Abstract: Apparatus for practicing a golf club stroke. The apparatus is attached to the wheel of a golf cart.

Abstract: Robot vehicle guidance systems of the type which employ relative motion sensors to establish learned movement behavior along a pre-selected guidepath are improved by combining such relative motion programmed devices with apparatus for initially identifying environmental checkpoints and initially establishing the orientation of the vehicle with respect to the checkpoints. The propulsion system for the robot is responsive to both the relative motion guidance signals (for intermediate navigation between the checkpoints) and to the vehicle-checkpoint alignment information (to realign the vehicle with respect to the checkpoints). The robot vehicle is guided from the start to the finish position without reliance on a pre-selected guidepath and without compounding anomalous guidance errors induced by extraneous environmental effects.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for producing continuous form stationery by creasing a strip of paper along lines of weakening formed therein. The apparatus includes a frame, a distributing mechanism mounted on the frame for alternately distributing successive lines of weakening in the paper in substantially opposite directions, dispensing rollers mounted on the frame for drawing the paper from a supply thereof and dispensing the paper into the distributing mechanism, mechanisms carried by the frame for urging the distributed paper into a creased condition, and a conveyor for receiving and transporting the creased paper. The improvement consists of a system for removably securing the paper supply in position to dispense paper during the operation of the paper processing apparatus. The improved paper securing system includes a carriage movably carried by the frame and moved between two operative positions by a linkage assembly.

Abstract: An improved napkin dispenser. The dispenser includes an upright container having a napkin dispensing mouth shaped, contoured and dimensioned such that an empty tabletop napkin holder can be inserted into the napkin dispensing mouth and filled with a fresh supply of napkins.

Abstract: An improved firearm. The width of the firearm does not exceed the minimum barrel size which will safely contain the chamber pressure of its designated caliber of ammunition. The firearm is further shaped, contoured and constructed for ready concealment on the person of a law enforcement officer. The side surfaces of the firearm are formed so that the purchase or "frictional forces" between the side surfaces and the body or clothing of a law enforcement officer tend to maintain the firearm in the desired position on the person of the officer. A special trigger-hammer mechanism prevents the gun from discharging if accidentally impacted or dropped and said trigger-hammer mechanism also requires that the hammer-firing pin be poised for firing by pulling the trigger, thus not allowing the firearm to be "cocked", further preventing an accidental discharge if the weapon is jostled while unattended.

Abstract: Bedding. A pair of strips of hook and loop fastening material are attached to and circumscribe the side of a mattress. The strips are positioned on the side of the mattress one above the other. Strips of hook and loop fastening material are also attached to the undersurfaces and near the outer peripheral edges of top and bottom sheets on the mattress. The bottom sheet is smaller than the top sheet so that the strip of fastening material on the bottom sheet is attached to the upper strip of fastening material on the side of the mattress. The strip of fastening material on the top sheet is attached to the lower strip of fastening material on the side of the mattress. The strips of fastening material attached to the undersurfaces of the top and bottom sheets are fabricated from hook material and the strips of fastening material attached to the side of the mattress fabricated from loop material, or vice versa.

Abstract: A bench press apparatus having a bench carried on a frame. The apparatus includes two spaced apart upstanding members that have on their respective ends two spaced apart arms for receiving a barbell. Underneath the apparatus there is a support for supporting at least one dumbbell. Said support includes structure to prevent a dumbbell from moving laterally. On the underneath side of bench there is structure to support the bar of a barbell. The bar prevents the removal of a dumbbell from its support under the bench.

Abstract: An improved irrigation system. The irrigation system includes a primary canal, a secondary canal having enclosed ends such that a flow of water entering the secondary canal accumulates therein and eventually overflows unless a sufficient volume of water is removed from the secondary canal, a water metering unit for diverting water from the primary canal to the secondary canal, siphons for transferring water from the secondary canal to a field adjacent the canal, and apparatus for monitoring the level of water in the secondary canal and activating an alarm when water in the secondary canal rises past a selected level.

Abstract: A self-contained portable shower which can be readily disassembled and conveniently stored in a compact carrying case.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously burying multiple strands of conduit in a plowed field. The plowed field includes spaced, elongate, generally parallel upstanding beds. A furrow lies in between each adjacent pair of beds. The apparatus buries conduit in the beds.

Abstract: A machine for folding continuous form stationery along transverse lines of weakening formed in the stationery. The machine includes a primary endless belt system for alternately distributing lines of weakening in the stationery in opposite lateral directions of travel. Stationery distributed by the primary endless belt system is received between a pair of opposed endless belt units. The pair of endless belt units are operatively associated and cooperate with the primary endless belt system to fold stationery distributed by the primary belt system and form a zig-zag stack of stationery between the pair of opposed belt units. The pair of opposed belt units gradually carries distributed stationery away from the primary belt system.

Abstract: A process for removing precious metals from comminuted ores. The process comprises the steps of first contacting comminuted ore with a primary acidic hypochlorite solution, separating the ore from the primary hypochlorite solution and then contacting the separated ore with an aqueous hypochlorite solution having a pH greater than 7.

Abstract: A self-contained spraying boom apparatus for in-flight adaptation of the aircraft for aerial swath spraying.

Abstract: A self-inflating bedpan having means for readily, manually inflating the bedpan after it is positioned beneath a patient.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for extracting nickel from comminuted nickel-bearing minerals. The process includes the steps of contacting the comminuting nickel-bearing minerals in an extraction zone with an aqueous solution having a concentration of chloride ions, metal ions and sulfuric acid at an elevated temperature and continuing the contact to form an extraction mixture slurry, including a liquid component comprising an aqueous solution containing extracted nickel and iron from the comminuted minerals dissolved therein and a solid tailings component; and, separating the liquid and solid components of the extraction mixture slurry.

Abstract: An improved laryngeal speculum for examining the throat and larynx of a patient. The speculum includes an elongate blade, an elongate handle and a neck interconnecting the blade and handle. The longitudinal axis of the handle is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade. The neck is shaped, contoured, and dimensioned such that when the blade is positioned inside the mouth and throat of a patient and a lifting force is exerted on the handle parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, torque forces on the handle and blade generally will not occur as a result of the blade being pressed against the mouth and throat of the patient during the application of the lifting force.

Abstract: Apparatus for directing a stream of fluid against a pliant substrate panel traveling through the apparatus, the panel including a pair of opposed generally parallel planar surfaces co-terminating at the edge defining the periphery of the panel.

Abstract: An ignition system for an automotive internal combustion engine. The ignition system includes apparatus which is electrically interposed between the battery and the distributor to receive and transform current from the battery to ignition spark potential of sufficient magnitude to initiate an arc across the sparking gap of the engine spark plugs. The apparatus delivers a continuous flow of ignition spark potential to the distributor during operation of the internal combustion engine.