Abstract: A method for detecting the change in the capacitance of an antenna caused by the approach of a person to the antenna, including the step of charging said antenna to a predetermined voltage relative to ground or a reference antenna, the step of discharging the antenna through a capacitor such that the voltage developed across the capacitor is proportional to the initial charge on the antenna, said charging and discharging steps being sequentially repeated, and the step of comparing the instantaneous voltage across the capacitor to the long term average voltage to detect transient changes caused by an increase in the antenna capacitance resulting from the approach of a person.

Abstract: Test apparatus for microbiological cultures includes a vibrating member for placement thereupon of a vessel, such as a petri dish, containing a microbiological culture medium in the form of a liquid film, whereby vibration of the vessel will tend to equalize the thickness of a film formed by solidification of the medium, thereby promoting accuracy of test results. The apparatus further includes a table for placement thereupon of a plurality of vessels containing cultures, the table having a plurality of guides for use in accommodating vessels after removal from the vibrating members. Ramps are disposed on the table adjacent the vibrating members to guide the vessels to the desired position on the vibrating members and to elevate the covers of the vessels so that vibration can occur in a vertical as well as horizontal mode, thereby fostering the desired equalization of the thickness of the culture film in the vessel.

Abstract: An in-line electrically operated dispensing faucet for fluids such as beer and other liquids. A reciprocatable plunger operates in a tubular member relative to a seat. An electromagnetic device is provided for reciprocating the plunger. The plunger has channels to provide for in-line flow through it and through the tubular member between the inlet and outlet. In a second form of the invention, a second in-line plunger is provided in the tubular member and a second electromagnetic device constructed to be powered by way of pulsating DC voltage so as to reciprocate the second plunger is provided. The second plunger is also of in-line construction so that the flow is in line with the axis of the plunger and with the tubular member. The second plunger is restrained by a spring and is able to engage the first plunger so as to intermittently interupt flow through the first plunger for purposes of creating foam within the tubular O-ring.

Abstract: Mechanism for counterbalancing a crankshaft, connecting rod and piston assembly. Carried by the shaft are the typical or conventional counterbalancing mass means. The invention provides additional counterbalancing mass means which are rotatable relative to the shaft and relative to the regular counterbalancing means in a manner to counterbalance through 360.degree.. The additional counterbalancing means are driven by a gear means coaxial with the shaft and additional driving planetary gear means mounted on a shaft which planetates, the planetary gear means not rotating about their axes. The additional counterbalancing mass means are driven at a speed twice that of the regular counterbalancing masses. The conventional counterbalancing masses and the additional counterbalancing masses take relative positions throughout the 360.degree. to counterbalance at all positions.

Abstract: A reusable plastic rearing panel applicable to aquaculture comprises a molded plastic panel having a plurality of recesses therein for nurturing and rearing rock scallops and other filter feeding bivalve mollusks with similar habits from juvenile stages to marketable adult size. At the bottom and sides of the recesses are defined perforations for relief permitting attachment of the contained bivalve by the bivalve's cementation. The recesses in the panels are covered by mesh to contain and protect the shellfish and to afford at the same time opportunities for feeding on waterborne sources of nutrition, such as natural plankton. The meshing is removably attached so that after affixation of the shellfish to the recess, it may be removed; alternatively, the mesh is fabricated of material which naturally disintegrates under the chemical and physical conditions in which the panels are utilized.

Abstract: An improved rotary impact clutch or impact wrench of the type normally used for setting threaded fasteners by imparting rotary impacts. The combination includes a hammer member which is driven; an anvil to which the rotary impacts are delivered. Pins which may be referred to as dog pins or anvil pins are carried in axial recesses on the inside of the hammer member and are movable axially against the force of a spring to come into position to deliver impacts against lobes of the anvil member. Ball cam means are provided associated with a cam sleeve which has engagement with the dog pins for the imparting of the axial movement to them. The dog pins or anvil pins are generally cylindrical, having an intermediate part of smaller diameter. The improvements reside primarily in a further component preferably in the form of a ring, shaped to be positioned inside of the hammer and having diametrically opposed recesses to engage the end parts of the dog or anvil pins.

Abstract: An improved microwave proximity sensor including 1/4-wavelength folded dipole antenna performing the functions of a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, and a frequency determining element in a microwave oscillator.

Abstract: An improved reinforced structural member and method of fabricating the member. The structural member is a truss slab of a type embodying a lower concrete slab having reinforcement embedded therein; means providing a network of passages overlying the base slab; and an overlying concrete slab with reinforcement therein, including concrete columns extending between the overlying slab and the base slab. Additional reinforcing members or struts are provided connected between the reinforcing members in the lower slab and the reinforcing members in the upper slab. These members are of improved construction embodying a lower section and a separable upper section. The lower section extends to the height of the top surface of the lower slab permitting improvements in the method in that the lower slab can be poured without the reinforcing struts or members being in the way. The upper section of the reinforcing strut is then joined to the lower section, after which the upper slab is poured.

Abstract: A double barreled firearm which may be of the over and under configuration. A removable trigger group or unit is releasably secured to the bottom of the receiver. A selector switch or lever is provided forward of the trigger which cooperates with the trigger unit whereby a selection can be made to fire either barrel in response to the first pull of the trigger with the other barrel capable of being fired immediately in response to the second pull of the trigger. The trigger carries a laterally movable transfer block or member which is adjusted by the selector lever. The transfer block or member has pivoted to it the sear actuator block. A hammer pilot spring rod is provided for each hammer and the ends of these pilot rods cooperate with an extension on the sear actuator block. The sear actuator block is moved laterally to one side, or the other, to engage the sear that is selected to be fired in response to the first pull of the trigger.

Abstract: The article is a box or holder with partition members or shelves to hold items in the container between the said members. In a preferred form the box or holder may be square. Certain of the partition or shelf members are spaced so as to snugly hold a rectilinear item of a certain size transversely in the box. Spaced ribs are provided on the shelf members with a different spacing to hold additional items having a different width in a transverse position in the box. In this manner the box or holder has the capability of snugly and efficiently holding within it rectilinear articles of different widths and overall sizes, such as, for example, TV and computer game cartridges, or video tape cartridges, and the like. This capability is realized in a box of minimum size and with optimum efficiency.

Abstract: A bolt action hand gun, that is, pistol, having its balance point over the hand. The trigger is in a forward position on the action with an improved connection between the trigger and the sear. The improved connection is such as to prevent accidental firing when the pistol is dropped on the muzzle or butt.

Abstract: A novel class of chemical compounds useful as pesticides consists of symmetrical and asymmetrical N,N'-sulfinyldicarbamate esters. The preparation of these compounds and their formulation to control insects are exemplified.

Abstract: A figure toy constructed to simulate a living creature, such as an animal. In a preferred form the figure toy has a torso and flexible appendages simulating arms and legs. The appendages are of flexible material with ends which are weighted, preferably being in the form of envelopes containing relatively heavier comminuted material. The appendages may resemble arms and legs. Because of their flexibility and end sections the toy can be suspended in many different positions by way of its appendages with the end sections being placed on or over a surface. The toy is susceptible of being manipulated into contortions and in this respect having extraordinary versatility and resultant play value.

Abstract: A solid state mass memory system, utilizing memory units other than rotating disc memories, compatible with existing external rotating disc memory equipment designed to operate in conjunction with rotating disc memory units only, includes means for simulating a rotating disc memory with respect to a disc memory controller. The system includes means for generating synthetic origin, sector and bit clocks for input to the computer disc controller, the pulses being several orders of magnitude faster than those obtainable with rotating disc memories. Upon detection by the controller of the proper sector, means are provided for halting the synthetic sector pulses while a normal read/write operation takes place. At the end, a further sector clock is generated, and the system may proceed to a further read/write operation or proceed in a standby mode in the absence of a read/write signal.

Abstract: A machine for grinding nuts, more particularly peanuts and for making pure peanut butter. A hopper is provided for the peanuts. The peanuts are delivered to grinding discs, one of which is rotated. The peanuts are delivered through a tubular passageway having in it a member with a helical rib for forcibly delivering the peanuts to the grinding means. The ground material, namely, the peanut butter, after passing the grinding means is delivered into a removable cup. Heat is applied automatically to provide temperature for proper operation of the machine. Preferably, the machine is automatic and is coin operated.

Abstract: A novel class of chemical compounds useful as pesticides consists of O,S-dimethyl N-(N'-alkoxycarbonyl-N'-alkylaminosulfenyl)phosphoramidothioates. The preparation of these compounds and their formulation to control insects are exemplified.

Abstract: A device for producing a laser beam or discharge. The device is constructed to be portable having a pistol grip. The laser beam is generated in the body or barrel of the device. A neodymium (Nd:YAG) rod or similar material is within a xenon flash tube to which a voltage is applied. A photon emission source is provided at one end of the (Nd:YAG) rod embodying a diode and a parabolic reflector system associated with a polarized mirror which is partly reflective and which in part transmits energy rays. A polarized optical mirror is provided at the opposite end of the (Nd:YAG) rod. Activation of atoms within the rod is initiated within the contents of an optical or resonant cavity providing a means by which the necessary excitation of atoms within the optical active (Nd:YAG) rod can be achieved in order to initiate an elevation in population and subsequent inversion of levels, near and over the threshold value necessary to generate a laser beam and the subsequent discharge of said beam.