Abstract: A hand mounted keyboard, having a pair of opposed keypads for receiving the fingers of the mounting hand between, the opposed keypads operable by opposed movements of those fingers. The keyboard also has a thumb operated keypad mounted on the exterior of the keyboard. The characters and functions are grouped into generally task related modes or lanes. The lanes are divided into blocks, each block having two rows of data, each of the rows corresponding to one of the opposed keypads. The lanes are chosen by activating a first key with the thumb, and a second key with the finger. The thumb operated key is activated to chose a relationship for mapping between blocks of data in each lane and the finger operated keys. The mapping relationships assign characters and functions by row and column to opposed keypads and fingers respectively.

Abstract: A tool for aligning the strings of a racket, the tool having a base, a support bracket attached to the base for pivotally securing the racket to the base, a positioning pin for positioning the racket in a predetermined location on the base, and an array of spaced alignment pins projecting upward from the base for aligning the racket strings in predetermined positions.

Abstract: A holder for a compact digital disk. The holder includes a base having a hub on which a disk may be frictionally retained. It also includes a lid pivotally mounted on the base and having an extractor for disengaging the disk from the hub as the lid is moved from the closed to the open position. The extractor additionally functions as a latch to retain the lid in the closed position. Also, a deflector is positioned on top of the hub to retain the disk after it has been disengaged from the hub.

Abstract: A projector for creating a night-sky illusion on a planar surface such as a ceiling or a wall. The projector includes a base having two pairs of opposing walls and a shelf assembly adapted to be mounted in the base including a light bulb, a battery connected to the bulb, and a switch. It also includes a top adapted to be slidably mounted on the base and a transparency extending across an opening formed in the lid. The transparency is generally opaque, but includes a array of transparent dots fixed in predetermined positions. The disclosed method involves using the projector to produce an array of light spots resembling the night sky on a surface, applying luminescent paint to the spots and then exposing the painted spots to light energy, causing the paint to glow.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the physical characteristics of groundwater or other fluids. The sampling device includes a frame, a hanger for suspending the device from the wellhead, a service cable storage reel mounted for rotation on the frame, a handle for rotating the reel, a lock for preventing rotation of the reel with respect to the frame and a guide for directing the service cable from the reel into the wellhead. The device also may include a service cable which includes discharge hose and an electrical cable which are bonded together to function as a unitary cable and a cable block for sealing the lower end of the electrical cable to prevent the incursion of groundwater.

Abstract: A protective device for a padlock as typically used on the cargo doors of a trailer portion of a truck/trailer combination. Particularly, the device is intended to protect the lock from the environment and to provide a warning of unauthorized access. The preferred embodiment includes a base which is fastened to the door and surrounds the keeper of the lock assembly, a cover pivotally mounted to the base and enclosing the lock, a switch mounted to the cover for detecting displacement of the cover from its closed position and an audible alarm responsive to the switch for emitting a warning signal.

Abstract: A portable electrically powered toothbrush which includes a brush head having at least one tuft holding assembly mounted for rotation about its central axis. Pulsating direct current is supplied through control circuitry to a DC motor in the brush handles by a pair of rechargeable batteries also mounted in the handle. Power from the motor is transmitted through a reduction gear and belt drive assembly to the tuft holding assembly, resulting in a unidirectional intermittent rotation of the assembly about its axis and a simultaneous reciprocation of the assembly along that axis. Alternately, continuous power may be supplied to the motor, resulting in a unidirectional continuous rotation and reciprocation of the tuft holding assembly.

Abstract: A submersible sensor for use in monitoring the physical properties of well water or other fluids. The sensor includes a thin walled cylindrical body having a pair of opposing entrances, each of which has been machined to form a stepped counterbore. The sensor also includes a seal cone adapted to be inserted in either entrance and a seal disposed between the seal cone and the inner step of the counterbore.

Abstract: A clamp for sealing leaks occurring between a pipe and a pipe fitting. The clamp is usable with common tee, straight, reducer, and 90.degree. elbow fittings and with various combinations of simple adapters can be used with at least two standard sizes of any such fittings. Two of the disclosed embodiments are particularly useful with flanged gate valves.

Abstract: A quick release clamp assembly for retaining a hook type support bracket on a shaft. The clamp assembly can be used, for example, to secure a seat and backrest to the frame of a foldable wheelchair. The clamp assembly includes a clamp adapted to be attached to a frame member of the chair and a cam rotatably mounted to the clamp for operation between an open and a closed position for retaining the bracket on the frame member. In the preferred embodiment the cam also includes an over the center protrusion which tends to prevent the inadvertent opening of the cam and release of the bracket.

Abstract: A dewatering system for use in the treatment of waste water which includes a tank, an inclined filter bed having a plurality of filter elements and means for inducing a flow of air through the filter bed to accelerate drying of the removed solids. Also disclosed are means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the filter bed and mechanical means for removing solids from the filter elements.

Abstract: A shelter having a frame of telescopic pole and arch assemblies with the latter joined at an apex of the shelter by insertion into a central connector. The canopy is fitted to the frame in a snug manner. Straps secure the corners of the canopy to each arch assembly and may be provided with hook and loop pieces to facilitate canopy attachment to the frame.

Abstract: A rescue pouch for transporting human bodies including a flexible container for the body and a pair of longitudinally oriented foldable beam supports which facilitate handling of the pouch yet permit it to be rolled for convenient storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with commercial long line fishing gear for receiving the long line as it is hauled from the sea, separating the gangions and hooks from the line and directing them to a storage tub or other storage means. The long line enters the apparatus through an entrance funnel and then passes through a guide funnel where the hooks are oriented substantially in a common plane. Thereafter, the line passes through a sorting gate assembly which orients the bends of the hooks in a common manner and directs them onto a rail assembly. The hooks are then guided by the rail assembly to a storage rail attached to a storage tube. As the hooks proceed along the rail assembly the ground line is drawn over a hydraulically powered sheave and directed into the storage tub.

Abstract: A combustion control system for internal combustion engines which includes a novel spark plug having a precombustion chamber in which a butane/air mixture injected through the plug is ignited in order to initiate and manage combustion wave propagation within the engine cylinder. The system also includes a fuel system to provide gasoline at an elevated pressure to the fuel metering system of the engine and a gaseous air/butane mixture under pressure to the spark plugs.

Abstract: A pair of removable sunglasses which can be attached to conventional eyeglasses or spectacles. The sunglasses include a pair of lenses joined by a center section which functions as both a hinge and means for attaching the sunglasses to the bridge of the eyeglasses. They also include a pair of opposing side pieces attached to respective lenses by a hinge which are removably attachable to the bows of the eyeglasses.

Abstract: A hand propelled device for lightly cultivating and mulching soil and typically for use in the home garden. The device includes a frame, a motor, and a hub assembly connected to the motor and also mounted to the frame. The hub assembly includes a shaft, a pair of hubs spaced apart on the shaft, and a plurality of beater wires pivotally mounted to each hub at radially spaced points near its outer circumference. The cultivator is supported by a single wheel mounted for free rotation between the hubs.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus for making a label for use on architectural drawings or the like using a number of bars containing standardized or preselected information and a conventional photocopy machine. The apparatus includes one or more bars containing desired information and a base for holding the bars which can be placed on the photocopy machine. Labels are produced by placing the apparatus on the photocopy machine which has been loaded with the desired labeling material and then copying information onto the material. Typically the apparatus and method are used to produce adhesive-backed transparent labels containing drafting symbols or drawing notations.