Abstract: A peripheral input device for a computer utilizes the USB (or equivalent) connectivity standard to deliver complex inputs to the computer. The input device includes an onboard microcontroller that uses the peripheral action language of the invention to generate the complex inputs in response to simple user inputs. The microcontroller is connected o) to an action table and sequence table and a library of Local Device emulation functions that are accessed in response to any user input (a local event) to determine the programmed action(s) to be generated in response to the event. The invention may be embodied in a mouse, keyboard, or other peripheral device, or in a stand-alone module connected between conventional input devices and a digital machine.

Abstract: A collapsible watercraft is comprised of a single high-strength foldable panel to fold into the form of a kayak with integrally defined keel, hull, sides, and deck. Using a single sheet of high strength panel creased in a predetermined pattern to form living hinges, the panel may be folded and transformed from self-defined compact knocked down package, into a rigid three dimensional tubular manifold in a kayak form that is optimized for performance in the water. Other removable rigid structural members, primarily a cockpit rim, rib, and floorboards help maintain the shape and integrity of the shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling the operative association of electronic devices that each employ spread spectrum EMI noise reduction. The method includes the detection of frequency modulation and the generation of a modulation detection signal that conveys the modulation extent and type. The modulation detection signal is then used to accommodate the modulation technique and make it compatible with the receiving electronic device. The apparatus of the invention includes an FM modulator that creates an FM signal from an input signal, an FM detector that detects the FM content of the incoming signal and represent this information by means of either voltage or current signals, and a circuit to process this FM information and perform functions such as modification of the FM content and generating a new signal with this new content, complete removal of the content, and “no-action,” whereby the signal is passed on with no alteration to the content.

Abstract: A wine pouring spout that aerates the wine pouring therethrough comprises a generally tubular construction with a flow path extending along the axis of the spout. The flow path is provided with a Venturi constriction, and a Venturi intake port delivers ambient air to the low pressure zone of the constriction. A separate displacement air intake channel feeds displacement air into the interior of the wine bottle to replace wine discharged from the spout. The Venturi intake port includes a Venturi jet bushing with a jet passage therethrough. The Venturi intake port and the displacement air intake are located within a hooded rectangular housing extending outwardly and provided with a distal air opening. The housing directs ambient air to the Venturi intake port and the displacement air intake; and it catches any wine drops that may escape from the Venturi intake port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus disinfecting a computer keyboard includes a metal ion treatment applied to the computer keyboard and other user input devices. A further measure taken is the installation of a shutoff mechanism in the link connecting the computer keyboard to the computer system to open the data connections between the keyboard and host system. Another measure is the periodic and reiterated wipedown of the keyboard and ancillary input devices with an antiseptic wipe. The shutoff mechanism is turned off before the wipedown procedure is carried out, to prevent any incidental keyboard entries made during the wipedown process from being transmitted to the host system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for affixing, rigging or attaching objects, articles or vessels using a fabric case, two double O-ring sets and a cord with two adjustable loops each with a bead stopper or chock. The fabric case serves as a semi-rigid cladding sleeve within which the attached cord extends, making two loops, one each at the opposite ends, each with a threaded bead or chock. Using the bead, the cord loop is passed about and object and returned under two adjacent O-rings, then back over one and under the other of the same O-ring pair to secure the cord loop by means of pressure against the fabric case. In this manner, the semi-rigid fabric cladding sleeve serves as the support base for the pressure or tensioning of the double O-rings and works to fasten or rig the attached objects, articles, or vessels.

Abstract: An election system is disclosed that is immune to rigging, costs only 5 to 20 percent of that of prior art e-voting systems, and entirely eliminates wasted voter time spent standing in line. The method used in the new system is to print each separate office or proposition on a separate playing-card size card adapted to be inserted in a separate ballot box while by means of an odometer the official reception of the voter's vote is shown to the voter by the odometer display.

Abstract: A toy construction set includes jaw pieces having jaws that interconnect with the body portions of other jaw pieces as well as interconnecting with other jaws. Ratchet wheel components are embodied in some jaw pieces and connector pieces, and are engageable by the jaws. The connector pieces include pins that interconnect with sockets in the body portions of the jaw pieces. A swivel piece has pivoting arms that each include a socket to interconnect with the connector pieces. A wheel assembly has an axle piece with sockets that also connect to the pins. Also, struts that comprise a series of space apart ratchet wheels, or regular tubular octagonal polyhedrons, have sockets in their ends to engage connector pieces.

Abstract: A method for creating a 3D map of the surface contours of an object includes projecting a variety of patterns onto the object, and imaging the patterns as they fall on the object to encode the topographic features of the object. In one embodiment a three dimensional image is taken in a single flash to avoid blurring due to motion of the object. Thereafter a secondary pattern is projected to detect changes in the initial image. The images are processed in a computer program in a manner such that a complete 3D map of the surface of the object is obtained in digital form. Reiteration of the method can detect motional variation such as a breathing human, flexure of a complex mechanical structure, or a stress-strain testing of an airplane, vehicle, beam, bridge, or other structure.

Abstract: An election system that is immune to rigging, costs only 5 to 20 percent of that of prior art e-voting systems, and entirely eliminates wasted voter time spent standing in line. The method used in the new system is to print each separate office or proposition on a separate playing-card size card adapted to be inserted in a separate ballot box while by means of an odometer the official reception of the voter's vote is shown to the voter by the odometer display.

Abstract: A bracket for releaseably supporting a pet feeding or watering bowl in a cage. The bracket is composed of two portions which are hingedly connected whereby the bracket portion to which the bowl is releasably connected, when in an horizontal position, may be pivoted to a vertical position with the bowl removed so as to permit folding or collapsing of the cage for storage or shipping.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing two features that improve fuel economy of four stroke internal combustion engines. The first is the provision of a compression ratio which is higher than normal when the engine is operating at light load; and which varies from very high at idling, down to normal at full power. This is effected by a movable piston associated with the inlet valve and connected to the throttle. The second is the provision of variable timing as well as a variable amount of opening of the inlet valve, such that at idle, the valve opens at top center of the main piston, opens only a fraction of its full lift, and closes about 70° crankshaft past top center. As the throttle is opened, the inlet valve opens farther at each open excursion to create as little flow resistance as possible to the inlet draw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control a lighting source such as a streetlight and modulate the output of the lighting source so that artificial illumination is reduced when moonlight is available to illuminate the area. The apparatus includes a sensor assembly for detecting moonlight in the night sky, an electronic circuit for processing the sensor signals in combination with moonrise and moonset data, and modulating the power applied to the lighting source in response to the intensity of the incident moonlight.

Abstract: A customizable clip-on accessory for spectacles includes a pair of auxiliary lenses, and clasps for engaging the lenses to join them to a bridge member and to releasably engage the spectacles. The clasps include a pair of parallel posts engagable by a fastener member having a pair of cylindrical lugs with bores extending therethrough to receive the posts in permanent fashion. The lens is drilled with hole to accept the lugs, and the posts are inserted through the bores and trimmed. A tongue extends from each clasp, and may be bent and trimmed to engage the periphery of the spectacles. Alternatively, the tongue may have a tab end that engages a bracket member provided with spaced apart flanges to engage the periphery of the spectacles. The bracket member may also be used with a clamping fastener that has a toothed edge to engage an edge portion of the auxiliary lens.