Abstract: A variable drag and buoyancy kickboard for a swimmer comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a plurality of pairs of hand grasping locations. The second portion extends from a lateral edge of the first portion. The first portion defines a first planar surface and the second portion defines a second planar surface. The first and second planar surfaces form an obtuse angle. The first and second portions having a periphery upon which the hand grasping locations are disposed. Each pair of hand grasping locations are laterally opposite each other on the periphery. Grasping different pairs of hand grasping locations varies the flow characteristics of the kickboard by varying its position in the water. Thus, the drag of the kickboard may be varied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing dual energy radiation images of a patient in a kinestatic charge detection system utilizes first and second kinestatic charge detectors commonly connected to apparatus for rotating the detectors about a radiation source at a predetermined velocity. The detectors are adjusted such that ion drift velocity in each detector is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the velocity of rotation of the detectors. The radiation from the radiation source is modulated such that relatively low average energy radiation impinging on the patient is received by the first detector and relatively high average energy radiation impinging on the patient is received by the second detector. As the radiation is scanned across the patient and received by the detectors, output data from each detector provides information representative of the intensity of radiation received during the scan. The output data is then combined by a imaging system to form a difference image.

Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for trimming a pair of stern motors or drives mounted side-by-side on a boat. The two drives are both jointly and independently movable through a plurality of trim positions. The system includes two trim cylinders, each coupled to one associated drive, to move its associated drive to different trim positions both jointly as well as independently of each other. An operator controlled mechanism energizes and de-energizes the two trim cylinders simultaneously to jointly vary the trim position of the two drives. Two lines, each coupled at its first end to one associated drive, independently detects both the angular trim position of its associated drive with respect to the other drive as well as detects the trim position of the two drives jointly.

Abstract: Eye glasses are disclosed for improving the vision of people with macular degeneration, optic nerve damage or similar low vision problems. The glasses comprise two lens assemblies, each having a magnifying lens with two convex surfaces and a reducing lens with two concave surfaces. The reducing lens incorporates prism rings which focus an image or light onto an undamaged portion of the macular. A frame is employed for supporting each assembly at a predetermined distance from an eye of a user and for supporting the lenses assembly in a predetermined orientation with respect to each other with the lenses defining a fixed space therebetween. Also disclosed are the lenses themselves and the method of using them.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a fish attracting fluid to fishing tackle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a box having an upper portion with an opening including an upper segment of resilient, absorbent material attached therein. The box has a lower portion with an opening including a lower segment of resilient absorbent material attached therein. The segments are of such thickness as to contact one another when the box is closed. The box is also provided with an offset hinge pin for the proper positioning of the box portions during opening and closing. The segments are provided with a fish attracting fluid so that when the box is closed with fishing tackle therein, the fishing tackle will be coated with the fluid. Also disclosed is the method of coating fishing tackle with fish attracting fluid as through the use of such box.

Abstract: A vaginal cleaning apparatus for cosmetic purposes which overcomes the disadvantages of commercially available douches. The apparatus comprises a solution chamber incorporating a plunger for expelling substantially all solution contained in the chamber through an attached cannula. A sponge applicator is attached to one end of the chamber surrounding the cannula. The cannula is in the form of a tube having a single opening for discharge of solution at its tip. The sponge applicator has an expanded shape approximately the inner configuration of a vagina. The sponge applicator is initially compressed for ease of insertion and expands from its tip as the solution is discharged. The chamber volume and application absorption are preferably matched to minimize dripping of the solution. The cannula and applicator extend at an angle with respect to the chamber to allow use of the apparatus in a standing or sitting position.

Abstract: A decorative speaker cover and a method for fabricating a speaker cover for use in a ceiling or wall comprising panels, the speaker cover having an appearance which blends with other panels so that it conceals the presence of a speaker system while providing satisfactory transmission of sound from the speaker system. The decorative speaker cover is fabricated by first forming a mold liner suitable for generating a facsimile of a ceiling or wall panel. Next, the mold liner is placed in a molding container and a closed cell expandable foam system is uniformly spread over the mold liner so that the foam rises vertically. The thickness of the resulting cast is reduced to a dimension below which acoustic transmission loss is not discernable by human ears.

Abstract: A water ski including a core and an outer skin enveloping the core. The core comprises two transversely spaced longitudinal core members and a longitudinal stringer interposed between and fixedly secured to the two core members. The stringer provides longitudinal rigidity and resilience to the water ski.

Abstract: A blade for a rotary mower comprising an elongated, flat metallic member having first and second ends and a central aperture for mounting the member on a shaft for rotation in a cutting plane, each of the first and second ends having a leading cutting edge and a trailing cutting edge, the leading cutting edge being formed on a downturned portion of a leading edge of the metal member when the member is rotating in the cutting plane and the trailing cutting edge being formed on an upturned portion of an edge opposite the leading edge, the downturned portion being angled between 15 and 45 degrees with respect to the cutting plane. The blade may include air dams formed on upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the member parallel to and coterminous with the cutting edges.

Abstract: An imaging system for generating a color image on film from electronic video image data incorporates feedback control techniques to provide control of film density. The system includes variable gain amplifiers responsive to light intensity output of a film writing device for maintaining the output at a desired set level. In addition, the system includes apparatus and a method for monitoring the density of film images produced by the system and for utilizing the monitored values to modify the system transfer function in a direction to effect a change in the film density towards a desired value.

Abstract: A method for providing a smooth transition to powered operation in a motor control system in which a variable voltage inverter regulates power to the motor on a volts per Hertz basis. The method is particularly applicable to systems for energizing and rapidly gaining control of a motor driving a load in which the motor armature is turning at the time that power is supplied from the variable voltage converter. The method is implemented by sweeping the frequency of the excitation applied to an alternating current motor while holding the magnitude of the excitation at a level sufficient to prevent over current excitation of the motor.

Abstract: Quantum detection efficiency and spatial resolution in a kinestatic charge detector are improved by utilization of an x-ray transmissive device positioned within a collection volume of a kinestatic charge detector x-ray detection chamber for displacing the charge carrier generating medium within predetermined areas of the chamber. Within the chamber, quantum detection efficiency and spatial resolution are affected by distortion in electric field lines existing between a high voltage anode and a relatively low voltage collector electrode. The distorted field lines cause charge carriers generated in the medium by impinging radiation to impact on either the walls of the chamber or to follow non-linear paths between the point of creation and the collection electrode. By displacing the medium in the chamber in areas having the greatest electric field distortion, the quantum detection efficiency and spatial resolution are improved.

Abstract: An extended assembly including at least one fore-trailer, a steering dolly and at least one aft-trailer. The fore-trailer has a longitudinally adjustable and pivotal connection between its forward end and a tractor. At least one longitudinally adjustable wheel assembly provides support for the rear of the fore-trailer where there also is a longitudinally adjustable, pivotally mounted load transfer assembly for supporting the forward end of a long massive load. The rear of the load is supported by an aft-trailer and a steering dolly. The steering dolly supports the forward end of the aft-trailer through a longitudinally adjustable pivotal connection while at least one longitudinally adjustable wheel assembly supports the rear of the aft-trailer. The front of the dolly is supported by steerable wheels and the rear is supported by a longitudinally adjustable wheel assembly.

Abstract: An optically linked calculator system for displaying data generated by a local calculator at both the local calculator and at a detached display. The calculator system includes a plurality of transmitting calculators and receiving units. The receiving units include remote display receiving units and receiving calculators. Transmitting calculators transmit entered data and calculated results. Receiving units receive and display transmitted data entries and calculated results. A calculator includes a keyboard, keyboard logic, processing logic, display, display logic, transmit logic, infrared transmitter, switching means, infrared receiver receiver logic and converting logic. The switching means selectively enables components of the calculator for effecting a transmit mode, receive mode, and calculate mode. The remote receiver display unit includes an infrared receiver, data detection logic, processing logic, and a display.

Abstract: A dynamic brake control system for an alternating current motor powered by a variable voltage, variable frequency inverter which regulates the speed of the motor. An AC to DC converter converts AC line power to DC power with the DC power being transferred to the inverter via a DC link. During electrical dynamic braking, the inverter functions to transfer power from the motor to the DC link. The torque available to the motor during braking is a function of the receptivity of the DC link. Link receptivity controlled by a resistance connected to the link in which the resistance is modulated at a frequency dependent upon the incoming AC line frequency at the converter. The modulation is binarily controlled so as to minimize ripple current on the DC link without the necessity of providing high frequency control of the modulating electronics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing delay times between successive x-ray images in a medical x-ray diagnostic system in which delay times are a function of the time required to transport film in a camera apparatus. The camera is used to record images on an image display apparatus. The delay time is reduced by determining the time at which an image on the apparatus will reach a predetermined intensity level and initiating the camera film transport cycle at a predetermined time prior to the image reaching the predetermined intensity level. Apparatus is disclosed for determining the rate of image development and for providing a signal to initiate the camera film transport at a fixed time prior to completion of image development regardless of the rate of image development. The predetermined time period is selected such that actual film motion is not initiated until the image is fully developed on the image display apparatus.

Abstract: A method of assembling a fishing rod including a rod member, a conic enlargement on the rod member, and a foregrip having a generally conic inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface with a part thereof being eccentric with respect to the conic inner circumferential surface. In practicing this method, the conic inner circumferential surface of the foregrip is wedged into engagement with the conic enlargement on the rod member, and the eccentric part of the outer circumferential surface of the foregrip is arranged in a preselected angular position therefor extending generally circumferentially outwardly from the rod member.Other methods of assembling a fishing rod and other fishing rods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite target for an X-ray tube has a graphite substrate portion and a metal portion, the two portions being bonded together by successive interspersed layers of platinum and tantalum. The platinum layer is disposed between the graphite substrate portion and the tantalum layer. The tantalum layer acts to bond the metal portion to the platinum layer and also acts as an isolator to prevent the formation of carbides by migration through the bonding layers.