Abstract: A cutting hoe and method wherein a handle is connected to a cutting head that has a cutting surface along a substantially 360 degree cutting portion circumscribing the cutting head thereby permitting cutting in any direction. In one embodiment, a star configuration is provided for the cutting head which is, for example, a four pointed star-shaped configuration. In other embodiments substantially circular and rectangular (i.e. square) shaped cutting head configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A protection apparatus for sensitive electronic circuitry susceptible to damage from transient voltage pulses. The apparatus includes sensitive circuitry and a transient voltage suppressor device mounted on a common circuit board or substrate. The transient voltage suppressor device comprises a semiconductor chip having a plurality of electrodes on a single major surface of the chip, the plurality of electrodes comprises over the half the area of the major surface of the chip and are mounted to surface conductors of the circuit board. The chip may contain a plurality of transient voltage suppression devices.

Abstract: An electromechanical press apparatus for trimming excess portions from a leadframe strip package having a semiconductor chip thereon and for forming leads of the leadframe strip package extending from the semiconductor chip is disclosed. The apparatus provides an electric motor that drives two orthogonally oriented shafts through a 90 degree gear box coupler. One shaft is used to move a portion-of the apparatus along a rectangular path of motion for linearly shifting a leadframe strip along a plane orthogonally oriented to the rectangular path of motion. The other shaft is used to move another portion of the apparatus along a line of motion orthogonally oriented to the plane for performing a trimming operation or a forming operation.

Abstract: A telephone answering device for permitting a person to switch an incoming telephone call to a message recording or answering machine for taking or recording a message from a caller onto at least one cassette of the message recording or answering machine. This device includes a telephone instrument, at least one message recording or answering machine, and a person actuated switch. The person actuated switch has a first "normal" position to permit a person to receive calls using the telephone instrument and a second position for permitting a person to switch the caller to the message recording or answering machine after the person has initially spoken to the caller.

Abstract: A system for alerting mail distributors to a potential message (such as that all the current mail has been forwarded) when attempting to deliver mail to a mail receptacle. A device is provided which may be entirely located within such mail receptacle, which device permits the positioning of both alerting means and message means in a position demanding attention by such mail distributor. Alerting is accomplished by an enhanced sort of "miniature stop sign" and messaging is provided by a slotted holder for holding a replaceable message viewable through a transparent face of the message holder. Appropriate positioning of the alerting system within the mail receptacle is accomplished by a pair of spring-loaded extendible rods which may be retracted by the user to place the whole alerting system within the mail receptacle and then releasing the rods for compression contact with the inner walls of the mail receptacle.

Abstract: A method of making lightweight, tear-resistant, and water-resistant wearing apparel comprises the steps of removing unwanted portions from used envelopes, connecting a plurality of the envelopes together into a sheet, cutting the sheet into apparel portions, and coupling the apparel portions together in order to form the wearing apparel. The used envelopes are made from a lightweight, substantially tear-resistant, and substantially water-resistant material such as TYVEK. This method also provides a desirable method for recycling used envelopes into useful wearing apparel.

Abstract: A method of making a doll having an image impregnated thereon is disclosed comprising the steps of obtaining the image, forming an altered image that is substantially similar to the original image, copying the altered image onto heat transfer paper using a copying machine, applying the altered image from the heat transfer paper onto material, and constructing the doll with the material. A color laser copier is used to form the altered image and to make a copy of the altered image onto heat transfer paper. In particular, the color laser copier is used to reduce or expand the size of the original image, and, in addition, the mirror image function of the copier is used to copy a mirror image of the original image onto the heat transfer paper. As a result, when the altered image, namely the reduced or enlarged mirror image, is applied from the heat transfer paper onto the material which is used to make the doll, the altered image is properly shown on the doll.

Abstract: A handle for stabilizing a passenger riding in tandem with an operator of a vehicle has a tubular core made of soft rubber. The tubular core is surrounded by a pliable covering of foamed elastomeric material. A nylon strap extends through, and has an end portion projecting to either side of, the tubular core. The end portions of the strap are provided with snaps which allow the handle to be releasably connected to one or more belts worn by the operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and changing battery packs from a battery powered vehicle. The battery powered vehicle drives toward a light source which aligns the battery powered vehicle with the apparatus. The apparatus is moved in a horizontal plane to a position underneath a battery holding location on the battery powered vehicle. An operator moves pneumatic carrier to a position directly underneath a battery pack located in the battery holding location. The apparatus is then moved in a vertical plane so that the pneumatic carrier engages a bottom section of the battery pack. The pneumatic carrier is then activated thereby lifting the battery pack on a cushion of air. This allows the operator to move the battery pack out of the battery holding location, across a platform deck of the apparatus, and to a storage location. The operator can then use the pneumatic carrier to move a fresh battery pack located in a different storage location to the battery powered vehicle.

Abstract: A stream of hot air passes from a combustion chamber through an application gun to a preheated substrate. A powdered thermoplastic is fed into the application gun. The hot air stream heats the powdered thermoplastic to its fusion temperature and transports it to the substrate.

Abstract: A backpack carrier device for directing the weight of the burden carried toward the center of gravity of the wearer, which will permit carrying heavier than normal burdens much more comfortably with less energy expended. The design of this carrier is helixical with inherent shock absorption and flexibility, plus an adjustable shock absorbing mechanism. It also permits greater maneuverability of the wearer and eliminates compression forces on the shoulders since there are no shoulder straps. The carrier is adjustable to fit differing torso sizes and can be disassembled into component parts. It will permit the carrying of a variety of backpacks according to the needs of the wearer, eg. day pack, child carrier, military pack, fireman's pack, etc.

Abstract: An electromechanical press apparatus for trimming excess portions from a leadframe strip package having a semiconductor chip thereon and for forming leads of the leadframe strip package extending from the semiconductor chip is disclosed. The apparatus provides an electric motor that drives two orthogonally oriented shafts through a 90 degree gear box coupler. One shaft is used to move a portion of the apparatus along a rectangular path of motion for linearly shifting a leadframe strip along a plane orthogonally oriented to the rectangular path of motion. The other shaft is used to move another portion of the apparatus along a line of motion orthogonally oriented to the plane for performing a trimming operation or a forming operation.

Abstract: A first wrench and a second wrench each has a threaded hole in the handle thereof. A connection fixture which has a threaded rod that has a central portion fixedly connected within a nut is screwed into the wrenches, whereby the wrenches are removeably connected.

Abstract: An oscillator generates a signal that is applied to one input of a phase shifter circuit. The other input of the phase shifter is connected to a source of a phase modulation signal. In response to the phase modulationsignal, the phase shifter provides a clock signal with a spread spectrum.

Abstract: A portable tabletop or counter top cookie dispenser has a transparent container. A pair of laterally spaced partitions extends lengthwise of the container along the bottom of the latter, and the partitions define a trough which opens to a discharge chute at the front of the container. Inclined guide walls are mounted in the container above the trough and serve to funnel cookies placed in the container to the rear of the trough. A screw conveyor is located in and extends longitudinally of the trough. The screw conveyor is driven by a handwheel disposed at the front of the container externally thereof. When the handwheel is rotated, the screw conveyor urges cookies in the trough towards the discharge chute.

Abstract: An automatic plunger apparatus is disclosed for compressing molten plastic into a cavity for forming an encapsulated semiconductor device. A compressing device drives a plunger member in order to compress and direct molten plastic to flow in a forward direction into the cavity. An overload compensator is coupled to the plunger member for permitting the plunger member to withdraw in a reverse direction when the plunger member is prevented from compressing and directing the molten plastic to flow in the forward direction into the cavity. The overload compensator includes a first member retained within a second member for transferring the force from the compressing device into motion of the plunger member.