Abstract: A new and improved printed circuit board tool and method of making and using it, to produce three dimensional printed circuit boards having grooves with strongly bonded or laminated metallic pads therein. The printed circuit board tool includes a metallized male mold substrate having a plurality of groove forming projections disposed in the substrate surface. The method of making the metallized mold includes forming a female parent or predecessor master tool that may be used to produce a large number of the metallized male molds for producing new and improved three-dimensional printed circuit boards. The new and improved three-dimensional printed circuit board includes a substrate composed of a high heat deflective plastic, and a plurality of recesses or grooves molded into the substrate surface for receiving therein the fine pitch, closely spaced-apart leads of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: The method of surface mounting radio frequency components includes using at least one radio frequency component having a pair of input/output contact points or areas at corners on the underside of the component, wherein each of the input/output contact points or areas abuts the adjoining edges of the corners. The component is positioned relative to a pair of traces on a circuit board for enabling an electrical connection thereto in a range of angular dispositions. By using a single non-customized component, adjacent components can be configured with a signal flow path of a range between about 0.degree. (a chain configuration) and about 180.degree. (a "U"-turn).

Abstract: A new and improved illumination apparatus and method of making and using it for illuminating large and small areas, such as the exterior and interior of a motor vehicle, building structure or the like. The apparatus includes an elongated neon tube for radiating bright glowing light both radially and axially, an elongated tube holder for holding the neon tube stationary relative to a mounting surface, an energy conversion device adapted to be coupled to a source of low voltage power for electrically energizing the neon tube, and a mounting arrangement to secure the energy conversion device within the tube holder without blocking the bright glowing light radiating axially from the neon tube. The preferred method of using the apparatus is mounting the apparatus to a surface in close proximity to an area to be illuminated and coupling the apparatus to a source of low voltage direct current electrical power.

Abstract: An exercise kit, and a method of using it, which includes an exercise apparatus having a compact curved base member, which generally conforms to the shape of the back of a user, and a set of transverse rollers which are adapted to enable the base member to roll upwardly and downwardly over a wall or other such surface. A device enables the base member to be worn on the lower back of the user, who can press the rollers against a wall as the user performs various excercises, for enabling the leg muscles to be exercised in a comfortable, easy manner. The base member is also curved transversely to distribute pressure uniformly over a large area of the back to help reduce discomfort to the wearer. A pair of spaced apart transverse rollers for distributing pressure across a large area of a wall uniformly, each include an extruded thermoplastic member to help make the apparatus relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and light in weight.

Abstract: The apparatus helps riders to train for horse riding and comprises a body portion and a neck portion. The neck portion is pivotally mounted to the body portion. The apparatus gives accurate simulation of the movements of a horse. It may have powered means for moving the body portion with respect to the base and the neck portions may be pivotally mounted about two curved pivotal axes. A head may be pivotally mounted to the neck about a horizontal axis and link mans may extend between the head and body to cause the head to pivot in the opposite direction to the body.

Abstract: A variable speed constant frequency synchronous electrical generating system includes a generator rotor with a polyphase field winding whereby the position of the electromagnetic field relative to the rotor structure can be controllably varied. The system includes means to substantially instantaneously determine the angular or rotational position of the generator rotor relative to a reference member rotating at a reference speed; whereby the angular position of the generator electromagnetic field relative to the structure of the generator rotor is maintained essentially the same as the angular position of the reference member, rotating at a reference speed, relative to the generator rotor. As a consequence, the rotational speed of the generator electromagnetic field is essentially the same as the reference rotational speed of the reference member, and is substantially independent of the rotational speed of the generator power input shaft.

Abstract: An identification device comprising an IR LED contained within a housing which is adapted to be carried externally by a person or object who or which is to be identifiable in dark conditions. In cases where the device is to be used as a personnel identification beacon (PIB) the housing can carry means to enable it to have a "stick-on" capability whereby the housing can be easily attached or detached to/from the external clothing of a wearer. The IR LED can be adapted to flash and this can be in a coded sequence to enable the particular wearer to be identified.

Abstract: A continuous pH monitoring system and method of using it, includes a catheter assembly having a flexible compressible multipassagewayed tube, an anchor assembly connected to the tube to secure it within the nasal cavity, an indicator assembly having a sensor device within the tube to monitor the pH in the stomach, a vent within the tube to equalize pressure inside the stomach with the ambient pressure, and an aspirating assembly attached to the tube for removing stomach fluid.

Abstract: The game includes a device for randomly selecting a sequence of musical notes for game playing purposes. Another device enables a player to preview a recognition sequence of a portion of the sequence of musical notes prior to game play. A switch device actuated by the player causes a signal to be generated indicative that the player identified the recognition sequence of notes embedded within sequence of musical notes during game play.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact display projector and method of using it to project images under the control of image generating equipment, such as computers and television systems. An optical input device is built into the projector to enable optical control signals directed onto the projected image, to be discriminated for causing the image generating equipment to modify the projected image. A positionally adjusted mirror device is disposed in optical alignment with the optical input device to reflect the optical control signals back thereto, whereby the optical input device is readily aligned with the projected image to monitor it for the occurrence of any optical control signals.

Abstract: A method of joining conduits includes using a coupler, which includes a pliable tubing and a pair of end sleeves. The coupler is attached to the ends of a pair of conduits by flexing the tubing to cause the coupler to flex into proper alignment and connection with the conduits.

Abstract: A new and improved printed circuit board tool and method of making and using it, to produce three dimensional printed circuit boards having grooves with strongly bonded or laminated metallic pads therein. The printed circuit board tool includes a metallized male mold substrate having a plurality of groove forming projections disposed in the substrate surface. The method of making the metallized mold includes forming a female parent or predecessor master tool that may be used to produce a large number of the metallized male molds for producing new and improved three-dimensional printed circuit boards. The new and improved three-dimensional printed circuit board includes a substrate composed of a high heat deflective plastic, and a plurality of recesses or grooves molded into the substrate surface for receiving therein the fine pitch, closely spaced-apart leads of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in installing a gas fire in a fireplace. The apparatus comprises an adaptor member in the form of a planar plate from which a flue spigot projects upwardly, the flue spigot in use, being connected with a flue liner. The planar plate has a rearward end section which is interengageable with a rearward part of the fire whereby the planar plate can subsequently be pivoted to a position wherein a front section of the planar plate can be secured to the fire. Said rearward end section and said front section of the planar plate are thus secured to the fire, holding the planar adaptor member flat against the upper surface of the fire with the flue spigot aligned with a flue passage in the fire.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement with a pair of angularly disposed, spaced apart groups of character keys dedicated for operating use respectively by the left hand and the right hand of a user. A space bar key is operable by either thumb of the user and bridges between the two groups of character keys. The rows of keys in each group are staggered, and each key bears character indicia disposed at an angle to the transverse direction of its group of keys.

Abstract: A face decoration, and a method of using it, includes a main ornamentation body for positioning on the face area of a user adjacent to and partially engaging the tragus portion of the ear. An upper ear attachment comprising flexible pliable wire secures the upper portion of the main ornamentation body to the upper pinna portion of the ear by being readily bent to fit into an upper groove in the back of the ear between the upper pinna ear portion and the adjacent portion of the head. An upper rear ornamentation device is fixed to the distal end portion of the upper ear attachment so that the distal end portion can be bent upwardly away from the ear groove to position the ear ornamentation device in back of the ear, in a suitable manner for viewing purposes. The upper rear ornamentation can be extended to project from behind the ear to adorn the area adjacent to the ear.

Abstract: A surface-mount integrated circuit converter board assembly having a pin grid array arranged enables a conventional surface-mount lead device to be mounted for subsequent attachment to a printed circuit board. The converter board assembly includes an array of spaced apart pins, arranged in rows and columns for mounting, and a plurality of spaced apart pin pads connected thereto. The pin pads are sufficiently spaced apart to avoid interference. A set of surface-mount lead pads is part of the converter board and is interconnected to the array of pins by a plurality of lead traces. The method of making the converter board with a surface-mount integrated circuit device includes forming or reforming the leads of the device to align with the surface-mount pads.

Abstract: A battery charging system which prevents false switching from a fast charge mode to a trickle charge mode due to low frequency voltage aberration signals. The battery charging system includes a battery voltage analyzer and a plurality of battery charging and conditioning units for charging different types and kinds of nickel cadmium batteries. Firmware in the microprocessor rejects low frequency aberrations permitting a desired voltage signal to be produced which is indicative of the actual battery potential for charge switching purposes.

Abstract: A confectionery board 10 constructed of plastics is of particular use for producing tiered cakes. The board is provided with a smooth or textured upper surface 12, a side surround 14 and a lower surface 20 which is provided with a plurality of mating members which enable the board to be accurately positioned and supported on a plurality of cake pillars 28 or like members. The mating members in one embodiment comprise a plurality of cross members 24 which run parallel to the side members 14 to provide the board with a plurality of cells 26 into which cake pillars 28 are located.