Abstract: A spirometer is provided which has an air flow path comprising a mouthpiece, filter (such as an air filter or biostatic filter), and an air pathway in which a multiblade transparent windmill rotor rotates when air travels through same. Tips of the rotor are used to detect the rate of rotation providing a train of pulses linearly proportional to the volume of air flowing through the cylindrical air path.

Abstract: A device for removing staples from papers, cloth, or other material without tearing or mutilating the material. The device utilizes a heel of palm to finger gripping action to facilitate a more natural action for removing staples. Staples are extracted by way of a jaw which opposes a wedge-shaped piece (16) to an abutting plate piece (21), which straightens the staple while simultaneously pulling it out of the paper in a perpendicular direction. The wedge-shaped piece (16) includes a portion where its width and thickness increase to dimensions wherein the sum of the width plus twice the thickness exceeds the total length of the three sides of the staples being removed, thus facilitating complete extraction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous feeding of polymer chips or particles to an electron beam accelerator makes use of spreading, belt conveying, irradiation and cooling. The apparatus is designed to make more efficient use of radiation through continuous feed. This method and apparatus, suitably adapted, is also used for food irradiation and decontamination, particularly for ground meats.

Abstract: A snow ski traction device includes a traction blade pivotally mounted on blade-to-ski attachment device so as to secure the blade to the side of a snow ski. The blade pivots through a pivot arc of substantially 90 degrees and is stopped from pivoting outside of that arc. At one end of the arc, the length of the blade is substantially parallel to the length of the ski; while at the other end of the arc, it is perpendicular to the length of the ski. When perpendicular to the ski, the blade engages with and presses backwards against snow or ice beneath the ski, thus propelling the wearer of the ski in a forward direction and preventing backward slippage of the ski. When parallel to the ski, the blade permits a full, forward sliding movement of the ski. The ordinary motion of the ski causes the blade to pivot as required between these parallel and perpendicular positions. This device, and its method of use, are particularly applicable for cross-country skiing, though can be used by downhill skiers as well.

Abstract: A device for removing staples from papers, cloth, or other material without tearing or mutilating the material. The device utilizes a heel of palm to finger gripping action to facilitate a more natural action for removing staples. Staples are extracted by way of a jaw which opposes a wedge-shaped piece to an abutting plate piece, which straightens the staple while simultaneously pulling it out of the paper in a perpendicular direction. The wedge-shaped piece includes a portion where its width and thickness increase to dimensions wherein the sum of the width plus twice the thickness exceeds the slightly less than the total length of the three sides of the staples being removed, thus facilitating complete extraction. The device is readily incorporated into a standard stapler, so that both staple insertion and staple removing functionality are readily incorporated within a single device.

Abstract: An improved intensity control system for an intensified imaging system allows continuous viewing through an intensified imaging system while protecting saturated areas from the negative effects of overexposure. A micromirror array (MMA) is used in conjunction with associated optics to control the intensity incident on the image intensifier. Control circuitry determines if pixel intensity is above or below the preset threshold level. If above, the corresponding elements of the MMA array will deflect the incident light in that specific area thereby eliminating saturation of the pixels. The rest of the image is maintained for continuous viewing. A continuous feedback loop monitors the intensity levels of pixels and actively controls the incident light using the MMA.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unified overlay dialing enables simplified telephone dialing to occur within a standard overlay area and eliminates disruption dealing with area code saturation. Each three-digit area code within an overlay area is associated with a single-digit suffix, with the parent area code obtaining the suffix "0". Intra-overlay area dialing then proceeds on the basis of a seven digit number plus a one-digit suffix, rather than a full 1+10-digit number. For dialing to the parent area code from within the overlay area, the suffix may be omitted entirely, and the expiration of a suitable timing delay causes the seven digit number provided to be dialed into the original (parent) area code. This method can be implemented in connection with a telephone company central office switch, a modified custom calling service or be made accessible to individual telephone subscribers using computerized customer premises equipment. It can also be used to simplify dialing in non-overlaid situations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination anti-skid, anti-theft and vehicle lifting device. In particular, the device disclosed herein attaches easily and quickly to a vehicle tire to help extract the tire and the vehicle to which it is attached from ice, mud, snow, or other immobilizing medium. It also converts readily to a conventional vehicle lifting jack for changing tires. It also converts readily to a "tire boot" and so can be used to prevent vehicle theft. Finally, it is readily convertible to as to immobilize the vehicle steering wheel, also for theft prevention.

Abstract: A 360 Degree Forward View Integral Imaging System comprises a panoramic imaging element capable of imaging a full 360 degree panoramic image and a forward image onto a single plane. This system can be integrated with a variety of image capture systems such as a CCD camera, a film based camera, or a fiber optic bundle coupled to a CCD camera for remote imaging. The applications of such a system include but are not limited to pipe inspection, bore hole inspection and remote imaging.

Abstract: A device and method to convert ordinary rotary motion of input frequency .OMEGA. into a composite motion with the same primary frequency .OMEGA. plus an eccentric motion at a higher frequency .omega. enables a low speed rotary input to drive a higher-speed eccentric motion. A preferred embodiment enables an existing rotary motion machine to be easily adapted to provide compound rotary and eccentric motion.

Abstract: A shrub shelter assembled from modular, interlocking components forms an inverted-V-shaped device to protect shrubs, bushes, small trees and other plants from the damaging effects of falling ice and snow. The assembly of the preferred embodiment utilizes a modular hinge assembly connecting a front framework panel to a rear framework panel. The framework panels are themselves assembled from modular legs, modular horizontal slats, and optional modular vertical slats. Leg extenders enable the height of the shelter to be easily varied, and leg anchors are used to firmly attach the shelter to the ground. Assembly is very simple and fast, and requires no tools.

Abstract: A telescopic firearm scope/sight which is fully integrated with a compact digital camera, and which has size, shape and weight characteristics that are substantially the same as those of a conventional, camera-less telescopic scope, is used to photograph a target proximate the instant at which the target is fired upon. To configure the weapon for photography and firing, the scope is simply placed on the firearm in the same manner as a conventional scope, and the firearm is then fired in the conventional manner. Photographs are recorded, alternatively, in response to the sound of, or the recoil from, the firearm firing.

Abstract: A reconfigurable compound diffraction grating is fabricated using microelectomechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The compound grating structure can be viewed as the superposition of two separately configured gratings. A common lower electrode is placed beneath selected beam elements, known as deflectable beams, to achieve the desired grating configuration (i.e. every other, every third, every fifth, etc.) of the beams in the primary grating. These deflectable beams alone comprise a secondary, lower resolution grating structure. The beam elements are linked to a common upper electrode. Voltage applied across the electrodes creates an electrostatic force that pulls the selected beams down toward the underlying electrode. Changing the vertical position of the selected beams with respect to the other stationary beams presents a different ruling spacing distribution to the incoming radiation. By changing this distribution, the diffracted power among individual diffraction orders of the wavelengths is altered.

Abstract: This Device and Method for Recording, Editing and Displaying Motion-Simulating Moving Pictures begins with the recording of opposite perspective views by stationing recording devices in an opposite facing manner on a movable platform. As the recording devices are moved in a horizontal motion, they capture images as they move past, thus creating moving picture images. The synchronized recording of these opposite perspective views alleviates cumbersome and expensive image editing to achieve the desired results. The ensuing editing processes starts with creative splicing, breaks, etc., along with the adjustments that will bring the images to as near broadcast quality as possible. Once this editing is complete, and after a master copy is stored, new data is added through editing to add advertising or educational/public service messages, and/or special effects. The next generation of editing involves sectioning, i.e.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an electrical power cord or adapter which, by using a lock and key mechanism, will enable or disable power from flowing through said power cord or adapter. It also describes various methods for locking and unlocking a plug to and from the female receptacle of said power cord or adapter. The purpose of such a power cord or adapter is to prevent unauthorized use of any electrical device that may be plugged in to said power cord or adapter, by disabling a flow of current to that device and by locking the plug of that device to the female receptacle of said power cord or adapter. When the appropriate key is used, power flow may be resumed, or the plug may be removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous feeding of polymer chips or particles to an electron beam accelerator makes use of spreading, belt conveying, irradiation and cooling. The apparatus is designed to make more efficient use of radiation through continuous feed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for making highly sensitive measurements of acceleration. The vibration sensor includes the use of a movable gate field effect transistor to sense the motion of a cantilever beam with respect to its base, it also includes an actuator element formed by a pair of electrodes actuating electrostatically on the beam. A feedback control loop is also included for force balance operation resulting in a very wide dynamic range for the sensor.

Abstract: Description of a system of a thermodynamic steam pump for water propulsion, its heating, disinfection and sterilization, or propulsion of other liquids, characterized by use of water steam pressure as the propelling media of a liquid mass directly, without intermediate equipment to convert the energy, which is composed of a pressure tank, an electric input valve, steam under pressure provided by an external source and means for introduction by gravity of the liquid mass to be impulsed, with electromechanical elements to control level and flow, including a heat exchanger where recycled steam is forced through a tube panel which over heats the liquid thus eliminating the existing microbes and bacteria or just taking advantage of said heat exchanger to pre-heat and fluidify heavy crude oils or other viscous liquids with no expense of additional energy. This same thermo-hydro-dynamic system installed in a surface vessel (ship) can act as propulsor of the same by the action and reaction principle. (Jet propulsion.

Abstract: A pivoting pocket utilizes a triple strength triangular stitching attachment to an article of clothing. The pocket is enabled to pivot about a horizontal stitch at the base of the triangle. Stitches along the other two sides of the triangle provide extra strength and facilitate easy attachment to the clothing. The pocket is self contained having both a front and a back.

Abstract: A back-blocking device and method designed to attach any thickness of drywall together at the butt ends of the panels. Butt seams are necessary because of larger ceilings and walls where using one length drywall panels is impossible. Using conventional techniques, butt seams are difficult to conceal and are subject to ridging. This device and method enables the joints to be made between the framing members by securing each end to a specially designed back-blocking. This union creates a joint that attaches the panels together, basically creating a continuous piece of drywall. The back-blocking is slightly angled down the center, at an angle of approximately 170 degrees.