Abstract: A prosthesis for a person with an amputation above the elbow is provided in which elbow motion is provided by an electrical motor contained within the prothesis. Operation of the motor is controlled by electric impulses from selected opposing muscle pairs on the amputee. The prosthesis is constructed with both internal and external modules which are readily replaceable. An electrically operated lock mechanism is provided for locking the elbow motion of the prosthesis. The locking mechanism is controlled by logic circuitry which in turn operates in response to electric impulses from the pair of muscles on the amputee. Novel means are also included which provide passive wrist movement and humeral rotation of the prosthesis. A removable battery module comprising rechargeable storage cells provides power for the motor and the electrically operated lock mechanism.

Abstract: A head harness for glasses comprised of a first elongated strap that fits over the head of a person and containing closed loops at each end for engaging the midsection of the temple pieces of a pair of eyeglasses frames; a second elongated strap that fits around the rear of the head of a person and containing closed loops for engaging the rear sections of temple pieces; and an elongated strap that is sewn at each of its ends to the midsections of the first and second elongated straps. The straps are all constructed in a preadjusted length and are made of a slightly elastic material in order to provide a secure fit when used with different style eyeglasses and different head sizes.

Abstract: An automatic height control system for a header on a farm implement is disclosed wherein the height of the header is continuously controlled in response to the height of the crop on which the header is operating. The top of the crop is detected by sonar detection units, and appropriate electronic and electromechanical means are provided for controlling the height of the header in response to signals from the sonar detection units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing theft or unauthorized use of an article such as a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes an exposed electrically conductive element, at least one exposed electrically conductive touch pole and a control mechanism which prevents normal operation of the article unless electrical communication has been established between the exposed conductive element and the touch pole. In a preferred embodiment of the invention for preventing theft or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, the conductive element and at least one touch pole are provided within the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, and to properly activate the ignition system of the motor vehicle to an operable state the operator must touch the conductive element and while maintaining contact with the conductive element, then touch the touch pole or each of the touch poles if a plurality of such touch poles are provided.

Abstract: A ski-training aid comprising a handlebar adapted to be held by a ski-instructor, having a pair of ankle straps connected to one end of the handlebar and a waist strap attached to the other end of the handlebar, the straps adapted to be attached to a trainee skier and with the ankle and waist straps being adjustable to fit various size trainee skiers and with the ankle straps being interconnected for simultaneous movement independently of movement of the handlebar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using phase-change compounds for insulating purposes. Selected phase-change compounds are stored in the voids of particles of suitable insulating materials that are maintained surface dry whereby temperatures of walls and ceilings containing such insulation are maintained at a much more constant temperature than can be achieved using insulating materials alone.

Abstract: A mattress support system including a support frame, tubular air springs and mattress support slats extending between pockets formed at a top surface of sleeves surrounding bladders of the tubular support springs.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained wood processing machine to be used for the processing of logs into specific lengths and then splitting the lengths into individual pieces suitable for use as firewood or the like. The individual pieces are retained in a unit bin until a desired quantity has been processed. Once the desired quantity is processed the unit bin is operated to release the stored pieces to a handling cart or to packaging.

Abstract: A tent structure comprising a substantially rectangular sheet of suitably flexible material, such as canvas, and including an upright support pole comprised of a plurality of interlocking sections. The tent structure is adaptable as a hammock by folding in a manner such that sections of the pole used for upright support of the tent are utilized as attachments to the ends of the folded fabric.The tent structure is adapted to several configurations including that of a "lean-to".

Abstract: A backpack and sleeping bag system comprised of a backpack of generally "delta" or trapezoidal configuration and an expandable diameter, elongate bag that is used to contain a sleeping bag of various conventional means.The backpack is comprised of two generally trapezoidal front and back panels, two side panels, a bottom panel, and a top panel arranged in a flap configuration. Integral to the main body of the back pack are metal snap fasteners which allow two pockets to be attached to either the back or side panels of the main body.

Abstract: A quickly attached and removed adjustable grader blade attachment for a bucket of a bucket vehicle, which includes a blade, and an adapter bracket and frame assembly that will permit the blade to be angularly adjusted by hydraulic or mechanical means and a bucket bottom engaging member that will serve as a cutting depth control for the grader attachment.

Abstract: A self-adjusting window frame unit having a corner assembly that will permit continued adjustment of the frame while providing strength for the frame at the corners and while maintaining a fully insulated frame. The unit includes right-angle corner members adapted to receive window end members having angled ends and with the corner members having projecting legs with extending side faces on opposite sides thereof to fill spaces left by notches provided in the end members. Alternatively the end members may extend into opposite legs of the corner members and the corner members may be hinged to permit relative movement of the end members to fit a window opening. With the hinged corner member the legs of the corner member are overlapping so that no air gap will develop between the legs as the legs move relative to one another.

Abstract: A low cost, manually operated, popcorn kernal separator. The separator includes a support stand and a perforated drum with a lid enclosing a front opening and the access of the drum mounted angularly with respect to the horizontal leg of the support base. The perforated drum also serves as a serving bowl for popped corn therein.

Abstract: A belt buckle is disclosed which has an indented area on the front face of the buckle that is shaped and adapted for reception of a small handgun flatwise therein. The handgun is held within the indented area so that the entire side of the handgun is exposed to give ornamentation to the buckle. Apparatus is provided for releasably securing the handgun to the buckle, whereby the handgun can be quickly and easily removed from and reattached to the buckle.

Abstract: An economical reflective roadway marker having a substantially vertically disposed reflective assembly, a series of cantilevered protective flaps arranged to flex and cover reflective surfaces and an end base plate assembly by which the marker is attached to a road surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in obtaining and processing for analysis blood scalp samples during fetal monitoring. A hollow tube having a blood collection assembly at one end is provided. The blood collection assembly comprises a capillary tube, capped at one end, coated with heparin on the inside, a metal flea inside the tube and held positioned by a magnet outside the tube and means for positioning the magnet until mixing of the blood and heparin is desired.

Abstract: A boat drive for boats having planing hulls. The boat drive includes a single prime mover or engine that drives, as an inboard drive, a pair of marine screws or propellers that are secured to respective shafts. The engine is located rearmost in the boat proximate the transom and has coupled thereto an automatic transmission having a control provided with two or three speeds forward, neutral and reverse positions, and a lock position. The output shaft from the transmission is coupled, as by a double U-joint structure, to power transfer device including for example, an automobile differential or the like and angle drives suitable for imparting rotation to mutually spaced propeller shafts. The boat incorporating the drive includes a planing-type hull, and controls are supplied the boat for throttling the engine and for selecting the speed ranges of the transmission.

Abstract: A bait holder comprising a spring frame including a main support wire and a spring wire. The spring wire is integral with the main support wire and locks to the main support wire during threading of a minnow, small fish, or other artificial bait thereon, and then is released from the main support wire to spring open inside the bait to securely hold the bait in place on the support frame. A control member, secured to the frame by the resiliency of the main support wire and the spring wire serves to additionally hold the bait on the frame and also serves as a control rudder to provide a desired movement to the frame during use of the frame.

Abstract: A simple, easily-installed, and economical latch. The latch comprises a connector brace and means for affixing said brace onto a door frame, farm gate-post, vehicle frame, animal halter, or the like. The latch further comprises a rigid loop projecting out perpendicular from the top of the brace, a chain or cord attaching at one end to the loop, and a tongue member extending up from the bottom of the brace and passing a short distance through the loop. When used with the chain, the desired connection is secured by slipping a link on the free end of the chain up through the loop and down over the tongue member.