attached to the first compartment and has a layer of icing, which can be frozen or cooled, on a surface thereof. After baking the batter or dough in the batter compartment, or heating the pre-baked good, to form an uniced bakery good, the bakery good can be iced by orienting the second compartment over the first compartment with the layer of icing facing a surface of the uniced bakery good. Heat rises from the baked good and heats the icing. The icing separates substantially from the suface of the second compartment and coats a substantial portion of the bakery good surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint for replacing a metatarsal-phalangeal joint of a human toe has a head with a convex bearing surface that moves against the concave bearing surface of a base. The base is elliptical and formed by two different radii of curvature with a desired ratio. The head has a generally concave bone confronting surface with four different generally flat surface areas, one surface is horizontal and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the metatarsal bone, another extends approximately perpendicular thereto, and two others extend at angles to the longitudinal axis. The horizontal lower surface allows better distribution of vertical force and helps to resist separation of the head from the bone. The head exterior surface has four different regions formed by four different radii of curvature with desired ratios to one another. These four head surfaces allow the head and base to reproduce pivoting of a healthy toe joint. A method for installing the prosthetic joint is also disclosed.

Abstract: A brake fluid tester for measuring the quality of brake fluid, comprising means for measuring the conductivity of the brake fluid, preferably comprising a plurality of comparators for comparing the resistance of the brake fluid to a plurality of reference, resistances. The device further comprises indicating means, preferably light emitting diodes, responsive to the measuring means for indicating the quality of the brake fluid based upon its measured conductivity. An increasing number of diodes are illuminated as the conductivity of the brake fluid increases, providing a positive indication when the device is working and providing an easy to interpret display of the test results. The diodes are preferably activated at preselected levels of conductivity, corresponding to preselected levels of moisture contamination.

Abstract: Computer data processing, programming and printing for an improved incentive award program which allocates monetary amounts available for expenditure through credit instruments issued to program participants when the participants perform to a designated level of achievement. Participants identifying information and credit instrument account numbers are stored in memory. The incentive program can be divided into multiple time periods. Levels of performance are calculated and assigned for each participant in order for a monetary amount to be available for expenditure through the participant's credit instrument. Monetary amonts can be withheld from the amounts allocated to the instrument accounts. Adjustments can be made in the withheld amounts and in the achievement levels. Calculations, adjustment and reporting concerning amounts allocated for instrument use, withheld amounts, instrument transactions and account balances are made.

Abstract: A food service system for serving meals that include hot foods. The system comprises at least one generally circular dish having a top surface for holding the foods that are to be served warm, and a bottom surface, an electrical heating element in the dish for heating the foods on the top surface of the dish, and first and second electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the dish for supplying electrical energy to the heating element. The system further comprises at least one tray, having at least one generally circular well therein for receiving one of the generally circular dishes, and at least one aperture in the well for exposing the first and second electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the dish when the dish is seated in the well. The dish includes at least one foot and the well in the tray includes at least one stop for orienting the dish in the tray to orient the first and second contacts with respect to the aperture.