Abstract: A motorless label printer employs a matrix ink jet print head under which a continuous web of labels is moved during printing. An encoder in the path of the web is rotated to generate pulses signifying the position of the labels with respect to a reference that is signalled by detection of an aperture on the web by an electric eye. The printer includes a support for a spool of the web and a delaminator for separating the printed labels from the web substrate.

Abstract: A toy flying discus is fabricated from a form sustaining, resilient, plastic foam material having a density which enables the discus to have an aerodynamic profile and sufficient mass to achieve distant flight with minimal launching force and to have sufficient resilience to absorb impact forces thereby preventing damage to objects which it contacts. The surface of the discus is absorbent to blend applied pigments for achieving an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A mechanism temporarily convert the front wheel of bicycles into a driving wheel, comprising a lever (5) hinged in front of and on top of the frame; the handlebar (E) is fixed to the lever together with a catch (14), with a mobile stopping tooth which cooperates with stopping means (11, 15) attached to the steering column (10), to block/release the handlebar which can be swung on a vertical plane; a transmission assembly, comprising a chain (7) which engages a free wheel (8) coaxial and fixed to the front wheel (I), transmits the alternate movement given to the handlebar to the free wheel; elastic return means for returning the handlebar to the original position are also provided. Control means (16, 17) for the stopping tooth of the catch (14) are attached to the handlebar.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating superoxides and other free radicals for cleaning and sterilizing contact lenses tonometers and other poorly oxidizing objects in an electrolytic solution which may optionally include an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide enzymes and soaps and for neutralizing the above agents by using electrolysis to decompose the peroxide and to generate free radicals that neutralize the enzymes and soaps and sterilize. The apparatus includes a timer for controlling the process and indicating when sterilization and neutralization are taking place and when they have been completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing solar energy with solar cells, which are arranged on a supporting structure and are connected electrically to one another and have an external connection for discharging the electrical energy. Several solar cells are parts of a frameless solar cell element, in which the solar cells are enclosed next to one another between film strips or panels. At least one side of the laminate, which faces the sunlight, is flat and transparent. The solar cell laminate lies on a supporting structure, which comprises two covering layers and a supporting foam layer therebetween, the support being formed with a recessed circumferential edge. The laminate lies on the edge, flush with the upper side of the supporting structure. The support body is constructed in undulating fashion between two parallel sections of edge, in order to support the solar cell laminate on the higher sections and to provide, with the lower sections, ducts for conducting coolant as well as for accommodating electrical conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly identifying the chemical compositions and concentrations of solutions and for discriminating among solutions of different chemical compositions and concentrations of the solution is monitored by applying across a predetermined volume of the solution a predetermined voltage for a predetermined time after which the application of voltage is terminated and the voltage time characteristic measured across the solution as the voltage decays is compared with an empirically obtained voltage versus time characteristic for a solution having a standardized composition and/or concentration.

Abstract: A lens and method of fabrication thereof for increasing depth of focus where the lens power can be a constant but the amplitude and phase of the wave across the pupillary aperture are variables. The lens can be constructed by shading regions thereof in accordance with a mathematical function, e.g., a Gaussian distribution or Bessel function over a predetermined geometry, such as e.g., concentric, parallel or radial. The lens may be of single power or multiple power, e.g., of the bi-focal type.

Abstract: An airless hand held hydraulic pump unaffected by gravity continuously maintains pressure on the fluid in a dynamic reservoir chamber to enable pumping into a dynamic pressure chamber for actuating a forcing rod irrespective of the orientation of the pump. A release valve permits fluid return from the pressure chamber into the reservoir chamber. The pump can be fitted with a tool such as a door forcer.

Abstract: A preferably vertical air separator with a rotating separator wheel upon which separating air loaded with fine goods flowing from outside towards the inside impinges, from which said separating air axially flows off through an outlet connection pipe in order to be guided to its further use, e.g. in a filter or the like, said separating wheel being provided with a downstream cover plate and a second cover plate being axially distanced therefrom, and blades being disposed between the two cover pates at their periphery, and the outlet connection delivery end averted from the separating wheel emptying into an outlet chamber the cross section of which is distinctly larger than the cross section of the said outlet connection pipe, so that there occurs an abrupt change of the cross section between the outlet connection pipe and the said outlet chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a disinfectant solution which may include a salt and a buffer to an instrument, object or mass wherein the solution is selectively rendered disinfecting and neutral by impressing a voltage across it to ionize an unstable salt which yields toxic ions only while the voltage is applied. The system can be used to disinfect both metallic and plastic instruments.

Abstract: The nozzle ring associated with the propeller and rotatable together with it around the vertical axis is designed as a partially open annulus and arranged such that the inner circle of the nozzle--and consequently practically the wing tip circle as well--approximately touches the respective local separating surface between the flow and the floating body or boat.

Abstract: An energy-generating plant including a solar generator, having solar cells, for producing electrical energy. The electrical energy is supplied to a direct current converter, the output power of which may be used to charge an energy storage system, such as batteries. The input resistance of the direct current converter is adapted, such as by a microcomputer, to the maximum power point (MPP) of the solar generator, the MPP being dependent upon the solar insolation and the temperature of the solar cells. At start up of the plant, or when there is a change of power at the output of the direct current converter, a search process is carried out to attain the MPP of the solar generator. The energy storage system may be used to energize an electric motor for driving the propeller of a ship.

Abstract: A fan having a rectangular frame including a bottom wall, two side walls, and a top wall, and a motor-driven impeller supported within the frame for causing air to move through the frame in an axial direction. The frame has at least one, and preferably two, stabilizing feet moveable between an extended position, in which each foot projects axially beyond the contour of the fan frame, and a retracted position, in which the foot does not project axially beyond the contour of the fan frame. Resilient elements, such as springs, constantly urge the stabilizing feet toward their extended positions. The stabilizing feet may be pivotally mounted on the fan frame, and stops are provided against which each foot abuts when the foot is in its extended position.

Abstract: A toy ball having a solid body of foam plastic material and a noisemaker completely embedded within the foam plastic body. The noise maker includes a hollow rigid housing, which may be formed of a hard plastic, and a marble within the housing free to roll around therein so as to create a clattering sound when the ball is shaken, thrown, and caught. The internal surface of the housing has inwardly-projecting ridges to enhance the clatter produced as the marble, which may be a steel ball, rolls around within the housing. The foam plastic body of the ball is made in a mold cavity having the shape of the ball to be produced. While the mold is open, the noisemaker is resiliently suspended along the centerline of the mold cavity so that the center of the noisemaker substantially coincides with the midpoint of the mold cavity centerline. Plastic material is placed within the mold cavity, the mold is closed, and the plastic foam expands to fill the mold cavity, at the same time completely surrounding the noisemaker.

Abstract: A sound synthesizer which may be associated with a personal computer and including apparatus for employing the output of a noise generator which is cataloged to provide a multiplicity of waveforms and apparatus for receiving the multiplicity of waveforms and creating therefrom desired sound signals, thus providing a synthesized sound output.

Abstract: A speed and direction indicator for ships having at least one rudder propeller, or pump jet, and preferably several such devices for determining the direction of the ship and its speed in the selected direction. An optical display is provided in the area occupied by the ship operator, on which display are shown the angle which is formed between the direction of force and a reference direction, and the strength of the thrust, independently of the operating state of the rudder propeller(s) or the pump jet(s).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has wet and dry modes. In dry mode, air containing dust is passed through a multi-stage filter including adjacent subchambers containing a liquid for removing microscopic dust from the incoming air. The liquid is prevented from being exhausted from the vacuum cleaner with the exhausted air and is returned to the subchambers. In wet mode, a float and float guide cause a difference in pressure when the vacuum cleaner is filled with liquid. The pressure difference is sensed to actuate an electric circuit breaker to prevent overflow.