Abstract: In a face mask for use in the practice of paint-ball games or other such activities requiring effective shielding of the face, a large unitary lens is applied to an aperture extending from the brow to the chin and from one temple to the other. The lens is secured by a pair of releasable clips that can be quickly manipulated for cleaning or replacement of the lens in a matter of seconds. A semi-conical breath deflector extends behind the lens from the nose bridge to the base of the lens channeling the breath away from the lens and towards ventilating slits in the base of the mask. The slant of the deflector avoids any obstruction of the field of vision such as created by the lens frame of conventional goggles and face masks.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use in connection with home television video recording, playback, and viewing involving processing an electronic signal, including audio and video information, whereby the audio information, including digital representations thereof, is analyzed and modified to compare words and phrases represented in the audio information with words and phrases stored in electronic memory for elimination of undesirable words or phrases in audible or visible representations of the audio with options for replacing undesirable words with acceptable words. The options include varying degrees of selectivity in specifying words as undesirable and control over substitute words which are used to replace undesirable words. The options for control of the method and apparatus for language filtering are selectable from an on-screen menu through operation of a control panel on the language filter apparatus or by use of a conventional television remote transmitter.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automobile hang tag for use in parking control and the like with an integral radio transponder, together with interrogator apparatus associated therewith in a system for parking control or other purposes. The detection range for the RFID interrogator and transponder is at least about six meters (20 feet) to enable rapid control monitoring of parking facilities from a moving vehicle through the back window or front windshield of parked vehicles. Reliable and trouble-free monitoring of the hang tags in a customary rear view mirror location is facilitated by employing directional antennas in the RFID hang tags, increasing the antenna gain while suppressing false signals and noise and improving the range-to-power ratio for the system. The RFID hang tags may be battery powered but are preferably unpowered RFID transponders.

Abstract: A precision light source, such as a laser, controlled by the operation of a garage door opener to generate a light beam to provide a reference mark for guiding a user in parking a vehicle. One embodiment teaches powering the unit from the light activation circuitry of the garage door opener directly, or using a bulb connection base having an auxiliary light socket. Further improvements include the use of an aiming device providing dimensional adjustment of the light beam to move the distal reference point created when the light beam intersects the vehicle. A method for use of the apparatus is also taught.

Abstract: A pipe joint apparatus and method using spiral groove halves formed on the nested surfaces of male and female pipe ends. The exterior half of the spiral groove is connected to an exit port. The interior half of the spiral groove has a proximal end recessed from edge of its pipe. Alignment of the pipes and partial insertion of the spline allows for a threaded pipe connection that may be screwed or unscrewed to overcome the pressure for the gasket seal. Full insertion of the spline to engage the exit port locks the spline in position and the interior half's proximal end prohibits the unscrewing of the pipe joint. The pipe ends may be easily disconnected by pulling the spline out of the exit port to unscrew the pipe sections or fully removing the spline to separate the pipe ends. A gasket is used to form a sealed joint.