Abstract: A bit with a fiber cutter for a rosser head debarking machine. The bit has a base for mounting the bit onto the rosser head. The striking edge of the bit is connected to the base and comes into contact with bark and removes the bark as the rosser head spins. The bit has at least one replaceable fiber cutter that includes a cutting edge that cuts through the bark or fiber within the bark as the rosser head spins. Preferably, the fiber cutter is disk-shaped and tapered away from the striking edge and cuts through the fiber in the bark in a perpendicular direction to the fiber. The cutter can be connected to the bit by a threaded bolt that is positioned through a hole in the middle of the cutter and into a threaded hole in the bit. The bit can have threaded holes on both sides to allow two cutters to be installed or for the bit to be rotated.

Abstract: A passive circuit for decoding surround-sound signals using a transformer having center-tapped primary and secondary windings. The line level left and right signals are introduced into the primary winding, and the center tap of the primary supplies a left-plus-right center channel output. The secondary center tap is grounded, and the winding connections supply left-minus-right and right-minus-left surround outputs. The same circuit can be used for recording surround sound onto a two-channel (stereo) medium. A center microphone is connected to the center tap of the primary winding. Left and right surround microphones are connected to the secondary winding, which has its center tap grounded. The left and right recorder inputs are connected to the opposite sides of the primary winding.

Abstract: A security hydrant cap having a domed body adapted to be removed only with a specialized tool, and a slip ring surrounding substantially all of the body and mounted thereto so as to be free to rotate about the body. The slip ring and, preferably, the body are formed of stainless steel. Preferably, the slip ring and body are made of a 400 series stainless steel, heat treated to a Rockwell "C" hardness of approximately 43-47.

Abstract: A price verification method for retail stores using shelf pricing, and apparatus therefor, in which the shelf labels are provided with an extended bar code having the item number and price of the item. A remote unit scans the item number and price, and uses the item number to look up the item in a database which is identical to the store checkout scanner database, and compares the shelf price to the database price. If they are not the same, a new shelf label may be printed immediately. The method and apparatus described herein are easily adapted to allow government inspections of stores for shelf price accuracy. A further embodiment of the invention provides for a portable totalizer with which a shopper can total purchases as they are selected, enabling the shopper to check the scanner at the checkout register.

Abstract: A mechanism for dual-height tables, counters, or the like, in which the top lifts and pivots upward and outward on pairs of links attached to the top and to link housings attached to the table or counter base. Each pair of links comprises a pivot link and a locking link. The pivot link has holes at each end which ride on pins or the like attached to a bracket on the top and the pivot link housing on the bottom. The locking link is similarly arranged at the top, with a hole for a pin attached to a bracket. The bottom end of the locking link has an elongated slot, through which a pin is inserted to fasten the locking link to the locking link housing. When the top is in the lowered position, the pin is in the end of the slot closest to the end of the locking link. As the top is raised, both links pivot on the pins in the link housings. When the top has reached its most-forward pivot position, the locking link rests on a forward stop.

Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus, method and use for a portable shopper product information remote unit. A plurality of remote units are provided to shoppers within a retail establishment which uses bar code scanners at a cashier's counter to record products of the shopper's purchase. The units are retrieved from each shopper subsequent to a finished purchase and returned to a central maintenance system. The remote units' batteries are recharged and data updated with at least updated pricing information such that the bar code scanners at the cashier's counters and the remote units are provided with the same updated product pricing information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rearing insects is disclosed. Information concerning the physical and dietary needs of the insect as well as behavioral characteristics are utilized to maximize the number of larvae reared per unit surface area of diet and per unit of rearing area while minimizing the amount of labor and materials required. An enclosed rearing unit is provided which can be located within an appropriate environment for rearing the insects. There are three sections within the rearing unit: 1) a diet space, 2) a larval space, and 3) a frass space. The diet space includes an appropriate diet medium for the insects. The larval space is located below the diet space and includes a series of vertical partitions perpendicular to and in contact with or nearly in contact with the diet medium such that the insect larvae are able to disperse themselves over the partitions.

Abstract: Normally anchorage-dependent insect cell lines are adapted to replicate under suspension conditions by addition of heparin to the culture medium and selection for resulting suspension-tolerant cells.

Abstract: A device for accumulating information about storage batteries, especially useful for electric vehicles, in which a microcomputer having memory and associated sensors is built into each battery pack. The device accumulates data about the usage and condition of the pack, and identification data on the user, then transmits the data to an external computer when the pack is charging.

Abstract: A floating apparatus for providing pressurized air to a submerged swimmer. A floatation device supports a combination of two containers above the surface of the water. The top container, in the form of an inverted box, holds one or more electrically powered compressors. The bottom container holds a battery for powering the compressors. Water ingestion by the compressor(s) is prevented by placing the air intake inside the upper box, which forms an air trap. The air intake and compressors are isolated from any possible contamination or explosion risk from the battery outgassing, which is safely vented to the outside air from the lower compartment. Battery life is extended by pressure switch controls on the air compressor(s), running them on demand instead of continuously.

Abstract: The transducer positioning apparatus is for positioning an ultrasonic transducer on an animal or carcass to be evaluated by ultrasonic detection equipment. The apparatus includes a support arm. A tail bone pin extends from the first end of the support arm and is for locating the transducer with respect to a tail region of the animal or carcass. A back position pin extends from the support arm and is for locating the transducer with respect to a backbone of the animal or carcass. A transducer support unit is included at the second end of the elongated support arm and is for positioning the transducer such that the transducer is parallel to the backbone. The method of positioning an ultrasonic transducer or an animal or carcass to be evaluated by ultrasonic detection equipment, is novel.

Abstract: A tape for attaching bandages, with non-adhesive tabs at each end for easy manipulation and removal while wearing gloves is disclosed. Also disclosed are tapes with target markings for location of a puncture wound, tapes with pressure disks or plates attached, and methods of making and using the tapes.

Abstract: An insect cell line has been established and characterized, derived from embryonic tissue (BTI-TN-5B1-4, ATCC CRL 10859) of Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper). The line is susceptible to various baculoviruses, including TnSNPV and AcMNPV, and may be used to replicate such viruses for use as insecticides or otherwise.

Abstract: Two new insect cell lines have been established and characterized; the cell lines were derived from midgut (BTI-TN-MG1, ATC CRL 10860), and embryonic tissue (BTI-TN-5B1-4, ATC CRL 10859) of Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper). The lines are susceptible to various baculoviruses, including TnSNPV and AcMNPV, and may be used to replicate such viruses for use as insecticides or otherwise.

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.