Abstract: This invention relates to both a concrete wall having a series of slanted deflection surfaces to spread the force of impacting vehicles, to buttress against earth forces, and to abate noises and to a method of constructing such a wall. The wall can be economically constructed from precast concrete elements which are adapted to be easily and rapidly stacked and joined in series to save on the cost of labor and materials. The wall is comprised of a series of panels which are stable and self-supporting when placed on a prepared foundation due to the Z-shape of the panels. Stable connection between the panels is provided by cast-in-place concrete, structural support columns. The legs of the Z-shaped panels form a stay-in-place form for the cast-in-place concrete when two Z-shaped panels are placed end to end. The cast-in-place concrete hardens and becomes integral structural support columns for the wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight waterbed structure composed of a foam base with a raised border around the perimeter containing a plurality of generally flat multiple bladders arranged horizontally in a configuration to cover the foam base and a convoluted foam pad which covers the plurality of multiple bladders. Applicant's invention provides an extremely lightweight waterbed containing a small amount of water or liquid, which can be used safely in any type of house or apartment, yet unexpectedly provides the support, feel and comfort of a heavier, conventional waterbed. By utilizing a plurality of rectangular, generally flat profile, thin water bladders and covering them with a convoluted foam pad positioned with the fingers of the convoluted foam away from the water bladders, the motion of the water in the bladders is accentuated, thus providing the user the feeling and sensation of a flotation mattress containing greater volumes of water.

Abstract: An adaptive scanning technique for ultrasonic testing of materials utilizing a realtime lift off detection system. The technique recognizes characteristic reflected/generated signals of partial and total lift off occurrences, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is separated from the surface of the test material. Once recognized and analyzed, these characteristic reflected signals are correlated with parameter changes preselected to compensate for such partial or total lift off occurrences. These parameter changes are communicated to a mechanical positioning system that alters the position, scanning speed, and vertical force with which mechanical compliance of the transducer is maintained with the test material.

Abstract: A hybrid steam engine device which has a rotor fixed between two end plates with rotor shaft bearings which allow the rotor to move freely about its axis. A pair of guide bars rigidly connect one end plate to the other. A fixed piston pairs are rigidly attached to each end plate. A multiplicity of hollow cylinders are mounted to allow simultaneous closure of each cylinder end by one pair of pistons, with a septum plate mounted approximately half-way along the interior of each cylinder providing compression for one piston at the same time that expansion is provided for the opposing piston. A compressor piston has two valves. An intake check valve provides fresh air into the compressor side of the cylinder during expansion and the compressor check valve provides entry of compressed air to a retort, where combustion and conversion to steam occurs. The power piston also has two valves. A power check valve provides for the entry of gases produced by combustion and steam.

Abstract: A baby deck chair having an adjustable back wherein the back has two distal ends each of which is inserted to a corresponding socket which is pivotally engaged to a block and the block is connected to a base, an extending portion connected between the two sockets opposite to the back, the block having a plurality of notches defined in an outer periphery thereof and a button pivotally engaged to the socket and received in a slot defined in the socket, a tongue extending from an inner portion of the socket and corresponding to the slot such that a spring is disposed between the button and the tongue, the button having a protrusion extending downward from an end thereof for engagement with one of the notches to adjust an angle of the back corresponding to the ground.

Abstract: A device for recording the fuel usage of a vehicle capable of operating on multiple fuel types. The invention is a digital device which tracks time and/or distance parameters for each fuel type burned and stores these parameters in memory. In one embodiment, the device detects when the vehicle engine is running and what type of fuel is being burned. An electronic system clock provides the timing reference for measuring the length of time each fuel type is burned. The memory is periodically updated with the timing information. A second embodiment tracks traveling distance in a similar manner. The user may display the contents of any parameter recorded by the device on a numeric display.

Abstract: A cutting depth setting device is provided for a saw machine which includes a base portion having a positioning block protruding therefrom, a drive arm pivotally engaged with the base portion about a pivot axle, a protruding block projecting from the drive arm and located above the positioning block, a threaded hole vertically defined through the protruding block, a circular saw blade rotatably mounted on the drive arm to pivot therewith for cutting a workpiece, a working platform mounted beneath the saw blade for holding the workpiece, the cutting depth setting device including an adjusting bolt threadedly extending through the threaded hole of the protruding block to be displaced vertically relative to the protruding block, a head fixedly mounted on an upperside of the adjusting bolt for rotating the adjusting bolt, a pointer pivotally engaged on an underside of the adjusting bolt to move vertically therewith, a first panel movably mounted on the drive arm and having a flat surface which is located adjacent

Abstract: Applicant's invention is a method and apparatus for inhibiting laser detection wherein the infrared laser light from a laser gun is absorbed, diffused, and dispersed, hindering the quick response needed for accurate laser readings. The laser detection inhibitor incorporates a rectangular acrylic lens panel and a filtering treatment which coats or is infused into the acrylic lens panel. The acrylic lens panel is suitably formed for placement over a vehicular license plate. The panel is adapted for placement over the license plate. After the panel is sprayed or infused during molding with the filtering treatment, the panel is affixed over the license plate using the existing attachment means for the vehicular license plate. Applicant's invention uniformly covers the license plate absorbing, diffusing, and dispersing infrared laser light and therefore, inhibiting laser detection.

Abstract: Individual/driver-defined durations of lever-off automotive turn signaling are provided in response to the application of one or more "taps" to a vehicle's signal lever. A counter is incremented for each tap detected by monitoring circuitry. A non-zero tap count imparts the timing out of lever-off signaling. A timed-signaling duration is the sum of either one or a series of predetermined-length, tap-associated duration segments. As each segment is timed out, the tap counter is decremented. On-the-fly extensions of the duration are enabled. Reset provisions and the transparent invoking means preclude conflicts with non-timed signaling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a ventilation system used in the diagnostic imaging of a patient's pulmonary function, and more particularly, is directed to a disposable radioactive inhalation adaptor to be used in conjunction with standard ventilation apparatus. More specifically, the invention involves a hand-held ventilation system which delivers oxygen as well as the appropriate dose of Xenon-133 gas to the patient without contaminating the area. The claimed ventilation system is particularly designed for use with patients who cannot breathe on their own or who cannot cooperate with the standard respiratory diagnostic imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A device for heating and manually dispensing small vials or carpules. The device includes a generally rectangular housing having a top wall with a lid. The lid provides access to the interior of the housing. The interior of the housing includes a vial feed chamber and a sliding dispensing member. The interior of the housing is heated with a small incandescent light bulb. The dispensing member has a notch near the leading edge for loading vials when in a retracted position and dispensing vials when in an extended position, the extended position reaching beyond the housing of the dispenser.

Abstract: A method for using a bleaching composition comprising a partially saturated carrier and a bleaching agent prepared by first mixing the dry carrier with the dry bleaching agent and then adding water while continuing mixing to produce a moist powder. This powder is used in a tumbler with at least partially nonsynthetic dyed fabrics to dry bleach or fade the dye from the fabrics. Specifically, the bleaching composition is a mix of potassium permanganate as the bleaching agent and diatomaceous earth as the carrier and is tumbled with the fabric to remove the dye from the fabric. The tumbling causes repeated contact with the bleaching agent and removes the dye in the fabric.

Abstract: A single deck dual tape path videocassette recorder/playback system enabling near simultaneous multiple functions with respect to a broadcast or cable communicated television signal. The system consists of standard elements which allow the receipt of a videocassette, the extracting and return of video tape from and to the videocassette, and the recording of a broadcast or cable communicated signal. The system also consists of two tape path assemblies and a videotape compartment consisting of a tape feed channel, a storage assembly, and a vacuum system. All elements are included within a single housing utilizing a common power supply, tuner, controls, and switching and control circuitry enabling simultaneous multiple functions using both tape paths, as well as additional function selections.

Abstract: A medical dressing for treating open chest injuries, or other injuries that compromise or could possibly compromise the pleural space of the chest cavity. Specifically, a medical dressing used by first responders to treat an open pneumothorax, treat and/or prevent a tension pneumothorax from developing, remove the accumulated blood of a hemothorax or re-inflating a collapsed lung without invasive procedures and in some instances act as a conduit for treating a tension pneumothorax or a collapsed lung with invasive procedures.

Abstract: A fishing lure having the property of dispersing substantially all incident light in multi-directions results from the application of a glitter containing coating to the external surfaces of the lure body. Ultra-fine glitter particles are employed which are inserted in a highly viscous stage of a liquid mixture of a resin and a hardener and are maintained in a uniform dispersion throughout the entire body of the coating by rotation of the lure body during the completion of the hardening of the resin coating.