Abstract: An article of furniture is provided for receiving a wheelchair and extending the wheelchair functions, the article of furniture including track rail members having upwardly opening concave tracks which extend rearwardly from a lowermost point to a first slightly raised position and then extend along curved paths in an arc having about the same or slightly larger radius of curvature as the large wheels of the wheelchair to be accommodated. Thus, a wheelchair may be backed along the concave tracks to "detent" over the first position to safely "bed" the wheelchair. Also included is a tilt frame against which the rear of the wheelchair bears and a head rest carried in an upper portion of the tilt frame. A controllable rearward reclining position may be assumed by actuating (alternatively, manually or power assisted) a lift mechanism which raises pads supporting the small front wheels of the wheelchair such that the entire wheelchair, as well as the tilt frame, rotates about the axis of the large wheels.

Abstract: An improved long life, liquid activated battery is disclosed which employs a battery cell architecture including a metal electrode and a specially configured, multi-element carbon electrode. The carbon electrode is effected by activated carbon granules embedded in an electrically conductive adhesive in which the conductive component is a myriad of carbon particles. A conductor, which may be a carbon fiber material or a more conventional conductor, is connected to the adhesive and couples the carbon electrode through a barrier which isolates the cell chamber to provide one power input connection to a user device. The activated carbon granules serve the second function of a cell gas scavenger such that the need for providing a separate filter to perform this function is eliminated. Thus, a substantially monolithic carbon electrode within the cell chamber is effectively realized. The other electrode is a metal selected to obtain the desired cell voltage appropriate for the battery load.

Abstract: An accessory for a conventional toilet tissue roll holder and an integrated dispensing assembly operating on the same principal is disclosed, each adapted to prevent unauthorized access to a toilet tissue roll by a child who might unroll the tissue in an uncontrolled manner. The accessory includes a stationary component in the form of an incomplete cylinder and having a coupling region which is rectangular and flattened and includes a pair of spaced apart elongated apertures. The first component also has a pair of circumferentially extending guides disposed proximate its ends. A movable component is also generally in the form of an incomplete cylinder and includes first and second circumferentially flanges with the respective distances between the guides and the flanges such as to permit them to slideable cooperate in a manner which permits rotation of the second component coaxially within the first component between alternative protected (closed) and unprotected (open) positions.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to sense and measure solarinduced luminescence, as well as reflectance, within the field of view of a target window for receiving a composite ray of light from the target. A first filter within the path of the composite ray of light transmits a first narrowband component thereof, including a predetermined Fraunhofer Line frequency, to a first sensor. A second narrowband component thereof, proximate the Fraunhofer Line frequency, is directed to a second sensor such that ratios of the electromagnetic energy impinging, respectively, on the first and second sensors may be determined. A removable filter tray assembly carrying the narrowband filters and fine tuning means are employed to facilitate the selection of the predetermined Fraunhofer Line frequency.

Abstract: A digital ignition system is disclosed including a precision angular position sensor within the engine distributor or in cooperation with another rotary engine part providing accurate timing information applied to gating means selectively passing bursts of triggering pulses having a 7-to-1 duty cycle ratio. The bursts are applied to a driver circuit providing power amplification energizing the coil primary. An alternative mode is also disclosed simulating a conventional make and break ignition system for a service mode. In the service mode, a single pulse is issued to the coil upon the first pulse of the pulse burst after the angular position sensor senses that a cylinder firing operation is required. Thus, ordinary timing and diagnostic instruments may be used during the service mode to accurately establish ignition timing during normal, burst mode operation.

Abstract: A very high performance digital ignition system is disclosed which includes a precision angular position sensor within the distributor of an internal combustion engine (or otherwise coupled to the engine to sense its angular position) to provide accurate timing information which is applied to gating means for selectively passing bursts of triggering pulses having, in the exemplary embodiment, a 7-to-1 duty cycle ratio. The selected burst of pulses are applied to a driver circuit which provides power amplification to energize the primary circuit of an ignition coil. An alternative mode of operation is also disclosed which simulates a conventional make and break ignition system to effect a service mode. In the service mode of operation, a single pulse is issued to the ignition coil upon the occurence of the first or second pulse of the pulse burst after angular position sensor has sensed that a cylinder firing operation should be instituted.

Abstract: A florist's implement for temporarily stabilizing a flower or plant container or the like during transport is disclosed. The implement includes first and second square sheets of a flexible material hingedly connected to one another such that the sheets may be folded into superimposed juxtaposition to provide upper and lower sheets. The upper sheet is provided, on its upper face, with a series of scores in a predetermined pattern. There is first arranged a grid of scores equally spaced between and parallel to the square edges to obtain an array of squares. The number of scores is selected to obtain a junction of two mutually perpendicular scores at the center of the square sheet. The single central score which is directed generally normal to the hinge side of the sheet is heavier than the scores to which it is parallel and perpendicular and is sufficiently heavy as to permit ready manual separation along its length by hand.

Abstract: A sanitary drinking accessory is disclosed for use with a metal beverage can after it has been opened by actuating an integral "pop-top" feature. The drinking accessory has a unitary body fabricated from a resilient material which is not inherently potentially toxic when brought into contact with a human mouth. The peripheral shape of the drinking accessory includes a rear section and a front section which is shaped, in horizontal cross section, in the form of a circular section generally conforming to the curve of the circumference of the top of the beverage can. An aperture extends through the accessory and terminates, at its upper end, in an outwardly flared manner such that its upper section merges with the top surface.

Abstract: The self-governing energy panel is to be used as one of a group of panels designed to collect wind for and govern the speed of the windpowered traveling shaft machine. This machine is designed to convert windpower into other forms of energy (e.g. electricity or direct-drive) by connection to a generator or other device. The panel is hung on bearings that are on the support beams that protrude out from the horizontal shaft of the windpowered traveling shaft machine. The panel has the majority of its length below the bearings; however, there are several places the panel may be attached to the beams thus changing how much of the panel is above or below the bearings. The panel will hang vertically to the ground in calm periods but with increasing wind speed the panel can change to a completely horizontal position by rotating on the bearings.

Abstract: A very secure entry door barricade system is obtained with a specially configured elongated bar which extends generally horizontally across the width of a door. A hasp assembly, which is very firmly anchored to the building structure, includes a pivotally movable hasp adapted to selectively engage a hook portion of the bar. At the hinge edge, the elongated bar is very securely anchored by a conventional hinge pin which passes through a vertical aperture in the bar and back into its hinge assembly. An alternative configuration for double doors employs an elongated bar on each door, the bar pair being generally in horizontal alignment with respective hook portions situated in close proximity to receive a ring over both hook portions. The ring, when in place, thereby serves to closely limit the extent to which either or both doors can be opened.

Abstract: An adjustable handtool is provided for finishing corners, edges and the like with cementious material to effect a uniformly rounded configuration to the corner. The hand tool includes a backing plate having a forward working edge characterized by an indented central portion and forwardly extending legs forming a first obtuse angle. Overlaying the backing plate is a pliable sheet which also has a forward working edge characterized by an indented central portion and forwardly extending legs forming a second obtuse angle which is larger than the first obtuse angle such that the working edge of the pliable sheet extends beyond the working edge of the backing plate. The backing plate is preferably manually bendable to suit an individual craftsman and to obtain a working region which has cooperating curvatures at the working edge of the backing plate, at the working edge of the pliable sheet and as caused by the bend.

Abstract: A locking accessory for preventing unauthorized access to a high grade keyboard musical instrument is disclosed. The locking accessory includes a stationary shoe element permanently secured to the bottom surface of the instrument keybed and a generally C-shaped element adapted to be removably affixed and locked to the stationary element. The C-shaped element includes generally horizontal upper and lower sections connected by a generally vertical intermediate section. The lower section is adapted to slidably engage the stationary element such that the upper section, supported by the intermediate section, extends over and just above the closed fallboard, thereby preventing it from being opened. The lower section includes a lock and bolt assembly which, when actuated, moves a bolt into engagement with a corresponding bolt receiving aperture in the stationary element to permit securely locking the stationary and C-shaped elements together.

Abstract: A building construction system is disclosed in which uniquely configured prefabricated concrete panels of great structural strength and high insulating value are employed. Each building panel, whether horizontal or vertical, is reinforced by transverse structural ties distributed along the panel length. Each structural tie includes a central portion of a reinforcing bar which has respective ends extending into concrete outer panel layers. Voids between the concrete outer layers may be filled with insulation such as polystyrene. A uniquely configured parapet is also disclosed. The parapet, which may extend to any length including the entire circumference of a building, comprises a channel which is generally parallel to the building edge and which is adapted to hold living plants including bushes, flowers and the like as well as small trees in enlarged channel regions. Thus, the utility of a building roof as a decorative and private living space is enhanced.

Abstract: In order to achieve fine control of the velocity of an aircraft flying a predetermined flight path at a predetermined nominal speed in the presence of such perturbations as wind gusts, a low inertia, fast acting device is extended or deployed into the aircraft dragstream and is rapidly position-modulated in response to sensed acceleration/deceleration to instantaneously slightly alter the total system drag to an amount which causes the aircraft to maintain the predetermined velocity. Among the exemplary alternative low inertia devices disclosed are: fuselage and wing mounted flaps which are rapidly more or less extended, a trailing cable which is rapidly reeled in or out, and a trailing inflatable member whose degree of inflation is rapidly changed, all in response to sensed acceleration/deceleration from an on-board system.

Abstract: In order to achieve fine control of the velocity of an aircraft flying a predetermined flight path at a predetermined nominal speed in the presence of such perturbations as wind gusts, a low inertia, fast acting device is extended or deployed into the aircraft dragstream and is rapidly position-modulated in response to sensed acceleration/deceleration to instanteneously slightly alter the total system drag to an amount which causes the aircraft to maintain the predetermined velocity. Among the exemplary alternative low inertia devices disclosed are: fuselage and wing mounted flaps which are rapidly more or less extended, a trailing cable which is rapidly reeled in or out, and a trailing inflatable member whose degree of inflation is rapidly changed, all in response to sensed acceleration/deceleration from an on-board system.

Abstract: In order to maintain the long term reliability of an electrical connection subjected to difficult environmental conditions, such as in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, a paste-like preparation is provided for application at the conductively mating surfaces of the connection. A first embodiment of the preparation includes water, glycerin, a thixotropic agent and a hydrophilic substance, such as calcium chloride or lithium chloride, exhibiting sufficient hydrophilic action and in sufficient quantity as to maintain the preparation in a fluid state by absorbing moisture from the ambient atmosphere. Variants of the preparation include, as one or more additional ingredients, acetic acid and/or powdered graphite or metallic powder or flakes of high conductivity such as copper, aluminum or silver. A second and presently preferred embodiment of the preparation includes detergent, ethylene glycol, fine sand and powdered graphite in conjunction with a high concentration of calcium chloride or lithium chloride.

Abstract: In order to provide a high quality mirror readily at hand for the emergency use of a contact lens wearer, an accessory mirror comprising a thin wafer having a mirrored outer surface is affixed to the back of a wrist watch. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a steel wafer shaped approximately to conform with the shape of the watch back. The steel wafer has a first surface which is mirror finished and chromium plated and a second surface coated with an adhesive layer which is itself overlayed by a paper wafer. Thus, the paper wafer is removable to permit affixing the steel wafer to the wrist watch back. A process for preparing the preferred embodiment of the product is disclosed. In addition, variants utilizing a plastic film sold under the trademark "Mylar" and coated with metal and incorporating a protective cover for the mirror surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: To a sheet of oriented polyethylene terephthalate a layer of nickel chrome alloy with an optical density of approximately 60% is applied by conventional vacuum deposition. To this sheet a subsequent stripe layer of stainless steel at 35% is applied by vacuum deposition down the center portion of the web which yields a combined optical density of approximately 21% over the center area. This first sheet is then laminated with a suitable optically clear adhesive to a second sheet of oriented polyethylene terephthalate incorporating a center portion which includes a nickel chrome stripe with an optical density of approximately 35% applied by conventional vacuum deposition. The resulting composite exhibits a vignette pattern of dark (optical density 7 to 12%) to light optical density 50 to 70% (from center to edge). A suitable optically clear mounting adhesive is then applied. When desired, the finished laminate contains a layer of clear PET which has been coated with a hard coat, i.e.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency and reliablility of shotgun shell reloader apparatus of the type in which an empty shell is entered and removed at a single entrance/exit station and the shell is transferred in a circular path from station to station at which the several reloading operations are performed sequentially, an accessory ejection spring is employed to automatically eject a completed shell as it enters the entrance/exit station (thus eliminating the necessity for manually handling a completed shell at the entrance/exit station) and a spring pad including a magnetic member is employed at the priming station to positively receive and emplace a new primer just prior to the repriming operation (thus eliminating instances of incorrect orientation of the new primer with respect to the deprimed shell into which it is to be seated during the priming operation).

Abstract: In order to provide a readily detachable sunscreen for any window, including the windshield, of a vehicle such as an airplane, car, or truck, a sheet of perforated mylar, preferably having a reflective coating on its outwardly facing surface, is integrated with a plurality of suction cup assemblies which are employed to attach the sunscreen to the interior surface of the window such that the mylar sheet is disposed closely spaced from and generally parallel to the surface. The suction cup assemblies include integral means for quickly and easily relieving the interior vacuum of the suction cups to permit easy removal of the sunscreen. The short edges of the sunscreen are reinforced with rigid strips to facilitate rolling the removed sunscreen into a convenient generally cylindrical package for temporary storage.