Abstract: In a spatial coordinate measurement system using an articulated arm and associated electronic data processor, the workpiece having locations to be measured is held by a carrier rotatively supported about an axis. An angular encoder feeds into the processor the relative orientation of the carrier about the axis. The processor virtually translates the origin or point of reference of the arm as a function of the orientation of the carrier so that the carrier and workpiece can be rotated to place the location to be measured in close proximity to the sensing probe of the arm without affecting the relative coordinate measurement. The extent of movement of the arm around the workpiece that would be necessary if the piece remained stationary throughout measurements of all locations, is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A safety cover installed over an electrical wall outlet comprises two quarter-shell segments hinged about their median sections to a base. When the two segments are clamped together, they form a protective hood over the outlet. When separated, the segments fall away from the outlet to provide free access to it. A sleeve surrounding the base can be slid over the the root of the shell segments to lock them in their closed position. The mating edges of the clamped segments are indented in their center section to accommodate the electrical cord of a jack plugged into the outlet.

Abstract: A device for quantitively collecting, preserving and mailing a specimen of fecal or other biological matter for later analysis comprises a tubular vessel defining a chamber closed at one end by a plug and restricted at the opposite end by a narrow aperture. A stopper for closing the open end of the vessel extends into a stick having indentations capable of retaining some of the biological matter. The stick intimately engages the aperture so that the amount of matter introduced into the chamber is limited to what is carried in the indentations. The shank of the stick seals the aperture once the stopper has been screwed into place. The plug mounts a breakable hollow nib and is installed after introduction into the chamber of a metered volume of preserving solution. A cover caps the plug and nib to provide additional sealing of that end of the vessel.

Abstract: A roller skate (10) has a light (22) housed in a forward tip recess of a slab (13) of synthetic material interposed between a boot (11) and the roller truck (12). A lighted toggling push-button switch (10) that espouses the back contour of the heel, can be activated by taping the back of the heel against the floor or any other stationary structure. The light comprises a battery compartment occupying the deepest area of the recess. A lens contoured to blend with the outline of the sole tip can be releasably snapped against the frontal opening of the battery compartment. A bulb-mounting assembly is held sandwiched between the lens and the battery compartment. The lights in the contoured tip lens and heel switch can be seen from either side of the skate.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine for dispensing uniformly-sized spherical projectiles such as paintballs into a gun adapted to shoot said projectiles has a generally oblong, closed container having a channel defined in its bottom from a distal axial end to an outlet port located in a lowermost, median portion of the container. The proximal portion of the container floor defines a slanted platform which extends above and beyond the outer port so that projectiles are urged by the platform toward the distal end of the channel from where they roll under the platform and into the outlet port. A helicoidal stirring arm projects from a distal area of the platform obliquely over the exposed part of the channel. The steering arm is driven by an electrical motor controlled by a switch conveniently mounted on the side of the magazine. The arm spins in a ball-uplifting direction to break any jamming of the balls above the channel.

Abstract: A fluid specimen collecting and testing device has two chambers each sealable by a lid. A first chamber has a portion of the specimen volume for carrying out a field test. A second chamber preserves an untainted portion of the fluid for more rigorous laboratory testing. A volume of fluid is temporarily allowed to pass from one chamber to the other through a sealable passageway. One lid carries one or more chromatic graphic reaction testing strips.

Abstract: A refrigerated, open-top food pan that can be used as a counter top buffet, as a store self-service display or as a kitchen food ingredient holder, has two cooling systems. The first one discharges a blast of cool air through the exit ports of an manifold peripherally mounted near the upper rim of the pan. The cooled air is generated by a bwer taking air from a grated port in the inner side wall and forcing it through a chamber housing a cooling expansion coil. A secondary cooling system has an expansion tube in intimate and circuitous contact with the bottom and side wall of the pan.

Abstract: A garment pocket has a flap cover secured to the front piece by means of cooperating straps of hook-and-vane cloth fastener. One of the upper corners of the flap cover is diagonally cut-away to expose a small part of the pocket opening, providing a convenient way to clip and quickly retrieve a pen or similar device.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assessing the quality of a printed circuit board assembly (6) using digitized video image analysis. The apparatus integrates with existing relatively low precision automated surface mount technology (“SMT”) manufacturing systems as an inspection station (56a) insertable at various steps in the assembly process or as a separate manually loaded station. The inspection station includes a high resolution video imaging system and a video image analyzer comprising an onboard master computer (26a) that generates control signals to reposition the camera mounted within a screen (45) on a movable carriage (22a) and/or reposition the circuit board, and adjust the lighting; and generates individual board status data to be archived, graphically displayed on monitors (40a, 41a) or otherwise utilized by a rework station.

Abstract: A collapsible trash bag stand having a sleeve-shaped body made from durable semi-rigid sheet material and having a plurality of punch-out, retainer tabs that snap into position to prevent the bag from slipping into the stand and to accommodate loading of multiple layers of trash bags at one time.

Abstract: A tension-regulated wire-feeding apparatus, particularly adapted to high speed winding of thin conductor wires upon an electronic component, applies a magnetic particle brake to the wire supply spool in inverse proportion to the pulling tension applied on the wire by the winding mechanism. The brake is controlled by an electric current generated by a controllable power supply. The output of the power supply is modulated by a follower potentiometer coupled to a lever arm which resiliently bear against a segment of wire unwound from the supply spool in order to monitor its pulling tension.

Abstract: A method for centralized mass processing of substitutable, good-holding magazines used in conjunction with computer-controlled vending machines. A memory-chip-mounting smart-card is used, not only to enter into the machines the magazine location and price of the various goods, but also to carry a sales transaction record of the replaced magazine, thus avoiding the need for magazine locking mechanisms and other security measures.

Abstract: A dental hygiene preparation of very low toxicity, but with good remineralization properties and effectiveness in removing food particles and plaques from the tooth surfaces is particularly indicated for use by elderly patients and those with compromised immune systems. The preparation uses a nonfermentable sweetener in lieu of Sodium Fluoride, Sodium Monofluorophasphate or Stannous Fluoride as a caries-preventive agent in combination with Potassium Citrate and Disodium Edetate.

Abstract: An assemblage of reference points arranged in a distorted pattern of rows and columns over a planar surface is used to precisely establish the coordinates of a particular situs on said surface by determining the location between said situs in relation to three of said reference points. The array is particularly useful in ascertaining the reference location of a swiveling coordinate measuring arm or other such spatial measuring device. A three-dimensional reference point array can be constructed from a similarly distributed matrix of reference points arranged in orthogonally-oriented layers of rows and columns. Positioning the probe of the measuring device over three closely located reference points is sufficient to automatically load the exact coordinates of the measuring device location into an associated data processing system.

Abstract: A female fitting for pipes or tubes, particularly indicated for use in cramped quarters and under highly restrictive environmental conditions, has a split front section threaded with tapered translation-type threads. A hex-nut with commensurate and similarly tapered threads is used to cinch the split front section over an engaging pipe or tube. A circular groove within the fitting can nest an O-ring or other sealing collar. A flange with flattened parallel peripheral zones surround the fitting for reinforcement and to provide a convenient clamping surface. A cutting tool with dual pairs of cutting wheels is used to score two parallel channels around the end of the pipe or tube to receive a first sealing-ring made of compressible material and a second made of the same material as the pipe or tube.

Abstract: 2,3,2 Tetramine (3,7-diazanonane-1,9-diamine) is propounded for treatment of Parkingson's Disease and dementias characterized by mitochondrial damage in view of this compound's ability to completely neutralize the dopamine-depriving effect of MPTP in laboratory animals up to 12 hours post MPTP injection, and to retain partial protection at suboptimal tissue levels for up to 36 hours.