Abstract: A system for precisely timing the firing of two or more weapons in order to create a desired arrival timing of two or more projectiles on a target. Global Positioning System (“GPS”) transceivers are used to determine the position of each weapon and report that position to a command post. Heading-to-target and ranging information is also preferably transmitted so that the command post is able to accurately fix the position of the target, and the range of each weapon to the target. Computations are then performed in order to determine the firing sequence needed to achieve a desired arrival of two or more projectiles on the target. Firing of the weapons is then performed automatically in order to properly execute the computed firing sequence. Interactive command and control data is fed back and forth between the weapons and the command post.

Abstract: A thermally-adaptive comforter which gives the user a greater amount of control over the temperature of their sleeping environment. The invention accomplishes this objective by providing a comforter with hatches which allows the user to vary the thermal conductivity of the comforter in certain areas. The comforter includes a plurality of hatch covers, having different colors or designs, which are placed over hatch openings. The hatch covers are detachably fastened to the comforter so that the hatch covers may be rearranged to change the appearance of the comforter. This feature of aesthetic design variability allows the user to change the appearance of the comforter as desired.

Abstract: A sterilizing drape which can be used to cover a C-arm machine in combination with a small surgical table. The invention assumes that a small surgical table has been affixed to the lower portion of a C-arm machine. The sterilizing drape covers the exposed portions of the C-arm machine as well as the small surgical table. An integrated version is disclosed which covers the C-arm machine, the small surgical table, and the patient. Other embodiments are disclosed which cover these areas using separate pieces.

Abstract: An interlocking control valve which can be used to control the flow of fluids such as water and gas. The control valve features a push button on the end of a handle which permits the interlocking valve to engage the valve stem when the push button is pressed. A fixed washer is provided with a hole-and-groove cutout, thereby preventing rotation of the handle with respect to the washer unless the push button is pressed.

Abstract: A process for producing a potting transition which is more nearly planar and which is more repeatable from assembly to assembly. Devices for carrying out the process are also disclosed. A stranded cable comprising a containment jacket is stripped of its containment jacket for a short length to expose the end strands for termination (Obviously, in the case of a cable having no jacket, no stripping is required). The exposed strands are then placed in a barrier device to separate them into a region of exposed strands and a region of guarded strands. Potting compound is then applied to the exposed region. The barrier device prevents the potting compound from penetrating into the guarded region. The result is a distinct transition between a region of strands which have been wetted by the liquid potting compound (“wetted region”) and a region of strands which have not been wetted by the liquid potting compound (“unwetted region”).

Abstract: A modified spray cap and extension tube. Positive mechanical interlocking features are added which lock the extension tube to the cap. The extension tube therefore does not fly out of the cap when in use. The modified spray cap is configured so that a conventional diffused spray pattern is still achieved when the modified extension tube is removed.

Abstract: An anti-theft surveillance system capable of detecting the presence of tags affixed to merchandise. The tags contain a diode attached to two dipole elements. When the tag receives alow frequency signal and a high frequency signal, it will emit two side bands. The system includes alow frequency transmitter, a high frequency transmitter, and a receiver. The two transmitters place alow frequency signal and a high frequency signal in proximity to the guarded area (typically a store doorway). When a tag is near the doorway, the receiver will receive the upper side band and lower side band. The receiver reduces the frequency of the upper and lower side band signals to form an intermediate frequency upper side band and an intermediate frequency lower side band. These two intermediate frequency signals are then fed into two separate detector circuits. One circuit detects the presence of the intermediate frequency upper side band and the other circuit detects the presence of the intermediate frequency lower side band.

Abstract: A file holder configured to attach a prior art surform file to a prior art linear sander. The file holder includes conventional mounting means allowing it to be attached to the linear sander. A clip recess is provided on the file holder's first end. This feature is shaped to engage and hold the canted clip found on the first end of the surform file. A movable tensioning block is located on the second end of the file holder. It engages and holds the canted clip found on the second end of the surform file. Tensioning means are provided so that the user can adjust the tensioning block to place the surform file in tension. A chip cavity is located in the file holder adjacent the non-cutting side of the surform file. Ejection ports are provided in the side of the file holder. These allow chips collected in the chip cavity to escape the file holder.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover which attaches over the forward surfaces of a motorcycle. The protective cover includes a central portion and two attached side flaps. The central portion fits over the forward surfaces of the upper cowling. The two side flaps fit over the sides of the lower cowling. The cover's upper portion is attached by slipping adjustable tabs around the stalks of the rear view mirrors. The lower portion is attached around the radiator opening. The trailing edges of the two side flaps may also be attached to the lower cowling. The invention optionally includes an integrated fender cover which slips over the motorcycle's front fender and lock around the two struts supporting the front wheel. With this device installed, all the forward-facing painted surfaces are protected from bug strikes and the like.

Abstract: An air-powered projectile launcher. A double-acting piston within a pump tube is employed. A separate magazine tube is used to hold a plurality of projectiles. One end of the magazine tube feeds into a barrel assembly. The opposite end is closed by a one-way valve. The muzzle of the barrel is closed by a muzzle valve. When the piston is pulled through a back stroke, an air manifold directs the flow to induce a vacuum in the end of the magazine tube proximate the barrel. The vacuum closes the muzzle valve and opens the one-way valve on the opposite end of the magazine tube. The vacuum then pulls the first projectile into the barrel. When the piston is pushed through a forward stroke, pressure is directed behind the first projectile and in front of the second projectile. The second projectile is forced back into the magazine tube. The pressure within the magazine tube closes the one-way valve, effectively making the second projectile the base of a closed firing chamber.

Abstract: A process for adding objects to a candle. Methods are disclosed for adding an object before the fuel has assumed its final state and after the fuel has assumed its final state. Several related approaches for introducing the object are disclosed, including making an incision to insert the object, retracting the fuel away from its container in order to slip the object in between the fuel and the container, and creating a melted region in the fuel which will allow the object's insertion. Once the object is in place, the fuel is locally heated above its melting temperature in order to reflow the fuel around the object. The candle is then cooled so that the fuel transitions back into its normal state.

Abstract: A modified port cover which incorporates a light. The port cover can be screwed into a prior art port and provides the same type of air-tight seal as the prior art cover. A bulb is preferably incorporated in the cover's center. A length of cord extends out the back of the bulb. Splicing components are used to splice the cord into the boat's electrical system, preferably so that the modified port cover is only illuminated when the boat's lights are switched on. The cord is long enough to allow a user to unscrew the modified port cover and use it to illuminate areas some distance away from the port. Alternate embodiments incorporate a handle on the rear of the modified port cover. This handle allows the modified port cover to be gripped like a flashlight once it is removed from the port. A hanging hook may be provided to facilitate hanging of the port cover.

Abstract: A new type of coil magnet in which the plane of each turn of the conducting coil is rotated with respect to the central axis. This results in the induced magnetic field being oriented off the central axis. A set of two such disk assemblies are preferably nested, with the current flowing in opposite directions within the two assemblies. This results in the components of the two induced magnetic fields lying along the center axis canceling each other out, leaving only a purely transverse magnetic field. In addition, variations in the angular offset of the nested coils can be used to create a magnetic field having almost any orientation. Three or more such nested disk assemblies can be employed to strengthen and adjust the transverse magnetic field.

Abstract: A machine for determining the location of junction tubes along a header and automatically brazing them to the header. A chassis is employed to hold the junction tubes and header in the proper orientation. A carriage then travels along a line which is parallel to the central axis of the header. The carriage includes a sensor which is able to determine the exact position of the junction tubes. This positional information is stored in a controller. The carriage also includes a reciprocating pair of burners for heating the joint to be brazed. A pair of brazing wire feeders are included for feeding the brazing alloy alloy to the joint. A pyrometer is also included for measuring the temperature of the joint during the brazing process. In operation, the carriage slides along with the sensor measuring the position of each joint to be brazed. The burners and brazing alloy feeders are located in such a position on the carriage that the sensor precedes them in coming to each joint location.