Abstract: A modular power supply. A plurality of power supply modules and a system control circuit for controlling the power supply modules are provided. Each power supply module has a power circuit coupled to a power input of the module for receiving an input power current and produces an output power current at a power output of the module. The power circuits each include at least one switching element for switching the input power current or the output power current of a module. The power circuits further include a control circuit input that is coupled directly to the respective said switching device. The system control circuit includes a control circuit output bus for connecting to the control circuit inputs of each of the power modules and provides a respective signal to each module for directly controlling the respective switching devices.

Abstract: An optical pathway selector is provided having a first direction selector, a second direction selector, and an actuator. The first direction selector is comprised of a substantially planar member having alternating reflecting and transparent portions. The first direction selector is disposed for rotation on an axle with the substantially planar member positioned askew to a first optical axis. The second direction selector has a configuration similar to that of the first direction selector and is disposed along the axle substantially parallel to the first direction selector. Additional direction selectors can be employed in a similar manner. A motor is connected to the axle for rotating the direction selectors. Alternatively, a motor moves the direction selector along a linear pathway in and out of the pathway of different light beams. The optical pathway selector is used to reflect a beam of light from the first optical axis to alternative optical axes or vice-versa.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for instantaneous measurement of the complete state of polarization across an image. A polarimetric encoding scheme is employed to uniquely map the spatially-varying state of polarization across a partially-polarized image to irradiance variations in a polarization-encoded interference pattern. In one embodiment of the method, two spatially-varying retarders and a linear polarizer comprise an interferometric polarization interrogating filter assembly. When a conventional irradiance image is presented to the filter assembly, it is decomposed into polarized and unpolarized components. While the unpolarized component passes through the filter substantially unaffected, the polarized component gives rise to a polarization-encoded interference pattern that overlaps the scene so that local regions within the image having specific polarization content may be recognized.

Abstract: A door hinge mounted container holder. A body portion is adapted to loosely receive a container such as a spray can of mace. The body portion is adapted for attachment to a door hinge, and preferably includes a pair of door stops to prevent the door from opening so far that a person cannot easily access the container.

Abstract: A throwing game and goal therefor. At least two skeletal frame members and netlike coverings therefor are provided. Each of the skeletal frame members defines a frontal area encompassed by the respective covering. The frontal area encompassed by one of the skeletal frame members is less than the frontal area encompassed by the other skeletal frame member, and the two skeletal frame members are substantially overlappingly disposed with respect to each other so that the respective netlike coverings form higher point and a lower point goal zones.

Abstract: A moving, floating waterfowl decoy propelled by a steam jet motor and used by hunters to attract waterfowl to the hunting area. The device is an addition to a standard commercial hollow floating waterfowl decoy of any species. The steam jet motor is powered by combustion of fuel and has no moving parts. The steam jet propulsion system provides lifelike natural movements, wakes, ripples and splashes to enhance attraction of a decoy set.

Abstract: A planter garden swing. An elongate swing seating member for seating at least one person is provided, and planter receptacles are preferably attached at opposite ends of the seating member. The planting receptacles are provided to hold soil or other support material for supporting a plant. The seating member includes at least two attachment members for attaching respective chains, ropes or other elongate flexible members, for connecting the swing to a structural support such as a tree limb, joist or the like.

Abstract: A mobile neurological data acquisition system. A multiplexing circuit is utilized to combined multiple electrical-neurological signal inputs (synaptic “spikes”, EEG, EKG, EMG). A programmable logic device is utilized to package the combined signal into a packet containing a header and a footer. An analog transmitter is utilized to modulate a RF signal with the packetized combined signal and broadcast it to an analog receiver, where it is demodulated. An analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the demodulated combined analog signal into a combined digital signal. A computer and software algorithms are used to demultiplex the combined digital signal into discrete digital representations of the original electrical-neurological signals. The discrete digital signals are sent to a printer or video display for human analysis or stored on digital media such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, or a CD-ROM.

Abstract: A third hand for a flashlight. A flashlight holder adapted for receiving the flashlight that includes provision for stabilizing the flashlight loosely on a support surface or temporarily and releasably attaching the flashlight to a support surface or object. The flashlight holder is pivotally connected through a first swivel joint to an elongate joint arm at one end thereof, and a mounting mechanism is pivotally connected through a second swivel joint to the joint arm at the other end thereof. Preferably, the joint arm includes two arm portions coupled together by a third swivel joint. The mounting mechanism includes a variety of attachment devices.

Abstract: A low loss, compact radio antenna and antenna loading method. For a monople antenna a tubular, conductive radiating element provided whose length is less than one-quarter the wavelength of the nominal frequency of the antenna. A tubular conductive series loading element disposed within the radiating element, the series loading element having a first end for connection to a radio and being electrically connected to the radiating element at a position spaced outwardly from the first end so as to provide inductance in series with the radiating element. An elongate conductive shunt matching element is disposed within the series loading element for electrically connecting the series loading element from a point therein to a mirror image thereof so as to provide shunt inductance that matches the impedance of the antenna to the impedance of a device connected thereto at the nominal frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for profiling a log. In a profiler having first and second knives disposed on a rotating disc, a mounting member is adapted to mountably receive both the first and second knives so that each blade has a point on its cutting edge that is proximate a point that is on the cutting edge of the other knives. Preferably, the points are end most points and abut one another.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing process parameter variations from measurements in analog circuits. The diagnosability conditions for the accurate computation of device parameters are extended in the presence of measurement noise. In case this diagnosability condition is not met by standard test signals, a method is provided for automatically generating optimized tests that enable the computation of device parameters. The test generator explicitly optimizes the ability to compute device parameters from the test response. A cause-effect analysis engine is provided to diagnose the cause of variation in IC performance metrics in terms of the variation in device parameter values. Once the cause of parametric yield loss is diagnosed in terms of device parameters variations, the information can be used by process engineers to tune the manufacturing process to improve yield.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling panels to a structure. A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member depending from a face of one of the panels and adapted to deflect a relatively large amount in a plane of rotation of the first coupling member and a second coupling member depending from the corresponding face of the second panel. A coupling mechanism is provided between the coupling members provides for transmitting a force between the coupling members over a range of deflection of the first coupling member, permitting large relative movement between the panels.

Abstract: A method for fabricating gradient-index rods and rod arrays. A central rod of optical glass having predetermined properties and predetermined outside dimensions is placed inside a tube of optical glass having predetermined properties and predetermined outside dimensions, to form an assembly. The inside dimensions of the tube are substantially equal to the outside dimensions of the rod. The tube is formed of a plurality of coaxial sleeves, the outside dimensions of each interior sleeve being substantially equal to the inside dimensions of the next adjacent sleeve, each sleeve having a selected refractive index so that, together with the tube, the refractive indices from the central rod through the outermost sleeve approximate the refractive index profile of the gradient-index rod to be fabricated. The central rod and sleeve material is selected so that their respective thermal indices of expansion are substantially equal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting pre-cast panels to a structure. A pocket in the pre-cast panel extends into a side thereof and has a ceiling surface adapted to rest on a height-adjustable member such as the head of a bolt threadably received in an extendable member attached to a side of the structure to which the panel is to be mounted. The extendable member is carried by a base member mounted to the structure, the base member supporting the extendable member so that the extendable member is enabled to extend along an axis and move inwardly and outwardly relative to the base portion along the axis. Preferably, the extendable member is further constrained by the base member so that the extendable member is not permitted to rotate substantially about the axis.

Abstract: A method for localizing electrical activity in the body. A plurality of electrical devices apply a predetermined current (or voltage) to the surface of the body, and sense voltage (or current). The same electrical devices employed to sense voltage (or current) from sources of electrical activity within the body are also employed to sense voltage (or current) that results from the application of current (or voltage) by the other electrical devices. The voltages (or currents) sensed are used to characterize impedance within the body as well as to localize sources of the electrical activity. Magnetic resonance imaging may be used in conjunction with voltages or currents applied to the surface of the body to develop a conductivity model for underlying body tissue. Conductivity models obtained according to the invention may also be used with source localization for stimulating internal body tissue at a precise location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clamping a knife. A front side of the knife includes a recess and the knife is clamped between an outer clamping member adapted to receive the back side of the knife, and a inner clamping member adapted to receive the front side of the knife, the inner clamping member making contact with the front side of the knife at two spaced locations thereon, wherein at least one of the locations is outside the recess and the other is inside the recess, wherein the width of the recess normalized by the overall width of the knife yields a result that is preferably no more than about 0.22.

Abstract: A steam mop. A housing contains a water reservoir for storing water and a heating plate outside the water reservoir. The reservoir dispenses water to the heating element which heats the dispensed water to produce steam substantially instantaneously. The reservoir preferably includes a mechanism for dispensing additional water to the heating element on demand to produce a “burst of steam.” Preferably an absorbent cloth to which is attached a relatively stiff perimeter frame adapted to fit around the bottom of the housing is provided, the cloth assembly being easily removable for cleaning.

Abstract: A gasket having centering features. The gasket comprises a centering portion for which three embodiments are described. The centering portion is switchable between a flush configuration, in which the gasket may be employed between the flange faces of two pipe flanges as typical, and a centering configuration, in which the gasket provides a means for centering the gasket in the pipe joint. In a first embodiment, a normally flush centering portion comprises a flap for centering the gasket, in a second embodiment, the centering portion comprises a collapsible protuberance for centering the gasket, in a third embodiment, the gasket comprises a non-collapsible protuberance for centering the gasket which is physically removable, and in a fourth embodiment the centering portion comprises an annular ring adapted for mating with an annular relief formed in a corresponding one of the flange faces.

Abstract: A system for actuating an accessory mounted on a weapon with the sighting light beam generated by a laser sighting device. A light probe, adapted to be mounted on the weapon proximate the optical pathway of a sighting beam of light generated by a laser sighting device, is provided for detecting the sighting beam and producing in response thereto an electrical detection signal. An actuation circuit, adapted to be mounted on the weapon, is provided for receiving the detection signal and, in response thereto, actuating an electrical accessory mounted on the weapon. An ambient light sensor is provided for receiving ambient light and producing an electrical reference signal. The actuation circuit includes a comparator for comparing the detection signal to the ambient light signal and actuating a flashlight or other accessory when the detection signal passes the reference signal by a predetermined amount. The system inhibits the accessory when the ambient light passes a predetermined intensity.