Abstract: This invention relates to a method of pregerminating and planting grass seed. The seeds are first soaked in water to expedite the water uptake and germination of the grass seed. The seeds are then drained and spread over an extended area for a period of time. A hydro-seeder is then used to broadcast the pregerminated seeds over the ground.

Abstract: A stereo-camera head is provided, particularly for robotic applications, in which the parameters of focus, zoom and camera convergence are adjusted by remotely controlled motor drives. Camera separation distance and iris function can be similarly controlled. Twin cameras can be mounted on a common base by means of camera cradles pivotally mounted on the base or by means of rotary carriers that are mounted to traverse along respective lead screws driven by respective stepper motors. Alternatively, there may be a single camera lens system transmitting both left and right images received from left and right movable optical elements via a beam splitter/combiner. Two CCD imaging chips can receive the left and right images from the single lens system via a second beam splitter/combiner. A controlling micro-computer can be employed to keep the stereo images within human tolerance of fusion limits.

Abstract: An orthotic insert of unitary construction formed from a compressible, thermoset, closed-cell foam plastic, featuring an anterior varus wedge, a medial shelf corresponding to the first ray and a heel cup for stabilizing the calcaneus and underlying protective fat pad substantially in the neutral position, all contributing to minimizing excess foot pronation.

Abstract: An enclosure for a pocket calculator can be mounted on the user's forearm or mounted at a 45.degree. angle to a desktop. This dual positioning of the calculator is achieved by a pad positioned between the enclosure and the user's forearm when the enclosure is mounted on the forearm. When it is desired to mount the calculator on a desktop, the pad may be partly folded to form a prop for propping the upper side of the calculator above the desktop. The enclosure has a transparent window above the keys of the calculator made of a plastic vinyl material so highly flexible that the user can depress any selected key with his finger without depressing any other key.

Abstract: In a method of displaying a picture according to the present invention, at least one starting point is determined on a picture screen; a picture is produced on a spiral raster which diverges from or converges toward each of the starting points; a shape, phase, linear density, and scanning speed of each spiral raster are controlled; thereby the patterns displayed on the screen are moved, rotated, enlarged, reduced, or modified.The central position of this spiral raster is given by setting deflection control signals in the X and Y directions of an electron beam into fixed values. The spiral raster is given by adding sine waves whose amplitudes gradually increase or decrease to the above deflection control signals.When the frequencies of the deflection control signals are constant, the scanning is performed at a constant angular velocity. On the other hand, when the frequencies are changed in proportion to the amplitudes, the scanning can be done at a constant speed.

Abstract: The impedance of an autoregulating heater is greatly increased by employing in one embodiment a return conductor in the form of a helix surrounded by and insulated from a magnetic conductor; the two conductors connected in series or as a transformer across an a.c. source whereby the current in the magnetic material is forced to follow a helical path. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayered coil is wrapped about and insulated from a magnetic sleeve disposed about a copper rod; the sleeve and rod forming the secondary of a transformer. The helical path of the current in the secondary plus the impedance transformation effect of the transformer greatly enhances the impedance of the load as presented to a current source. The winding is enclosed within another magnetic sleeve which provides another magnetic shield about the heater and if connected at one end to the inner magnetic layer increases the width to thickness ratio for purposes to be described.

Abstract: Provided herein is a demand breathing device including a motion sensitive sensor which sends signals corresponding to torso movement to a controller incorporating electronic differentiation to indicate the direction of torso movement corresponding to the expansion and retraction of inhalation and exhalation, respectively, and to energize a solenoid valve which interrupts oxygen flow during exhalation.

Abstract: The present invention is for a showerhead selectively operable to produce a plurality of different streams, enabling the user to select one form of large diameter stream, rich in bubbles, when the water pressure is high, and another large diameter rich stream full of bubbles when the water pressure is low. Furthermore, the user may select a spray instead of the bubbly stream. The invention is accomplished by having an upstream disc with chambers therein for directing the water downstreamwardly. In the path of the jets from said chambers there is a screened-disc which is rotatable selectively by the user and which has a number of openings therethrough. By bringing the correct opening below the jets, the user may select one of several different types of streams. One of the openings has two screens, one at the top and one at the bottom of the opening so that at low water pressures, there is abundant aeration which provides a rich outgoing stream of water.

Abstract: The present invention is for a showerhead selectively operable to produce a plurality of different streams or different number of streams, enabling the user to select (a) a set of streams having a large diameter, rich in bubbles, when the water pressure is high, (b) a set of streams having a smaller diameter full of bubbles when the water pressure is low, or (c) a spray instead of the bubbly stream. This capability is achieved by having an upstream disc with openings therein for directing the water downstreamwardly in a number of jets. In the path of the jets downstream from said disc there is a rotatable member which can be selectively positioned by the user and which has a number of outlet chambers therethrough, and two or more screen members attached thereto. By adjusting the rotatable member amongst its predetermined positions, the user may select one of several different types of output streams from the showerhead.

Abstract: An improved design of Car-Top Luggage Carrier to allow conversion to small utility watercraft included:(1) A cover or bow section that substantially encapsulates or interlocks with the carrier or stern section.(2) Interlocking parts for unitization or joining the bow and stern sections.(3) Double keel design as points of contact for the carrier with the transporting vehicle.(4) Method of attachment that utilizes an arrangement of perforated straps, hook bolts and car roof gutter fittings.

Abstract: Apparatus automatically feeds coins into a parking meter. The timing clock used in the parking meter operates an external coin feeding mechanism to feed a coin when the time on the parking meter is about to expire. The invention is applicable to parking meters of the type wherein the insertion of the coin rewinds the clock as well as of the type wherein a knob is turned to rewind the clock after the coin is inserted. With the latter form of parking meter a special battery powered circuit is employed to wind the clock in increments after a coin has been automatically inserted.

Abstract: Designation of specific heating zones and increase in minimum resistance relative to prior heaters of the type to which the present invention pertains is achieved, together with flexibility or bendability, if desired, by slotting the outer conductor of the heater. Additional flexibility is also achieved by confining the high mu material only to those regions of the device where heating is desired, the unslotted regions.

Abstract: Provided is a dust control attachment for long wall mining equipment featuring a water spray head fixed on the end of an arm which is mounted in a manner to be movable in the horizontal and vertical planes whereby the spray is substantially directable to any desired situs during mining operations.

Abstract: An airborne missile launcher is provided which is of modular construction to carry a variety of different missiles. A main body section has top attachment points, whereby it is carried by an aircraft, and a sub-rail hanger releasably attached at its underside which sub-rail preferably has a plurality of longitudinal tracks for carrying several different types of missile. To complete the launcher body, forward and aft body sections are attached to the main body section, each of which forward and aft body sections can be selected from a number of different such sections to suit different types of missile. The launcher also includes a nitrogen bottle carried right forward in a detachable fairing, a chaff dispenser carried aft, hold-back shoes to enable missile power up prior to translation relative to the sub-rail and convex bulged sides to reduce vertical stiffness and vibrations.

Abstract: Deleterious effects of high capacitance in large area raster scanner image tubes, especially when employed in video cameras, can be overcome by employing the following features: (1) a plurality of transparent stripe signal electrodes; (2) a unique, multiple layer, solid state structure designed to provide a Displaced Electron Layer-Sensor-Target for imaging (hereinafter DELST), with and without; (3) photoconductive gain in the DELST structure; and (4) with and without intensifier gain in the DELST structure, the proper combination of these four features makes possible the construction of video sensor devices of extraordinarily large capacitance, having rasters generated by "low or high" velocity scanning electron beams, or a laser scanning ray. The invention provides a generic approach for the selection of features and their combination with the type of scanner best suited to any one application.

Abstract: A heating structure is described having both a return conductor and a heating element consisting of a substrate of a non-magnetic material having high thermal and electrical conductivity, clad with a surface layer of a ferromagnetic material of relatively low electrical conductivity.

Abstract: The apparatus provides a moving target for practicing perceptual and perceptual motor skills particularly for education, therapy, athletics and amusement. The moving target may be large or small at ground level and may be propelled at various different speeds in opposite directions. The interval of movement in a given direction is variable selectively or randomly as is the pause time between intervals of movement and speed. The movement of the target permits the practice for training and increasing motor skills, adaptability and attentiveness to time, distance, direction and force at all levels of skill.

Abstract: A support structure for a coaxial transmission line includes a plurality of groups of dielectric balls compressibly mounted between the inner and outer conductors of the coaxial transmission line, the balls being "locked" into position via recesses located in the outer face of the inner conductor with holes centrally located in the balls and aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the transmission line sewing to compression relieve the balls and improve the VSWR of the transmission line, and with seventy-degree V-grooves being located on either side of the recesses in longitudinal alignment with the coaxial transmission line, for further improving the VSWR by adding inductance to compensate for the capacitance added by the presence of the balls.