Abstract: A timed actuator moves the switch mechanism of a conventional wall switch. The actuator is detachably secured to the wall switch in abutting relation thereto. The actuator includes a small electric motor, a programmable timer, and several relays. Linkage, driven by the motor, engages the switch mechanism. The programmable timer drives the relays and the latter controls application of current to the motor. At preset times, current is applied to the motor causing the linkage to move the switch mechanism from one extreme of its travel to the other.

Abstract: An electric starter motor and generator is integrated into the structure of an internal combustion engine by making the ferromagnetic pistons of the engine the relatively moving elements in the starter and generator. A coil is solenoidally wound around each sleeve of the engine. An electronically controlled switch sends battery current into an appropriate coil inducing a powerful magnetic field therearound. The magnetic field and piston interact resulting in a powerful magnetic force which moves the piston and thus cranks the engine. At appropriate times in the operation of the engine, fuel to the same can be shut off and the engine run as a high speed electric motor.

Abstract: A receiver to detect the audio tone emitted by an activated smoke alarm. The receiver employs an electret condenser microphone to monitor ambient sound. The output of the microphone is applied to an active band-pass filter and then to a PLL tone decoder. The PLL is tunable to provide maximum sensitivity to the frequency of the tone. The microphone is the gain controllable element in an AGC system that acts to keep received signals at a constant level. This insures that all devices operate linearly.

Abstract: Angle-position is determined by relative angular rotation between a capacitive track and a capacitive pick-up probe. The capacitive track is disposed along the region of angular interest. The pick-up probe is oriented broadside to the capacitive track and closely spaced therefrom thus establishing a measurable capacity thereacross. As the capacitive track moves angularly relatively to the pick-up probe, a geometric asymmetry is produced therebetween causing the capacity that exists thereacross to change unambiguously and in a manner that exhibits analog correspondence with relative angular rotation.

Abstract: An angle-position transducer using light-interrogation employs an optical track and a beam of light. The light beam is formed into a narrow line-pattern. The line-pattern is directed to impinge on the optical track as the optical track moves angularly relative to the line-pattern. The optical track and line-pattern interact in a way that alters the line-pattern unambiguously. A target detector intercepts the altered radiation and applies a proportional signal to electronic means for digital display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making simulated stained-glass uses an existing surface. An outline of a given design is traced or drawn on the surface to be decorated. Pressure-sensitive lead stripping is applied to the surface in registration with the outline thereby delineating lead-stripped areas. The edges of the lead stripping are boned, sealing same to the surface. Colored, plastic, thin-film stock is cut so as to be complementary in size to a given lead-delineated area, and then applied thereto. The lead stripping resembles a frame that appears to hold the thin-film stock, and it, in conjunction with the translucence of the thin-film, produces an effect that closely resembles real stained-glass.

Abstract: A clip to grip paper is adapted to carry advertising indicia. The clip comprises two cooperating gripping jaws. One or both of the jaws is formed with a thin planar land such that the land and jaw are formed as a single piece thereby monolithically to define a plate-like clamping plane. A resilient element maintains the jaws in a given alignment and causes the jaws to exert a clamping pressure. Each planar face of the plate-like clamping plane provides a means on which the advertising indicia is placed.

Abstract: A shift assembly and integral handbrake apparatus for bicycles is comprised of a handbrake housing on which pivots a handbrake lever. The housing has an interior region formed with a cavity. A slot, defined by an extending flange, is formed on the housing. A shift lever has one end formed as a shift barrel and the other end formed as a finger paddle. The shift barrel is pivotally mounted in the cavity. A portion of the shift lever is placed in the slot causing the finger paddle to extend from the housing. A Bowden cable is coupled to the shift lever. Means places a frictional drag on the shift barrel. Manual pressure on the finger paddle overcomes the drag placed on the shift barrel causing same to pivot. This pivoting results in a relative lengthening or shortening of the Bowden cable. Means locks the frictional drag means at a given predetermined level. The flange provides a comfortable finger stop.

Abstract: A clip to detachably grip fabric is comprised of a generally planar member. The member is formed with fabric engaging means adapted to grip the fabric. The fabric engaging means is, preferably, in the form of a plurality of sharp prongs that extend from one planar side of the member. The member is formed also with means for coupling a tensional force to the member. When a tensional force is applied or coupled to the member, the prongs are caused to grip the fabric firmly whereby the member becomes securely attached to the fabric.

Abstract: A portable, gas fired Wok stove adapted particularly for outdoor cooking includes a vertically mounted outer cylinder. A heating chamber is suspended within the interior of the outer cylinder. One end of the heating chamber is open. A burner is carried in the other end of the heating chamber in substantial alignment with the heating chamber open end. A fuel system is carried in the interior of the outer cylinder nestled underneath the heating chamber. The Wok is supported in confronting alignment with the heating chamber open end such that the flow of high temperature gas exiting therethrough impinges on the Wok bottom evenly heating same. The outer cylinder and internally carried heating chamber coact to make the stove relatively insensitive to wind.