Abstract: A device for an automotive vehicle to signal braking, deceleration, turning of the vehicle or an emergency situation. The device has two bodies facing rearwardly, mounted near the top of the back or the highest point of the vehicle adjacent the sides of the vehicle. Each body has a base and a cover with translucent lenses. Light sources and reflectors are disposed on the base for illuminating the lenses to create the signaling as required. Lighting one or more lenses in the cover indicate braking while lighting an arrow shaped lens in the cover and a side lens facing out from the vehicle indicate intended turning. The light transmitted through the lenses in the cover is directed downwardly either by a downward tilt to the cover or by directional configurations formed on the lenses. The lenses signifying braking are formed from red material while the arrow shaped and side lenses signifying turning are formed from red or yellow material.

Abstract: A light comprises a combination of light reflective and light refractive surfaces with geometric configuration of light emitting diodes (LED's). With the geometric configurations, the number of LED's can be minimized while retaining the redundancy that substantially eliminates the threat of a burned out lamp or light fixture. The LED configuration permits a beam or flood of light of circular or oblong shape depending on the reflectors and covering lens. In general, the LED's are located at the center of, or about the inside periphery of, the lamp and directed toward the shaped reflective surfaces at the back of the lamp. The reflective surfaces direct the light through a covering lens that may or may not refract the light passing through.

Abstract: Compensation techniques for high temperature fiber-optic pressure sensors are aimed at correcting for the sensor sensitivity and offset dependence on temperature. By using materials of different thermal expansion coefficients for the sensor diaphragm, housing, ferrule and fiber-bonding compound and by optimizing the length of such parts, the relative distance of the fiber tip with respect to the sensing diaphragm changes in a manner that reduces sensor sensitivity and/or offset dependence on temperature. In the first embodiment, the distance change results from controlled fiber movement within the ferrule and is used to reduce the temperature sensitivity of dynamic sensors. In the second embodiment, an optimum selection of the diaphragm, housing, ferrule and bonding compound materials yields a stable fiber position within the ferrule but, instead, a well defined ferrule movement with respect to the diaphragm in response to temperature changes.

Abstract: A new additive for water based metal cutting and grinding coolant comprises a combination of soybean oil and surfactant, the surfactant being a nonoxynol or alcohol based detergent that is biodegradable. The proportion of soybean oil to surfactant is adjusted for metal cutting or grinding and the proportion of additive to water is also adjusted for metal cutting or grinding. A small amount of bacteriocide may be added to the additive to avoid rancidity.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous compositions and methods to produce durable and vitreous colored interference films of nickel zinc oxide electroplating, including white zinc metallic colored electrodepositions for the zinc embodiment; brass, bronze, burgundy, purple, blue, green and black electroplatings covering both high and low bath concentration embodiments. The films are useful for decorative and functional purposes. The distinguishing features of the coating are its vivid colorfulness, its specular reflection and the perception of binocular depth by the observer caused by translucence of the deposited film. The baths can coat a variety of metal substrates, including brass, copper and most ferrous metals. The alkaline plating bath embodiment of this invention permits the coating to be directly electroplated over zinc, as well as aluminum.

Abstract: A new sign post driver comprises a piston which rests upon a post, well pipe or piling to be driven into the ground and a weighted cylinder which reciprocates vertically to impact the piston on the downstroke. The cylinder is raised pneumatically for each stroke and falls by force of gravity to strike an anvil on the piston. An optional spring assist on the downstroke adds to the impact thus adding to the impact for a given weight of cylinder. The result is an exceptionally light and simple post driver for its capabilities.

Abstract: A new cockpit unit and method for installation in a sailboat comprises a drop-in replacement cockpit of fiberglass reinforced resin that increases cockpit floor area by 255% and converts Cruiser/Racer into a Day-Sailer/Racer. The conversion retains all aspects of the sailboat required by the racing rules but affords greater comfort and maneuverability for the skipper and crew. As applied to the J-24 class sailboat, the new cockpit and installation method retain the structural integrity of the hull by retaining the bulkheads of the hull supporting the cockpit floor.

Abstract: Several associated techniques and fiber optic constructions are disclosed to protect a diaphragm type fiber optic cylinder pressure sensor from the effects of maximum under hood temperatures and to minimize errors associated with rapidly changing under hood and engine temperatures. The techniques include electronic compensation in response to temperature change, fuel system cooling of the optoelectronic interface, construction of the interface and construction of the sensor tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing the flows of molten polymer or similar materials in molding systems which utilize manifolds to direct flow into one or more cavities of an injection mold. The apparatus utilizes intermeshing positive displacement, interconnected gearing systems similar to positive displacement gear pumps in hydraulic systems. These positive displacement gear mechanisms are placed in each parallel flow channel such that all flow in each channel passes through a gear mechanism. After a mold cavity is filled, the gear mechanisms can be utilized as melt pumps to continue packing or holding plastic in the mold cavity. By reversing the pump mechanisms, precise decompression of the flow channels to eliminate gate stringing and other adverse effects can be accomplished.

Abstract: A soft sculpture shellfish animal toy comprises a soft sculpture of an oyster accented with features to give it “personality” and “hugability” to children and humor to adults. Such features include hands and feet, a head and eyes. Being an oyster there is a pearl that opens and closes to contain small items that a child might collect. Also, there is an oyster shell that opens and closes to contain the oyster and pearl as well as more items that a child might collect.

Abstract: A mechanical ball coupling or clutch comprises a plurality of magnetizable balls located between inner and outer concentric caged needle rollers without raceways. The caged needle rollers are concentric with the axis of a hollow non-magnetic rotatable shaft which carries therewithin an actuateable electromagnet. Substantially surrounding the caged needle rollers and balls to form chambers therefor is a rotatable concentric shell of a non-magnetic material. Upon actuation of the electromagnet, the balls and needle rollers magnetically nest together to form a torque transmitting condition between the hollow shaft and the shell. A third set of needle rollers mounted in the wall of the hollow shaft allow the electromagnet to float in a non-rotating condition within the rotating hollow shaft.

Abstract: A new level having a very rigid and rugged construction in the form of solid blocks between four track members that guide the relative movement of the level frame and level extension. The track members and extension provide planar surfaces the length of the extended level on the top and bottom. The extension includes handgrips to assist in both extending and using the level. As an option, a rotatable spirit vial is located in the extension. The rotatable spirit vial may be set for any angular degree between the horizontal and the vertical. Thus, angular pitches may be accurately determined with as much ease as the horizontal or vertical.

Abstract: Modem passenger vehicles have many electronic control modules linked by a serial data bus. The control modules provide a large, continuous stream of driving and vehicle parameters which are available at a federally mandated data port located under the dashboard. With no other circuitry or sensors, the new electronic monitor is plugged into the data port to obtain real-time driving and vehicle data. This real-time data can be used to instruct and improve safety related driving behavior, improve fuel efficiency related driving behavior, aid in diagnosing vehicle problems, fleet use monitoring, and customized monitoring. The specific software programmed into the monitor is tailored to the specific desires of the vehicle owner, vehicle operator, vehicle driver or possible future governmental regulations. Also, with an optional key-fob like device, certain other software can be engaged or disengaged during use of the vehicle.

Abstract: Fuel injectors (10) for internal combustion engines are modified and equipped with fiber optic fuel pressure sensors (12) and fiber optic combustion pressure sensors (14). The combustion pressure sensors (14) are located in separate channels (26) formed in the fuel injectors with the lower portion (22) of the channels leading to the combustion chambers. Above the combustion pressure sensors (14) are fiber optic leads (24). In the preferred embodiments the sensors (46) are equipped with diaphragms (40) of novel shape (48) and employ multiple pairs of fibers (86, 88), temperature sensitive components (72, 74, 126) and novel compensation and status monitoring circuits (FIGS. 6, 9, 10, 14, 15, 18).

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for collecting and detecting airborne microorganisms comprises a culturing container containing liquid media capable of growing the suspect microorganisms and a pump for drawing an air sample containing the suspect microorganisms through the liquid media. The suspect microorganisms mix with the liquid media and are subsequently incubated to promote their growth and cause an indication of their presence.

Abstract: A modified scalpel and blade exchanging apparatus and method whereby insertion of the scalpel blade (106) end into the apparatus and turning of the scalpel handle (111) causes the dull or spent blade to be exchanged with a new blade (130) on the scalpel (101) in a few seconds. The quick exchange is accomplished by a cam system (183, 184) that opens and closes the jaws or fingers (104, 105) that retain the blade on the scalpel and a dispenser (119) that positions the new blade in the open jaws or fingers just prior to closure. The new invention solves the problem of detaching and attaching scalpel blades in a matter of seconds without danger to the user. With a mere twist of the wrist, the user detaches the dull blade and attaches the new blade, the dull blade dropping into a sharps container (107) upon detachment.

Abstract: A hairbrush comprising retractable bristles to ease removal of hair from the brush comprises an internal wedge and wheel mechanism actuated by a sliding button and link to the wheel. Alignment channels assure movement of the bristles through the perforated panel without binding. In alternative embodiments, a full expandable linkage or a half expandable linkage extend and retract the bristles through the perforated panel of the hairbrush.