Abstract: A cigarette filter comprising longitudinally aligned core components a first of which is air-permeable and of relatively high pressure drop longitudinally of the filter but substantially air-impermeable radially of the filter and a second of which is air-permeable and of relatively low pressure drop longitudinally of the filter, and a common wrap or partial wrap which extends along and around or partially around said core components and provides for ventilation of the filter at a region longitudinally spaced from the first core component.

Abstract: An inflatable boat for high speed towing applications having a compartmentalized hull and an improved tow-ring mounted beneath the hull, the hull including first and second buoyancy chambers, the second chamber being vertically disposed beneath the first chamber. Inclined, flexible reinforcing partitions are substantially vertically disposed within the second buoyancy chamber to substantially divide the chamber into a plurality of sub-chambers, and restrain the bottom wall of the chamber upon inflation, to form outwardly projecting convex arcuate portions having longitudinal grooves defined therebetween. The tow-ring includes a reinforced hollow structure having interior reinforcing walls and a convexly curved top wall, portions of the walls together defining a peripherally disposed pair of longitudinal tie-line tunnels and a transverse tie-line tunnel, sized to receive a tie-line therethrough.

Abstract: A means of animating the features of a doll or mannequin responsive to an audio signal. The invention utilizes an open loop electromechanical drive mechanism that is actuated by electronic drive signals derived from an audio signal. The electronic drive signals are of a simplified on-off characteristic based upon thresholding of the audio signal. When combined with the spring rate and drive ratio of the mechanism and the electrical characteristics of the motor, realistic animation of speech or other movements is created.

Abstract: The can sealer apparatus includes a plate member having a skirt protruding from the bottom of the plate shaped to conform to the surface of the can lid, of a size sufficient to encompass the opening in the can lid. The plate member has a central aperture, and a post member, having at least one bevelled edge on the bottom surface of the post. The stem of a generally T-shaped member extends through the central aperture of the plate member and includes a handle for urging the bottom crosspiece of the stem toward the plate member. An elastomeric sealing member is also provided between the plate member and the crosspiece of the T-shaped member, adapted to be clamped over the top surface of the can lid while the crosspiece presses against the under surface of the can lid.

Abstract: A coupon organizing system having a carrying case sized to receive a coupon filing assembly, a plurality of shopping tools and a sorter. The filing assembly includes a plurality of pages having first indicia means and a plurality of substantially overlapping and staggered pockets formed therein. Each pocket is defined by a pair of walls of unequal heights and has a lip formed adjacent the top of one wall and second indicia means mounted thereto. A method for sorting and retrieval of coupons according to product type and expiration date is provided.

Abstract: An elongated plastic sample collector probe for cell sampling, particularly including mucosal cells. The probe has a generally rigid rearward handle portion, a forwardly narrowing tapered shank portion, and a small sample collector cup at the forward tip of the shank portion. The plastic material of which the probe is made has the physical characteristics of flexibility and elasticity, and these characteristics cooperate with the forwardly narrowing taper to provide the probe with a progressively increasing transverse flexibility toward the collector cup. Such flexibility, together with the configuration and orientation of the cup relative to the shank portion, facilitates cell sample collection through use of a light, whisking stroke, which minimizes the likelihood of injury to sensitive tissues.

Abstract: A sliding or swinging wardrobe door is sturdy and attractive and is quickly and easily assembled from a minimal number of inexpensive, lightweight and standardized components. The stiles and rails of the door frame have identical profiles and are cut as needed from a continuous length of inexpensive and lightweight aluminum channel stock. The stock is formed with a longitudinally continuous rear structure flange which improves appearance, adds strength and rigidity, and provides a site for mounting flush or recessed rollers. A longitudinally continuous internal screw race is used to add extensions onto the stock and to join the stiles and rails at mitered corners without the use of separate connecting brackets. A solid internal corner block provides a site for mounting door hinges. The block is two-sided to permit left-hand or right-hand use and is attached to the frame without the use of screws or brackets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting electrical circuits by suppressing voltage and/or current transients while simultaneously filtering unwanted noise, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI), at specially selected frequencies, by controlling the spatial array of devices in an electronic package to tailor the impedance versus frequency characteristics of the overall package.

Abstract: A deflection device attachable to a vehicle lap/shoulder seatbelt below the door post anchorage, free of any attachment to fixed structure of the vehicle, to shorten the length of the shoulder belt portion and dispose it across the chest of a smaller seat occupant such as a child. The attachment prevents relative movement between the shoulder belt portion and the vertical run of the seatbelt located below the door post anchorage.

Abstract: The valve handle adaptor kit for use with a conventional handle and escutcheon, such kit including an adaptor formed on one end with a shank configured for complemental telescopical receipt in a socket formed in the handle and formed on its opposite extremity with an adaptor socket. A plurality of spuds are formed with external configurations for complemental receipt in either the spud socket or adaptor socket, such that the handle may be mounted directly from a valve stem through such spud, or through the adaptor by inserting the shank in the spud socket and a spud in the adaptor socket for receipt over a broach formed in the end of the valve stem.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle for travel along a trackway defined by a pair of track rails. The vehicle includes a pair of transverse frames pivotally carried by an elongated main frame, with drive wheels carried by the transverse frames in driving engagement with upper surfaces of the track rails. Up-stop or pinch wheels below the drive wheels engage under sides of the track rails. The pinch wheels are pivotally mounted to the transverse frames by strut assemblies which hold the pinch wheels in constant forcible rolling engagement with the track rails at all times. This improves the driving traction of the drive wheels and provides constant up-stop protection against separation of the vehicle from the track rails. The strut assemblies are disconnectable to enable the pinch wheels to be pivoted out of interfering relation with the track rails so that the vehicle can be lifted from the track rails for maintenance, storage or the like.

Abstract: A universal container holder for attachment to stadium or theater seats. A downwardly open armrest portion is adapted to fit over the seat armrest to project a container holder portion beyond the front of the armrest for holding different sizes of containers. Adhesive material or adjustable clamp members enable mounting of the container holder to various sizes and configurations of armrests.

Abstract: Low profile dilatation catheter having an elongate flexible tubular member with proximal and distal extremities and with a flow passage extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal extremity of the elongate flexible tubular member so that the balloon has its interior in communication with the flow passage in the tubular member. A flexible tip is secured to the distal extremity of the balloon. A core wire extends through the elongate flexible member and has proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the core wire is tapered and extends through the balloon and into the flexible tip. The distal extremity of the core wire is secured to the flexible tip. A rotator is provided for rotating the proximal extremity of the core wire for causing rotation of the flexible tip. Self-venting means is provided for venting the balloon to ambient. An adapter is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: A control system for airships and the like that incorporates optically encoded control signals and a compressed fluid power source to power a remote control station to decrease the susceptibility of the control system to uninterruption or disablement due to electromagnetic interference. The compressed fluid power source provides means of driving an electrical generator at a remote location to power the electrical portion of the control system at the remote location in addition to providing primary power for movement of the controlled devices.

Abstract: Surround stereo signals are synthesized from the composite or DME monaural sound tracks of audiovisual programs by use of multi-channel, computer-controlled digital circuitry and operator-programmed sound cues, the latter matching video time codes with audio control signals. The stereo signals have out-of-phase delay components, resulting in compatibility with conventional monaural audio equipment, and steerable pan components, resulting in selective sound placement capacility. Variable time delays and variable ratios of dry and delay are used in conjunction with panning movements to achieve a wide variety of acoustical effects, such as resonance, spread and cutting, which correlate the audio portion of the program with the video portion of the program. An operator selects and programs sound cues and stores them for playback by using a plurality of audio controls and a computer interface which are provided on an operator console. Subroutines are used for automated cue recording and for editing.

Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of a cooling medium such as helium into an insulated chamber surrounding a region to establish a stable thermal environment in the region over a wide range of cryogenic temperatures. A thermally insulated capsule surrounds a variable temperature capillary to precondition the helium before it flows into the insulated chamber. The capillary can be operated in different modes, depending upon the heating or lack of heating of the capillary. At low temperatures the capillary can pass the helium in its liquid phase, at high temperatures only a small amount of gaseous helium is passed, and at certain intermediate temperatures there is an ample flow of gaseous helium only.