Abstract: A bundling strap for bundling various objects, such as newspapers (40). The strap consists of a tongue (2) (optional) on one end the strap, a locking portion (16) on the other end of the strap, a serrated portion (6) located between the tongue (2) and locking portion (16), and a smooth section (10) between the locking portion (16) and the tongue (2). The serrated portion has teeth (5 and 8) on both of its longitudinal sides, and the serrated portion has a pair of parallel holes (22 and 23) which are in line with the teeth, so that the teeth (5 and 8) can be inserted into the respective holes (22 and 23). The locking portion (16) has two bendable flaps (18 and 20). The flap (18) has a longitudinal slot (34) and the flap (20) is formed with a pointed tab (30). Bendable ears (32 and 33 ) are formed on the tab (30). In order to tie an object, such as the bundle (40), it is placed on section (10) of the bundling strap, which is laid flat on the ground.

Abstract: A technique for detecting defects in stationary products or in products moving on a production line (102, FIG. 12) by analyzing their images uses a matrix or line-scan camera (104, FIG. 12) for taking images of products (102). The product's dimensions are measured with accuracy and the sizes and positions of their surface defects are determined. The technique is much faster and more accurate than current techniques and is based on an analysis of the histogram of the full image (C, FIG. 2). A carefully selected template image (A, FIG. 1) is created and saved in the memory of a computer (106, FIG. 12). The method also includes the steps of: creating and saving a histogram vector of the template image; loading look-up tables with a shifting and quantizing function for the image gray levels; saving a product image in memory to be superposed onto template image (FIG. 1); creating and saving a histogram vector of the result superposed image; analyzing the resulting histograms, i.e.

Abstract: A waterlock comprises a threaded cap nut (11) which fits tightly over the threaded end of a water pipe (15) or faucet (21). A sleeve (10) fits over the cap nut to prevent access to the nut. The sleeve is free to rotate about the cap nut such that turning the sleeve will not turn the nut. The nut has a flat end with a central hole (16), while the sleeve also has a flat end with a central hole (14). A stem (12) with a flange (17) at its base extends outwardly through the holes. The flange secures the stem to the nut by engaging the inside of the nut. An orthogonal hole (18) in the stem accepts a padlock (20) which prevents the sleeve from being removed from the cap nut.

Abstract: A paintbrush holder includes a central panel (12) which contains a first plurality of ventilation openings (14) and an inspection window (16). The central panel incorporates a strip-like raised portion (17). Score lines (18 and 20) separate the central panel and adjoining tapered first and second side panels (22 and 24). A score line (26) serves as a junction between a front panel (28) and the first side panel, while a score line (30) separates an intermediate panel (32) and the second side panel. A wedge-shaped cutout (33) is made in the first side panel and a square cutout (37) is formed in the intermediate panel. The intermediate panel contains a second plurality of ventilation openings (34) as well as a first snap fastener (36). The front panel has a square window (38) which in size and shape corresponds to the region outlined by the second plurality of ventilation openings.

Abstract: A polygon for reading and writing information, and for tracking industrial products on a rotating carousel is arranged so that each of its sides behaves effectively like a mirror mounted directly on a rotational axis of the polygon. When this polygon is installed in the center of rotating carousel, it can perform accurate tracking of objects on the carousel with a constant (fixed) rotational speed equal to half of the rotational speed of the carousel. One design employs a polygon with side mirrors tilted in an arbitrary angle with surrounding mirrors (opposite-side mirrors) tilted at a right angle with respect to the tilted side mirrors of the polygon (FIG. 12). Additional designs are of polygons with side mirrors tilted at an arbitrary angle .alpha. and opposite-side mirrors tilted at an angle .alpha./n (where n is an integer) with respect to the tilted side mirrors of the polygon. Such a polygon is illustrated in FIG. 11 for n=1 (.alpha.=.beta.=45 degrees).

Abstract: A polygon (FIGS. 4to 6) has unique physical dimensions, i.e., its radius (R8') is correlated to a tracking radius (R13')(where objects are scanned) by a rule which creates an improved linear tracking system with a constant optical path. The polygon is very useful for reading information, writing information, and tracking industrial products on a rotating carousel. When the polygon is mounted on the center of a rotating carousel, with no relative movement between the polygon and the carousel, it can perform accurate linear tracking of objects located on the carousel. The radius of the polygon is equal to half the tracking radius divided by the cosine of an angle of 180/n {Eq. (6)}, where n is an integer. The polygon can have an arbitrary number of sides. Using another method, the non-linearity of the system for an arbitrary polygon's radius can be corrected by a series of sensors [N1 to N4, FIG.

Abstract: Base-ten blocks for teaching arithmetic to children, in which each block (19) has a projecting boss (27) with curved (bowed-out) sides (29) and an aperture (33) with straight sides (35), so that blocks (19) can be securely joined together to form multiples of units. A row of integral blocks (37) has common wall thicknesses (42) between adjacent blocks equal to twice the thickness of the end wall (45) of the row so that the row can be correctly mated with a row of single blocks or end-to-end rows of shorter blocks. Integral rows (37) of ten blocks each have two end bosses (41) for joining to other rows (37) to make flats (47) of one hundred units. Each flat has four bosses (51) for joining to other flats (47) to make a cube of one thousand units. The blocks have one color for units, a different color for rows of tens, a different color for flats of one hundred, and a still different color for cubes of one thousand. The blocks can be used to teach addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, etc.

Abstract: A method for calibrating and improving linearity of a system for scanning moving objects. A type of scanning system and a set of parameters to define the scanning system are selected. A set of initial values for some of the parameters are also selected and mathematical equations are derived which describe physical movements of the scanning and relationships between the parameters. The equations are solved to find values for the parameters with which the objects are scanned by an incident light with linearity and a predetermined accuracy. The parameters of the scanning system are then set to the values obtained by solving the equations. The system itself consists of a rotating polygon (34) and a rotating carousel (42) having predetermined axes of their rotation. The polygon (34) has a plurality of facets (46) which are symmetric with respect to the polygon's axis of rotation. The carousel supports objects, such as bottles (36, 37, . . . 41) which also may have spinning motions.

Abstract: A liquid-crystal matrix-type reflection mirror (10) with a localized dazzle light attenuation zone. The mirror has a multilayered structure and consists of a broadband reflective base mirror (12) having maximum reflectivity in the range corresponding to spectral range of halogen lamps of automobile headlights. Deposited on the base mirror are a matrix transparent electrode (14) and a photoconductive layer (20) placed on the matrix transparent electrode. The photoconductive layer (20) and the matrix transparent electrode (14) have a matrix-type structure formed as a pixel array. Each pixel of the matrix transparent electrode (14) is a projection of an overlaid pixel of the photoconductive layer (20).

Abstract: A saliva ejector for dental use comprises a tube (16) having an open end with a slanted edge (32) and a tip valve comprising a disc (22) and a pivot attachments (24) mounted adjacent the tip. The valve enables the tube to be closed without having to touch any non-sterilizable parts, thereby avoiding cross-contamination of patients with microorganisms. The pivot attachments are integral with the wall of the tube, but can be pivoted in pivot holes (36) therein. A pair of operating arms (28) are attached normal to the disc so that the valve can be closed from the open end of the tube by pulling the arm down with a finger; the arms also provide the valves with an inherent screen-filter. A notch (12) in the open end of the tube receives and holds the arm when the valve is closed. The tip of the tube can have a spacing fin (72) attached.

Abstract: A force-sensitive sound-playing condom comprising: a condom body (10) having a distal end and a proximal end, and a miniature force-sensitive sound-playing unit (14) attached to the condom at its proximal end. The proximal end of the condom is made in the form of a semirigid rim (12) having a lower part with an opening (16) coinciding with the cavity of the condom, and an upper part extending radially upwardly from the body of the condom and supporting the sound-playing unit (14). The latter contains a chip-controlled piezoelectric sound transducer which plays a melody or voiced message when during intercouse the contacts (28 and 30) of the sound-playing unit (14) are closed and the transducer is activated.

Abstract: An endoscopic mirror laser beam delivery system, e.g., for laser surgery, comprises a beam splitting module (22) for optical connection to a laser beam source (14) which supplies a low-power aiming beam (12) and a high-power surgical beam (10) to the splitting module (22); a two-mirror focusing unit (24) optically connected to the splitting unit (22); and an endoscopic tube (20) for guiding the beams focused by the focusing unit (24) to a target point (P). The system also comprises a method for checking alignment of the optical system by observing the positions of two visible beam spots. In case of misalignment, these two spots do not coincide in a single point, thereby indicating misalignment which can be then corrected. The system and the method eliminate central obscuration and misalignment of the laser beams on an operation site, thereby enabling a surgeon to be able to be confident that the surgeon beam will impinge precisely upon the spot delineated by the aiming beam.

Abstract: A surgical laser endoscopic focusing guide for a laser fiber optical link comprises a disposable unit (14) which is connected to the end of an optical fiber link (10). The unit consists of an endoscopic tube (16), the front end of which contains a mirror lens (22) for directing a laser beam emitted from the unit onto the operation area. The lens (22) bends the beam in a lateral direction onto a tissue to be treated. In an embodiment for laser angioplasty, the unit has a firm and reliable attachment directly to a buffer layer (80) of the optical fiber link. This ensures flexibility required for operaton in narrow and curved vessels and provides firm attachment of the mirror lens to the tube.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a hollow, tubular handle (11) which holds two batteries. A shoulder (14) at the forward end of the handle contains a high output light bulb (10). A head (17) extends integrally from one side of the shoulder, while a tuft of bristles (12) is attached to the distal end of the head. Electrical conduits made of a series of sleeves within the handle and an externally mounted bow spring switch (18) constitute a normally open circuit. Holding the toothbrush automatically compresses the switch to turn on the light bulb. When the head and bristles are placed in the mouth, the light bulb projects a beam of bright light across open space onto the external surfaces of the bristles, teeth and plaque. Thus the visibility of the teeth and plaque is greatly improved to facilitate brushing. In addition, the illumination produces a very appealing visual effect which will induce children to brush more frequently and for longer durations.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for testing cable harness for faults and performance impairments comprises three sets of voltage references, CMOS comparator circuitry, programmable DIP switches, an LED status display for error detection, an LED for indication of overall system condition, and a power source. The voltage dividers are utilized to determine reference voltages; each voltage divider comprises a resistor pair. In the preferred embodiment a first set of voltage references is utilized for checking open conditions and is generally associated with odd-numbered wires in the cable harness. A second and a third set of voltage references may be employed for all types of testing, with the second set of voltage references being generally associated with odd-numbered wires and the third set of voltage references being generally associated with even-numbered wires.

Abstract: A water purification system for treating grey water from household appliances such as baths, showers, vanity basins and washing machine (11-15) has branch-off pipes (29-33) from the usual drain pipes (17-21) these branch-off pipes lead to a storage tank tank (35). The branched off water is filtered by a screen filter (51) then circulated by a pump (53) in series to a heater (55). The system also includes a sediment filter (57), a carbon filter (59), color filter (61), an ultraviolet radiation unit (63), and hence via a shut-off valve (71), to a storage tank (73). The purified grey water can be used for car-washing, and garden and lawn irrigation. The system can be retrofited to an existing home or installed in a new home.

Abstract: A small, hand-held tool for removing the outer sheath of plastic material covering a bundle of individually insulated electric conductors, with special capacity for the twisted surface of three-conductor non-metallic sheath cable. Important features of the tool include a short, dull, hook-shaped claw for safely effecting an opening in the side of the sheathing sufficient to admit the guide-shoe at the tip of the blade; a crescent-shaped blade for both slitting the sheathing and for chopping off the residue of slit sheathing; a thin, flat shoe with its broadest part near the leading edge; and a handle so shaped with gripping lobes and so positioned relative to the shoe as to offer a firm pulling grip while permitting the first finger and thumb to help position and guide the tool during the slitting operation.

Abstract: A combined water pump, aerator, and filter for an aquarium comprises a central connecting manifold 68, a vertical outer air tube (26) which extends down into a fish tank (12). Pressurized air (22) is supplied to the manifold which directs it to the outer tube. It flows down to the bottom thereof to a bubble reducer (36) which breaks the air into small bubbles. These travel by gravity up an inner, water-lift tube (28) with entrained water from the tank, thereby pumping water from the tank up the inner tube. The water-lift tube extends up into the manifold and into a turret (58A) at the top of a replaceable filter cartridge (56) above the tank; at this point the air and water separate and flow down into the housing which contains filter media (52, 54). The air exists via a hole (60) in the side of the cartridge while the water flows down via gravity through the media which filter it.

Abstract: A device for positioning objects within a sealed vacuum chamber (112) comprises a stationay housing (114), which is sealingly attached to the vacuum chamber (112). Located within the housing (114) is a tubular body (158) capable of rotating and translating within the stationary housing (114) through the interaction of an outer magnet (116), which slides and rotates on the surface of the stationary housing, and an inner magnet (118), which is attached to the tubular body (158). A shaft (198) is located inside the tubular body, but cannot be shifted axially with respect to this body. The front end of shaft (198) extends into the vacuum chamber (112) and may carry a specimen or any other object to be treated or tested in the vacuum chamber. The shaft (198) is driven from an external drive mechanism (124). Rotation of the shaft can be converted into opening and closing movements of the jaws (218 and 220).