Abstract: A circuit and method using a low frequency active switch for improving input power factor in power supplies utilizing a full wave rectifier and capacitor filter for supplying a filtered DC voltage from an AC power source. A switch control activates and deactivates an active switching once in each half cycle of the alternating voltage input. The switch control is connected to the active switching for operating the circuit providing high power factor.

Abstract: An inertia governor mechanism applicable to a power unit providing a uniform preselected RPM when the power unit is subjected to variable loads. A pump means provides a constant supply of fluid at a constant pressure to a fluid circuit. A rotary disc valve in the circuit, having one or more axial openings therethrough and driven by the power unit to be regulated, varies the pressure of the fluid in the circuit inversely proportional to the speed, to provide a regulatory fluid pressure which acts on an expandable actuating cylinder to regulate the power unit with a constant speed.

Abstract: A drum engaging device having a hollow interior and a freely movable body enclosed therein for imparting resonant frequency high sound pressure level with longer (extended) compression domain of member first engagement to the membrane of a drum by varying the weight of the body and varying the time of engagement of the body after the device has engaged the membrane.

Abstract: A pressure wave motor that may be a fluid driven device with a continuous reciprocating driven member, the sole moving part, for connection into an appropriate non compressable fluid supply system that sustains pressure waves and that allows the reciprocating driven member to generate a usable harmonic pressure wave for use in sustaining continuous reciprocation of the driven member along with fluid flow. The pressure wave motor is driven solely by the fluid supply input fluid which is a liquid and the forces the input fluid generated by continuous reciprocation of the driven member for producing work without additional moving parts. The fluid supply system may be a normal household water supply system. The fluid driven device can produce a pulsating fluid output that may be used for cleaning and massaging.

Abstract: A pressure wave motor that may be a fluid driven device with a continuous reciprocating driven member, the sole moving part, for connection into an appropriate non compressable fluid supply system that sustains pressure waves and that allows the reciprocating driven member to generate a usable harmonic pressure wave for use in sustaining continuous reciprocation of the driven member along with fluid flow. The pressure wave motor is driven solely by the fluid supply input fluid which is a liquid and the forces the input fluid generated by continuous reciprocation of the driven member for producing work without additional moving parts. The fluid supply system may be a normal household water supply system. The fluid driven device can produce a pulsating fluid output that may be used for cleaning and massaging.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for temporarily keeping alive animal flaps or grafts by perfusing artificial blood initially through a tubular semi-permeable membrance including a plurality of capillaries and thereafter perfusing the artificial blood into the flaps or grafts.

Abstract: An invert diving platform affixed to the structure of a common pool ladder anchored to the deck of a pool for providing an elevated platform above the water level for diving. The platform is rigidly attached to the parallel railings of the ladder in a generally horizontal position. The platform is rigidly attached to the curved rungs by two pair of opposed clamps attached to opposed ends of the platform. The clamps are vertically adjustable on the railings of the ladder to allow adjustment of the height of the platform. The clamps attach to railings having various shapes, dimensions and angles to provide rigid support for the platform. An incline plane may be attached to the platform at an angle descending into the pool to provide a slide. A bracing member is connectable to the steps of the pool ladder to provide horizontal stability.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid bleeding apparatus for removing air from a closed hydraulic brake system. The invention includes a container, a sealable lid for the container, and two conduits air tightly mounted through the lid. The first conduit includes a liquid level check valve positioned at the inner distal end within the container when the lid is secured thereto for closing off the vacuum source to the inside of the container when fluid level therein reaches a certain level. The outer distal end of the first conduit is connectable by flexible hose or the like to a vacuum source such as that within a running engine's intake manifold. The outer distal end of the second conduit is connectable to the brake system's bleed valve or petcock. The inner distal end of the second conduit is maintained at negative pressure by the vacuum condition within the container to effect brake fluid withdrawal from the bleed valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination ski glove and ski strap. The glove has the hook portion of a fastener extending back on the backside thereof from the thumb and forefinger junction. The strap has the loop portion of the fastener materials are pressed together, the strap is affixed to the glove. If the ski pole to which the strap is connected becomes jammed, the strap is peeled away and no injury to the skier's hand or arm occurs.

Abstract: A robotic cell, or work area, especially useful for education. The cell has a plurality of interchangable work surfaces for mounting objects that the robot manipulates. Students, researchers, or other workers can thus set up separate experiments that need not be torn down each time a different user begins work with the cell. The cell has safety switches that encourage a user, when near the robot, to keep a hand on the robot so as not to be accidentally injured by the robot's motion. There is also a dead man switch effective to disenable the robot entirely, after a short time delay. The cell has a pneumatic control circuit that enables a user to position the robot's gripper arm at positions intermediate of fully up and fully down.

Abstract: A worm container cover including a planar cover extending inward from the sides with a central aperture. The aperture includes aperture sides projecting downwardly from said planar cover to provide access to a worm container covered by the container cover. The central aperture and aperture sides prevent easy escape of worm from the worm container. The planar cover includes a channel encircling the aperture. The channel may be filled with a liquid to prevent worms from being invaded by ants and the like.

Abstract: A razor mountable on a can of shaving soap, or other suitable surface, the purpose of which is to provide storage for the razor between uses. Various schemes to attach the razor to the can are disclosed, including resilient clips that can either lodge on, or snap fit about, a rim on the can, and which are attached to the razor by adhesive, magnets, or are manufactured unitary with the razor. Alternatively the clips may have a cap that locks onto and grips the razor, or the razor may be provided only with magnets, which directly attach the razor to, e.g., the metal can or any metallic surface. As a further alternative, the clips may have tubes or rings, into which a razor can be inserted and permanently stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the performance of razors. Immediately before use, the razor's edge is cooled to cause the metal of the razor to contract thermally, causing microscopic irregularities on the blade edge to recede, resulting in a sharper, smoother, blade, which is capable of giving a superior shave. In the preferred embodiment of an apparatus to cool such a razor, a coolant is sprayed on the razor's edge immediately before shaving.

Abstract: A opto-electric combination lock is described in which a single light emitting diode provides light to a phototransistor through a path which can be created by pulling and rotating a plurality of plunger assemblies. Each of the plunger assemblies have an opening therethrough which is placed in alignment with the path if that particular plunger assembly is pulled and rotated by the combination amount. The lock includes a switch for enabling the power supply only upon the pulling of a particular one of the plunger assemblies and further includes circuit means for actuating an event such as unlocking a door upon the creation of the light path.

Abstract: A screen printing drum and machine including said drum for applying a coating to various shaped substrates, more particularly, slender-like substrates, more particularly writing implements.

Abstract: A method for quickly manufacturing a connector plate of varying design strength in a minimum size plate for joining wooden members which approximates the ideal connector plate for that particular design, thereby making it unnecessary to use plates of greater strength than required. The plate is produced with a controlled number of teeth extending transversely outwardly from one major side of the plate in varying patterns. The new and improved method includes feeding sheet metal stock of predetermined width through a die having a plurality of punches that are controlled for relative movement with respect to the stock, striking the sheet metal plate with the die at predetermined intervals to form the particular desired pattern of teeth extending from the plate and leaving a plurality of longitudinally extending slots formed in the plate, and cutting the plate when the desired total length of the plate is reached.