Abstract: A single-axis illumination system for a multiple-axis imaging system, particularly an array microscope. A single-axis illumination system is used to trans-illuminate an object viewed with an array of imaging elements having multiple respective axes. The numerical apertures of the imaging elements are preferably matched to the numerical aperture of the illumination system. For Kohler illumination, the light source is placed effectively at the front focal plane of the illumination system. For critical illumination, the light source is effectively imaged onto the object plane of the imaging system. For dark field illumination, an annular light source is effectively provided. For phase contrast microscopy, an annular phase mask is placed effectively at the back focal plane of the objective lens of the imaging system and a corresponding annular amplitude mask is provided effectively at the light source.

Abstract: An amplitude-compensated digital-to-analog converter circuit and method of compensation. A unipolar digital-to-analog converter is provided, having a reference connection and a pair of differential, unipolar signal outputs. A sensing circuit senses the common mode component of the differential outputs and produces a common mode signal. A reference source produces a first reference signal, and a differential control amplifier compares the common mode signal to the first reference signal and applies a second reference signal applied to the reference connection of the digital-to-analog converter, thereby stabilizing the reference current for the digital-to-analog converter. The circuit includes a single signal output reference to ground and a multiple-pole low-pass filter.

Abstract: A laser sighting device for a firearm and a method for mounting a laser sighting device on a firearm. A laser sighting device for a firearm comprises a holder adapted to attach to the handgrip of the firearm such that the firearm may be held in a firing position by the handgrip with the device installed thereon, the holder including a first compartment for receiving a laser and holding the laser so as to propagate a beam of light substantially in the muzzle direction of the firearm, and a second compartment for receiving a battery to power the laser, a switch for activation of the laser by the user's hand holding the handgrip in firing position, and an electrical circuit disposed within the holder for interconnecting a laser disposed in the first compartment, a battery disposed in the second compartment and the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus having adjustable saws for wood cutting. A cutting head has at least two spaced apart disk-saws for producing respective slicing cuts in an article of wood, the saws defining respective distinct outer cutting diameters. Preferably, the disk-saws are bolted to the cutting head and spaced apart therefrom adjustable amounts by interdisposed control plates of predetermined thicknesses. Preferably, a first one of the disk-saws defines an annular ring having an inner diameter, and the outer cutting diameter for the first disk-saw is greater than the outer cutting diameter of a second one of the disk-saws. The outer cutting diameter of the second disk-saw is then less than the inner diameter of the first disk-saw, so that the second disk-saw is nested inside the first disk-saw while remaining axially displaceable therefrom.

Abstract: An epi-illumination system for an array microscope. For Kohler illumination, illumination light sources are placed, actually or virtually, at the pupils of respective individual microscope elements of an array microscope. In one Kohler illumination embodiment, the light source is a point source comprising the tip of an optical fiber placed on the optical axis at the pupil of its corresponding microscope element. In another Kohler illumination embodiment, the illumination light is provided by a reflective boundary placed on the optical axis of a corresponding microscope element. For critical illumination the light sources are placed at locations conjugate with their respective object planes so as to image the light sources thereon.

Abstract: A wind energy conversion device includes a propeller in which each of the propeller blades includes a proximal (radially inward) non-airfoil mounting section, a medial section and a distal tip section mounted to pivot relative to the medial section about a pitch axis running lengthwise of the blade. At low wind speeds, each tip section and its associated medial section cooperate to provide a single airfoil. When the propeller rpm exceeds a predetermined threshold, each of the tip sections begins to pivot toward a full governing position, which tends to reduce the propeller rpm. To permit wind tracking, the device is mounted to pivot on a vertical axis. The propeller blades are downwind of the vertical axis, and slightly inclined to define a cone diverging in the downwind direction. The electrical power generating components are located upwind of the propeller and centered about the propeller axis, and have a radius less than the length of the proximal blade sections.

Abstract: A metal detector for detecting objects that are composed of non-ferrous metals. The metal detector provides for a reduced rate of false positive responses to objects composed of ferrous metals. A preferred metal detector according to the invention includes a transmitter for transmitting a time-varying electromagnetic signal and a receiver for receiving a responsive time-varying electromagnetic signal produced by the metal object. The metal detector also includes an analyzer for determining the resistive and reactive components of the responsive signal as respective first and second functions of the spatial position of the detector. A module for determining and comparing rates of change of the first and second functions at one or more spatial positions is included. Preferably, when the rates of change are the first derivatives or slopes of the functions, and when these are of the same sign, a result indicating that the metal object is non-ferrous is provided by the module.

Abstract: A structure and method for supporting stonelike objects on soil. The structure comprises a base, at least two sets of a plurality of tabs disposed on the base at respective opposing edges thereof and oriented substantially perpendicular thereto, and a plurality of struts disposed on the base between and attached to respective tabs of the two sets of a plurality of tabs so as to brace the tabs and receive stonelike objects for support thereof. The base has a substantially planar frame and intersecting crossmembers connecting the edges of the frame, is substantially rectangular, and has openings for water drainage. The tabs are separated by substantially V-shaped spaces. The struts are disposed substantially parallel to one another, are relatively tall in comparison with their width, and at least one of the struts spans the space between the two sets of a plurality of tabs.

Abstract: A method and composition for probing the body through the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes providing a medium for interfacing with the skin, applying the medium to the skin at a selected location, and coupling at least two of (a) an electric signal, (b) an acoustic signal, and (c) an optical signal through the skin and through the medium at the selected location.

Abstract: A knife assembly and chipping knife therefor. The knife assembly includes a knife, and employs an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member for clamping the knife therebetween. The knife has an elongate axis and two spaced apart cutting edges parallel to the elongate axis and defining a first reference plane. The knife is further defined by a plane of reflective symmetry that is perpendicular to the first reference plane and which contains the elongate axis. The knife has a front side and a back side spaced from the front side. The front and back sides terminate in the cutting edges. A deflector ridge projects from the front side and reaches a point of greatest maximum projection of the knife from the first reference plane, the point lying in the plane of reflective symmetry.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for hanging shelves. An apparatus is provided for hanging one or more weight-bearing shelves from an overhead support member. The apparatus comprises a tube, a flexible member, an attachment member, and a cap. The tube has a bottom end with an opening, and is adapted to receive one or more of the shelves. The flexible member internally traverses substantially the length of the tube, and has a top end and a bottom end. The attachment member attaches the top end of the flexible member to the overhead support member. The cap has a flange portion and at least one aperture for receiving the bottom end of the flexible member therethrough. The flange portion is adapted for contacting the tube and transmitting the load of the weight-bearing shelves received by the tube to the flexible member. Shelves are attached to one or more of the tubes, preferably to four or more tubes. A method for hanging shelves using one or more of said apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A wearable book. A wearable book, comprising a plurality of pages and a loop adapted for encircling a body portion for attaching said pages to the body, is provided. The pages are preferably bound together at one edge and preferably are of substantially the same size. The loop preferably has at least about 50% elasticity for stretching the loop over a second body portion such as a hand having a substantially larger circumference than a first body portion such as a wrist, and thereafter snugly circumferentially contacting the first body portion to secure the book in place.

Abstract: A multi-spectral miniature microscope objective imaging system for a miniature microscope array includes one or more illuminating light sources for illuminating an object with light including multiple spectral bands, a multi-spectral imaging miniature microscope objective for imaging the object, and one or more detectors for detecting a images corresponding to each of the multiple bands separated from other wavelengths of the light.

Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for a refrigeration system. According to one aspect of the invention, the power unit is provided for driving the refrigeration system of a truck having an engine for propelling the truck and a power take off from the engine. The refrigeration system has a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and an evaporator which is cooled by the compressed refrigerant. The power unit comprises a pump, a compressor motor, and a hydraulic circuit. The pump is adapted for pumping hydraulic fluid and for connection to the power take off for driving the pump. The compressor motor is adapted for driving the compressor in response to receiving hydraulic fluid from the pump. The hydraulic circuit is adapted for conducting the hydraulic fluid from the pump to the compressor motor and for conducting the hydraulic fluid from the compressor motor back to the pump.

Abstract: A metal detector having a plurality of phase delay discrimination regions with corresponding selectable exception spaces therein.

Abstract: A wood chipping or cutting knife assembly providing improved knife stability. A number of control surfaces and other geometric features are provided to stabilize the knife in the assembly. An improved splitter is also provided for the knife assembly.

Abstract: A ship employing a buoyant propulsion system. A preferred such ship comprises a superstructure, a backbone, and a sub-structure. The backbone supports the superstructure. The sub-structure depends from the backbone and adapted to float the backbone and the superstructure above liquid water. The sub-structure includes one or more buoyant propulsion units. Each buoyant propulsion unit comprises an endless track having a plurality of associated paddle members and is adapted for elongate rotary motion of at least portions of the associated paddle members through the water. Each buoyant propulsion unit further comprises a race-roller-bearing assembly for transmitting load imposed by the superstructure to the track. Preferably, the one or more buoyant propulsion units are adapted to float the backbone and the superstructure substantially above the water.