Abstract: A recording goniometer for affixation to an area surrounding a flexing joint. The goniometer measures and records the flexibility or extent of limb movement about a joint and further permits separate comparative recordation of joint movement as a determination of healing progress. The goniometer comprises extension elements distally connected to permit angular separation. For accuracy in measuring the extent of angular separation, the extension elements are also connected with a geared movement. In use, each extension element is removably attached to respective parts of the limb which extend from the joint, with the area of attachment proximally covering the joint. A platen member is integrated with one of the extension elements and a scribing element is inegrated with the other extension element.

Abstract: A device for direct monitoring of a system with pre-scheduled, request or alarm reports being generated and sent to remote locations via facsimile transmission, with the reports being pre-formatted, as desired, such as in tabular or graphical form. The device interfaces with sensors which continuously directly monitor analog data such as temperature, pH, pressure values, or digital data such as limit switches, etc. of an operating system. Multiple process variable input channels or interfaces permit monitoring of different parameters. Each parameter can be reported in different page format. A conversion element within the device converts analog data from the operating system to digital form for immediate analysis and/or storage and later retrieval and/or analysis of operating conditions and parameters. Upon a pre-determined condition, a report condition is sensed and stored data is retrieved, by the device, into suitable combination with a pre-programmed page format such as tabular or graphical form.

Abstract: A self verifying transaction card having a self contained keyboard or keypad for entering a personal identification code, a simplified verification display comprised of light emitting diodes (LED's) which light up in a pre-determined configuration for validation of a verification check, a non-volatile memory with a stored code, and a self contained power supply. The card further contains circuitry for comparison of an entry with the stored code, with a pre-determined successive number of improper entries serving to disable the card from further identification functions and transactions. Clock/calendar timer and a contained microprocessor or microcontroller cause the verification function to be disabled at the expiration date of the card. The clock/calendar timer also provides a basis for uniquely correlating the time and date of a transaction to a changing verification display.

Abstract: A method and an anchoring element for high strength solid wall anchoring in which a solid plastic plug is inserted in a hole in a solid wall of a porous material such as concrete. The invention provides a high strength compressive bonding between the plastic plug and the wall which simulates high strength chemical bonding. In order to effect the high strength compressive bonding, the plug is inserted into a hole in the wall having nominally the same dimension as the plug. A screw of substantially the same diameter as the plastic plug is inserted into the plug to provide the anchoring. The plastic of the plug is an extrudible material such as polypropylene, high density polyethylene and co-polymers, which is extruded against and into the solid wall of the hole by the rotary insertion of the screw. Continued rotation of the screw causes a very high compression of the plastic between adjacent threads of the screw and a thin, very highly compressed film, which substantially covers the threads.

Abstract: An improved pilfer-proof screw-on bottle cap having a ring section attached thereto with frangible bridges, wherein the ring section has at least four inwardly extending molded-in-place hooks. The hooks are circumferentially positioned at the edge of the ring section distal to the cap and engage a radially extending bead on the bottle, thereby preventing upward movement of the ring section together with removal of the bottle cap. The frangible bridges break under continued removal forces, thereby causing the ring section to become detached as an indication of tampering. The frangible bridges are located relative to the radially extending bead of the bottle at a position proximate to and no higher than the lower edge of the bead.

Abstract: A comb for precision cutting of hair to specific length. The comb comprises a standard main body portion with parallel teeth, extending from a base, and thickened end sections which laterally enclose the teeth. Extending from one of the end sections is a handle member, offset from the plane of the teeth by a sufficient distance such that fingers, which grip the handle member, are kept from contacting the scalp. The offset handle keeps the user's fingers off the scalp, thereby preventing inadvertent end tipping of the comb. The handle member is also laterally offset to the rear of the comb for enhanced ergonomic handling, to permit better visibility of the hair being cut and to remove the fingers out of line with the clippers or scissors. The main body portion further comprises pedestal stand-off elements such as flat sided protrusions integrated with the sides of the teeth and/or end sections which are placed directly on a scalp.

Abstract: A cuff construction having readily accessible coverings for hands, feet and head is provided. The cuff is generally integrally attached to an article of clothing, and folds in on itself for storing the coverings. The cuff is formed at an opening in a garment, such as a glove, sleeve, neck or leg and included a panel along about one half of the circumference of the opening with the two adjacent edges of the panel secured to the cuff. The panel is switchable between a first open position allowing the head, hand or foot to pass through and a second closed position forming a covering around the appendage. The covering may take the form of a glove or mitten, a sock or shoe, or a ski mask or the like. A pocket for ready storage may also be provided.

Abstract: A non-openable container such as for disposal of medical waste or containment of hazardous materials. The container is adapted for optional engagement with a removable cap prior to insertion of medical waste or hazardous materials and with a non-openable and non-breachable, one-way engaging cap which renders the container non-openable except with destruction of the container. To ensure secure non-openable closure of the container, the peripheral edge of the skirt of the one-way cap has a plurality of circumferentially arranged ramped teeth extending longitudinally on the interior wall of the cap to the lower edge of the skirt. These teeth cooperatively engage oppositely extending teeth on a shoulder of the container or other peripherally extending fixed-in place element. The opposing teeth mesh longitudinally and are held in a non-back-off position by the engaged threads, bayonet mount or other engaging means between the cap and container.

Abstract: A plastic hollow wall anchor having folding arms for insertion within a limited diameter aperture in a substrate such as a wall. The arms, adjacent their overlapping attachment areas, are configured to provide a "sharp knife edge" intersection, whereby a spacing between the attached arms, during folding and aperture insertion, is substantially eliminated. The load bearing arms are concomitantly thickened and thereby strengthened within the limited dimension afforded by the aperture. Alternatively, the overall dimensions of the anchor are reduced, while maintaining the load bearing arm dimensions, thereby enabling the use of a smaller diameter for the insertion aperture without decrease in anchor holding strength.

Abstract: A method for facilitated precision cutting of hair by one handed sectioning, combing and locking of hair into position for cutting and a device for effecting the method. The device comprises a combination of comb, sectioning and locking members arranged such that it provides for the rapid one handed sequential hairstyling functions of sectioning, combing and uniform locking of hair in position for cutting, clipping or trimming without the necessity of constant comb and finger manipulation and movement. A short comb, adapted to comb a straight portion of hair, is combined with a thin tapered elongated sectioning and locking bar. The comb and bar are hingedly connected and are movable relative to each other by use of a single hand and finger manipulation.

Abstract: A non-removable fulcrum-type lift tab, for opening a metal beverage container, is modified, by the inclusion of a lanced line at a position between the fulcrum pivoting line and the pushing end of the tab. The lanced line extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fulcrum-directed pushing force used to open the container, whereby, upon initial lifting of the tab, the lanced line opens, in a limited material separation. This results in substantially less lifting force (about 30% less), being needed to elevate the tab end about 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) for a finger to be more easily inserted for completion of the opening of the container. At this stage, the ends of the lanced line, such as in the configuration of drilled holes or inwardly arcuate lanced sections, stop continued material separation by providing a high resistance to such separation.

Abstract: A sanding belt for use on a rotating drum, is anchored on the drum by means of an elongated strip of sandpaper having a length slightly less than the circumference of the outer surface of the drum. The drum is made of a resilient material, such as rubber, and is adapted to be coupled to the chuck of a hand held power drill. The sandpaper strip is positioned between the outer surface of the drum and the inner surface of the sanding belt with the sandpaper grit of the strip being in contact with the sanding belt thereby preventing edgewise creep during utilization.

Abstract: A photographic film spool, having a central core member (for engagement with a camera film-spool anchoring and rewinding element), contains an integral battery component for electrically powering selected camera functions. The battery, comprised of one or more electrically interconnected cells, is configured for electrical engagement with terminals in the camera particularly through the camera film-spool rewind and anchoring element, with the battery thereby functioning as both the power supply and as part of the film drive. In addition, the battery has sufficient capacity to power the camera functions whereby the film may be totally utilized. The battery further has a shelf life, with such sufficient capacity, for a period of time at least as long as the utilizable shelf life of the film.

Abstract: A plastic over-center hollow wall anchor having increased strength without increase in thickness of load bearing members and necessitation of a larger insertion aperture. The bending motion stress on the load bearing arms, which causes the weakening or failure mode of the anchor, is substantially retarded by the inclusion of a small reinforcing boss across the bending area.

Abstract: A rotating amusement device having two or more overlapping circle members which are independently rotatable with the overlapping sections being rotatable into the bodies of any or all of the overlapping circles or into a different overlapping of circles. The device can be utilized as a puzzle wherein various possible overlapping sections are differently colored or shaped and the object is to obtain a predetermined color combination or shape configuration. The circle members are comprised of interlocking elements with a peripheral frame holding the circles in such interlocking position while permitting the independent rotation of each of the circles. Increase in the number of overlapping circles adds to the complexity by increasing the number of possible permutations.

Abstract: A configurable connector between two or more devices with at least one of the devices being capable of programming the connector through an interface therewith. The connector contains programmable electronic circuitry capable of being instructed by the device whereby the connector assumes a desired connecting configuration and/or function. In one embodiment the connector is programmed to inquire and determine the configuration of the device to which it is connected. With the results of its analysis the connector adapts the necessary timing, pin-outs, voltages, and other parameters to assure proper communication between the connected devices. In other embodiments the connector contains electronic components to add specific functions for data exchange, such as data buffering, data encryption and the like. In addition, the connector is programmable with interchangeable pin designations thereby obviating the need for rewiring for different applications and physical connections.

Abstract: A portable desk top "medical waste" fragmentation device and disposal system, complying with governmental requirements of maximum residual fragment size and sanitization. The fragmentation device includes a chamber having a rotating blade for fragmenting medical waste such as needles, syringes, vials and extracted teeth. For maximum effectiveness in reducing the medical waste into the requisite fragment size, the blade, with minimal clearance, passes between a U-shaped stationary member. During operation, the U-shaped member serves to momentarily hold the items to be fragmented in a stationary position as the blade fragments it in a shearing-type action. To ensure complete minimum size fragmentation, an agitating member continually throws the fragments into the path of the rotating blade. After the fragmentation is completed to the requisite size, the fragmentation chamber is opened into a disposal chute.

Abstract: An expansible plastic fastener comprising a generally elongated body portion, a collar member, and locking means comprising a pair of reinforced toggle arms. The body portion has a generally central opening for reception of an elongated retaining element. The reinforcement provides cooperative resilient interaction with the toggle arms to assist movements toward their collapsed and expanded portions while simultaneously contributing to their holding strength. The fastener can also include a Y-shaped reinforcing portion pivotally connected to the locking means of the body portion by flexible connector means. This Y-shaped portion may include means for engaging an elongated retaining element in the form of a threaded member. Also, a fastening kit comprising a fastener of the invention along with a key for expanding the locking means to its optimum expanded position or a fastener of the invention with an elongated retaining element.

Abstract: A read-write optical disk with method of manufacture and configuration of writing mechanism. The optical disk is fully configured at every readable location with pits filled with a stable, cyclable, solid-liquid (or solid-fluid) phase-change material, such as a paraffin mineral oil fraction, having a specific reflectivity when in the solid state, and a layer of a particulate metallic material capable of being magnetically attracted or repelled and having a reflective value significantly different from that of the phase-change material. The writing mechanism includes laser light amplification means to provide sufficient heat from the laser, which is used in the reading mode, to effect the solid-liquid phase change. The writing mechanism further includes a material-moving magnetic element. During operation of the write cycle, the phase-change material, in selected pits, is fluidized and is in the fluid state while a magnetic field is applied to the pit area.

Abstract: A multi-function integrally molded plastic fastener for insertion within a hole in a wall for fastening objects to any of solid, thick or thin hollow walls. The fastener comprises a base element and an anchoring element with the base element being positioned within the hole and depending whether the wall is solid, thick or thin hollow wall, the anchoring element is positioned totally within, partially within and totally behind the wall respectively. The anchoring element is comprised of outstretched anchoring arms which are collapsible for insertion within the hole and which arms have interfitting sections of a sinusoidal wave configuration to minimize the cross section of the anchoring element and the width required for the hole. The ends of the arms, spaced from the base element, engage an external fastening member thereby providing a solid anchorage in any of a solid, thick or thin hollow wall.