Abstract: An apparatus and method for re-surfacing compact discs. The method is a two-step method in which the disc to be re-surfaced is first placed on a shaft. A resilient pad supports an abrasive medium and is positioned so the abrasive medium overlaps only the protective layer of the CD. The disc and abrasive material are rotated in opposite directions at about the same speed to remove deeper blemishes in a wet operation. Subsequent polishing is accomplished in a similar manner using a polishing compound instead of an abrasive. The re-surfacing and polishing apparatus each have motor driven shafts which are parallel and spaced apart and support the CD and pad in a cabinet. A transparent cover extends across the top of the cabinet.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for holding printed circuit boards (PCBAs) during processing such as wave soldering. The fixture assembly consists of multiple plates which are assembled to define protective cavities and recesses for masking components such as surface mount devices and define apertures so that pass-through leads are exposed at the bottom or secondary side of the bottom plate. An optional weighting member may be used to firmly secure the PCBA during processing. The multi-plate structure is cost effective reducing milling and machining operations normally attendant to the fabrication of a fixture assembly.

Abstract: An insect trap employing a light transmissive sleeve for placement over a suspended light source wherein the sleeve is removably secured to the light. The sleeve includes vanes circumferentially spaced on a cylinder with arcuate segments of the cylinder exposed therebetween. An adhesive coating is applied to the vanes and the arcuate segments. Attracted by the light, the insects are drawn to the adhesively coated surfaces and trapped. The sleeve is replaced periodically as necessary.

Abstract: An electrical box defining an electrical component enclosure for a device such as a receptacle, switch or wire for establishing connections. A wall of the box has mounting members, either flush or projecting above the surface, which mounting members define a bore for a nail or screw. The mounting means is exteriorly of the enclosure to comply with applicable codes. The bores are angularly oriented so an electrical fastener may install from the front of the box requiring a cut-out only slightly larger than the dimensions of the box. A fastener guide channel may be provided to assist to align the fastener with the bore when it is recessed. Preferably the box is fabricated by molding it from plastic such as phenolic material. The box may be round, square or rectangular.

Abstract: A load cell having overload protection wherein a central cantilever beam is provided between the sensing beams in the load cell structure and is bounded by slots of narrow gap width. When an excess load is applied, the load cell structure is deformed and contacts the cantilever beam to transfer the load thereto. The gap width determines the amount of applied load which initiates the protection.

Abstract: A method of making polishing pads used for the planarization of semiconductor wafers wherein the pad includes a polymer sleeve filled with an optical polymer to provide a window for the pad. An opaque polishing pad polymer is molded around the sleeve and window to form a large volume cake which is then cured and subdivided into a multiplicity of individual pads.

Abstract: An arrow rest attachable to a bow to steady an arrow as the bow is drawn and the arrow aimed. The rest has a pivot arm which carries an arrow support having a seat. The pivot arm is normally biased to an out-of-the-way position. A tether extends between the pivot arm and a bowstring will raise the arm to a launching position. When the arrow is released, the pivot arm and support will quickly drop out of the way so as to not interfere with the flight of the arrow.

Abstract: An automatic door closer for a sliding door. The closer has a reel with a cable extending around a pulley on the end of the rod of a return mechanism. In preferred embodiments, the return mechanism is an oil dammed gas spring or a magnetic spring. A spool rotates on a common shaft with the reel and is wound with a flat tape which is attached to the door frame. The reel, spool, return mechanism and cable are attached to the door so that application of an opening force will cause the cylinder rod to retract. Upon release, the stored energy will cause the rod to extend, rotating the reel and spool to wind the tape onto the spool applying a controlled rate closing force. The spool has a core with a greater diameter than the core of the reel so a mechanical advantage exists between the spool and reel and friction is reduced.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a stationary bicycle having a foot receiving platform. The pedal axle is located generally aligned with the heel of the user's foot when positioned on the platform. A counterbalance weight system rearward of the foot opposes the tendency of the pedal to “push over” the axle due to the rearward position of the axle. The pedal assembly design allows the user to effectively exercise the entire gluteal muscle group while simultaneously providing the user the ability to achieve an effective cardiovascular workout.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique recreational vehicle in the form of a powered snow board for traversing snow-covered or wet, sandy surfaces. The motorized vehicle has a front board similar in size and shape to a conventional snow board. The board carries bindings in which the rider may step onto so the rider can maneuver the board in a manner similar to that of a conventional snow board. The rear drive unit has a motor which powers a flexible track having a tread similar to the tread utilized on snow mobiles. The tread is carried on a swing arm assembly which is biased into the snow surface but will pivot to absorb bumps and to provide tracking and control. The rear drive unit is connected to the rear of the snow board by a pivot connection which allows the front board to be maneuvered by the rider while being powered by the drive unit. Turns are initiated with the rider's toe and heel and completed by the steering system.

Abstract: A bowel control probe and method of detecting and preventing bowel incontinence. The probe has a body with a distal end which is permeable to gas. Conductivity sensors on the probe will establish an electrical circuit in the presence of fecal matter to send an alert signal to a control unit. The sensors may be partially shielded by a removable sleeve to reduce false alarms resulting from moisture. The control unit may issue an audible or visual alarm and may transmit a signal to a remote nursing station. An air cuff about the probe body is cyclically inflated and deflated to block passage of fecal matter and to protect tissue and capillaries in the rectal area.

Abstract: An automatic roach trap having a receiving container removably located in the trap enclosure. The trap utilizes a beam to detect roaches on a platform therein and actuates a mechanism to open an internal closure and coerce the roach into the underlying container. Access to the container is restricted during operation to prevent the escape of trapped roaches. The container is automatically closed upon withdrawal and designed to prevent inadvertent reopening during disposal.

Abstract: A driver tool for small nails and brads having a tubular body within which a plunger is reciprocal. The upper end of the plunger and the body are connected by an elastomeric member so that a manual force may be applied to draw the plunger upward. Upon release, the plunger descends to impact the nail or brad within the lower end of the tubular body. The lower driver head end of the plunger is magnetized.

Abstract: A spray guard that may be used with a spray applicator of the type used to apply agriculture and garden chemicals. The guard has an adaptor with a conical body and a flared skirt. The conical body is slotted to accommodate insertion over the spray wand of the sprayer. A clear, conically-shaped spray shield is securable to the adaptor. The shield is preferably provided to the user in a flattened condition and assembled into conical shape by the user. The spray shield may be trimmed to size by the user and may be easily replaced by removing it from the adaptor.

Abstract: An outdoor microwave transceiver intrusion detector that alternately transmits pulses of RF energy at two different frequencies and uses range and direction of travel information derived from the phase of the two Doppler responses to optimize the signal processing and apply range dependent thresholds. The time delay between the onset of the transmitted pulse and the sample of the Doppler response is controlled to provide an accurate range cutoff. The two frequencies are selected so that the difference in phase of the Doppler response at the two frequencies increases from zero to ninety degrees as the target goes from the Transceiver to the maximum range. Digital signal processing is used to measure the difference in phase of the two Doppler responses and translate this information into location of the target. The location information is used to create a number of range bins.

Abstract: An expansion device for refrigeration system having a piston which reciprocates to either open or close ports to increase or decrease the volume of atomized refrigerant liquid received from the condenser. Atomization may be enhanced by use of auxiliary ultrasonic or electrostatic atomization devices.

Abstract: A vacuum dustpan having a housing with an inlet to the level of the floor surface into which dust and debris can be directed. A vacuum motor induces a vacuum to transfer the debris to a collection chamber within the housing. The vacuum dustpan is usable in locations such as shops, hair salons, kitchens and other environments where debris collects and periodically swept.

Abstract: A piston for a combustion engine having an oil ring groove on the exterior of the piston which communicates via oil holes with an oil trap extending around the interior of the piston. The oil trap captures lubricant on the downward stroke and pumps lubricant to the piston and cylinder walls on the upward stroke. An oil ring assembly having a wiper, expander and oil ring sections may be provided in the oil ring groove. A bridge may also be provided to support the cylinder head.