Abstract: An improved stackable square tubular column assembly and method of assembly for multi-floor steel-framed buildings in which hollow columns for vertically adjacent floors are joined by a coupler having beam connectors extending outwardly therefrom so that the coupler supports the floor load in shear. The core of the assembly is the coupler having a flat plate extending through horizontal slots in opposing walls of the coupler that divides the coupler into two compartments, each compartment telescopingly receiving the end of a single floor column so that the column load of the upper column is uniformly distributed in compression over the walls of the lower column through the plate.

Abstract: Accessories and methods for ceiling paddle fan fixtures for enhancing room air quality and killing common air borne viruses by air sterilization immediately within the room where the germs originate in a relatively large and diffuse sterilization zone at a relatively low UV radiation level through which a relatively high volume of air is circulated by a paddle fan.

Abstract: A putter with a ball striking surface sufficiently large enough to inspire confidence that the ball will be struck within the sweet spot that is weighted to facilitate a pendulum putting stroke. The center of gravity of the putter head is higher than the center of gravity of a golf ball so that topspin is imparted to the golf ball when struck. Right and left hand putters are disclosed as are double-faced putters suitable for both. Methods of putter construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tipless arc tube for a high intensity discharge lamp and method of manufacture wherein the arc tube may remain open to an uncontrolled atmosphere during the step of hermetically scaling the arc tube. The novel arc tube and method obviate the need to perform any process steps within a controlled atmosphere. The pressure of the fill gas sealed within the arc tube may be controlled by controlling the temperature of the fill gas during the step of hermetically sealing the arc tube. The novel arc tube and method obviate the need to use a pump to control the fill gas pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for covering or uncovering a trailer comprising supports adapted to be operatively connected to the ends of a trailer to position a roller, with a cover attached thereto, from one side of the trailer to the other side to thereby cover the trailer and any cargo loaded thereon. The system and method may be performed by a single person anywhere along the transportation route, and the apparatus may be located at a terminal and moved from trailer to trailer. The system and method may also be used to selectively position straps over the top of cargo loaded on a trailer for securing cargo onto the trailer.

Abstract: A disposable polish applying and buffing mitt comprising a multilayered mitt with a polish impervious layer removably attached to an impervious buffing mitt. A disposable polish applying and buffing mitt comprising a multilayered mitt with a sponge-like layer having an impervious backing removably attached to a buffing mitt. A disposable polish applying and buffing kit comprising a multilayered mitt with a first layer of polish impervious material removably secured to a second layer of polish impervious material forming a compartment therebetween which can hold a polish. The first layer of polish impervious material is removed from the second layer of polish impervious material to expose the polish for application. After the polish is applied to the object, the second layer of polish impervious material is removed to expose the buffing mitt.

Abstract: A method for establishing and maintaining a reliable ground for reactive sputtering systems. A spatially extended high density plasma is generated in a large region surrounding the sputtering target. The plasma electrically connects the target to a part of the coating machine that is not subject to deposition of sputtered material from the target. The plasma is generated by an applicator which is independent of the target.

Abstract: A dispenser for a carbonated beverage bottle that uses the pressure from gases released by the beverage to eject the beverage. A plunger is depressed to unseat a check-ball floating in the beverage in a pick-up tube inside the bottle, the check-ball having been seated by gaseous and/or buoyant pressure in a seal to prevent escape of the gas or beverage. The neck and spout of the plunger are hollow, forming a passageway for the beverage to an opening in the spout. Beverage enters the neck of the plunger through opening in the circumferential wall of the neck when the plunger is depressed. Ribs on the interior wall of the seal are in frictional contact with the neck to prevent escape of the gas and the beverage. A tear-away collar permits stacking of the bottles and provides tamper resistance.

Abstract: A slot machine requiring no game media at all and comprising a game data processing unit which is provided with an input unit for specific data, a storage unit, an arithmetic processing unit, a printer, and a display; and a slot machine body which is provided with a pattern display mechanism, a starting lever, stopping buttons, a win decision unit, and a display for the input data and the results of arithmetic processing. The game data processing unit printer is operative for printing the input data and an incorrect version of the input data on opposing sides of a card and issuing the card to a player for enhanced security. Data that are the same as the specific data input in the data processing unit are input in an input unit for the specific data on the slot machine side so that a game can be started, and the game is allowed to progress or is stopped by operating the specific data input unit on the machine side.

Abstract: A compressed single side band communication system and method in which the audio signal is compressed prior to pre-emphasis and thereafter summed with a pilot tone for further compression prior to transmission. Initially, only the pilot tome is transmitted at full rated power to aid in acquisition of the signal by the receiver. Thereafter, the transmitter ALC is disabled and the pilot tone is attenuated. The receiver adjusts the frequency characteristics of the pilot tone filter and phase lock loop filter in the detector as a function of lock-up. The delay after loss of lock-on in reverting to wide band pilot tone and wideband loop filters is varied as a function of signal strength. The pilot tone may be frequency modulated for tone coded squelch, with the modulating source being located in the return end of the phase lock loop filter. A unique filter is provided to insure acquisition of the pilot tone.

Abstract: A method for representing a composite image on a screen of a screen device, the image being composed of a plurality of natural and/or synthetic sub-images generated by diferent sources, is characterized in that the sub-images are composed of a line-by-line representation on the screen by (a) reading out at video rate a pluralaity of pixels, the number of which corresponds to that of the respective sub-image from said storages line by line and (b) repeating step (a) line by line. Furthermore, there is set forth a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A bag roll cutting device in which a bag roll comprising a series of wrapping bags wound up to form a roll is vertically accommodated in a container, the series of wrapping bags being constituted by an elongated cylindrical synthetic resin film flattened in the form of a band on which straight-line weldings are applied at certain intervals to form bottoms with score lines provided adjacent to the bottoms to allow the individual bags to be easily cut off. A cylindrical frictional cutter with an inside surface having a high degree of frictional resistance is secured to a top cover which is detachably fitted to the container in such a manner that the cylindrical frictional cutter is connected to a through hole of suitable size provided in the top cover. The front end portion of the bag roll is drawn out through the cylindrical frictional cutter from the end portion of the bag roll in the axial direction of the bag roll in the form of a string.

Abstract: A toilet bowl with a health testing system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a portion for sampling specimens which is formed in an excreta-receiving portion of the toilet bowl, a test vessel which communicates with the sampling portion, to which a supply portion for supplying reagents or samples is connected and in which a sensor for detecting the condition of the specimen received in the vessel is provided, the sensor being connected to a conversion unit which codes the information obtained in the sensor and to which a comparison output unit for comparing the coded information supplied from the conversion unit with coded data and outputting the results of comparison is connected. Therefore, this toilet bowl system allows for automated sampling of urine and feces specimens from person's excreta on a daily basis so as to enable the automated assay of the specimens and diagnosis.

Abstract: A method of producing electroluminescence without a chemical reaction by providing a metal oxide containing electron traps, (i.e., holes or distortion of the lattice of the oxide by impurities or surface states), providing free electrons at an energy level in the conduction band and trapping the electrons to release photons. Alternatively, electroluminescence may be produced without a chemical reaction by the decay of the energy level of electrons from an excited state which results from collision of accelerated free electrons with ions in the oxide, the free electrons being provided externally of the oxide (e.g., by an electron gun or the application of a high field to an insulator contiguous to the oxide) or by space charges within the oxide or adjacent to the boundary thereof. Electroluminescing lamps are also disclosed.

Abstract: A holding device of a rectilinear motion rolling guide unit comprises: a long rail; first track grooves formed on both side wall surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the rail; a saddle-shaped slide unit formed with an inner concave portion and slidably mounted on the rail; second track grooves formed on the surface of the inner concave portion at the positions opposite to the first track grooves; and balls inserted between the first and second track grooves, thereby enabling the slide unit to be slidably moved on the rail therealong through the rolling of the balls. A holding portion to hold the balls is formed at the edge surface on the bottom surface side of the inner concave portion of each second track groove so as to be projected to the side of the rail by exceeding a perpendicular passing through the center of the ball.

Abstract: There is provided a stop valve-carrying rotary nozzle for a machine tool designed to eject a fluid onto the portion of a work which is being worked thereby improving the work-cooling and cutting efficiency of the machine tool.The present rotary nozzle consists of a nozzle body having a throughbore and a spherical member having a throughbore that is in turn fitted within the fluid outlet side of said throughbore of the nozzle body with a sealing O-ring being interposed between the spherical member and the throughbore of the valve body, while allowing a free rotation of the spherical member on its own axis therein.

Abstract: A universal battery charger and recharger for electric batteries having different charging characteristics. The battery charger includes a microprocessor receiving inputs from current, voltage and temperature sensors for controlling the battery charging profile. A replaceable memory may be included to provide an appropriate charging profile for the battery to be charged. The supply current is varied responsively to the voltage across the battery which is measured when the supply current reaches a predetermined level or after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A device to facilitate open windows comprising a lever arm with a delta shaped lead edge and incorporating a pivot pin; and a frame with a series of notches to receive the pivot pin at selectable fulcrum points. Both the delta shaped lead edge of the arm and the bottom lead edge of the frame are rounded to "roll", allowing steady, continuous pressure on the window sash throughout the opening process.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for accurately measuring the alteration of a liquid quantity, especially the quantity of oil in an internal combustion engine, in a reservoir containing said liquid, especially the oil pan of the internal combustion engine, comprises a measuring chamber which is separate from the reservoir and communicated thereto via a liquid compensator conduit. The liquid compensator conduit and the measuring chamber are heated to a constant temperature by heater. A level sensor for measuring the propagation of a sonic signal is disposed within the measuring chamber above the liquid level. Any temperature variations in the measuring chamber above the liquid level are detected by a gas thermometer and are utilized in an evaluator unit for correcting the measured level signal.

Abstract: A one-man field survey instrument for conducting small scale engineering surveys. The instrument automatically measures relative vertical and horizontal angles as it is moved over the terrain. The measurements are thereafter processed to prepare a topographical survey. Alternative configurations are disclosed as are methods for using the instrument.