Abstract: A mechanical puppet show apparatus provides a base unit supporting on its upper surface (stage) one or more mechanical puppets. The puppets are interconnected with a circuit for motion actuation in accordance with a stage play that is programmed into a memory device and controlled by a digital control unit. Manual, remote control and verbal signals may be received for interactive action of the puppets with the audience. A method for use of materials downloaded by packet data transfer from the Internet may be employed in programming.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination baby bottle and amusement device. The baby bottle has a hollow cylindrical body and a bladder that holds the feeding liquid. The device is adapted to frictionally fit into an open end of the cylinder opposite a feeding nipple. The device projects light beams into the liquid filled bladder and also produces a sound show. The device projects a single or multiple light beams that change color, shape, intensity, and blink synchronously with time. The light and sound show entertain the baby while it is feeding and may also pacify and arouse the baby.

Abstract: A linear joining and locking device comprises a first receiver member providing a first closure surface thereon and a first linear cavity therein, the first closure surface communicating with the first linear cavity along a first linear aperture defined in the first receiver member; a second receiver member providing a linear sealing mounting device; the first closure surface being positionable for aligning the first linear aperture in mutual linearly corresponding adjacency with the linear sealing device mounting device; an elongate linear elastomeric sealing device engaged within the first linear cavity and the linear sealing device, and extensive therebetween; the sealing device providing a first linear channel therein, the linear channel responsive to fluid pressure for expanding the sealing device within the linear cavity so as to enable the first and second receiver members to be mechanically joined when desired.

Abstract: A linear measurement and control apparatus uses a press roll for directly engraving the surface of a linear control bar and then engaging the control bar which is attached to a machine element, to measure its linear motion and thereby identifying its position. As the machine element moves, the attached control bar transmits its motion to the press roll, inducing rotation. The press roll is attached to a measurement disk having a sensory pickup so that rotation of the press roll is sensed. Light transmission is used for sensing motion of a measurement disk and for counting pulses for determining position.

Abstract: A child's bed mat provides a comfortable sleeping surface which includes vibration devices for soothing a child to sleep. A vertical portion of the mat is strapped in an upright attitude to the vertical rungs of a crib, for instance, and enables the placement of a control box out of reach of the child. The mat is constructed so as to be easily folded for portability.

Abstract: A bubble vial is mounted in a carpenter's level by a pivot rod on one side of the vial and an eccentric cam rod on the other side of the vial. The vial housing is supported in the pivot rod so as to be able to move, due to thermal expansion differences between the box frame of the assembly and the bubble vial assembly, with simple linear translation toward and away from the pivot rod and yet is not subject to twisting, torquing or rotating motions. The cam rod is eccentric so that by its rotation the vial is caused to adjust its attitude relative to the carpenter's level and thus accommodate any out of calibration condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spill-proof container having a two-panel cover such that an upper panel is stationary, while a lower panel is enabled for rotational motion relative to the upper panel. As each panel has an aperture in it, and the lower panel provides a device for manual actuation of the rotational motion of the lower panel relative to the upper panel, the invention enables one to reach inside of the container when the lower aperture is positioned by the rotative motion adjacent to the upper aperture. Therefore, the food is held fresh and protected from exposure to the undesirable moisture or dryness of the fresh air, while it is easily accessible without removal of the container's cover. This objective is further enhanced by a resilient, snap-action engagement of an L-shaped annular container cover rim with the top annular rim of the container. Additionally, the lower panel aperture is provided with a flexible surface which is split by radial slits into flexible fingers.

Abstract: A standoff is adapted for mechanical engagement along one side of a level sensing device such as a carpenter's level. The standoff provides a body for interlocking to the level's side by drawing an edge of the level into a V-notch in the standoff so that surfaces of the standoff and the level are forced into intimate contact, thereby aligning the two parts. The standoff provides a magnet and U-shaped magnet support for enabling the standoff to magnetically engage any iron bearing surface such as a steel construction stud or an iron or steel pipe. The U-shaped magnet support is configured for accepting a round surface so that the level sensing device may be used to detect level and plumb conditions on both flat as well as round surfaced objects.

Abstract: A grasping apparatus (10) has multiple fingers (64) joined within slots (56) in the face of a moving piston (50) within a fluid cylinder (20). As the piston (50) moves, cams (62) joined to the fingers (64) are rotated so as to close or open the fingers (64) which are radially mounted. Once actuated the piston (50) is returned to its relaxed position by a spring (70) when fluid pressure is released.

Abstract: A video monitor mounted support shelf or platform has adaptive support legs vertically adjustable for fitting a range of monitors and further provides a clamping device for attachment to the monitor's case without modification of the monitor's case. The adjustable legs are defined in two embodiments as the scissor adjustable type or as laterally displaced V-shaped legs having an adjustable divergent angle.

Abstract: A security method compares a present verbal utterance with a previously recorded verbal utterance by comparing frequency domain representations of the utterances, with multiple repeat utterances forming a basis for determining a variation in repetitious performance by an individual, and similar differences between enrollment and challenge utterances forming a basis for a similar analysis of variance between enrollment and challenge utterances. In one embodiment a set of enrollment data is searched by each challenge until either a match is made, indicating an action, possibly dependent upon the specific match, or no match is made indicating an abort.

Abstract: An extensible boom or strut has a telescoping action easily adjusted for appropriate length, and further is capable of attachment to a fixed point such as on a ceiling or wall at one end, and a lighting fixture or such at the other end. A torque tube is engaged with a cable winding device for playing out and winding up the cable which pulls on the innermost segment of the boom to shorten it or relaxes to allow gravitational force to lengthen it.

Abstract: A monolithic yolk type collar provides four adjustable straps for two or four point attachment to a golf bag. The collar is adapted to enable transverse mounting of the golf bag on the back of the golfer. The collar has a broad surface with compliant material for comfort and is adapted to take the necessary shape to fit a given golfer.

Abstract: A construction system uses an elongate horizontal structural beam having a vertically oriented pair of side legs integrally joined to a base plate. The base plate lays abutting a structural ground surface with the side legs extending upwardly. The structural beam further comprising a number of horizontally spaced apart, tabs extending outwardly from the side legs. A number of elongate vertical structural beams, act as wall bearing members and have, integrally joined to a further base plate, a further pair of side legs adapted for abutting, at a first end, the first structural beam. Further tabs extend outwardly from the further side legs. Each of the tabs is derived as a cut-out portion of the side legs such that a major surface area of the tabs is positioned vertically or horizontally depending upon how the beam is positioned. A vertical concrete wall abuts the first and the second side legs and is positioned for enclosing all of the tabs for attachment of the beams to the wall.

Abstract: A fishing lure system, having a side to side oscillation, has a highly snag resistant flexible diving lip. A live or artificial bait is impaled on a special tandem two-hook fish hook. The lure may be controlled as to how it descends, front end first, rear end first, or level, by special adjustable hook weights, which are secured at a selected place on the hook shaft. The weights prevent lure spin and insure proper oscillation. A soft open cell, scent dispensing foam, is impaled on either hook shaft rearwardly of a fish or creature-like head, colorful jig having scent dispensing forward portion, feathers, hair, or plastic streamers for cascading over and around the rear hook. A novel coating retards destructive paint defacing problems so that a range of colors may be mixed to better replicate a live bait, tandem hook having rigid or flexible diving lip attached, rear hook positioned up or down and replaced with work shaft eye for optional hooks.