Abstract: A portable compass comprises a body (18) and a compass needle (22) mounted on the body for indicating North/South. A bearing signal representing a required bearing is received, for example from a GPS receiver, and a display (30) responsive to the bearing signal receiving means indicates a required position of the compass needle relative to the body. A fixed indicator (26) on the body points to the required bearing when the body is oriented so that the compass needle is in the required position relative to the body.

Abstract: A method of providing number portability for the treatment of calls from a calling party to a specific number of a ported called party is disclosed. Once the dialed digits are received at a switching office serving the calling party, a determination is made of whether the call is a number that has been ported. If the number has been ported, the new routing information is obtained from an enhanced directory number table resident at the originating office. In the event that the originating office is unable to offer LRN service, information is obtained at an alternate office. Routing information is updated automatically and directly from a network Service Management System (SMS) to each telephone exchange.

Abstract: A water closet chair that has arms that may be selectively raised and lowered and a water closet chair that has handgrips that may be selectively raised and lowered. The arms and handgrips have extensions movable towards each other to effect engagement with each other. In addition, each has sensors that sense when the extensions of each are in alignment with each other.

Abstract: A generator device provides a controlled electric output current to a load, and comprises a source of mechanical energy, a gear train connected to the source, a generator connected to the output of the gear train, and a control circuit connected to the output of the generator to control the output level thereof, the control circuit being such that the feedback generated by the control circuit alone is sufficient to prevent uncontrolled release of the energy in the power source.

Abstract: An adjustable travel pillow unit having a pillow outer shell, a support frame within the shell and an adjustment mechanism. The mechanism allows an arm to extend or retract in alignment with a plane and is movable itself in alignment with a plane perpendicular to the first mentioned plane.

Abstract: A battery dispenser that includes a container that has a face. The face has two edges that extend between sidewalls and between which is defined an aperture. The aperture may be of variable dimension such that a spacing between the two edges at one location is smaller than a diameter of the battery contained within the container. By concentrating manual forces at one of the edges, however, that one edge flexes to permit manual removal of the battery by grasping the ends of the battery via recess openings in the sidewalls that are adjacent to and in communication with the aperture. Preferably, the two edges are each curved with the widest spacing between the two edges being at the sides and the smallest spacing between the two edges being at the center.

Abstract: A system for coordinating information transfer, storage and retrieval between and among local processors in a group utilizes a controlled vocabulary of terms which can be modified by various ones of the processors in the group. The controlled vocabulary is utilized in connection with group and local processor functions of storage/retrieval, telecommunications and decision support. The controlled vocabulary can be modified or updated by a remote user by way of a communications channel.

Abstract: A device and method are described for the gas chromatographic separation of a sample, aimed in particular at the analysis of large volume samples. Provision is made for the use of calculating and memorizing a plurality of reference values corresponding to the evaporation rates of solvents combined with a carrier gas for a corresponding plurality of discrete values representing the conditions of pressure, temperature, injected sample volume and sample injection rate. The effective solvent evaporation rate is then calculated in correspondence to the effective conditions in which the process is carried out to determine the volumetric fraction of the sample which is transferred through the capillary column in relation to its characteristics and geometrical dimensions.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining cooking utensils, such as spoons, forks, ladles, spatulas and stirrers over open cookware. Any food residue on the utensil drips back into the cookware as the utensil is being retained. A person may easily grasp the utensil by its handle without disturbing the cookware. The retainer includes a clipping portion which comprises spaced leg or legs connected to a retainer portion. The retainer portion includes an upper plate and lower plate spaced apart by an arm. The retainer portion retains a cooking utensil between a location of contact on the upper plate and the lower plate to extend the cooking utensil over the rim of cookware.

Abstract: A laser micromanipulator for surgical applications includes an adaptor attachable to a laser and to a microscope which automatically maintains, preferably using phase detection, the laser beam in focus on tissue during any changes in the working distance by the surgeon manipulating the microscope.

Abstract: A fabric which prevents outerwear from being noticed, heard or smelled by prey when worn. The fabric includes a flocked woven substrate with flattened flock fibers with the fibers adhered to the substrate. The substrate is quiet and soft. Preferably a printed layer is transferred on said flattened flock fibers and preferably is of a camouflage print pattern. The substrate is drapeable as an apparel item and more abrasion resistant than foamed knitted fabrics. Further the fabric is resistant to burr retention, wind and rain.

Abstract: A method of irrigating and cleaning a sub-gingival region is provided by guiding a sub-gingival periodontal irrigator of a flexible material into an interproximal region. The sub-gingival periodontal irrigator has outer and inner V-shaped portions having outer working surfaces and inner working surfaces which intersect at their distal ends from the spines, such that a hollow space is present therebetween. Irrigation fluid, medication or antibacterial agents may be dispensed through at least one aperture in at least one working surface to the sub-gingival region.