Abstract: An elastic headband device with integrated audio system is disclosed. The device includes a stretchable cloth member sized and shaped for positioning about the head and ears of an individual wearer. The cloth member includes a central cavity throughout with first and second side portions and a rear portion. A pair of audio speaker elements are removably disposed within the central cavity of the cloth member at the first and second side portions thereof. A mechanism is also provided for adjusting the relative position of each audio speaker element within the central cavity at its respective side portion to position each element opposite an ear opening of an individual wearer. A central aperture is positioned at the cloth member rear portion for accessing the central cavity. Finally, a plurality of speaker wires are attached to the audio speaker elements within the cloth member central cavity and exit through the central aperture at the rear portion for connection to an audio generation system.

Abstract: A fully depleted castellated-gate MOSFET device is disclosed along with a method of making the same. The device has robust I/O applications, and includes a semiconductor substrate body having an upper portion with an upper end surface and a lower portion with a lower end surface. A source region, a drain region, and a channel-forming region between the source and drain regions are all formed in the semiconductor substrate body. trench isolation insulator islands surround the source and drain regions as well as the channel-forming region. The channel-forming region is made up of a plurality of thin, spaced, vertically-orientated conductive channel elements that span longitudinally along the device between the source and drain regions. A gate structure is also provided in the form of a plurality of spaced, castellated gate elements interposed between the channel elements.

Abstract: An electrode for a capacitor is provided and includes a conductive metal foil layer and an electronically conductive intermediate layer disposed on the metal foil layer. A thin metal oxide ink coating is operatively printed on the intermediate layer and in one form includes a mixture of a carbon containing powder, a metal oxide powder, a conductive binder, a polar solvent and a dispersing agent.

Abstract: A pet ventilation panel for a vehicle window opening is disclosed. The vehicle window opening is typically defined by a retractable windowpane movable within a window frame having upper, lower and opposed side frame members. The ventilation panel includes a selectively removable window insert formed from a single sheet of material. The insert has an upper edge adapted for engagement with an upper frame member of a vehicle window frame, and side edges adapted for engagement with side frame members of the vehicle window frame to cover at least a portion of the vehicle window opening. A central opening is defined by a continuous edge in the insert. The opening is sized and shaped to permit penetration thereof by the head of an animal disposed within the vehicle without permitting passage of the animal's body therethrough to prevent inadvertent escape from the vehicle by the animal. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the insert in position within the vehicle window opening.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which includes a base and a pair of substantially vertical members supported by the base. A horizontal member extends substantially horizontally between the vertical members. A first mechanism selectively adjusts the vertical position of the horizontal member, while a second mechanism selectively adjusts the horizontal position of the vertical members to define a first projectile target area. A target loop is mounted to the horizontal member within the first projectile target area and defines a second projectile target area. A third mechanism is provided for selectively adjusting the position of the target loop along the horizontal member between the vertical members. Finally, an arm extension attaches the target loop to the horizontal member and includes a fourth mechanism for variably adjusting the distance between the target loop and the horizontal member within the first projectile target area.

Abstract: A timed-release irrigation device is disclosed. The device includes a first fluid reservoir having an upper cover portion adapted to enclose a first body of liquid. A liquid discharge member projects from the first fluid reservoir for enabling selective release of liquid therefrom. A second fluid reservoir is provided for containing a second body of liquid in fluid communication with the ambient environment. The second fluid reservoir has a closed bottom portion and a mechanism for regulating the evaporation rate of the second body of liquid to the ambient environment. Finally, a trigger mechanism is provided for releasing the liquid from the first fluid reservoir through the discharge member, the trigger mechanism being actuated by the evaporation rate regulating mechanism.

Abstract: A closed loop system is disclosed for transferring fluid from a fluid storage vessel to a fluid receiving container. The system is adapted to vent the fluid receiving container while preventing discharge of both vapor and fluid into the surrounding environment. The system includes an enclosed fluid receiving container having upper and lower portions. A fluid flow receiving unit is mounted proximate the fluid receiving container. The receiving unit has a pair of spaced fluid ports and a pair of non-spill coupling connectors extending from the fluid ports, one port being a fluid inlet port and one being a vapor-fluid exit port. A movable cover element is provided for selectively covering and protecting the fluid ports and coupling connectors from contaminants when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring emission time delay during irradiation of targeted samples by utilizing digital signal processing to determine the emission phase shift caused by the sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of electromagnetic radiation adapted to irradiate a target sample. A mechanism generates first and second digital input signals of known frequencies with a known phase relationship, and a device then converts the first and second digital input signals to analog sinusoidal signals. An element is provided to direct the first input signal to the electromagnetic radiation source to modulate the source by the frequency thereof to irradiate the target sample and generate a target sample emission. A device detects the target sample emission and produces a corresponding first output signal having a phase shift relative to the phase of the first input signal, the phase shift being caused by the irradiation time delay in the sample.

Abstract: A dielectric, fire-resistant shelter apparatus is disclosed which affords temporary protection to individuals exposed to the open environment. The shelter apparatus includes a protective canopy which is movable between an open position for providing temporary cover and protection to individuals exposed to the environment and a closed, collapsed position for storage. The canopy is substantially dielectric and resistant to fire. A plurality of ribs interconnect with each other to support the canopy in its open position. Moreover, a plurality of struts are secured for supporting the ribs and canopy in the open position and for enabling the ribs and canopy to move to the closed collapsed position. Finally, at least one support element is provided for maintaining the relative positions of the struts, ribs and canopy when in the open position above a ground surface, the support element also being dielectric.

Abstract: A universal foot fin is disclosed for use with float tubes and pontoon boats which can be selectively adapted to propel either forward or backward in the water, while simultaneously allowing the user to walk forward in either adaptation without removing the fin assembly. The fin assembly is described as being either (in simplest form) a separate FIN member to be attached to mounting fixtures which can be permanently affixed to or molded integral on wading boots, or as a complete assembly including a base member to be secured to wading boots by an releasable binding mechanism In use the fin member pivotally retracts in an upward position for walking.

Abstract: A bed assembly is disclosed for use within a moving vehicle which vehicle includes a base support floor and a plurality of side wall members. The bed assembly includes a frame adapted to support a mattress and which has a generally rectangular perimeter. A plurality of attachment members are secured to the vehicle and are spaced about the perimeter of the frame. A plurality of tension elements interconnect the frame and the attachment members. Finally, a plurality of adjustable shock absorbing and dampening devices interconnect the frame and the vehicle base support floor to provide vertical support to the frame. The shock absorbing and dampening devices are aligned angularly relative to the frame to cooperate with the tension elements to dampen the fore-and-aft, lateral and vertical motion of the frame relative to the vehicle base support floor and side wall members during movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exercise device for use with a support frame is disclosed. The device includes a pair of spaced clamp members each having a body portion terminating in first and second edges. A length-adjustable attachment member interconnects the clamp members, and a grip element is associated with the attachment member intermediate the clamp members. A leverage mechanism is operatively connected to the clamp members so that when the clamp member first edges are supported on a frame, the leverage mechanism urges the clamp member second edges laterally inwardly against the support frame in response to a downward force exerted on the grip element.

Abstract: A protective covering is disclosed for safeguarding the clothing of a nursing mother from being soiled during nursing of an infant. The covering includes a first member having an upper portion for positioning about the upper torso of a wearer. A pair of flap members depend from the upper portion and are arranged for selective covering of the breasts of the wearer. A second member is sized and shaped for covering the lower torso and lap of the wearer and has an upper edge adapted for positioning proximate to and beneath the breasts of the wearer. The second member is attached to the first member such that the flap members extend over the second member below the upper edge and downwardly toward the waist area of the wearer to provide ease of access to the breasts of the wearer as well as modesty protection during the nursing of an infant.

Abstract: An artificial campfire device is disclosed and is fueled by a pressurized fuel source. The device includes a base receptacle which defines an open top, the base receptacle being adapted for placement on a ground surface. A burner member is positioned within the receptacle and is adapted to provide a flame of variable height. A fuel control mechanism is adapted for coupling a pressurized fuel source with the burner member for controlling the flow of fuel to the burner member and the size of flame emitted by the burner member. Finally, a plurality of artificial refractory log members are adapted for assembly in crisscross fashion to form a log cluster in the base receptacle.

Abstract: A fin assembly for attachment to the foot covering of a float tube user is disclosed, the foot covering having a sole, a toe portion and a heel portion. The assembly includes a base member having a front portion, a rear portion, an upper surface and a lower surface. A mechanism is provided for releasably attaching the upper surface of the base member to the sole of the foot covering. A fin member is provided and has a front end portion, a rear end portion, a top surface and a bottom surface. A hinge apparatus mounts the front end portion of the fin member to the front portion of the base member so that the fin member is pivotally movable between a retracted position wherein the fin member top surface is positioned proximate the base member lower surface, and a base operational position wherein the fin member rear end portion projects at an angle below the base member lower surface.

Abstract: A support assembly for a metal detection device is disclosed. The detection device includes a housing with a central orifice, an induction member surrounding the orifice for generating an output voltage when a metal object is passed nearby, and a mechanism which includes pulse emitting and pulse receiving members for selectively sensing an object passing through the orifice. The support assembly includes a base member having front, rear and opposed side portions sized and shaped for positioning beneath the housing. The base member has a central aperture adapted for substantial alignment with the housing orifice when the base member is positioned beneath the housing. A mechanism secures the base member to the housing, and a plurality of mounting posts are disposed along the base member front, rear and side portions for positioning a metal detection device induction member about the central aperture.

Abstract: A load-bearing protective vest is provided and is adapted to selectively carry detachable elements such as supply receptacles and other auxiliary items. The vest is in the form of a unitary member having a front panel, a rear panel and a central panel interconnecting the front and rear panels. Each panel has at least a first inner layer of durable abrasion-resistant material for positioning against the body of a user and a second outer layer of durable abrasion-resistant material. The central panel defines a center opening sized and shaped for receiving a human head therethrough and a pair of shoulder support straps disposed on each side of the center opening adapted to support a load imposed by the vest during use thereof. A layer of attachment fabric in the form of hook-and-loop type fastening members covers a substantial portion of the outer surface of the second outer layer material of each of the front and rear panels, the detachable elements carrying complementary hook-and-loop type fastening members.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring emission time delay during irradiation of targeted samples by utilizing digital signal processing to determine the emission phase shift caused by the sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of electromagnetic radiation adapted to irradiate a target sample. A mechanism generates first and second digital input signals of known frequencies with a known phase relationship, and a device then converts the first and second digital input signals to analog sinusoidal signals. An element is provided to direct the first input signal to the electromagnetic radiation source to modulate the source by the frequency thereof to irradiate the target sample and generate a target sample emission. A device detects the target sample emission and produces a corresponding first output signal having a phase shift relative to the phase of the first input signal, the phase shift being caused by the irradiation time delay in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in a multi-zone alarm system having a single-pair wire alarm loop and programmable switching circuit arrangements. The apparatus includes a current source serially connected to the single-pair wire loop and selectively operative to provide a predetermined current signal in the loop. A plurality of zone sensing devices are arranged in a normally closed series circuit along the single-pair wire loop. Each of the zone sensing devices is adapted for generating coded voltage changes and alarm activation caused by an open circuit created therein. An element is provided for indicating the condition of each of the zone sensing devices, while a mechanism is provided for selectively arming and disarming the zone sensing devices.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in aligning an exterior mirror of a vehicle to a preestablished position. The device includes an alignment sight securable relative to the mirror to selectively target a fixed member of the vehicle. A mechanism attaches the alignment sight to the mirror, and a device is provided for pivoting the alignment sight in its attached position relative to the mirror in at least two planes. Finally, a mechanism is provided for selectively fixing the pivotal position of the alignment sight relative to the mirror upon targeting the sight to a fixed vehicle member when the mirror is in its preselected position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the alignment sight is adapted to also form a whistle designed to emit sounds at wavelengths audible to animals as air passes therethrough.