Abstract: A system for filing applications with an institution from a plurality of remote sites, and for automatically processing said applications in response to each applicant's credit rating obtained from a credit reporting service comprising a series of self-service terminals remotely linked via a telephone line to a first computer at the institution and to a second computer at the credit reporting service headquarters. Each remote terminal comprises a video screen and a video memory which holds image-and-sound-generating information arranged to simulate the aspect and speech of an application loan officer on the video screen. The simulated loan officer is used to acquire loan request data from the applicant by guiding him through an interactive sequence of inquiries and answers. The terminal is programmed to acquire credit rating data relating to the applicant from the credit rating service, and to use the data to compute the credit worthiness of the applicant and the amount which may be loaned to him.

Abstract: A remotely controllable toy surface vehicle has the capability of deploying wings on command and to attain flight in the absence of any air interactive propulsion mechanism. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the fixed wings are first pitched to keep the vehicle on the ground or water until a takeoff velocity is reached; after which the pitch of the wings is remotely adjusted for takeoff and flight.

Abstract: A skate particularly adapted for speed contests has a foot-receiving boot hinged about a fore-foot section of the sole to a in-line wheel-mounting or blade-mounting truck so that the heel-section of the boot can be rotatively lifted away from the truck while keeping the skate is full contact with the skating surface. The boot is biased down toward the truck by a strong spring in a first embodiment of the invention, or by the resiliency of a hinge-forming web linking the boot to the truck in an alternate embodiment. A quickly set mechanism is provided to lock the boot onto the truck to turn the device into a conventional skate.

Abstract: A multi-tether kite control device uses a racheting mechanism to rewind the tether reels. The mechanism is activated by a pull-string attached to the belt or torso of the operator. By repetitively moving the device away from and toward his body, the operator can rewind one or both tethers without releasing his grasp upon the device handles. Separate reels are used to coil the tethers attached to the leading edges of the kite to provide a controlled braking action.

Abstract: A process for low cost manufacturing light-weight, heat-dissipating structures such as heatsinks, heat spreaders, and covers or lids for microelectronic components such as flip-chip integrated circuits from difficult-to-machine metal matrix composites such as aluminum silicon carbide (generically referred to as “Al—SiC” or “AlSiC”). The process involves selecting a mass produced quantity of Al—SiC material, forming that material into a thin ribbon, then stamping/coining the ribbon into the structures. The ribbon can be formed by extruding a thin strip from a billet of the Al—SiC material, then plurally rolling it. In this way, commonly available AlSiC composites manufactured in high volume for use in other applications such as cast automotive parts may be used.

Abstract: A set of simple and economical components is used to transform an existing back lighted sign into a self-propelled scrolling banner display. Only two structural parts are used, and the electro-mechanical components are limited to a step-down transformer, a rectifier circuit, a pair of motors, and a switch and voltage step-down diode assembly.

Abstract: An orbital implant motility peg capable of being placed in vivo in an orbital implant, wherein the peg is configured to permit rotation about a longitudinal axis of the peg during or following insertion of the peg into the implant, and wherein the peg comprises a means for removable attachment to an artificial eye. The means for removable attachment can comprise a convex surface capable of articulating with a concave surface on the artificial eye. The means for removable attachment can comprise a ball capable of providing a ball of a ball-and-socket articulation. The peg can contain a means for removable attachment that comprises a positive or a negative magnetic pole. The peg can define a cavity capable of containing a stint for attachment to an artificial eye. Also disclosed is a stint capable of being placed in such a peg cavity. The stint can comprise a means for removable attachment to an artificial eye such as a ball of a ball-and-socket articulation.

Abstract: Heat-dissipating microcircuit substrate, having coefficients of thermal expansion adjusted to match the materials of the microcircuit mounted thereupon, are manufactured by powder metallurgy using carbides resulting from the combination of various types of carbons and wetting agents.

Abstract: A container which can be held and opened by one hand has a dome-shaped cap formed by a series of adjacent, contiguous and ogee-shaped segments resiliently held together by an elastic ring. When the cap is forced down over the opening rim of the vessel, the ogee-shaped segments separate to expose the vessel opening. A similar cap mounted in the inverse direction in the inlet of a paintball-shooting gun magazine opens when contacted by the rim of a paintball container from which the magazine is being reloaded.

Abstract: A tether based connector for locating, identifying, inventorying, controlling and helping to ensure the retrieval of one or more items packaged within a container loaded with potentially obscuring packaging materials. The connector terminates at a fastener at one end for releasably fastening to an item, and at an easily located terminus at the other end. The terminus may be formed as an anchorment for anchoring to the container. A single anchorment may be adapted to serve a plurality of tethers for fastening to a plurality of items. A badge carrying item identifying information can be associated with a connector. A dispenser or applicator dispenses multiple connectors. An oblong foam slab is separable into anchorment and fastener portions connected by the tether extendible from at least one of the portions. Also disclosed is an inventive method for packaging items with tethers.

Abstract: A series of height-adjustable pipe-supports are used to lay a flexible conduit such as the sewer line of a recreation vehicle at a gradually decreasing slant above a ground surface. Gutter segments are also used between the pipe and its supports to prevent sagging between them. Each support comprises a substantially hemispherical clamp mounted on a threaded rod that can be adjusted screwed into a pedestal. An intermediary extension can be interposed between the clamp and the pedestal to provide additional height.

Abstract: An ergonomically enhanced backpack comprises a frame having a semi-rigid dorsal plate contoured to the shape of the lumbar region. The dorsal plate is secured to the body by a combination of shoulder straps and waist belt. An expandable cargo compartment is behind the dorsal mounted plate and sandwiched between the dorsal plate and a panel or netting. Drawstrings combined with the belt allow the user to pull the panel or netting toward the dorsal plate, and thus compress the load against the lumbar area closer to the body's center of gravity. In the first embodiment, that panel has a hinged door giving access to the cargo compartment. A detachable, soft shell bag is mounted over the cargo compartment.

Abstract: A portfolio for use by a participant to a convention, seminar or trade show can be conveniently secured over the back of a seat, provides a surface or transparent pocket for prominently displaying a corporate logo, trademark or association emblem, and has appropriately shaped and dimensioned pockets to hold documents, writing instruments and a cellular phone. The portfolio can be freely provided to such a participant as an advertising medium by installing it prior to the initial meeting over the back of the seat immediately in front of him.

Abstract: A system of tracks, brackets and containers, typically empty beverage cans, assembled and used for temporary storage, temporary emergency shelters, toys, or other uses involving inexpensive and light weight building materials. The system is implemented by releasably attaching the containers to the tracks, then releasably attaching the tracks to each other either horizontally, vertically, or both to form structural elements such as beams, columns, or panels. The rigid tracks are made from a material which allows for apertures in the tracks to be sized to resiliently snap onto portions of the containers. The track may be formed in a variety of different shapes, such as straight, angled, curved, T-shaped or cross-shaped. Additionally, the brackets may be formed in a variety of different shapes to attach the track assemblies to each other in various orientations.

Abstract: A thin foldable intraocular implant specifically configured for installation into the anterior chamber of a phakic or pseudophakic eye has broad positioning flaps that do not apply any substantial pressure against the wall of the eye. It can be rolled for insertion through a corneal incision as small as 2.75 millimeters. The implant is constituted by a resiliently flexible membrane, with an overall thickness as low as 10 microns, that vaults the iris without contacting it.

Abstract: A household appliance water leak detection and management containment wall made from one or more oblong pieces of water-resistant, shape-retaining, flexible sheet material such as aluminum. The ends of the pieces may be joined to circumscribe a zone of contact between the appliance and its supporting surface, forming a containment space. A layer of sealant creates a water-resistant seal between a lower edge of the wall and the supporting surface. An electronic water-detection and alarm device may be placed within the containment space. A valved spigot may be mounted through a portion of the wall to allow drainage.

Abstract: A holding device which wedges against the side of a workpiece to provide unencumbered access during machining operations. The jaws of the device are thick enough to be contoured to the shape of the workpiece for a firmer hold. A clamping brace is provided to immobilize the jaws during their machining.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a yoyo toy is made of resiliently stretchable material. The sleeve is coaxially engaged over the yoyo when not in use. The sleeve, not only protects the yoyo against chips, scratches and other damages, but also keeps its string from unraveling or tangling.

Abstract: A drilling template for carving into the lateral edge or the jamb of a door, a slot shaped and dimensioned to receive either a lock and its mounting plate or its strikeplate has a series of drill bit bores at regular spaced-apart intervals along a central line, a pair of lateral legs, and mounting holes corresponding to those of the lock or strikeplate. A drill is used to rout the lock blade slot through the drill bit bores. Guides in either side of the bores prevent lateral movement of the bit, but allow slight longitudinal swing to remove material that may remain between holes. The height of the guides may be varied along the length of the template to guide the routing for a slot of more uniform depth. Lateral spacers are provided to align the template against the angled part of the door jamb. A specialized routing drill bit is provided for drilling the strikeplate or lock channel. The bit has central pilot shaft for tracking within the lock blade slot and a removable circular toothed disk.