Abstract: A cylindrical plug made of elastomeric material is introduced into a cylindrical cartridge. The rim of the cartridge is swagged-in to reduce the diameter of its opening to one-third of the cartridge internal diameter and of the closely matching plug external diameter. The cartridge is held in a chamber. A tube slidingly passing through the wall of the chamber comes in contact with the plug, and holds it within the container while the chamber is filled with a highly pressurized fluid. As the cartridge is filled with the pressurized fluid the plug is tightly held against the internal end of the tube. The tube is partially withdrawn drawing the plug against the swagged opening of the cartridge. As the tube continues to be withdrawn its internal open end is separated from the plug, and pressurized fluid begins escaping through the tube indicating that the cartridge is filled. The pressurized fluid can now be evacuated from the chamber.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the power used by a remote transceiver in 2-way communication between local and remote transceivers. By repeatedly transmitting a signal with successively increasing power from one transceiver until a response is received from the other transceiver, the dynamic range and hence complexity of the receiving circuit may be greatly reduced. The operating power of the remote transmitter can then be adjusted according to the level used by the local transmitter, thereby promoting the efficent use of the remote's power supply.

Abstract: A rechargeable power pack is shaped and dimensioned to be inserted in the battery compartment of an electrical device. The top of the power pack is exactly symmetrical with the battery compartment cover which it replaces. The power pack houses rechargeable power cells, and has a peripheral wall spaced apart from the sides of the battery compartment mounting the battery contact terminal. Flexible prongs project from the peripheral walls to provide a wiping contact with either a spiral spring negative terminal or a stationary positive terminal of the compartment. A top mounted connector allows recharging of the power pack even while in use on the electrical device. Baffles mounted astride each flexible prong avert damage to the prong during insertion of the power pack into the battery compartment.

Abstract: A snore-inhibiting device shaped and dimensioned for comfortable installation within the mouth of a user includes a pair of cooperating jaw pieces configured to cap the upper and lower teeth-and-gum structures. The jaw pieces are held together slightly ajar by their integrally molded rearward portions. The small gap between the jaw pieces is enlarged in the frontal area by a rectangular slot through which a tip portion of the tongue can be pushed. The jaw pieces are allowed to separate even more slightly under the pressure of the tongue then to resiliently close back and capture the tip of the tongue, thus keeping the tongue slightly forward from the teeth line. The upper and lower jaw pieces are asymmetrical in order to favor a stable positioning of the device against the lower jaw. The device is made from a thermal plastic having a low melting point so that it may be conformed to the user's dental structure after softening by immersion into boiling water.

Abstract: An assembly comprising one or more stationary wall units, each having a recess into which rigid platform is pivotally mounted. The platform forms a wall portion in its closed position, and a bed or couch in its open position. A second smaller platform or shelf/leg is pivotally mounted with a second recess or well set into the larger platform. The shelf/leg forms a wall portion in its open position, and a shelf or support leg in its open position, depending on the position of the larger platform. The larger platform itself maybe mounted adjacent to and in front of a pivotally mounted bedframe member, thereby allowing a single wall unit to be configured to form either a wall, a wall having an added shelf, a couch or a double bed.The invention further comprises a height adjustable table allowing both a lower height coffee table and a higher height card table. At its lower height the table can also provide support to the bedframe in its open position.

Abstract: A hand-operated device in the form of a slide rule or disk computer for giving play-by-play instructions about the most appropriate next move in a team game, based upon the current status or position of the players and other game conditions. The device comprises a stationary frame with at least two sets of windows through which markings on a slidable or rotatable member can be displayed. A first set of windows is used to dial the position or the roles of the players or of a team on the field such as the loading of the bases in a baseball game. A second set of windows displays one or more instructions about the recommended next move. A plurality of movable members may be used in connection with the same frame, each member corresponding to a player's or team's role or position.

Abstract: A system for composing individualized sales presentations created from various textual and graphical information data sources to match customer profiles. The information search and retrieval paths sift through a hierarchy of data sources under multiple operating programs. The system provides the means for synergistically creating and displaying customized presentations in a convenient manner for both the customer and salesperson to achieve a more accurate, efficient and comprehensive marketing presentation. Organizational hierarchies of data sources are arranged so that an infinite number of sales presentation configurations can be created. Multiple micro-programs automatically compose the sales presentations initiated by determinants derived from customer profile information, sales agent assessment data and operator's entries including the retrieval of interrelated textual and graphical information from local and remote storage sources.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating a ratcheted strap-tightening mechanism such as those associated with cargo securing harnesses. The tool comprises a handle having at a first end a socket adapted to engage the lever of the ratcheting mechanism, and, at an opposite second end, a tongue adapted to unlock the ratcheting mechanism. The socket defines a tapering channel that can accommodate a variety of levers of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A set of cooperating tools to assist a roofer in the multiple tasks involved in covering a roof surface with shingles or tiles, and numerous other chores associated with wall and roof construction, protection and maintenance. The set includes a straight-edge ruler, shingle and tile cutting jig, workbench, knee-rests, blade knife, gauges, levels and various accessories that can be synergistically combined to accurately and safely measure, cut and install shingles or tiles while standing on a slanted roof surface under precarious conditions.

Abstract: A method for RF communication between transceivers in a radio frequency identification system that improves range, decreases multipath errors and reduces the effect of outside RF source interference by employing spread spectrum techniques. By pulse amplitude modulating a spread spectrum carrier before transmission, the receiver can be designed for simple AM detection, suppressing the spread spectrum carrier and recovering the original data pulse code waveform. The data pulse code waveform has been further encrypted by a direct sequence pseudo-random pulse code. This additional conditioning prevents the original carrier frequency components from appearing in the broadcast power spectra and provides the basis for the clock and transmit carrier of the transceiver aboard an RFID tag. Other advantages include high resolution ranging, hiding transmissions from eavesdroppers, and selective addressing.

Abstract: A relief valve for regulating the operation of a surgical suction device comprises a plunger adjustably screwable into a fluid escape channel. A conical tip at the end of the plunger is shaped and dimensioned to progressively obstruct an escape port. Longitudinal grooves along the threaded walls of the plunger provide a passage for the fluid from or toward the escape port.

Abstract: A row repair system for replacing a defective primary memory row with a redundant memory row within an entire section of an integrated circuit memory chip. The system comprises a dedicated match circuit for each redundant row in a given section. The match circuit analyzes incoming address information to determine whether the address corresponds to a memory location in a specific defective row in any one of a number of sub-array blocks within the section. When such a critical address is detected, the match circuit activates circuitry which inhibits access to the defective row and enables access to its dedicated redundant row.

Abstract: An insect trap particularly adapted to capture flys and other flying pests is comprised of two symmetrical jars mounted in-line, face-to-face and joined by a cylindrical collar made of dark plastic. The collar is pierced along its median periphery with a plurality of entry ports, a frusto-conical barrier has a base flange captured between the collar and the upper, upside-down jar. Upon entering into the darkened collar section, the insect is immediately attracted by the lighted area above it constituted by the upper jar which it can only reach by flying through a restricted opening at the top of the frusto-conical barrier.

Abstract: A device for displaying a scrollable banner wherein the single banner pick-up roller used in prior art devices is replaced by a multi-roller spool. Each multi-roller spool comprises at least two rollers connected with spool belts which define a winding area much longer than that of any single roller. The spools are rotatably mounted within a display housing. Motors drive the multi-roller spools. Additional features include: convex style crowned pulleys for automatically centering each of the spool belts, a centrally located roller separator mechanism which gives a convex crown structure to the entire spool itself whereby the banner is automatically centered, and a display housing of far reduced depth.

Abstract: In a microcircuit device such as a memory chip, where a bank of fuse-controlled latch pulse routing-circuits are used to program redundant circuits or other programming options with every memory cycle or multiple thereof, the amount of current drawn by every fuse-control circuit is reduced by controlling each bank of circuits with a bank-enabling, fuse-programmed circuit between the latch pulse source and the bank of fuse-controlled programing circuits, and by adding a second fuse into each programing circuit; whereby, the bank of programming circuits can be enabled by alternately blowing one of two fuses in the bank-enabling circuit, and each programming logic can set by alternately blowing one of its pair of fuses thus cutting off any current path through the programing circuit regardless of the programing state of the circuit.

Abstract: A process for correcting the focusing aberrance of a patient's eye by sectioning one or more lamellar portions off the external surface of the cornea to either increase or decrease the external curvature of the cornea to an extent sufficient to correct said aberrance. A stabilizing vacuum ring is first placed against the cornea and around the area to be sectioned, a pressure plate presses a portion of the ordinarily curved surface of the cornea to be flat, then a blade is translated across the opening of the ring while the height of the pressure plate is varied. The resulting sinuous path of the blade through the corneal material cuts a section of varying thickness. A set of elliptical cams adjusts the height of the plate in relation to the ring during the translating movement. The cams determine the depth of the resection, and the radius of curvature along the sinuous path. The resected portions of the cornea are discarded.

Abstract: A rechargeable power pack is shaped and dimensioned to be inserted in the battery compartment of an electrical device. The top of the power pack is exactly symmetrical with the battery compartment cover which it replaces. The power pack houses rechargeable power cells, and has a peripheral wall spaced apart from the sides of the battery compartment mounting the battery contact terminal. Flexible prongs project from the peripheral walls to provide a wiping contact with either a spiral spring negative terminal or a stationary positive terminal of the compartment. A top mounted connector allows recharging of the power pack even while in use on the electrical device. Baffles mounted astride each flexible prong avert damage to the prong during insertion of the power pack into the battery compartment.

Abstract: A scroll displaying mechanism suitable for use in moving advertising displays, chart recorders and tape readers uses a pair of D.C. motors wired to operate under slightly different speed-controlling voltages in order to maintain the displayed part of the scroll between two rollers taut. A simple belt and pulley drive mechanism for each roller assures quiet and vibration-free operation. The viewing time between frame-advance and the scroll direction reversal are controlled by detection of different length markers positioned along one edge of the scroll. Also disclosed is a simple, easily assembled and disassembled display apparatus which allows both vertical and horizontal adjustment of the size of the viewing window frame.

Abstract: A flexible fin for surfboards, sailboards and other watercraft comprises a thin core sheet made of laminated fiberglass sandwiched between two slabs of closed-cell polyurethane foam. The flexible fin provides for sharper turns while increasing the buoyancy of the craft.