Abstract: A low profile self-ligating orthodontic bracket having a base plate which may be adhesively attached to the lingual or labial surface of a tooth, and which includes a transverse slot extending across the front surface of the base plate for receiving an arch wire, and which includes a cover plate extending over the slot and resiliently self-biased against the front surface of the base to force the arch wire down into the slot. The cover plate may be turned outwardly by the orthodontist to permit the arch wire to be inserted into the slot or removed from the slot, and when the cover plate is released, it moves with force against the front surface of the base to trap the arch wire in the slot.

Abstract: A multiple output transformer network for a high-fidelity sound reproducing system which includes a high-frequency speaker and a low-frequency speaker, first and second output transformers, a high-frequency bandpass filter coupling the secondary of the first output transformer to the high-frequency speaker, and a low-frequency bandpass filter coupling the secondary of the second transformer to the second speaker, all mounted in a remote speaker unit. The primary windings of the transformers are connected to the output amplifier of the sound reproducing equipment by first and second extension leads. The output amplifier includes first and second triodes series connected across a source of unidirectional potential, and first and second capacitors coupling the extension leads to the common connection of the triodes.

Abstract: A sterilization unit for dental handpieces and other instruments, and which finds utility in the sterilization of any surgical instrument, or the like, which breaks the skin or comes into contact with body fluids, and which are too delicate or have sharp edges which could become damaged in conventional present day autoclaves. The sterilization unit of the present invention combines heat, steam pressure and time in a precisely controlled manner so that the handpieces, or other surgical instruments are not damaged during the sterilization procedure. This is achieved by providing a total cycle time including cooling to a patient-ready condition of less than 20 minutes. A unique control system places the sterilizing chamber at a temperature which creates steam and pressure in a time frame that sterilizes the handpiece without damage to the turbine.

Abstract: A multiple output transformer network for a high-fidelity sound reproducing system which includes a high-frequency speaker and a low-frequency speaker, first and second output transformers, a high frequency by-pass filter coupling the secondary of the first output transformer to the high frequency speaker, and a low-frequency by-pass filter coupling the secondary of the second transformer to the second speaker, all mounted in a remote speaker unit. The by-pass filters have predetermined crossover characteristics. The primary windings of the transformers are connected to the output amplifier of the sound reproducing equipment by first and second extension leads.

Abstract: A precision drive assembly for producing constant accurate angular motion of an instrumentality about an axis and which includes a lead screw and a nut threaded to the lead screw. The lead screw is driven by a motor. A radial (tangent) arm is coupled in one end to the nut and at the other end to the instrumentality so that linear movement of the nut along the lead screw causes the radial arm to turn the instrumentality about its axis. Position-rate errors inherent in the drive assembly are corrected by mechanical cam means, or by electric/electronic drive means motor.

Abstract: A baseball training aid for use by a batter to improve his swing. The training aid comprises a frame defining a rectangular loop, and an elongated handle attached to the loop and extending outwardly therefrom. A net is secured to the loop. The handle is angled at a point adjacent to the frame so that the plane of the frame is at an angle to the intermediate portion of the handle. The handle has a grip on its remote end, and the handle is also angled at that end so that a first portion of the grip at the extremity of the handle extends at an angle to a second adjacent portion of the grip and to the intermediate portion of the handle, so that the plane of the frame is displaced from the angled extremity of the handle.

Abstract: A novelty elongated handle for a child's spoon, fork or the like, which is formed of a rigid, transparent plastic material, such as acrylic. The handle is hollow to provide a transparent sealed chamber which is filled with a transparent liquid, such as water. A multiplicity of glittering particles are suspended in the liquid and float about in the liquid. The handle is constructed firmly to support the spoon, fork, or the like, at its forward end in isolated relationship from the chamber. The rear end of the handle is opened to permit the introduction of the liquid and glittering particles into the chamber. A resilient stopper is inserted into the open end of the handle and it, in turn, is covered by a plastic cap which is sealed to the rear end of the handle.

Abstract: A receptacle for a spoon and fork; The spoon and the fork are pivotally mounted to the underside to the top of the receptacle, and the top is hinged to the bottom of the receptacle so that it may be opened to permit the spoon and fork to be turned to a position in which they protrude through the ends of the receptacle, and the top may then be closed down to a snap fit with the bottom of the receptacle to hold the spoon and fork in place, and enable the receptacle to serve as a handle for the spoon and fork.

Abstract: A plant irrigation device for a potted plant includes a hollow stake adapted to be inserted into the soil adjacent to the plant, and a bottle supported on the stake in an inverted position. The bottle is provided with a dispensing cap which has a spout extending down into the hollow stake, and which causes liquid contained in the bottle to drip down through the stake into the soil. A replaceable disc-shaped filter is mounted in the cap which filters sediment out of the liquid through the spout, and which serves to prevent clogging of the spout. The filter also acts as a restrictor which causes the liquid to drop slowly from the bottle as a function of the quantity of filter material in the cartridge.

Abstract: A multi-port shut-off valve assembly of the type known to the plumbing industry as an angle stop. The valve has a body shaped as a solid rectangle, with an internally threaded port in each face of the body. A shut-off valve is received in one of the ports, and it controls the flow of water entering the body from another of the ports to the remaining ports. A number of fittings are threaded into the remaining ports, the fittings being either compression unions or compression reducing unions, and each of the fittings has external threads at each end thereof. Water-carrying tubes are respectively coupled to the fittings by compression nuts threaded thereto.

Abstract: A hamper constructed to have an upper rim over which a disposable waste bag may be suspended in an open condition, and a hinged frame which serves to clamp the upper end of the bag to the rim. The bag may then be conveniently loaded. A hinged lid is also provided for closing the hamper when not in use. The rim is supported on upright posts which, in turn, are mounted on a base supported on casters. A removable plastic tray may be mounted on the base to catch spillage. The lid and frame may be removable for cleaning purposes. The lid and frame are hinged to a rear portion of the upper rim by means of an elongated hinge, and the hinge has at least one resilient clip for removably attaching the hinge to the rear portion of the rim to permit the frame and lid to be removed from the bracket.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee brace which includes a thigh cuff and which also includes a pair of inflatable air pillows interposed between the thigh cuff and the thigh of the wearer to prevent slippage. The air pillows are mounted on the cuff to be located on the opposite sides of the femur of the wearer within the medial femoral hollows in position to engage the femoral condyles. A unique miniature pump is also provided for inflating the air pillows.

Abstract: A polycentric variable axis hinge for use in an orthopedic knee brace to provide a mechanical joint between the femoral and tibial cuffs of the brace. The hinge includes a femoral stem which is attached to the femoral cuff and which extends downwardly from the femoral cuff, and it also includes a tibial stem attached to the tibial cuff and extending upwardly from the tibial cuff. The ends of the two stems overlap one another to provide a joint. The distal end of the femoral stem has first and second variable radii slots formed in it, the slots being positioned one above the other and extending in the anterior-posterior direction, and the lower slot being longer than the upper slot. A first bearing pin is mounted on the distal end of the tibial stem, and it is received in the upper slot. Two additional bearing pins are mounted on the distal end of the tibial stem and are received in the lower slot.

Abstract: A neon-type pedestrian traffic signal which includes a housing. A partition divides the housing into two separate compartments, each compartment having a parabolic-shaped rear wall covered with a suitable reflective substance. A tubular-type neon lamp is mounted in each compartment as the focal point of the corresponding parabolic-shaped rear wall. Each neon lamp extends outwardly from the rear wall. The housing has an open front, and a face plate fits over the open front. The face plate has the appropriate "WALK" and "DONT WALK" symbols positioned over the respective compartments. An egg crate visor is mounted over the face plate to shield the pedestrian traffic signal from sunlight. Due to the configuration of the rear reflective wall of each compartment, the tendency for symbols on the face plate to be visible when not illuminated is minimized.

Abstract: A computer memory system which includes a relatively slow access main memory unit and a relatively fast access smaller cache memory unit, the memory units being controlled by a central processing unit, and which further includes control circuitry for accessing the cache memory unit for all data words addressed by the central processing unit, and when an addressed word is not available in the cache memory, automatically transferring the addressed word from the main memory to the cache memory, the control being such that when such an addressed word is transferred from the main memory to the cache memory, adjacent words in the main memory are simultaneously transferred to the cache memory to be readily available to the central processor unit.

Abstract: A system by which a number of central processing units (CPU's) may be used completely independently of one another, and yet by which any CPU within the system may communicate with any other CPU in the system. The implementation of the system requires each CPU to be physically connected only to its own bus and to the bus of one other CPU even if there are many CPU's and buses in the system. This enables each CPU in the system to have access to all of the buses of all of the other CPU's in the system.

Abstract: An armored self-contained outdoor/indoor siren assembly which eliminates the need for an additional protective box and an additional tamper switch which are generally used in the prior art installations. The armored siren assembly of the invention consists of a rigid and strong cover member which forms a housing, and a number of horns mounted within the housing in coaxial nested relationshp with one another which not only form a sound chamber for the siren, but also form a protective means for the sound generating unit of the siren to prevent access to the sound generating unit by unauthorized persons. The cover of the assembly, as well as the various horns included in the housing, and the mounting brackets for the horns, may all be formed, for example, of rustproof diecast aluminum.