Abstract: An improved bayonet connector assembly includes a connector nut having a generally cylindrical tubular configuration with a bore extending axially therethrough. In one embodiment the inner surface of the bore includes at least one camming surface extending both circumferentially and axially therein and disposed to impinge upon the corresponding bayonet pin of the mating bayonet connector. A detent window is formed at the inner end of each camming surface to engage and retain the bayonet pin that is driven slidably along the camming surface into the detent window. The end surfaces of the cylindrical nut are annular and continuous, so that the strength of the structure is maximized. Furthermore, the camming surfaces and the detent slots are arranged so that the entire nut may be formed in a single molding operation. In another embodiment, the camming surfaces and detent recesses are formed on the exterior of the female connector, and the bayonet pins extend radially inwardly in the bore of the bayonet nut.

Abstract: A hydroponic system includes a channel-like trough formed of parallel side walls and an orthogonal bottom wall defining an upwardly opening coffer. A pair of oblique walls extend integrally from a medial portion of the bottom wall to respective medial portions of the side walls to define a V-shaped bottom in the interior of the trough. The oblique walls also strengthen the channel structure, and define with the bottom wall and side walls two closed longitudinal flow spaces extending the length of the trough. A pair of end caps are sealed to the ends of the trough, sealing the longitudinal flow spaces and forming a liquid retaining container. A longitudinally extending cover panel is configured to snap-engage the upper edges of the side walls of the trough. The cover panel is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced plant holes, and a plurality of plant supporting members are dimensioned to be supported in the plant holes.

Abstract: A laser heated cautery cap assembly includes a catheter assembly adapted to be introduced into a lumen, such as an arterial opening. The catheter assembly includes at least one optical fiber connected to a laser light source adapted to produce short output bursts. A cautery cap at the catheter distal end includes a transparent substrate member disposed to receive the laser energy from the optical fiber(s). The substrate member preferably is formed of a crystalline solid having a smooth, curved outer surface, with a central guidewire bore extending therethrough. One end of the bore is provided with a tapering counterbore, and the opposite end of the substrate member is an input surface disposed to receive laser energy from the optical fiber. A nose piece includes a central guidewire bore coaxial with the substrate member bore, the nose piece including a tapered proximal end dimensioned to fit within the counterbore of the substrate.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a pumped rod-type laser includes an arc lamp disposed to illuminate the lasing medium, such as a NdYAG crystalline rod. The apparatus includes a full wave rectifier to power the arc lamp, and a MOSFET switching circuit to turn on and off the arc lamp power at controlled times during each half cycle of the power waveform so that the laser medium is pumped and optically discharged once during each half cycle of the power supply. The laser power output is measured by a photodetector during each half cycle, and the photodetector output is integrated and compared with a manually set, variable laser output power level. When the actual laser power reaches the preset power level, the comparator initiates turning off the MOSFET switching circuit power for that respective half cycle of the power waveform. The full wave rectified power supply also permits the use of 110 VAC utility power.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively directing a laser beam into a plurality of optical fibers and for selectively shifting the laser beam among the fibers includes a connector member having a plurality of passages extending longitudinally therethrough, the passages being disposed in a nominal common plane. The input end of each optical fiber extends through a respective passage, with the axes of the input ends spaced closely together and oriented parallel to the axis of a laser beam directed toward the input ends. The laser beam passes through a positive lens having a focal plane coincident with the input ends of the optical fibers. An axially translatable shaft extends generally perpendicular to the nominal plane and to the beam axis, and is coupled to drive means to shift the axial position of the shaft selectively, rapidly, and reiteratively.

Abstract: A fastener for securing carpet in place on the treads of staircases or elsewhere includes an anchor member having a boss at one end which extends out of the carpet and a relatively thin flat arm which extends under the carpet and which is fastened to the underlying surface by screws or the like. A longer clamping member has a connector end secured to the boss of the anchor member and extends along the anchor member arm above the carpet to a location beyond that of the arm. The undersurface of the clamping member is stepped downward at that location forming a pressure pad which exerts pressure against the carpet beyond the anchor member arm, the pressure pad surface preferably being roughened to resist lateral motion of the carpet. Lugs on one of the members enter slots in the other to prevent pivotal motion of the clamping member relative to the anchor member.

Abstract: Boards of lumber or the like which exhibit defects such as knots or knotholes are repaired by cutting a bore through the board at the site of the defect and by filling the bore with a plug of conforming shape. The width of the bore changes at a first location along its axis and undergoes a reverse change at another location in order to interlock the plug with the board. The plug may be formed by filling the bore with hardenable mastic or by fitting conforming pieces of wood or the like into opposite ends of the bore, the pieces being abutted and secured together by adhesive. The interlocking configuration of the bore and plug assures that the plug cannot be ejected from the board.

Abstract: A dish for holding substances that are to be consumed by an animal has a central portion forming a bowl and a peripheral region which slopes downwardly and outwardly from the rim of the bowl. An annular depression extends about the peripheral region to capture and retain food and the like which may escape the bowl portion due to the animal feeding. The bowl, peripheral region, and annular depression are formed integrally of molded plastic material. The plastic material may comprise a mixture of polyethylene, silicone, and parafin to form a hydrophobic, non-stick surface to facilitate cleaning. The dish is dimensioned with a low aspect ratio to resist tipping, tilting, and upset. An annular groove disposed about the circumference of the dish opens downwardly and retains segments of solid, resilient, high friction tubular material which are ground-engaging to resist lateral motion of the dish during feeding.

Abstract: A method for designing a molding apparatus, especially for molding lenses and the like, comprises defining a nominal mold reference curve disposed bewteen a pair of mold members having smooth, curved surfaces in confronting relationship to define a mold cavity therebetween. A plurality of concave and convex molding members are provided, all having differing molding surface curvatures but identical spacing from the respective curved surface to the nominal reference curve, measured from the point of closest approach of the curved surface to the reference curve. Any paired concave and convex molding surfaces have the same spacing from the reference curve and thus from each other, so that, for example, a universal gasket can be employed to hold any two paired convex and concave molding members in precise spacing, without regard to the curvature of the molding surfaces.

Abstract: A low power switching circuit for delivering electrical power to a load includes a rectifier network connected between the hot leg of the AC utility supply and the earth ground of the utility supply. A neon lamp interposed in the rectifier supply limits the current drawn through the rectifier to less than the 500 .mu.a code limit for current flow to ground. A high sensitivity, dual coil, bistable relay is connected between the hot leg of the AC supply and the load, which is connected to the neutral leg of the same supply. A capacitor network is connected to the DC output of the rectifier to store sufficient power to operate the relay, and a transistor switching network is connected to deliver the power from the capacitor network to the relay upon receipt of a trigger signal. A "smart" switch such as an area occupancy sensor may be connected to the transistor switching network to provide the trigger signal to cause the relay to switch AC power to the load.

Abstract: A fitting for securing the base of a toilet or the like to a floor and which also couples the toilet to a drain pipe includes a ring and a sleeve which are normally held together in coaxial relationship but which can be disengaged, if necessary, for such purposes as replacing one sleeve with another of different length. The sleeve fits on the end of the drain pipe while the ring has passages through which fasteners may extend to secure the ring to the floor and to secure the toilet to the ring. The inner edge of the ring extends between a flange and spaced apart projections on the sleeve to fasten the two elements together in coaxial relationship while enabling turning of the ring, after the sleeve has been bonded to the drain pipe, to align the fastener passages of the ring with those of the toilet. Notches in the inner edge of the ring enable the two elements to be separated, if necessary, by turning the ring to bring the notches and sleeve projections to the same locations.

Abstract: A portable book stand for supporting an open book or other reading material includes a base member comprising a base panel and a front panel extending upwardly from one edge thereof at an acute angular relationship thereto. A support member includes a support panel and a bottom panel extending from one edge thereof an an oblique angular relationship thereto. A slot extends through the support panel of the support member directly adjacent to the bottom panel, the slot being dimensioned to receive the base panel of the base member therethrough in slidable fashion. Thusly assembled, the bottom panel and the base panel rest atop a supporting surface, and the front panel and support panel of the support panel are disposed generally parallel and spaced apart so that the lower edge of an open book may be retained on said base panel between the front panel and the support panel, the spine of the book inclined against and supported by the support panel.

Abstract: A condom designed for use by females includes an oblong tube formed of a pliant, thin material impervious to spermatozoa and pathogenic organisms, and including a closed distal end. The proximal end is open, and may be provided with a semi-rigid retaining ring secured to the open end to maintain the opening. The proximal portion of the tube is rolled about the retaining ring to reduce the size of the device in a vending package. The invention includes a tampon-like lubricated applicator having a soft, broad tip portion received within the closed distal end, and a tubular handle extending distally therefrom. The applicator is adapted to facilitate vaginal insertion of the condom, with the retaining ring having a sufficient diameter to prevent the proximal end from passing into the vagina.

Abstract: A multiple screen, modular video display system includes a plurality of video projection units joined together in a matrix to form a large video wall display. Each unit comprises a trio of CRT projection tubes providing RGB images directed to a screen assembly including a fresnel lens which collimates and projects the combined image orthogonally from the screen and eliminates the dark border areas between adjacent projection tubes. Disposed between the adjacent units are blinder panels which block leakage of light from one unit onto the image area of adjacent units, thus eliminating spillover of image portions in the matrix display. The projection units may be grouped in modules of four units each, connected by a common frame assembly which supports the units and the associated screen assembly.

Abstract: A system for enabling modification and adjustment of an automobile torsion bar suspension assembly housed in a tubular beam housing includes a plurality of torsion spring stiffener members, each comprising a tubular member dimensioned to be slidably received about the torsion leaf spring assembly within the beam housing. The tubular member includes opposed end portions provided with an inner peripheral surface formed complementary to the outer surface conformation of the leaves of the torsion bar assembly and adapted to engage the leaves assembly in nonrotating fashion. The stiffener member acts to rotationally immobilize a segment of the length of the torsion leaf assembly, thereby increasing the stiffness of the torsion spring. The invention also includes a socket tool having a recess in one end formed in complementary fashion to the outer surface conformation of the torsion leaf assembly and adapted to be engaged thereon.

Abstract: A device for testing continuity of coaxial cables and tracing coaxial cables through junction boxes and the like includes a cylindrical housing formed in penlight fashion with an LED at the distal end and a battery disposed therein. The proximal end of the housing is provided with a female coaxial fitting having the conductor receiving portion connected in the LED-battery circuit. A cable terminator is provided, including a male coaxial fitting in which the conductor portion is shorted directly to the shield-engaging portion. The cable terminator is secured to a distant end of a coaxial cable, e.g., far removed from a cable junction box. The female coaxial fitting is secured to one of many near cable ends within or exiting from a junction box; if the coaxial circuit is completed and the LED is illuminated, it is determined that the distant and near cable ends are opposite ends of the same coaxial cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for stirring the contents of a container during cooking or during mixing of constituents of a liquid has a cross-beam which spans the container and which carries clamps that secure the cross-beam to opposite portions of the container rim. A stirrer shaft extends downward from the central region of the cross-beam and carries a stirring blade with vanes which extend from the shaft in opposite directions and which are inclined away from a vertical orientation to force the container contents upward as the blade revolves. An electrical motor, drive shaft and gearing mounted on the cross-beam turn the stirrer shaft and blade. The motor is located on an end of the cross-beam that extends away from the container. The apparatus provides for thorough mixing, easy cleaning and maintenance and isolates the motor from spatterings, vapors and heat that can arise from the container.

Abstract: A self-storing, retractable automobile cover apparatus includes a pair of end plates joined in spaced apart disposition by a plurality of rigid tubes. A tubular reel is rotatably secured between the end plates. A cylindrical housing is secured to one of the end plates, enclosing an electric motor operatively connected to the tubular reel through a ratchet drive assembly. A rechargeable battery and recharging circuit, and a receptacle to connect the recharger to AC utility power are also provided in the cylindrical housing. A fabric car cover is adapted to be wound about the tubular reel, with the free end extending between two of the rigid tubes acting as fixed roller guides. Tension applied to the free end of the cover unwinds the cover from the tubular reel, the ratchet drive rotating freely to feed out the car cover. The apparatus is removably secured to one bumper of the auto, and the free end of the deployed cover is extendable to the other bumper.

Abstract: An improved laser heated intravascular cautery cap construction includes a generally cylindrical outersidewall, and a tappered, annular, distal end wall joining the two sidewalls and defining a closed annular space therebetween. A bore extending axially through the inner sidewall is dimentioned to receive in freely sliding fashion an arterial guidewire or other device such as a doppler flow sensor or an optical bundle for viewing. A unitary or multi-segment annular target element is received within the distal portion of the annular space, and is secured to the outer sidewall adjacent to the end wall with a gap defined between the target element and the inner sidewall. A plurality of holes extend through a connector member parallel to the axis of the sidewalls, each hole receiving therethrough one of a plurality of optical fibers extending through the arterial catheter to a laser light source.

Abstract: A signaling device is actuated for a limited period of time if a toilet seat cover is not promptly lowered following flushing of the toilet. In the preferred form, an electrically operated signaling device is coupled to an electrical power source through a magnetically actuated switch at the front of the toilet tank and also through a second switch. A magnet fastened to the seat cover closes the magnetically actuated switch when the cover is in the raised position and movement of a float in the toilet tank in response to flushing closes the second switch for a limited period following initiation of flushing. The device reminds users of the toilet to close the cover. This avoids discomfort to a subsequent user of the toilet and assures that small children and pets are blocked from the toilet bowl.