Abstract: The present invention is related to a unit utilized in the practice of outdoor sports, specifically, but not solely, for stalking and legally hunting animals. Specifically it refers to an automatically and reversibly transformable trailer-to-raised lookout platform from which the animals may be observed for the purpose of filming them, photographing them or hunting them. It is characterized by consisting of a cube-shaped structure with at least one set of wheels and a hitch for connecting it to a towing vehicle, with a roof made up of a platform and an awning which may be raised and lowered by means of telescoping arms located in each corner and activated by an elevation system which raises the platform above the trailer thus forming the floor of an observation and lookout cabin, as well as the awning which at the same time is raised above the platform making between the awning and the platform means for covering the side opening of the cabin.

Abstract: A system (10) for video inspection of a passage such as a bore hole (2) is provided. The system (10) includes a carrying case (1) having a deep housing (12) and a removable cover (14) with a spool (16) of coaxial cable (18) stored inside the carrying case (1). The coaxial cable (18) exits the carrying case (1) at an opening (13). A cable arm (20) attached to the carrying case (1) and supported by an adjustable leg (22) conveys the coaxial cable (18) to the passage. Attached to the end of the coaxial cable (18) is a camera assembly (24). Camera assembly (24) includes a single camera operable to capture an image in a first direction along a long axis and a second direction, ninety degrees offset from the first direction.

Abstract: The system and method extracts a predetermined number of Standard Definition television frames from an MPEG-encoded High Definition video frame. The MPEG-encoded High Definition frame is decoded to recover the High Definition scan lines. Scan lines are alternately output from the decoder from the top and bottom of the High Definition frame (or from a frame buffer, after parsing, if the decoder is not capable of this operation). The pixel data in the alternate scan lines is separated into the predetermined number of Standard Definition frames, Standard Definition timing signals are then generated for each Standard Definition frame, and the Standard Definition data is output to a video encoder.

Abstract: A method for sports training allows an athlete to move an exercise bar connected between congruent trusses freely in two dimensions. The resistance the bar offers to the movements of the user is programmable and may be varied according to predetermined parameters and also as a predetermined function of measured parameters. The parameters of the exercise may also be recorded.

Abstract: An adjustable tibial osteotomy jig, comprises a goniometer, and the goniometer further comprises first an second arms, each arm having a base. A pivot movably connects the arms at the bases. The pivot has a bore passing through it. A proximal and distal cutting guide are mounted on the first and second arms, respectively. The cutting guides each have a slot to receive a saw blade. Each cutting guide is clamped in a predetermined position along its respective arm. One or more pins pass through the holes in the proximal cutting guide and into a tibia, for fixing the proximal cutting guide in a first predetermined position with respect to the tibia. One or more pins pass through the holes in the distal cutting guide for fixing the distal cutting guide in a second predetermined position with respect to the tibia The surgeon passes the blade of a saw through the slots of the cutting guides, which results in a cut removing a wedge-shaped piece of bone from the tibia.

Abstract: We disclose a method for analyzing the composition of a microscopic particle resting on a first sample surface. The method comprises positioning a micro-manipulator probe near the particle; attaching the particle to the probe; moving the probe and the attached particle away from the first sample surface; positioning the particle on a second sample surface; and, analyzing the composition of the particle on the second sample surface by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis or detection of Auger electrons. The second surface has a reduced or non-interfering background signal during analysis relative to the background signal of the first surface. We also disclose methods for adjusting the electrostatic forces and DC potentials between the probe, the particle, and the sample surfaces to effect removal of the particle, and its transfer and relocation to the second sample surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting simulator instruments to a simulator host computer includes a plurality of panel modules, a data bus having a connection to each panel module, and a control computer connected to the data bus and to the host computer. Each panel module further comprises at least one simulated instrument and a local computer. The local computer runs a computer program adapted to the instrument or instruments controlled by that panel module, so that the local computer communicates with the data bus for bi-directional communication between the instrument and the control computer. Each panel module has a unique address on the data bus.

Abstract: A support system has an array of telescoping columns that are each extended by a means such as a spring. The ends of the extended columns define a plane of support for a body resting on the array of columns. The columns move perpendicular to the plane of support, and independently, in response to the weight of a body resting upon them. The means for keeping the columns extended may be passive or active, and the columns may be moved independently by actuators connected to them. The columns may be assembled into modules, which can in turn be assembled into support systems of arbitrary size and shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping hair strands with string or artificial hair is disclosed. The apparatus has a shell that defines an axle having an opening. The axle rotatably supports a drive wheel, a spool of string and a guide wheel. The drive wheel engages the guide wheel. The string passes from the spool past the guide wheel, which has circumferential notches to engage and play out the string. In practice, the user passes a hair strand through the opening in the axle, fastens the string to a hair strand, energizes the apparatus, and moves it along the length of the hair strand as the string is wrapped about the strand. The apparatus is preferably powered by a small DC motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for sports training allows an athlete to move an exercise bar freely in two dimensions by connecting the bar between congruent pantograph trusses. The resistance offered to the movements of the user is programmable and may be varied according to predetermined parameters and also as a predetermined function of measured parameters. The apparatus further incorporates means to record the parameters of the exercise.

Abstract: A sample (180) is separated from an integrated circuit chip or a semiconductor wafer (100) for examination so that the resulting sample (180) can be moved to a location for examination by TEM, SEM or other means. A sample (180) portion of the chip or wafer (100) containing an area of interest is separated with a two cuts (140, 160) at two different angles (130, 170) by a focused ion-beam (120). Only after the sample (180) is separated is it fixed to a micromanipulator probe (190). The sample (180) is then moved by the probe (190) to the location for examination.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking and dispensing starch to laundry machines has a hopper (10) holding dry starch and a stirrer (15) and auger (25) for delivering predetermined amounts of dry starch to a mixing chamber (35) to be mixed with water. The mixing chamber (35) has a circulation pump (60) for circulating the starch and water mixture. A pressure pump (70) delivers starch and water mix from the mixing chamber (35) to a cooking chamber (80). The cooking chamber (80) also receives steam, which cooks the starch and water mix. A programmed computer (100) causes the apparatus to receive a request for starch from a laundry machine and dispense a predetermined amount of cooked starch to the requesting machine through one or more discharge valves (125) connected to a manifold (120). The computer (110) starts and stops the stirrer (15), auger (25), pressure pump (70), a steam valve (100), and discharge valves (125) to particular laundry machines in a programmed sequence.

Abstract: A lower back exercise and apparatus for performing a lower back exercise. The apparatus has a vertical pendulum suspended under the person exercising, who lies prone above the pendulum. The person's legs are retained in a resistance transfer apparatus that pivotably connects to the pendulum. Weights may be added to the pendulum The exercise raises the person's legs from the vertical to the horizontal. The exercise then lowers the legs from the horizontal through and past the vertical rest position, in a total motion substantially greater than 90 degrees, using the same muscle groups to push the legs past the vertical rest position. The body support platform may be adjusted to various angles with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: A magnetic stirrer comprises a shell, which defines a cavity. The shell has at least one hole in its uppermost surface, the surface closest to the surface of the liquid to be mixed. The stirrer also has a plug disposed inside the cavity defined by the shell. The plug further comprises a channel running along its uppermost surface and its sides, so that the channel is in fluid communication with both the hole and the cavity. Embedded in the plug is a magnetic element, such as a permanent bar magnet. When an external magnetic field is rotated beneath a container containing the stirrer, the stirrer also rotates. As the stirrer rotates, liquid is impelled through the channel and downward through the cavity, creating a vortex above the stirrer and causing the stirrer to float off the bottom of the container and hover as it rotates.

Abstract: When a desired portion is separated from an integrated circuit chip or a semiconductor wafer, the portion is separated so that the resulting sample can be moved to a location for examination by TEM, SEM or other means. A sample portion of the chip or wafer containing an area of interest is separated with a single cut by a focused ion-beam. Prior to separation, the sample is fixed to a micromanipulator probe. The sample is moved by the probe to the location for examination and fixed there. The probe is then detached from the sample by the focused ion-beam.

Abstract: An automatic mixing and injecting apparatus comprises a syringe assembly within a housing. The syringe assembly has a chamber for holding a liquid, which can be a liquid medicine or a solvent. A second chamber may hold a dry medicine. The second chamber is releasably sealed with respect to the first chamber. A spring-operated plunger forces liquid from the first chamber and causes the releasable seal to disengage when the needle has entered the recipient. At this time, the liquid flows through the second chamber and dissolves any dry medicine in that chamber. A releasable coupling disengages the plunger from the driver spring and allows the plunger, syringe, and needle to retract under the urging of a return spring.

Abstract: A releasable interlock assembly having axial and rotational engagement, and suitable for use in catheter introducers and other medical devices, has a tapered female member which receives a tapered male member. The female member has protrusions which engage corresponding grooves on the male member. The grooves have a generally axially aligned portion and a generally circumferentially aligned portion, terminating in a pocket to receive the corresponding protrusion on the female member. The depth of the each groove decreases from the open axially aligned end to a point just before the pocket, causing a dimensional interference which prevents the protrusion from disengaging the pocket axially, unless deliberately rotated by an operator.

Abstract: A hair braiding apparatus is disclosed comprising a two arms for receiving hooks. The hooks hold a first and second strand of hair, respectively, in slideable engagement and can be retracted and extended by the operator. A third stand of hair is braided with the first and second strands as the arms and books are caused to automatically rotate cyclically and reverse their previous positions. The cyclic rotation carries the first and second strands with it and produces a braid as the operator moves the third strand upward and downward through the opening defined by the arms and the first and second strands. The apparatus may be powered by a DC motor.

Abstract: A rotatable mixing head assembly attachable to a boom of an excavating machine comprising a torque tube supporting a motor mounted within the torque tube, and a mounting assembly for attaching the rotatable mixing head assembly to the boom of an excavating machine. The device has a rotatable mixing head supported by a drive shaft and driven by the motor, which mixing head supports mixing arms and other implements. The rotating casing of the mixing head defines a cavity. Grease is forced through the cavity and out a seal engaging the casing, thus keeping contaminants from the bearings. A water spray may be provided for suppressing dust. A header is provided for delivering dry or liquid reagents to the mixing site.