Abstract: A linear electric generator is mounted to an article of human clothing that is subject to repetitive fore-and-aft motion when worn by a human wearer during locomotion. The linear axis of the generator is aligned generally parallel to the direction of fore-and-aft motion of the wearer to utilize the kinetic locomotion energy of the wearer for production of electricity. A separable electric connector is coupled to the output of the generator to facilitate electrical connection to a battery for charging purposes.

Abstract: An upper torso garment, such as a jacket, can be folded within itself to transform it into a different shape for use as a pillow. In a further embodiment, the garment bears an integral back pack which can be used while the garment is being worn, and can be transformed into either the pillow shape or into a wearable back pack, with the garment structure fully contained and concealed in both of these configurations. The garment includes a flap element an integral hinge portion and separable fastener halves, e.g. zipper half sections, mounted to permit various parts of the garment to be fastened together in varying relative configurations by fastening one half section to various other mating half sections located on different parts of the garment.

Abstract: In a low-cost firearm, the frame of the weapon comprises a laminated structure in which operative grooves and recesses having a base wall and one or more sidewalls are formed by laminating the sidewall to the base wall, so as to avoid the necessity for forming the grooves and recesses by performing expensive machining and finishing operations on a unitary frame structure. The sidewalls and the base walls are formed of separate materials that may be different from each other. For example one of the materials may be plastic, to provide light weight, while the other may be metal to achieve desired rigidity and/or strength. The laminations are coupled together by either mechanical members such as screws or rivets, or by bonding agents such as welding or high-strength adhesives or by a combination of both.

Abstract: A real-time vehicular traffic flow display system employs groups of monitor stations positioned at spaced-apart locations along vehicular roadways, to sense the speed of traffic flow on a given portion of a route. Individual section stations each serve a sequential group of different monitor stations. Each monitor station senses the speed of vehicular traffic a given road portion and transmits corresponding information to an associated section station; each section station processes the received signals, and transmits them to display stations on board vehicles in addition to sending the signals to an optional geographic area central station. The signals transmitted to vehicles present information concerning traffic speed for each monitored portion of a road in addition to identifying the road portion; traffic speed information is processed to identify predetermined ranges of average speed in selected colors.

Abstract: A bed headboard assembly that is entirely independent of support associated with any other part of a bed structure such as the mattress, spring or bed frame, embodies a generally soft, panel-like member having length and width dimensions that are substantially greater than its thickness. A fabric container encloses the panel and has an access opening for inserting and removing the panel. The access opening can be dosed with a zipper or hook-and-loop closure device. A rigid support member is coupled to the panel member parallel to one edge, so that the panel can be suspended from the support when said support is hung on a wall next to a bed. Decorative patterns on the outer surface of the fabric container and pocket recesses in either the fabric or the panel or both, enhance the functions of the headboard for visual appeal and for the convenience of a user of the bed.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly for mounting auxiliary tools and attachments on vehicles includes a plate having a rectangular tubular mounting sleeve extending at right angles from one side thereof and a pair of receiving channels defined by parallel spaced apart sidewall members extending from the other side thereof. The receiving channels receive and engage the mounting blades of a conventional vehicular snow plow hitch, so as to support the rectangular mounting sleeve in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of a vehicle. The mounting sleeve, thus securely attached to the vehicle, allows auxiliary apparatus or "tools" having rectangular mounting "prongs" to be quickly and easily attached to and separated from a vehicle in place of a snow plow, without precluding rapid repositioning of a snow plow when desired.