Abstract: A secondary storage device for a digital computer includes a housing, an attachment means coupled to an outside surface of the housing for allowing said housing to be easily attached to the computer system, a primary disk drive disposed within said housing, at least one back-up disk drive disposed within the housing, mirror circuitry disposed within the housing, and coupled to the primary disk drive, and the at least one back-up disk drive, bus connection means coupled to the mirror circuitry for connecting said secondary storage device to a main bus of the digital computer, and timing means coupled between the mirror circuitry and one of the back-up disk drives for creating mirror back-up images of the primary disk drive at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a segmented elastomeric projectile and associated motion transfer member. The motion transfer member includes a cutting surface to separate the projectile segments when deployed. In a preferred embodiment, a cartridge includes a plurality of segmented elastomeric projectiles, each with its own motion transfer member. A piston element which is deployed by expanding gases, includes a force transfer element which engages an overlying motion transfer member which, in turn, engages its overlying transfer member. As each transfer member engages an overlying transfer member, its projectile is severed into its constituent segments.

Abstract: An improved recessed lighting fixture allowing illumination from a lighting unit placed within a cavity of a planar surface, such as a ceiling or wall. The invention facilitates the ability to properly aim illumination because the user can aim the fixture while it is in place and illuminated. The invention is additionally designed to allow the substitution of lamps/light bulbs without requiring re-aiming of the fixture and to be used without modification with ceiling materials of varying thickness. The invention also includes an azimuthal adjustment mechanism wherein the lamp is mounted on a gimbal having a rack and pinion coupling to rotate the gimbal under control of a screw accessible from the exterior of the fixture and a horizontal aiming system.

Abstract: An on-line payment system comprises a computer system which can maintain accounts in a database for a plurality of users. The system is enrolled as a payee in a bill payment system so that users can transfer funds from their bank accounts to electronic cash accounts in the system by making a bill payment to the system. The bill payment is deposited in a bank account maintained by the operator of the system. The system includes a double-entry, net zero accounting system which ensures that electronic cash in the accounts on the system is supported by actual cash on deposit in the bank account of the system. Users can spend electronic cash before the system actually receives funds via the bill payment system. Electronic cash spent during this period is marked uncleared by the system. The system includes reconciliation software which matches payments received to uncleared electronic cash and marks the electronic cash as being cleared.

Abstract: A clamp system for attaching accessory devices to a railing structure includes a first clamping jaw member and a second clamping jaw member designed to clamp on a railing structure. An accessory mounting device includes a cylindrical collar portion with a plurality of diametrically aligned holes arranged around the circumference. One of the clamping jaw members has an opening, sized to receive the collar portion and one pair of holes that can be aligned with the holes of the collar portion. When the mounting device is in a desired orientation, a pin is inserted through the aligned holes to hold the orientation. A locking nut is mounted on a threaded portion of the collar portion and, when tightened, tends to withdraw the collar portion against the pin, firmly securing the assembly together.

Abstract: A trailer for launching a boat and a personal watercraft includes a chassis. An elevated platform attached to the chassis supports a personal watercraft above the chassis. A boom assembly pivots relative to the chassis between stored and launch positions. The boom assembly also has an intermediate position above the watercraft. A boom winch controls pivoting of the boom assembly. A watercraft winch on the boom assembly has a cable extending to the watercraft. When the boom assembly is in its intermediate position, the watercraft winch raises the watercraft off the elevated platform. Then the boom winch pivots the boom assembly to the launch position in which the watercraft is in the water. The cables then are released from the watercraft. Thereafter the boat is launched conventionally from the trailer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting information using the phenomenon of quantum entanglement. Two streams of quantum-entangled particles are emitted from a source. Performing a measurement on one of the streams results in the observable destruction of interference on the other stream. Information is transmitted by modulating the performance of the measurement on the first stream, and received by observing the presence or absence of interference in the second stream.

Abstract: A disposable, solution-mixing hair colorant dispenser: tubular rear segment including first reservoir having rupturable front end; tubular middle segment including second reservoir having rupturable rear and front ends; tubular front segment including rear end and forward-projecting porous applicator. Rupturing member near adjacent ends of first and second reservoirs for rupturing both when first and second segments are engaged. Rupturing member near front end of second reservoir for rupturing same when second and third segments are engaged. Alternative rupturing members: double-ended between first and second reservoirs and single-ended attached to third segment; double-ended within second reservoir; single-ended within first reservoir and single-ended attached to third segment. Segments threaded for endwise engagement to seal segments and rupture reservoirs. Fluids mixed and dispensed through applicator.

Abstract: A bag is made with a combination of mesh and film on both the front and back sides. For use with automatic filling machines, one side of the bag has a wicket strip with wicket holes to receive the wickets from the filling machines. If pneumatic or vacuum systems are used for bag opening, a fluid impervious assisting strip is bonded to the mesh wall at the bag mouth. A method of making such a bag includes the use of a continuous film web with adjacent continuous mesh webs. A linear seal joins the film web with the mesh webs after which the web is folded so that the free edges overlie each other. A transverse seal followed by a transverse cut results in a finished bag.