Abstract: A portable traffic control unit for temporary use is disclosed that is capable of both automatic and manual operation. The unit is modular and is small enough and light enough that it is easily carried in a police, emergency or other vehicle and can be set up and programmed for use by one person. The unit has a bright LED display typically having red, orange, green lights, and flashing white strobe LEDs that are microprocessor controlled. The unit has a radio receiver that receives RF signals used to control the operation of the unit, and the signals are received from a handheld RF transmitter used at the site of the unit, or are received from an RF transmitter at a remote control site. Various sensors may be attached to the unit to provide information that is transmitted to the handheld remote control and/or to the remote control site using an RF transmitter that is part of the unit. Multiple traffic control units operating at a common site can communicate with each other to facilitate operations.

Abstract: A game of chance is disclosed that looks like a multi-line gaming machine having a matrix of rows and columns of positions for displaying slot symbols or cards to a player. A player wagers to play one or more games but the actual pay lines are dynamically determined by events that occur during the course of game play, not before. Per the teaching of the invention a number of bonus pay lines and their routing are dynamically determined during the course of game play of slots or cards dependent on choices made by a player during game play.

Abstract: An all fiber mid-IR pulse generator is disclosed that may be used to drive an external non-linear converter. The generator comprises fiber laser oscillator and fiber amplifier elements wherein diode lasers are used to cladding pump the different fiber elements depending on different configurations of the pulse generator. Gain switching of the fiber lasers precludes the need for discrete devices such as Q-switches to generate pulses. The fiber laser and fiber amplifier elements are all fused together, along with fiber isolators and reflective gratings, so there is no free space coupling, and there are no optical elements except as may be needed to couple the output of the generator to a non-linear converter. The all fiber implementation has a single transverse mode at the lowest order mode of operation which results in a nearly diffraction limited output which causes non-linear converters to operate more efficiently.

Abstract: A concentric ring, log-periodic slot antenna used for direction finding is disclosed. There are a number of continuous, circular slots nested inside of each other. A cover over the slots cavities has excitation plates and conductors thereon. There are four excitation plates spaced ninety degrees apart over each circular slot, and the excitation plates of all slots in each ninety degree sector are electrically interconnected. A conductor from the interconnected excitation plates in each of the four sectors conducts received signals to a Butler matrix which processes the signals and provides Mode 0, Mode +1, Mode ?1, and Mode ? outputs. These Mode outputs are used to provide direction finding information for DF signal sorting, and they may be used to provide radio frequency voltages to other equipment to provide accurate DF (CIDF) and CIGL transmitter geo-location information.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for performing tasks during maintaining filtered swimming pools and spas. The apparatus can perform a number of such maintenance tasks simultaneously, without having to kneel down, and comprises a number of individual tools for performing such tasks. The apparatus includes tools and elements for: (a) extracting skimmer covers, (b) lifting skimmer baskets, (c) grabbing a automatic cleaner hose, (d) snatching a pool thermometer line, (e) obtaining water samples, (f) confirming a depth of 18 inches to take a water sample, (g) securing a water chemical test strip for submersion into the water, (h) brushing the walls and sides of pools, (i) grasping and retaining a vacuum hose, (j) clenching and holding onto solid chemical tablets and sticks, and (k) removing leaves and debris.

Abstract: A holder for to hold storage container(s) therein is disclosed. Each storage container has a lid with locking tabs or locking extension that hook underneath a protrusion around and near the top edge of the container to lock the lid to the container. The holder has a top with two downwardly extending sides with L-shaped extensions furthest from the top that create a ledge. The holder is attached to a surface. One or more containers with a lid locked thereto using the locking tabs or locking extensions are inserted into the holder and the underside of the locking tabs or locking extensions sit on the L-shaped extensions to support the container within the holder. There may be an interference fit between the container(s) with locked lid and the two downwardly extending sides that helps retain the container(s) within the holder and guarantees that two of the locking tabs are held in their locked position.

Abstract: A wheel for an in-line skate or other wheeled vehicle is disclosed that may be modified to alter the rolling resistance of the wheel. The wheel may be disassembled to change a tire on the outer surface of the wheel to one made of a harder or softer material, and to insert or change a grease of a chosen viscosity into a chamber inside the wheel. The two changes may be utilized singly or collectively to help set the rolling resistance of the wheel. The wheel may be retrofit onto existing in-line roller skates.

Abstract: A combination retractable saw and knife utility tool is disclosed that can be actuated and used by a person using only one hand. The tool has a lock to assure that an extended knife blade or saw blade will remain extended until the user of the tool releases the lock. A person may use one hand to hold, steady and manipulate a work piece that needs to be cut and/or sawed, while their other hand is used to hold and implement the combination knife and saw utility tool. The person may release the tool lock, retract one blade and extend another blade using only one hand.

Abstract: A game of chance is disclosed that looks like a multi-line gaming machine having a matrix of rows and columns of positions for displaying slot symbols or cards to a player. A player wagers to play one or more games but the actual pay lines are dynamically determined by events that occur during the course of game play, not before. Pay lines are dynamically determined during the course of game play dependent on choices made by the player during the course of game play. The player chooses ones or all of a first, randomly dealt set of slot symbols or cards in one row of the matrix to be held and used in the game play. The symbols or cards not held are discarded and a second, final draw of slot symbols or cards is done in the matrix, including the positions in the one row where cards were discarded. Pay lines are then established through the matrix that all pass through the held cards in the one row of the matrix.

Abstract: A method for improving die-cutting involving first creating a back plate footprint, possessing impressions of the imperfections found in the cutting surface of a die-cutting machine. This method provides die-cutters a simple, inexpensive way to dramatically improve the alignment of die-cutting knives for making cuts. The method uses a malleable material that will readily receive an impression of imperfections of a cutting surface when some pressure is provided, but the material must also be capable of hardening into a useable solid material. The principles of this method may be applied to all die-cutting machines by making a back plate footprint of the die-cutter in question and by properly inserting it back into the chase where the impressions contained therein will press down on the material below it so as to better align the cutting knives of the die being used.

Abstract: A tennis ball retrieval, storage, and dispensing device is disclosed having a hollow tube with a diameter that may be larger than balls that are to be picked up and stored within the tube. With the larger diameter tube the balls are staggered therein so more balls may be held in a given length of tube. Positioned at the top of the hollow tube is a closed end cap that is opened to remove balls stored inside the tube. Attached to the bottom of the hollow tube is an entrance end cap that has an opening that may be of different shapes but a round tennis ball entering the device tube through the entrance end cap opening must be squeezed to a non-round shape to get past the opening and enter the device tube. A retainer is mounted inside the entrance end cap past the opening that also squeezes tennis balls entering therein. The retainer assures that tennis balls that have been retrieved with the device do not hang out below the entrance cap opening.

Abstract: A gaming chip holder and cup holder in one integrally molded device. A generally cylindrical center cup holder section surrounded by semi cylindrical poker style chip holders placed about the circumference of the cup holder area. An area without the chip holders is replaced with an integrally molded handle to facilitate the transportation of the beverage and poker chips from table to table and about the casino in a controlled and organized manner. This handle is formed in such a way as to allow the chip and cup holder device to be slid under the typical poker table bumper pad as to further insure against spillage and to conserve space on the poker table. The chip and cup holder device is also stackable unto itself.

Abstract: A personal hygiene cleansing device is disclosed which attaches to the wall of a shower or bath stall and to the water supply at a shower head in the stall. The device is adjustable to meet the height and other personal requirements of the user. Two generally vertically oriented, rubber coated bars are adjusted to a proper height and spacing for a user. When the height and the spacing between the two vertical bars is correct, pushing a users' buttocks against the vertical bars causes the cheeks of the buttocks to be spread exposing the area to a vertical fan shape water spray from a spray head that is part of the device. The rubber piping on the generally vertical bars prevent the bars from slipping along the skin of the buttocks to maintain maximum spreading of the cheeks of the buttocks. Spray water with or without soap exits the elongated spray head to cleanse or rinse the rectal or genital area.

Abstract: An adjustable plant hanger is disclosed having straps that support a pot in which plants are placed. The straps comprise two or more loops that are not fastened to a ring by which the plant hanger may be hung from an overhead hook. The loop straps pass through the adjustable element or sleeve which can slide up and down along the straps to make it easier to mount a larger pot inside the straps of the plant hanger, making it easier to level pot and adjust when needed. The adjustable element is also adjusted vertically to more safely hold pots of different sizes. The straps are connected to a support element located beneath a pot. The spacing element maintains the straps are spaced around the sides of a pot evenly in the plant hanger to assure that the pot will not easily fall from the hanger. The straps may be individually slid through the ring and adjustable element to level an irregular shaped or larger pot held in the plant hanger.

Abstract: A skirt guard for a mobile home skirt having a skirt base on the ground and in a channel of which the bottom of the skirt sits. The skirt guard is formed of a flat elongate panel with a top and bottom edge and having a groove near and parallel to its bottom edge. In use the bottom edge of the skirt guard is bent upward along the groove to form a hook. To install the skirt guard the hook is inserted into the skirt base channel alongside the bottom of the skirt and the hook fastens the skirt guard in the channel.

Abstract: A novel dog chew is disclosed made of raw hide which has a large plurality of closely spaced perforations cut there through during manufacture of the dog chew. Typically the perforations are created in first rows that are generally parallel to each other and in second rows that are also generally parallel to each other, and the first rows intersect the second rows to create a cross hatching pattern. The intersecting sets of perforations created by the cross hatch pattern define a large number of small sections on the rawhide. The small sections of the dog chew individually break off when chewed by a dog instead of large pieces that may choke the dog.

Abstract: In-one aspect, a leg activated brake for a foot supporting rolling device, such as a roller ski. Roller skis generally have one wheel mounted to each end of the foot supporting frame which houses a ski binding for the skier's boot. The brake system mounts to the frame of the roller ski and when the brake is activated by the leg, the brake applies frictional force to the rear wheel to stop the roller ski.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing all types of received, interfering radio frequency signals corrupted by noise to extract the individual signals without having any a priori knowledge about them. Received signals are converted for eigenspace processing and are subjected to repeated non-linear time domain and fast Fourier transform frequency domain processing that calculates eigenstream beam forming weights U. By performing calculations in eigenspace, the number of independent weights U that must be calculated is generally reduced, minimizing calculating time. Once the weights U have been calculated in eigenspace they are transformed into antenna beam forming weights W that are used to extract the individual signals and to determine the angle of arrival of each of the individual signals. Further time is saved because the weights W do not have to be updated for every time slice of the received signals.

Abstract: The novel video draw poker game disclosed utilizes a nine position card matrix in which two through four cards are initially dealt and displayed in one row at the start of game play. Pay lines pass through the nine positions. The player selects and holds ones of the initially dealt cards. After holding cards the non-held cards are replaced and other positions in the card matrix are filled to determine winning hands of cards along the pay lines.

Abstract: There is provided a face mask with two eye holes, having a lighting display unit located inside a housing on the front of the forehead area of the mask and having a reflective, transparent sheet attached to the front of the mask between the eye holes and the housing. The reflective, transparent sheet is angled down and away from the front of the mask at an angle of about forty-five degrees. When the lighting display unit is energized two LEDs inside the housing, one above each eye hole of the mask, aim their light downward at the top front surface of the reflective, transparent sheet where it is reflected away from the front of the mask in a reverse heads up display operation. A viewer looking at the front of the mask sees what appears to be a pair of illuminated eyes in the eye holes of the mask. The light from the LEDs may be modified by electronic means or by light filters to change the appearance of the illuminated eyes.