Abstract: A hand held wand with forefinger and thumb contours (75) so arranged that upon grasping the wand the index finger is automatically positioned over an on/off switch (74). The wand and switch communicates with a motor/fan housing (39) by way of electrical conductors (81) encased in a thin profile hose (80). A device specifically used to remove eraser debris from a drawing surface. The positioning of the wand over a given task and applying power to the motor/fan is accomplished with the use of one hand. The wand (73) is equipped with a hanging ring (70) for wand positioning when not in use. The hanging ring, (70) when placed on the ring hook (71), holds the wand in an upright position which is convenient for the operator during his or her course of work. Airborne eraser debris is carried through the hose (80) to the motor/fan housing (39) and deposited in an air filter bag (45) enclosed within an air filter bag chamber (64).

Abstract: A grated thin-film surface forms a plurality of successive narrow silvered planes which are oriented to provide a composite and linear mirror. The thin film can be mounted against the inside upper section of a vehicle windshield, or sandwiched between the plies of a laminated windshield. The reflective surface is covered with a layer of liquid crystal of which the opacity can be electrically adjusted.

Abstract: In a method of producing electrode receptacle assemblies for resisting sudden heat increases comprising the steps of selecting carbonate resin plastic having a density of 1.2 mg/m.sup.3, melt flow rate of 9 to about 12 g/10 m at 300 degrees Centigrade and 1,200 g load, and a tensile stress at yield of 63 MPa, a tensile stress at break of 68 MPa, a deflection temperature under load at 1.

Abstract: A nursing bottle support for freeing the hands of a person carrying an infant while feeding the infant from the bottle comprises a foldable, non-resilient hook which wraps around the person's neck with an adjustable shank lying against the person's chest. A clasp made of an open-ring of elastomeric material is rotatably mounted at the end of the shank, and can be positioned in a variety of orientations to direct the bottle toward the mouth of the feeding infant.

Abstract: A cargo hold-down system including hooks for attaching lines of rope or fabric-jacketed elastomeric cord of varying diameters to a variety of polygonal and cylindrical surfaces of a vehicle-mounted luggage rack. The system incorporates four parts, the line, two axial length adjusting end hooks, and an open-eyed hook perpendicularly attachable at any point along the line.

Abstract: A pillar used as part of a shoring, decking or scaffolding frame is made from length of aluminum extrusion having an octagonal periphery with a plurality of internal radial projections whose ends jointly define an unencumbered axial channel dimensioned to receive at either end, the threaded stem of height-adjustment screw-jacks, without need of any screw-jack-mounting sleeves or other screw-jack-centering and holding device.

Abstract: A safety valve for automatically shutting-off fluid flow in response to excessive vibration specifically indicated for use as a seismically actuated gas valve. The inlet and outlet ports are separated by an horizontal septum having an aperture defining a circular valve seat. A ferrous ball is suspended above the aperture by a permanent magnet housed in a spherical member adjustably mounted in the roof of the valve above the aperture. The member houses a bulb-type level indicator used to adjust the position of the magnet in order to compensate for any askew position of the valve resulting from the orientations of the connecting pipes.

Abstract: A yellow-colored plate coated with a tacky substance is mounted above and below the teeth of a rake or between rollers and passed over an area infested by fleas or other insect pests. The vibrations and motion caused by the movement of the teeth or the rollers against the supporting surface excite and attract the insects which jump toward the brightly colored plate where they become entrapped into the tacky substance. The apparatus may be used to either determine the nature and extent of the infestation prior to treatment, or to actually clear areas of infestation.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for processing disposable containers at their collecting site uses a single pair of counter-rotating crushing rollers mounted one above the other. The containers are dropped against the upper surface of an indented feeding roller parallel and adjacent to the lower crushing roller. The cans are caught by a the peripheral indentations of the feeding rollers and horizontally kicked between the merging surfaces of the crushing rollers. An indented take-up roller on the opposite side of the lowest crushing roller catches the crushed containers and propels them obliquely upwards into a collecting bin.

Abstract: A process for conditioning and compacting vegetable fodder prior to storage and shipment which comprises breaking standard-sized bales and adjusting the moisture level of the fodder to reduce pulverization during subsequent compacting and handling; while at the same time injecting mold inhibitors and nutritional additive before repackaging the fodder into more compact bales, cubes or pellets for shipment.

Abstract: An intraocular lens, in form of a disk, intended to replace the crystalline lens of a patient's eye, in particular after a cataract extraction, comprises on its distal side an aspherical sector extending approximately from the midline of the disk over one quarter of the surface thereof. The rest of the distal side is spherical. The radius of curvature of the aspherical sector varies monotonously between the value of the radius of the spherical sectors and a lower value. Such a configuration allows light rays impinging on the intraocular lens to be refracted at different angles and provides both near and distance vision. The discontinuity at transition between the aspherical sector and the spherical sector is blocked out by dark or etched plastic to eliminate glare. The proximal side can either be a convex surface, a concave surface or a plane.

Abstract: A non-fogging goggles includes a double lens that consists of a pair of two spaced-apart lenses that have an air interstice therebetween and in which the inner surface of the outer lens is coated with a metal film. The metal coating is preferably made of gold and is vacuum-deposited on the outer lens. The body heat radiated by the user is reflected on the metal film and reduces the temperature differential between the inner lens and the area enclosed by the goggles, thereby preventing fogging of the inner lens. The radiated heat will also contribute in maintaining the temperature of the lens of any corrective eyeglasses worn under the goggles.

Abstract: A hand held wand with forefinger and thumb contours (75) so arranged that upon grasping the wand the index finger is automatically positioned over an on/off switch (74). The wand and switch communicate with a motor/fan housing (39) by means of electrical conductors (81) encased in a thin profile house (80). A device specifically used to remove eraser debris from a drawing surface. The positioning of the wand over a given task and applying power to the motor/fan is accomplished with the use of one hand. The wand (73) is equipped with a hanging ring (70) for wand positioning when not in use. The hanging ring (70) when placed on the ring hook (71) holds the wand in an upright position which is convenient for the operator during his or her course of work. Airborne eraser debris is carried through the hose (80) to the motor/fan housing (39) and deposited in an air filter bag (45) enclosed within an air filter bag chamber (64).

Abstract: A safety retractable sheath covers an injection needle for protection against accidental pricking. The sheath extends from a base secured to the hub of the needle and has bellowed walls made of resilient material. It may be axially retracted toward the hub to expose the needle, and springs back to cover its entire length when released. A constricted section of the sheath beyond the tip of the needle is axially offset to prevent accidental exposure of the tip. A latching bellow segment surrounding the base allows for adjustment of the sheaths to the lengths of the needle.

Abstract: A pair of frusto-conical optical connectors which allow for the grouping of optical connections in a versatile housing where clusters of terminal-holding channels are arranged in a beehive configuration. Automatic alignment of the terminals is achieved by means of magnets of opposite polarity occupying some of these channels. The connectors are particularly adapted to underwater applications or to any other severe environment and hard-to-reach locations where manipulation is limited due to the use of diving suits or robotics. The frusto-conical configuration of sections of the channels and the terminals provides for the use of the connectors as part of bulkheads between two areas with very high differential pressure. The frusto-conical configuration prevents the movement of terminals within the channel toward the low pressure area. The terminal configurations provide for precise juxtaposition of lenses used in the optical connections.

Abstract: A process for conditioning and compacting vegetable fodder prior to storage and shipment which comprises breaking standard-sized bales and adjusting the moisture level of the fodder to reduce pulverization during subsequent compacting and handling; while at the same time injecting mold inhibitors and nutritional additive before repackaging the fodder into more compact bales for shipment.

Abstract: A spout, adapted for attachment to an oil can or the like, has a generally tubular configuration. A tubular sleeve permits partial or total occlusion of the flow of liquid by axially moving the sleeve portion. Thus the spout may be closed before turning the oil can over for pouring the oil into an engine, then releasing the flow of oil when the spout is safely engaged into the engine crankcase inlet. Six embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-contained inflatable sign for temporary attachment to prominent portions of structures to provide a highly visible message day or night. The sign is an envelope made from translucent flexible panels which is inflated by a blower within the envelope which also contains a series of lights. A message banner is interchangeably held onto the envelope. When inflated the envelope becomes a strong illuminated sign capable of withstanding severe outdoor environments but light enough to be quickly and easily erected on highly visible but otherwise difficult to access portions of buildings or structures. An alternate version is specifically designed for mounting against the front of a commercial building as a marquee-type display.