Abstract: A hook for hanging clothing, towels or other articles. The hook includes an enlarged rigid base secured to a wall or other vertical surface. A rigid rod extends from the base to a free end having a reduced diameter. A friction knob is mounted upon this reduced diameter section. The friction knob takes the form of a sheath which surrounds the free end of the rod. A plurality of circumferential ribs extend from the exterior of the sheath at locations spaced along its longitudinal axis. The free ends of the ribs are arranged along the axis such that the ribs, and thus the exterior of the knob, take an ellipsoidal form having a relatively large size. This relatively large size reduces wrinkling and "bulging" in the article hung upon the hook. The knob is formed of a flexible material having a relatively high coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A graphics processor enhancement system having a processor connected through data and lower address lines to two areas of random access memory (RAM). One area of RAM stores an image frame and the other area of RAM stores a copy of a background section of the image frame. The processor is connected through a read/write line and higher address lines to a programmable logic device (PLD), the output of which functions to enable one of the two areas of RAM. The system also stores a transparent memory map containing a copy of the object surrounded by transparent pixel values. The processor provides an animated display by modifying a portion of the image frame, such that an object stored therein is incremental moved across the image frame. The PLD enables the processor to read the copied background section, overlay this background section with the transparent memory map and write the resulting combination to the image frame over the old object stored therein.

Abstract: An expandable pouch (10) that can be easily compacted to form a relatively thin flat relatively non-obtrusive strip when empty. The compacted pouch will remain compact without falling open even with relatively vigorous activity and movement. The pouch (10) may be provided with a strap (30) for attaching the pouch to a user's wrist or waist.

Abstract: This device is primarily designed for use on a powered wheelchair. The device utilizes a back frame (35) with an attached sliding backrest (21). The back frame (35) is electro-mechanically powered and pivotly attaches to the rearward side of seat frame members (32), allowing the back frame (35) to angle away from the seat frame members (32) in a reclining motion. When the back frame (35) reclines, it forces telescoping linkages (7) through seat frame members (32), extending the leg rests (14) forwardly away from the seat frame members (32). By pinning the top of the leg rests (14) back to the seat frame members (32), the forward motion forces the leg rests (14) to articulate in an upward motion. The backrest (21) is also attached to the telescoping linkages (7) by tie rods (15) through slots (34) in the sides of the seat frame members (32). When the telescoping linkages (7) move forward, they pull the backrest (21) with them, eliminating the shearing forces to the occupant.

Abstract: An immunological serum and method of making same. The serum essentially consists of purified and concentrated materials, sometimes known as transfer factor, and immunoglobulins, expressed from the clotted blood of a donor group having known immunity. To produce the serum, a group of donors is chosen which includes known immunity, preferably to a wide variety of ailments. Blood is drawn from the donor group and allowed to clot. Thereafter, the blood is filtered to remove all cellular material, producing raw serum. This raw serum is then concentrated by removal of water. The concentrated serum is then sterilized, but not denatured, by freezing and gamma irradiation.

Abstract: A press machine having a frame with a central channel projecting along a length thereof. The channel slidably guides a piece of lumber along a processing path. Press wheels are mounted to longitudinal supports extending along opposite sides of the central channel. One of the longitudinal supports is pivotally mounted at one end to the frame with a corresponding press wheel rotatably mounted at an intermediate point along the support. The press wheels are oriented to rotate about parallel axes and in opposite directions with adjacent sides thereof overlapping opposite sides of the processing path. The press wheels are spaced apart from one another such that adjacent arcuate portions of each press wheel are located immediately adjacent the processing path to frictionally engage a leading end of a piece of lumber conveyed along the processing path.

Abstract: A shelter/camper/tent assembly secured to the top of a car or truck or placed on the ground or other suitable surface. The device includes a shell hinged at the front end and collapsible. The shell includes pneumatic cylinders to facilitate opening and closing thereof. Once the shell is opened, support rods pivotally secured to the floor of the shell are extended and threadably secured to pivotal receiving brackets in the ceiling of the shell. The support rods may be directed upward along opposite sides of the entrance to the shell, or arranged in a crossed structure for extra support. The upper and lower shells are secured, through zippers, to a flexible body of the device. The body includes a shroud around the lower portion of the body to keep rain water out of the shell. Resiliently flexible clips mounted on the bottom of the shelter/camper/tent assembly releasably secure the assembly to a supporting structure. Additionally, the outer shell includes handles and wheels.

Abstract: In a vehicle mounted digger derrick or crane, the moment applied to the boom by a lift cylinder is controlled in a customized manner to more fully utilize the structural strength of the machine at different working positions of the boom. In one embodiment, the moment is controlled by controlling the moment arm through a pivot link which carries the base end of the lift cylinder and which is pivoted by an auxiliary cylinder. In another embodiment, the force component of the moment is controlled in response to changes in the boom angle or moment sensed by a linear position transducer or other sensor.

Abstract: An aircraft which rolls along a guide rail at low speeds and attains aerodynamically airborne flight guided along the rail at high speeds. The guide rail structure includes I beams suspended end to end from spaced apart arches. The guide rails are mounted on the lower ends of the I beam and include flat bottom surfaces and curved upper surfaces that receive the wheels of the aircraft in the low speed operating mode. The upper surfaces are portions of elliptical surfaces to assure proper positioning of the aircraft wheels. In the high speed airborne mode of operation, proximity sensors on the aircraft sense the distance to the guide rail. Controls receive inputs from the sensors and adjust the flight path accordingly.

Abstract: A cargo box is provided that is installed between the bed and cap of a pickup. The cargo box includes a lid, sides, and a back panel, with the lid being hingably mounted to the cab. The cargo box extends laterally across the width of the bed and forms a sealed chamber to isolate its contents from the environment. The rear side of the cargo box and the front side of the bed include aligned openings therethrough to receive long items. The front of the box includes an opening to allow an individual within the cab access to the contents of the box.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve for treating workpieces with a treating liquid, in particular for cleaning metallic workpieces prior to a heat-treatment to be performed thereafter. The workpieces are introduced into a washing vessel. The washing vessel is then closed air-tight. A vacuum is then generated in the washing vessel. Further, a duct is opened between the washing vessel and a tank containing the treating liquid. For filling the washing vessel, the vacuum is adjusted to a level such that the treating liquid is drawn into the washing vessel under the action of the vacuum.

Abstract: An electronic storage device having IC chips mounted upon a board, with the board surrounded by a card housing. A portion of the card housing is formed of conductive material and is electrically connected to the board to allow the board to be easily grounded to reduce damage due to static electricity. The card is operatively received in a receptacle having a bay sized to receive the card. Upon insertion of the card into the bay, a grounding contact grounded to the receptacle may engage the conductive portion of the card housing to ground the card prior to the card contacts being operatively connected. The card preferably has a shape such that it may only be inserted into the bay in the proper orientation. The receptacle may have a power switch located to provide full access to the bay in the power-off position, but blocking bay access in the power-on position. This ensures that the card is not inserted while the receptacle is activated, and that the receptacle is deactivated prior to removing the card.