Abstract: The present invention relates to articles of clothing and footwear and more particularly to an insertable patch or emblem which fits under the overlapping layer of a pocket formed in the article of clothing or footwear. The patch or emblem and the pocket in the article include releasable attachment means.

Abstract: An elongated fluid filtering assembly includes an elongated filter element housed within an elongated hollow tube. The filter and hollow tube are supported on an elevated frame by at least two resilient bushings. The resilient bushings allow easy maintenance of the filter. The hollow tube contains at least one transverse slit which allows fluid to enter the fluid chamber and contact the filter. The filter assembly is easily accessible and relatively inexpensive to maintain.

Abstract: The multi-dimensional tracking sensor especially for virtual reality and other real time computer applications. The disclosure describes an electro-magnetic (EM) tracking sensor that consists of a small lightweight transmitter with a transmitting antenna located on the target to be tracked and an array receiver with several local stationary antenna elements (FIG. 1). Multiple antenna elements of the array receiver lie on the perimeter of the measured space in positions determined by a self-calibration procedure. The proposed device calculates a cross correlation function between two signals at each receiving unit to determine a spatial position of the tracked element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an educational game apparatus which requires the players to unscramble a given set of letters to form a word which matches or defines the given clue. Correct matches by a player translate into moves for the player's pieces around a game board and results in the eventual achievement of the game board objectives. The object of the game is for a player to mark off all the letters, numerals or other appropriate indicia on his/her score card, i.e.: a laminated strip in the shape of a bacon strip, by moving his/her game piece in either direction around the game board. The winner of the game is the first individual or team to completely mark off all the letters, numerals or other appropriate indicia on their score cards.

Abstract: A detachable support attachable to a swimming pool having a clamp, and a hook assembly attached to the clamp, wherein the hook assembly disengages from the clamp when the load force exerted on the hook exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A propulsion unit which converts electricity into unidirectional thrust by electromagnetically spinning an assembly of weights about a circuitous path, such that the radius of rotation for a given weight from the center of the spinning assembly is significantly greater along one portion of path than a second portion of the path. Two identical electromagnetically spinning weight assemblies spin in opposite directions to counteract torque stresses created by varying the respect radii of rotation for the weights. The resulting imbalances of centrifugal force produced by the actions of the two electromagnet weight spinning systems produces a unidirectional thrust whose vector would depend upon that sector of the path where the respective radius of rotation is greatest. A plurality of these systems arranged in counter-rotating coplanar pairs along the three axes of three dimensional space (i.e. X,Y, and Z axes) are utilized to produce a smooth unidirectional thrust along any vector.

Abstract: A vacuum hold down conveyor system employing a vacuum table with a plurality of suction grooves and relief grooves extending parallel to a direction of travel. A vacuum generator is fluidly connected to the suction grooves to create a sub-ambient pressure in the suction grooves. A belt is translatable relative to the vacuum table to simultaneously occlude the suction and the relief grooves. The relief grooves are exposed to a pressure greater than the suction grooves to thereby reduce the net downward force on the belt as it translates across the vacuum table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a support surface during successive cuts of a sheet material along a common cutting path by a laser. The method includes offsetting the location of the common cutting path with respect to the support surface for subsequent cuts. The offset distance is sufficient to align a portion of the common cutting path with a portion of the ridge of debris formed during a previous cut such that upon tracing the subsequent path with the laser, the previously formed ridge of debris is ablated.

Abstract: A combination charger and power source for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack that has one or more batteries enclosed within a battery pack case having a mechanical connector for removably mechanically attaching the battery pack to the device and an electrical connector for electrically connecting batteries within the case to the device when the battery pack is mechanically attached to the device comprises a case having a mechanical connector adapted to engage the mechanical connector of the battery pack for attaching the battery pack to the charger, an electrical connector adapted to make an electrical connection to the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to the charger, a recess in the case and an integral plug in the recess and pivotally attached to the case for movement between an extended position permitting the charger to be plugged directly into a conventional AC connector, and a recessed position in which the plug is disposed substantially within the recess in th

Abstract: An interactive toy/puzzle comprising a planar playing board in which moveable indicia interacts with fixed indicia is disclosed. The moveable indicia may also interact with other moveable indicia. The movement of the moveable indicia may occur in channels, apertures, circles, or the like in the playing board which hold the moveable indicia within. Solution to the puzzle is not limited to a specific number of movements, and success may be achieved at many different levels. Directions for working the puzzle and/or clues for solving the puzzle may be included as fixed indicia on the planar playing board. A selection device, such as a spinner, may be provided for selecting one of a plurality of predetermined relationships between the fixed indicia and the moveable indicia. The planar playing board may be two sided with different puzzles on its upper and lower surface in which a correct alignment of puzzle pieces on the upper surface may result in an automatic misalignment of puzzle pieces on the lower surface.

Abstract: A suction sweeping machine includes a filter arrangement for collecting debris from a fluid stream. The filter arrangement comprises an outlet leading into the filter arrangement, a container, preferably in the form of a plastic bag, for collecting debris and having an open upper end, and a porous tube which extends downwardly into the bag. The arrangement is such that a debris carrying fluid stream flowing from the outlet diffuses through the porous tube and out of the open end of the bag, while the debris remains within the bag. Preferably, the porous tube is flexible. In a preferred construction, the plastic bag is located in a compartment with an access door in a sidewall thereof, and a plurality of candle filters provide a secondary filter.

Abstract: A geothermal steam condenser for reducing residual ammonia gas from a geothermal steam. The present condenser includes a column attached to the condenser for forming a curtain of temperature conditioned condensate, such that residual ammonia gas is passed through the conditioned water curtain to be furthered absorbed prior to exiting the geothermal steam condenser.

Abstract: A color coded warning label in which the color code has a removable opaque coating and the label is provided with a self-laminating flap for protecting the removable coating prior to use and for making the code permanent during use is described. A method for using the color coded label to quantify the level of a hazard is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sensory interactive multi media entertainment theater for presenting innovative, sensory oriented interactive productions combining live theater and motion picture technology in a 360.degree. visual effects theater building. The present invention relates to a theater comprising a circular arena having a 360 degree media surface and tiered seating on preferably hydraulic platforms that can be raised or lowered automatically. Seats may rotate by sections and follow the action of the show to ensure that the audience witnesses every aspect of the production. The individual seats may rotate via automated control and preferably include surround-sound speakers built into the headrests. Appliances built into the seats, armrests and nearby flooring can create a changing thematic environment to complete the sensory experience. A center stage along with stage runners may be hydraulically raised or lowered depending upon the production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a punctured blood vessel is described. The method includes providing a suturing instrument adapted to apply at least one suture to at least a portion of a blood vessel in order to close a puncture wound therein. In a preferred embodiment, the suture is secured by crimping a sleeve member over the free ends of the suture.

Abstract: A puzzle toy including an arrangement of puzzle elements attached to hand engagement structures for locating the puzzle elements with respect to the hands in an unsolved puzzle orientation, such that upon placing the hands in a predetermined orientation a puzzle solution is achieved.

Abstract: An electrical wiring system for conducting electricity through an insulated casing is described. The electrical wiring system includes a substantially rigid conducting line having an insulating casing and a plurality of electrical conducting cells embedded in the insulating casing, each conducting cell comprising a metal conductor, and a substantially rigid connector for connecting to the conducting line, the connector comprising an insulating sheath and a plurality of insulated electrical conducting metal through-prongs recessed within the insulating sheath. The insulating casing and the connector plug-in to each other without hard-wiring. The electrical wiring system includes additional plug-in components such as electrical receptacle boxes and switches, corner adapters and power adapters which extend the system without hardwiring.