Abstract: An information liquid crystal display device includes rows of liquid crystal elements for forming alpha-numeric characters. A single, lightweight, flexible, light transparent, plastic sheet supports the liquid crystal elements in an arrangement enabling roll up of the support for transport to a display window, for example, for attachment. No contrast-forming foil is included as a second support. The plastic support has contact formed on an edge thereof for connecting the liquid crystal elements to a microprocessor having a keyboard for inputting information for display for selected liquid crystal elements.

Abstract: A bicycle gear shift mechanism (8) to be actuated by an electric motor (m) has a carrier for an actuator member (S) comprising a tensioning arm (29) of a derailleur or a shift plunger of a hub gear transmission. According to the invention, the carrier comprises a cursor (27) slidably displaceable on at least two spaced parallel guides (26) mounted at stationary positions with respect to a housing (18). According to a further aspect, a control circuit for the bicycle gear shift mechanism to be actuated by a DC motor comprises a first and a second power control circuit (70,71) controlled by first and second flip-flop circuits (60, 61) the set inputs of which are connected to switches (68, 69) for shifting to higher or lower gear ratios, and the reset inputs of which are adapted to by activated via a switch (65) which is responsive to the gear-engaged state of the gear shift mechanism.

Abstract: A computing apparatus for an improved information system that manages. The apparatus has computing machinery which includes a computer and an input/output device for two way communication between the computer and an operator.

Abstract: A pull rope type starting apparatus for small internal combustion engines comprises a rope reel having a hub portion adapted to be rotatably mounted on a shaft driven by the piston(s) of the engine. A pair of axially spaced, radial flanges project from the hub to define an annular, relatively narrow rope-receiving cavity on the reel. A pull rope has a looped inner end portion anchored within a generally U-shaped channel formed on the outer side of one of the flanges. The rope extends from its clamped inner end loop around the reel hub to form a half hitch configuration and then passes through the clamped loop and a first aperture formed in the flange to which the inner rope end is clamped to lie intermediate the two radial flanges of the reel for winding within the annular reel cavity.

Abstract: A rotor-type carburetor is provided with a specially designed spray ring which centrifugally discharges atomized fuel droplets in two different sizes for mixture with engine-ingested air traversing the interior of the carburetor and driving its rotor section. Larger droplets are forced outwardly through an annular series of discharge openings formed in the ring, while smaller droplets are formed by the passage of fuel over an annular spray edge extending around the bottom of a radially inwardly bent lower end portion of the ring. This simultaneous formation and discharge of two series of differently sized atomized fuel droplets improves the overall performance of the engine and reduces the level of its emission pollutants. The spray ring also functions to automatically vary, in a predetermined manner, the flow rate relationship between the differently sized fuel droplets as a function of engine speed to further enhance engine performance.

Abstract: An illuminated shoelace including an elongated section of flexible material having first and second ends, and first and second light-emitting elements respectively secured to such first and second ends. The illuminated shoelace further includes a battery holder with an integral electrical switch secured to the elongated section of flexible material, and conductive elements coupled between the battery holder and the light-emitting elements.

Abstract: An underground storage tank installation apparatus and method for installing the same. The apparatus includes a fiberglass vault into which one or more underground storage tanks are secured and buried in a suitable excavation. Structural support members are formed within the walls of the fiberglass vault to provide adequate strength for the walls of the fiberglass vault so that the chances of cave-ins are minimized. Internal and external observation wells are provided, with automatic leak detectors, so that any leakage either inside or outside the fiberglass vault is automatically detectable. The preferred method for installing the fiberglass vault is to excavate a pit of predetermined dimensions and pour a concrete base in the bottom thereof. The sides of the pit are lined with sheetrock panels and a liquified fiberglass mixture is sprayed on to the panels and concrete slab, with vertical support members being secured to the sheetrock panels between subsequent layers of the fiberglass coating.

Abstract: An electromagnetic linear drive including a stator which constitutes a path of movement for a vehicle. The linear drive is equipped with current conductors, and is divided into a plurality of stator elements of equal length. A movable portion which constitutes a vehicle is preferably equipped with permanent magnets cooperating with the stator to provide the drive. The stator is divided into a number of motor elements, each motor element including a minimum number of stator elements as well as an energy supply unit adapted to be switched on and off individually by sensors disposed along the path of movement. All motor elements are designed for the same maximum performance, and motor elements of different lengths are provided. The length of each motor element is determined by the local need for maximum performance per unit length which exists at the location of the respective motor element in accordance with a predetermined speed characteristic at that point along the path of movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bidet apparatus. The apparatus includes a spray pipe pivotally mounted to a toilet. The spray pipe is movable between a retracted position and an in-use position. A spray nozzle is connected to the spray pipe. A crank arm extending outwardly of the spray pipe is positioned to pivot the spray pipe between the retracted and the extended positions. A valve having at least one inlet and a single outlet is mounted to the toilet. The valve is operated between a valve open position and a valve closed position by a single lever handle. A conduit is connected between the outlet of the valve and the spray pipe and a link is connected between the lever handle and the crank arm such that movement of the lever handle to the valve open position pivots the spray pipe to the in-use position.

Abstract: To inhibit internal heat exchanger corrosion, the products of combustion from a standing pilot flame in an induced draft, fuel-fired furnace are prevented from migrating through the heat exchanger during idle periods of the furnace by flowing the products of combustion upwardly through a small vent tube into the outlet section of the draft inducer fan, and then into an external exhaust stack, thereby bypassing the heat exchanger. During operation of the draft inducer fan a negative pressure is maintained within the vent tube, to prevent combustion gas outflow therethrough which might otherwise snuff out the pilot flame, by a venturi structure positioned within the draft inducer fan outlet section adjacent its juncture with the vent tube.

Abstract: A length adjustable, trunk stowable protective car cover device is formed from an elongated sheet of flexible weatherproof material having a front end portion releasably connectable to the front end of an automobile, a longitudinally intermediate portion adapted to overlie and shield essentially the entire upper side surface of the automobile, and a rear end portion adapted to extend into the trunk between the rear trunk lid edge and the opposing trunk wall portion which it closes against. Closure of the trunk thus clamps a back end of the cover sheet in place to firmly anchor the cover sheet in place in its operative position. An elongated longitudinal slot in the rear end portion of the cover sheet permits the hook portion of the trunk latch to extend through the cover sheet to permit unimpeded locking and unlocking of the trunk.

Abstract: An automatically controlled recirculating high velocity hot air sterilization device includes a housing having a sterilization chamber with a temperature sensor mounted therein, a hot air plenum including a blower in fluid communication with a heating element and sterilization chamber for inputting hor air into and receiving hot air from the sterilization chamber for recirculation, and a control chamber having a temperature sensing circuit connected to the temperature circuit for producing electrical inputs representative of the sterilization chamber temperature, power circuits connected to the heating element and blower, a controller connected to the temperature sensing circuit for monitoring the temperature, and to the heating element and blower circuits for controlling their operation, and a control panel including cycle selection switches for operation, an on/off switch, and temperature and timer/error displays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distributed antenna system comprising a primary antenna (14A, 16A) and a plurality of secondary antennas (36, 40), a fibre optic network (20, 22) connected between the primary antenna (14A, 16A) and the secondary antennas (36, 40), first means (16, 44) associated with a first one of the antennas (16A, 40) which transmits signals received by that antenna (16A, 40) into the fibre optic network (20, 22), and second means (32, 50) associated with a second one of the antennas (14A, 36) which causes that antenna (14A, 36) to transmit signals received by the second means (32, 50) from the fibre optic network (20, 22).Preferably, the use of a heterodyne circuit is avoided and the light signals travelling within the fibre optic networks (20, 22) are modulated at radio frequency.

Abstract: An automatic washing apparatus designed to travel on a single I beam track that can be easily mounted in an existing self-service car wash bay. This apparatus is unique within itself since the trolley apparatus that supplies water and chemicals to the water boom manifold is driven entirely by a screw gear apparatus. The water boom manifold swing is also unique, being rotated by a single half spur gear that is rotated by striking a gear rack at either end of the I beam. An improved embodiment features an adjustable gear rack assembly at one end of the track which is adjusted to shorten the linear travel between end turns in response to signals from vehicle position indicating devices in order to efficiently wash smaller cars. The improved embodiment also includes a smoother vibrationless screw drive and a more rigid one-way clutch bearing support for the rotating members.

Abstract: A unique piano moving apparatus is provided which may be operated to safely and efficiently move a grand piano by one or two individuals of average physical ability. A keyboard and jack assembly having a first support portion is mutually spaced from and intersecured to an opposing end jack assembly having a second support portion. The support portions are respectively adapted to underlie and support the key board and front end portions of a grand piano. The keyboard and jack and oppasing end jack assemblies are operable to lift the piano to a position in which it may be tilted on its side while still being supported by the piano moving apparatus. The tilted piano may then be slid off the moving apparatus onto a movable platform which may then be conveniently rolled to and loaded onto a waiting transport trailer. A winch device may be used to pull the movable platform and piano into the transport trailer.

Abstract: A variety of selectively variable resistance exercise machines, of the type in which the exerciser is seated while grasping and forcibly moving a hand operable force input portion of the machine, are modified to permit their use by both able bodied and physically challenged, wheelchair-seated exercisers. To permit this alternate usage of the machines, each is provided with a movable, height adjustable seat structure which may be selectively pivoted between an able bodied exerciser use position, and a physically challenged exerciser use position. With the movable seat structure in this latter position, a wheelchair-confined exerciser may move the chair into the space previously occupied by the seat structure to thereby permit the exerciser to conveniently reach and operatively manipulate the machine's force input portion.

Abstract: A pet restraining table is used to support and restrain a small animal, such as a cat, for grooming purposes. The table has a base with separable upper and lower portions, an elevated outer frame secured to the base for pivotal motion relative thereto about a horizontal first axis and releasably lockable to the base, and a table top portion secured to the periphery of the outer frame for pivotal motion relative thereto about a second horizontal axis parallel to the first axis. With the outer frame in a horizontal position, and the table top member positioned horizontally therein and releasably secured thereto by a latching mechanism, the cat is positioned face down on the upper side surface of the table top member for back side grooming purposes, and is tied to the outer frame using various elastic tie-down straps. When it is desired to groom the underside of the cat, the table top member is unlatched from the outer frame, pivoted 360.degree.

Abstract: A host computer add on encryption/decryption printed circuit board includes address and control buffers, data buffer and board decode logic having input and output terminals selectively connected to the host computer and to first ports of a dual port random access memory (DPR) for storing a block of data and addresses and inputting portions of the block of data and addresses into the DPR's memory. A central processing unit (CPU) is connected to second ports of the DPR, and to a CPU RAM, CUP ROM, real time clock, key image buffer, and DES encryption device.