Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having the external appearance of an automobile. The dispenser includes a cavity accessible by inverting the dispenser, which cavity receives a spool of dental floss. The dental floss is then dispensed through an opening in the cavity, which opening exits in the engine compartment of the automobile. The engine compartment may be opened for accessing the dental floss, and then closed after use, so that the floss is not visible to an observer.

Abstract: A substantially stocking-shaped photograph album and method therefor, comprising a base portion, at least one substantially stocking-shaped leaf coupled to the base portion, and at least one sleeve coupled to the substantially stocking-shaped leaf, wherein the sleeve is dimensioned to receive a photograph in order to provide a way to store and display photographs in a festive photo album. Preferably, an audio device can be activated to play a melody while viewing the pictures.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a resistance integrated coupler adapted to be coupled between a data bus and a terminal device. The system and method includes the steps of calculating a desired resistance of a set of data-bus windings, wherein the desired resistance is substantially (1.5×Zo), wherein Zo is a selected data bus cable nominal characteristic impedance; winding the set of data-bus windings to form a first part of the resistance integrated coupler using a specified amount of high resistance wire, the specified amount of high resistance wire having a total resistance substantially equal to the calculated desired resistance; and winding a set of terminal device windings to form a second part of the resistance integrated coupler. The resistance integrated coupler is constructed substantially in accordance with the guidelines of MIL-STD-1553B.

Abstract: A tool drive apparatus and method are provided which are particularly well suited for the processing of semiconductor chips on leadframe strips. The tool drive apparatus includes at least one press having a tool-receiving space, a top and bottom tool received in the tool-receiving space, and a drive unit coupled to the at least one press for asynchronous substantially vertical movement of the top tools in adjacent presses. The drive unit includes a rotatable main shaft carrying up to six cam discs each of which may be associated with a press. This arrangement permits the processing of more than one process area on a leadframe strip in the same press cycle in one tool at a time enabling the tools to be placed closer together to shorten the processing line. The tool drive apparatus may also include a latch assembly which, when activated, creates a larger tool-receiving space for repair and maintenance of the tool in one press without affecting other presses in the processing line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a liquid on the body of a person and discharging the liquid. The apparatus consists of a liquid container that is dimensioned so that a top portion thereof may be inserted between the buttocks of a user. The liquid container is connected to a hose, which is of sufficient length to pass between a user's legs. The hose is capped, so as to prevent accidental discharge of the contained liquid. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature of the contained liquid may be maintained by lining the base of the liquid container with an insulation material and, where necessary, positioning a heat packet within an opening in the insulation material.

Abstract: A dc power converter having bipolar output and bi-directional reactive current transfer is disclosed. The dc power converter comprises: a direct current source; a modulator coupled to the direct current source, the modulator comprising at least two switch means for generating a waveform pulse; a transformer primary winding capacitively coupled to the modulator; at least two transformer secondary windings magnetically coupled to the transformer primary winding; and two synchronous rectifiers coupled to a first and second secondary winding respectively of the at least two transformer secondary windings. The first and second synchronous rectifiers each comprise: a switching means for interrupting a current path connected in series with a respective secondary winding first polarity pole, and a capacitor coupled in series with the switching means.

Abstract: A handle-bar camera support and method therefor, comprising a vertical support member, a camera receiving member, and a handle-bar coupling member allowing attachment of the vertical support member to the handle-bar of a vehicle. A camera can be secured to the handle-bar of a vehicle, thus allowing for stable recording during the use of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for subscriber loop powered calling identity delivery on call waiting apparatus provides battery only operation or extended battery life in a calling identity apparatus intended for off-hook and on-hook operation. The apparatus and method of using comprises a caller identification data receiver coupled to the subscriber loop for decoding caller identification tones and a CAS tone detector for detecting an alerting signal having at least one tone detector power supply input. Further comprised is a power supply circuit wherein the power supply's input is coupled to the subscriber loop for supplying power from the subscriber loop to the CAS tone detector.

Abstract: An independent leadframe transport system for use with an integrated-circuit processing has a main drive unit having at least one tool-drive. A stack unit is moveably coupled to the main drive unit for storing unprocessed and processed leadframes. A leadframe transport carousel is coupled to the stack unit which loads an unprocessed leadframe from the stack unit and returns a processed leadframe back to the stack unit.

Abstract: A cleaning and sanitizing assembly for automatic food and beverage dispensing machines is provided. The dispensing machine may be manufactured or retrofitted with the assembly. The assembly may also be a stand-alone assembly. The assembly includes at least one water line and at least one sanitizer line to introduce at least one sanitizer to conditioned water from the at least one water line. The at least one sanitizer may be ozone generated by an ozone generator from air filtered and dried in an air filter/dryer and then added to the water in an air flow apparatus. Other sanitizers may be added to the ozonated water or the conditioned water without the ozone. The sanitized water is introduced into the dispensing machine typically through a reservoir which normally contains the produce mix. The sanitized water is dispersed into the reservoir through a rinse tube or a spray nozzle extending across the top of each reservoir.

Abstract: A mixing valve and method, in which two fluids under pressure are supplied to a non-electric valve, in which the fluids are mixed and dispensed. The dispensing of fluids is controlled by a spring activated member, which in a non-activated closed position prevents the passage of fluids out of the mixing valve and which in an activated open position permits the passage, mixing and dispensing of the fluid intakes. In one embodiment, a third fluid inlet, which is selectively opened and closed by a second spring activated member, permits the passage and dispensing of one of the two fluid intakes.

Abstract: A portable hands-free gas pumping device and method therefor, comprising a elongated body which can be inserted between a bottom surface of an activation lever and a bottom portion of a gas pump handle frame in order to maintain the activation lever in an activated position during the fueling process.

Abstract: A system for simultaneous frequency trimming of a plurality frequency devices such as oscillators, crystals and surface acoustic wave filters and resonators by removing intrinsic or previously deposited material through plasma ion bombardment is comprised of a plasma ion chamber, a magazine rack, a vacuum evacuator, a control console, a plasma power supply and a frequency evaluator. The system employs a shutter assembly and shutter control mechanism to individually regulate plasma ion bombardment of a plurality of frequency devices.

Abstract: A shelving system adapted to be quickly installed in a closet or similar space with a relative minimum of labor and finishing. The system includes a shelf, side brackets which are anchored to the side walls of the closet space, end caps adapted to lock into the side brackets and to securely retain the shelf in position, a U-shaped rear channel to cover the back of the shelf and to conform to irregularities in the rear wall surface, and a center shelf support having a rotating locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the shelving system includes a hangar bar, which is held in position by the side brackets and the center shelf support.

Abstract: A display and method for holding printed material, such as advertising, are described for hanging on the back of a vehicle seat with its contents easily visible and accessible to a passenger. A transparent backboard having rear and front surfaces define transparent pockets for holding the advertising. A pair of hook and loop straps and pads secure the display to the back of the seat.

Abstract: A shoulder protection device for use with a barbell, during the performance of a bench-press-type exercise. The device consists of a cylindrical pad adapted to be coupled to the barbell at a point substantially over the chest of a user, and having sufficient thickness to reduce the downward travel of the barbell during the performance of a bench-press movement. Such reduction, preferably, should be to the point where the upper arms descend to the horizontal plane defined by the back of the user, but do not break that plane.

Abstract: A property maintenance scheduling system has a calendar for displaying a current month. The calendar has an area for listing property maintenance to be performed during the month. The maintenance system further has two pluralities of labels. The first labels are to be placed on the calendar to indicate the date that specific maintenance is due to be performed. The second labels are to be placed on each item to record the date on which an item will next be serviced. The calendar may also be electronic in nature. A notebook may further be provided in the property maintenance scheduling system. The notebook is used for detailing the procedure for each property maintenance task to be performed during the month. The notebook may further be used for recording details of the work performed for each property maintenance task.

Abstract: An aircraft navigational system allows for reduced storage and increased computing power for comparing terrain maps to the flight path and enroute track of the aircraft. Unique provisions are made for reporting and recording navigational hazards.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with a helical drive mechanism. A rectilinear input to the helical drive causes an output gear to rotate, thus providing power to rotate the driving wheels of a wheelchair. The helical drive may include, for example, a compound helix, a drive with a twisted flat bar, or a concentric helix drive. Add-on components may be provided to convert a conventional wheelchair to a wheelchair powered by a helical drive mechanism.