Abstract: A clock-driven pulse source is used to apply repetitive short pulses to the squelch control point of the squelch circuitry of a radio receiver to deactivate momentarily the squelch circuitry at regular intervals (FIGS. 2B, and 2D). The repetitive short pulses being applied to the active squelch circuitry of a radio receiver to deactivate it momentarily at regular intervals may, according to the present invention, be applied directly or through reactive coupling to the antenna associated with the radio receiver (FIGS. 2M and 2N). This provides periodic noise bursts of "de-squelch" pulses on an otherwise silent radio in order to inform the radio operator that the radio is live and that the volume is adequate. A light may also be connected to the system to provide a second, visual, indicator of the operational status of the radio.

Abstract: The discovery of the present invention includes method and apparatus for a strainer funnel with means for supporting itself over a wide variety of receptacles. The method and apparatus for a new and improved strainer funnel aid a cook in separating liquids from solids. The new and improved strainer funnel of the present invention comprises: a bowl, a strainer, a funnel in the lower portion of the bowl and support means attached to the bowl such that the bowl is adequately supported if placed on a flat surface and on top of a receptacle being used to collect the liquids passing through the funnel. The method includes providing an improved strainer funnel and using it to separate liquids from solids.

Abstract: A tape for attaching bandages, with non-adhesive tabs at each end for easy manipulation and removal while wearing gloves, are disclosed. Also disclosed are a temporary bandage with non-adhesive ends; a roll formation of such tapes, each tape section separated from the others by a perforated section, such that it may be easily removed from the roll; and methods of forming the tapes and bandages.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for polishing optical lenses using free-flowing polishing fluid (23) passing across a flexible permeable membrane (1). The free-flowing polishing fluid (23) forces the permeable membrane (5) to conform to the shapes and curves of an optical lens (2), polishing and cooling the lens (2) at the same time. In addition, the free-flowing polishing fluid (23) continually replenishes the polishing compound of the polishing fluid (23) during the polishing process.

Abstract: A three-fluid method of non-mercury liquid intrusion porosimetry. The sample to be tested and a quantity of non-wetting intrusion liquid other than mercury are introduced into a sealable, pressurizable chamber, the sample being above the intrusion liquid. The chamber is sealed and evacuated. An intermediate pressurizing liquid, such as mercury, is introduced into the chamber and pressurized by a primary pressurization fluid, such as alcohol or oil, so as to force the intrusion liquid into the pores of the sample. The volume of intermediate pressurization liquid introduced into the chamber is measured as the pressure is increased incrementally, to find the pore distribution of the sample.

Abstract: A combined hinge and latch mechanism for vehicle tops or "caps", which allows the cap to be lifted from either side. The mechanism has two parts, a plate which mounts to the truck or other vehicle bed and a latch, comprising a rod having handle and semicircular parts, and a pivot point, which mounts to the vehicle cap. Rotation of the rod engages and disengages with the plate to latch and unlatch the mechanism. When latched the two elements may be pivoted on each other providing a hinge.

Abstract: Indicia display means comprising an indicia-bearing member having one or more sets of visible indicia located thereon in predetermined locations, and a mask member arranged to overlay the indicia-bearing member, the mask member having perforations or openings at predetermined locations to expose selected ones of said visible indicia. The mask member may be provided with a mirror image set of said indicia on the reverse side of the mask member to assist in locating the site of said openings or perforations in the mask member. The location of the indicia, the color, and/or the color of the background and/or the color of the mask areas may be used to convey information, in addition to the values assigned to the indicia themselves.

Abstract: A multifluid dispensing system especially suited for web tinting machines or the like. A plurality of fluid and, optionally, air-tight tanks are provided. In a recirculating embodiment, the tanks feed fluid to, and receive fluid from, two manifolds. The upper (output) manifold receiving fluid from each tank slopes to gravity drain into the second manifold. The second (inlet) manifold is level to eliminate low spots for fluid accumulation. The inlet manifold drains into the tanks through valves in the side of, and level with, the manifold. A non-recirculating embodiment uses only the second manifold with pressurized tanks. An optional flush tank may be provided.

Abstract: A toy for pets, especially cats, in the form of a blanket-like material with selectively expansible "risers" operated remotely by a pet owner.

Abstract: An improved silo unloader having an ensilage cover of air impermeable thermally insulating material for limiting air contact with the surface of the ensilage. The ensilage cover rests on the surface of the ensilage and rotates with the lower part of the silo unloader. The ensilage cover is preferably constructed of upper and lower layers of air-impermeable material with an insulating material layer between. The lower layer is preferably coated with a material which is resistant to adherence of frozen material.

Abstract: An improved hair roller or permanent wave rod comprising a cylindrical member on which the hair is wound, and a flexible strap or band, the cylindrical member and the ends of the strap having self-adhering material which has a high resistance to shear forces in the plane of contact of the material but can be readily separated by force perpendicular to the plane of contact of the material. The rod may have flanged ends to provide an increased area of contact of the material. One type of material suitable for use in the invention is a hook and loop fastening material known as "VELCRO", a registered trademark of Velcro America.

Abstract: A usage control system for copiers and the like, adapted to connect to the copier through the existing accounting system connection. A check-operated device, such as a coin box or magnetic card reader, supplies the copier with a signal to initiate operation. When the operation has progressed, the copier supplies a signal intended to increment the counter in the accounting system. After a suitable delay, permitting completion of the copy cycle, the operate signal is reset, and the copier is disabled. As an option, power to the copier may be controlled. The system requires no internal connections or modifications to the copier.

Abstract: A drip and trickle irrigator independent of the pressure of the water supply. The drip irrigator has an inlet with a variable-orifice to control the fluid flow into a chamber. A float within the chamber coupled to the variable orifice in order to vary the cross-sectional area of the orifice upon variation of the head of fluid within the chamber. An outlet inside the chamber such that the pressure of the fluid head determines the pressure at the outlet independent of the supply pressure.

Abstract: A light, conforming protective garment for athletes made of a stretch material with pockets over the areas to be protected. Pads are formed to fit the wearer, inserted into the pockets, and are held closely in place by the stretch material.

Abstract: A device to display musical chords and notes for fretted string instruments comprising (a) top sheet having a plurality of transparent patterns representing the strings and frets on the fingerboard of the instrument, (b) pivot located at a central point on the sheet, and (c) underlying rotatable disk having a plurality of patterns of spots representing different types of chords. All the fingerboard patterns on the top sheet are identical but each is disposed to display chords in a different musical key. When the rotatable disk is angularly indexed relative to the top sheet, the device displays a plurality of musical chords, differing in position on the fingerboard, in musical key and in chord type. The spots displayed through the transparent fingerboard patterns indicate where the fingers may be placed on the strings and which strings may be left unstopped when a chord is sounded.

Abstract: An improved sample holder for permeable materials, especially useful in permeameters. The sample holder contains the sample within a pliant sleeve. The sleeve is itself constained within a constrictor. When pressed into a seat, the constrictor reduces in diameter evenly along its length, holding the sample in the sleeve tightly without gaps for fluid leakage.

Abstract: An on-line handwritten character recognition system utilizing a novel "closed-loop" type detector. The detector senses the direction of movement of the writing element across the writing surface, and is constrained in generation of strings of directions traveled to traverse all intervening directions between any two traveled by the writing element by requiring the detector to move only between adjacent directions.

Abstract: A wall framing system using thermal-break studs comprising two half-studs located on opposite sides of insulating material, and top and bottom channels into which the insulating material is inserted, and to which the half-studs are fastened. The half-studs may be tied together, compressing the insulating material, for additional strength.

Abstract: A stove having automatic chimney air flow compensation for reductions in air flow to its combustion chamber is disclosed. An increase or decrease in compensatory air flow is dependent upon the movement of ganged dampers. The amount of compensatory chimney air flow is dependent upon the size and/or position of apertures and blocking portions formed respectively in the ganged dampers. The dampers can be configured, as appropriate, and thereby tuned, to be particularly responsive to local conditions.The stove is provided with a conduit positioned to provide a source of fresh air. The conduit is clamped to the stove to heat the air flowing therein and thereby prevent exhaust gas condensation and creosote buildup when it rises in and from the chimney.