Abstract: A method for imaging a fingerprint on an optical memory card having an upper transparent cover, a base and optical medium therebetween, wherein a cardholder imprints a fingerprint having a pattern of ridges and valleys on the upper cover of the card and a laser beam is scanned over the fingerprint. The laser beam is selectively transmitted by the fingerprint. The laser beam burns pits into optical medium areas corresponding to valleys of the fingerprint and is prevented from burning pits into optical medium areas corresponding to the ridges, thus producing a fingerprint image comprising light and dark areas in the optical medium corresponding to the pattern of ridges and valleys of the user's fingerprint.

Abstract: A roof-screen system for supporting a roof screen on a roof, comprises a plurality of frame elements of round galvanized steel tubing configured as separate frames. The frames have a front element, a bottom element, and a diagonal brace element. A plurality of base supports are secured to the frame elements and sleeve connectors, including a base connector, an end connector, and a field connector which secure the frame elements together and to the base. A plurality of support elements are used for supporting the face panels to the front element of the separate frames.

Abstract: A multiport valve comprising a casing having at least one fluid inlet port and at least one fluid outlet port, a seal disposed adjacent to each outlet port, a cylinder disposed within a central opening in the casing and having an axial channel with a channel surface and at least one depression within the channel and balls biased toward the cylinder and away from each outlet port. Rotating the cylinder such that the depression aligns with the ball forces the biased ball into the depression and away from the seal opening the outlet port allowing for fluid flow therethrough and rotating the cylinder such that the depression is misaligned with respect to the depression causes the channel surface to overcome the bias and force the ball against the seal thus closing the outlet port. The multiport valve may include a bearing assembly disposed between the valve casing and cylinder and a ball biasing member angled to point towards the cylinder and bearing assembly, providing for ease in rotation of the cylinder.

Abstract: A switch (1) comprising an outer housing (3) and an inner component (5); switch means (13) operable to provide a signal upon depression of said outer housing (3) resilient biasing means (29) located between the inner component and the outer housing to provide a force which bias the outer housing from the inner component; and means (9, 17) for varying the spacing between the inner component and the outer housing and hence the biasing force provided by said resilient biasing means.

Abstract: A device for guiding and preventing the upward movement of a belt worn by a person, the device having a first portion for fastening to a garment, such as a pair of pants or a skirt, and a second cantilevered flange or loop portion extending from an upper portion of the fastener and away from the person, preventing the movement of the belt past the flange or loop portion.

Abstract: A system for using tidal or wave action to compress air at a high pressure and produce electricity. The system includes a piston contained in a chamber including an air intake port. The chamber is connected to an air storage tank through a valve. A moveable power transfer shaft contained in a sleeve guide has a float disposed on ocean waves providing motion to the shaft. A lever arm is contacted by the power transfer shaft at one end and is connected to the piston at another end. As the power transfer shaft is upwardly displaced by the float, so is the lever arm at one end causing the piston to compress air within the chamber at another end. When a dual piston embodiment is employed, air is compressed upon upward and downward movement of the power transfer shaft. In an alternative embodiment, a gear mechanism is employed to transfer the linear movement of the power transfer shaft to the pistons. In both the lever and the gear embodiments, the air is compressed and stored at a high pressure in a storage tank.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring data between a read/write apparatus having a shuttle powered by a single motor supporting a hybrid data storage card and having optical and electrical data heads. The hybrid data storage card has an integrated circuit module and an optical memory unit both on a single side of the hybrid card. Electrical signal communication occurs when a gap between the shuttle and a support connected to the electrical head is closed such that the electrical head is able to align with the integrated circuit module. Optical signal communication occurs between the optical data head and optical memory unit when the gap is formed and maintained between the shuttle and the support connected to the electrical head such that the shuttle is able to move linearly without interference from the support.

Abstract: A scrubber for cleaning a baby bottle nipple is comprised of a handle and a rod rotatably and removably attached to said handle. The rod is attached to a clip having tangs, removably attached to each other and securing a conical scrubbing material therebetween. The tangs and the scrubbing material are received within a baby bottle nipple for scrub cleaning the baby bottle nipple as the handle of the scrubber apparatus is rotated.

Abstract: A variable beam width headlight whose beam width decreases and length increases as velocity of a vehicle increases and whose beam width increases and length decreases as velocity of a vehicle decreases. As the velocity of a vehicle increases or decreases so too does the airflow to the headlights. Therefore, airflow can be used as a measurement of an increase or decrease in velocity. Each headlight has a reflector, a light source within the reflector and an aperture through which a beam passes after light rays from the light source have been reflected from a reflector surface. When the velocity of a car increases, the aperture of the reflector decreases in size resulting in a narrower, longer beam of light allowing the driver to see objects far in the distance. When the velocity of a car decreases, the aperture of the reflector increases in size resulting in a wider, shorter beam of light allowing the driver to see objects nearby that are to either side of him.

Abstract: Rough, conductive diamond film regions are formed on a substrate for establishing electrical contact with a surface mount semiconductor package, or the like. The substrate base is heated in a diamond film gas phase deposition reactor. Molecular hydrogen, a carbon-bearing gas and a dopant source are introduced into the reactor at a temperature conducive to producing a conductive polycrystalline diamond film with sharp facets extending from the film. The diamond film is patterned by etching to remove regions where no electrical contact with the surface mount package is desired.

Abstract: A beach umbrella is supported with a stand having a lower shaft and an upper shaft, with the upper shaft supporting a beach umbrella mast. Before attaching the umbrella mast, the tubular upper shaft serves as an impact tool against a protuberance on the lower shaft, allowing hammering of the lower shaft into composite earth. The upper shaft telescopes onto the lower shaft securing a tray in place against the protuberance after hammering is completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus for thermal management in a gas purification process. As known in the prior art, a gas purification apparatus includes a two-section unitary vessel, wherein the primary section includes an impure gas inlet and a heating assembly and the secondary section includes a cooling device and an outlet for purified gas. Within the primary and secondary sections of the vessels are gas sorbing materials such as getters for removing impurities from the gas to be purified. A feature of the present invention is the continuous, serpentine shape of the gas purification vessel which allows for a longer residence time of the gas and a more efficient purification process. Another feature of the invention is a Joule-Thomson cooling device which divides the primary section of the vessel from the secondary section. The Joule-Thomson cooling device cools the secondary section of the vessel and the gas contained within it.

Abstract: A vacuum-actuated tool for handling of small articles, such as electronic devices or lenses, having an improved valve mechanism including a valve stem located at an angled position that is less than 90° relative to a longitudinal axis of a body of the tool, a pivotable shell, a grip and angled handle for comfortable control and manipulation of the tool. A spring coil biases the valve stem into an upward position such that a first O-ring fixed to the stem seals a forward passageway to the atmosphere and such that evacuation occurs from said forward passageway to a co-axial rearward passageway permitting retrieval of an item. When the pivotable shell is depressed the spring bias is overcome and the first O-ring moves downward permitting atmospheric air into the forward chamber releasing the retrieved item. A second O-ring blocks fluid communication between the forward passageway and the rearward passageway and vacuum source when the pivotable shell is depressed.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for inhibiting the use of counterfeited optical memory cards and hybrid smart cards that use Drexon™ reflective laser recordable media for recording and storing data. Use of such counterfeit versions of Drexon™ optical memory cards can be inhibited by use of two or more LEDs, or semiconductor lasers, which would focus their light beams on the apparent Drexon™ optical memory stripe. Using photodetectors, the reflectivity of the Drexon™ stripe would be measured at two or more wavelengths including the visible and the infrared so as to identify the Drexon™ media, a silver particle-based material which has a unique reflectivity vs. wavelength characteristic. If the relative reflectivities match those predetermined characteristics of the Drexon™ media, the card would not be rejected; otherwise it would be rejected.