Abstract: In individual animal-raising cages, which serve as refectory and as dormitory, a door system is individually provided, which allows the entry of an animal into the cage, but which must forbid the entry of a second animal. The lock or bolt takes its locking position as soon as the door is lowered behind the first animal which has entered, and it prevents another animal from raising the door from the outside. On the contrary, when the first animal wishes to get out, it automatically unlocks the bolt or lock before lifting the door. Several embodiments are described.

Abstract: A plurality of magnetic field generating, electrical coils are preferably arranged in a circle, in one embodiment. Digitally controlled, recurring switching pulses are generated for sequentially defining a plurality of discrete time periods. During each of these time periods, a separate magnetic field is generated responsive to each switching pulse. The pulses are applied to the coil, in turn, for sequentially stepping a magnetic field in a rotary motion about the circle of coils. In other embodiments, the pole pieces may be arranged in another geometry. For example, they could be linearly positioned to slide a stirrer or to lift a stirrer member up a test tube. A substance which is to be stirred is placed in a non-magnetic container positioned within the stepping magnetic field. A stir rod of magnetic material is placed in the container and within the stepping magnetic field, so that the stir rod couples into and rotates or otherwise moves with the rotary magnetic field.

Abstract: A boats hardware system--especially, although not exclusively designed for pleasure boating--involves massive clamping parts fashioned from a plastic, which is light enough to float. The parts are shaped and proportioned to fit over and be clamped to a rail of a boat. Clamping is preferably accomplished by large head nuts which may be fully tightened responsive to finger pressure. A rubber or other friction forming plug or screw head may be used to increase the friction or immobilize the clamp on the boat rail so that it will not turn about the rail. For convenience of description the term "anti-torque" is used hereinafter to mean this non-turning immobilization. The various parts may be used together in different combinations to make a system which easily fits into place, even when bulky items are installed by one person. An important advantage of the invention is its ability to be mounted on a boat without requiring either an undue amount of time or any special tools.

Abstract: A sanitary device for pets comprising an elongated handle; a rigid triangular wire frame disposed on the end of the handle; and a disposable standard container bag removably mounted on the frame by means inter alia, of a bight adapted to secure the bag to the frame. The pet litter is scooped up into the container bag which is then removed from the frame and discarded for disposal purposes.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided to efficiently remove a nut from a bolt. An enlongated rod is bifurcated at its lower end to form a pair of arms having cutting edges. A guide collar disposed between the arms is shaped to receive the free end of the bolt and properly position the tool over the nut.

Abstract: A single and unitary blank has a plurality of housing forming panels on one end and a plurality of drawer-forming panels on the other end. The housing and drawer panels are joined by a series (here, three) of drawer position control panels which allows the drawer to be pulled far enough to enable the contents thereof to be inserted or removed. However, the series of drawer position control panels also restrains the drawer and prevents it from being completely removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to dynamic devices for insulating wall surfaces and especially surfaces including a window. A self-inflating solar curtain is automatically raised and lowered in response to the direction of heat flow into or out of a confined space within which the temperature is to be controlled. This confined space could be a solar collector, a room in a house, or other enclosure requiring temperature control. The curtain comprises at least one double-walled air-entraining envelope with vents for enabling an inhaling or exhaling process which takes air into and expells air from the envelope as the curtain is heated or raised, respectively. The curtain can be wound upon and stowed on a roller driven by a motor or other suitable means which may be controlled automatically by sensors which detect and respond to temperature differentials on opposite sides of the curtain.

Abstract: A door locking device comprising a six-sided right wedge frustum having two spaced parallel sides and parallel upper and lower bases with a first remaining side perpendicular to the upper and lower bases and a second remaining side cut at an angle with respect to the upper and lower bases. The device is securely placed between the door handle stem and the key latch to prevent the latch from rotating if an intruder attempts to place a key in the lock and rotate the tumblers, since the latch is connected directly to the tumblers.

Abstract: A smoking device is provided which is hand operated and does not require suction or mouth contact.

Abstract: A new device for inserting radioactive seeds in and around tumor volumes is based upon insertion of a planar array of seeds at fixed depth. The device uses a fixed array of hollow needles with a matching array of trochars. The result achieved using this device is the implantation of a planar array of radioactive seeds which does not depend upon the parallel insertion of individual needles.

Abstract: A floss holder includes a bobbin of preferably unwaxed floss which feeds through a chamber containing a medication, such as fluoride. While in the chamber, the floss passes through a number of bearing surfaces for squeezing the medication into the floss without disturbing the lay of the fibers in the floss. After leaving the medication chamber, the floss passes out of the floss holder, over a stand-off prong and to a cutter. A clutch may be provided in the bobbin to maintain a floss tension throughout the medication chamber.

Abstract: A hydrophone which provides for cancellation of signals caused by acceleration forces and variations in water pressure head. The structure is comprised of a transducer for sensing an acoustic pressure wave as well as an acceleration force, and an accelerometer, which is isolated from the acoustic pressure wave, for sensing only the acceleration force. The transducer and the accelerometer are connected so as to subtract the acceleration output. Only the acoustic pressure wave output signal remains. Circuitry is also provided for cancelling the pressure head signal.

Abstract: A switching device is provided which permits connection of two incompatibly wired electrical components. The electrical signal from each lead on the first electrical component is isolated on a particular switch assembly and re-routed along a selected path to a desired terminal, which then feeds the signal to a particular lead on the second electrical component. Each switch assembly operates independently of the other switch levels, thereby permitting any combination of electrical routes or paths to be selected and accommodating a great variety of wiring designs.

Abstract: An igniter for a detonator comprising, an electrode having a first face, a second electrode, having a second face disposed in a facing position a predetermined distance from the first face, and a particulate electrically resistive composition packed in the space between said faces.

Abstract: A spool of thread, such as dental floss, is housed in a holder, preferably made of plastic. The thread or floss is wound on a bobbin having a hollow, cylindrical hub area. A clutch for controlling the bobbin rotation comprises a split post having an enlarged cross section near the center thereof. The split post fits into the hollow, cylindrical hub area of the bobbin with the post squeezed slightly to provide a desired amount of friction between the central post and the cylindrical hub walls. The friction keeps the bobbin from unwinding; however, the friction is not so great that it keeps the thread or floss from pulling smoothly and evenly from the bobbin.

Abstract: A number of relatively wide, preferably wooden panels are shaped and proportioned to cover the entire areas of a back, a seat, or an end of a sofa or chair. The panels have tabs or hooks and mating slots which fit into each other when the panels come together in a proper fit. At that time the parts are interconnected by wedge-shaped pegs. The shapes, angles and dimensions of these tabs, hooks and slots are such that the panels inherently wedge together more tightly, as the furniture supports the weight of one or more persons. The panels become even more tightly wedged together when the people sitting upon the furniture move and shift their weight. A similar approach enables tables or other articles of furniture to be assembled in a similar manner.

Abstract: A specific test for active demyelinzation is based on a discovery that free myelin basic protein can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid by the use of a radioimmunoassay, and that the level of basic protein found corresponds to the activity of demyelinating pathologies. A simple method is utilized, wherein samples of cerebrospinal fluid are assayed and the results of the assay are compared with standard samples of myelin basic protein. Patients with active demyelinating diseases have high levels (17-100ng/ml) of basic protein; those with progressive pathologies have less (6-16 ng/ml); and those in remission have less than 4 ng/ml, comparable to the control population.

Abstract: A preferably corrugated cardboard, shock-absorbing carton insert completely surrounds a product except for the top which is open to display the product to view. The insert is made from a corrugated cardboard blank having preformed score and cut lines which enable the blank to fold into a generally rectangular box having enlarged end panels that support the box in a position which is spaced away from all adjacent structures. There is a V-shaped fold between the box and each of its end panels to provide greater rigidity and further strength. Tab ends are positioned between the box and the end panel to help absorb a shock in any direction. The corrugated cardboard automatically assumes a desired end-product configuration responsive to four simple folding motions.

Abstract: An integral two-part, preferably plastic device includes a hanger and a plate-like member. There is a localized area between the two parts so that they may be separated. The hanger supports products before sale, and the plate-like member keeps together a pair of products, after the sale. A pair of socks is exemplary of the products.

Abstract: Low cost decorative award plaques are provided which use a plastic laminate article capable of being hot stamped with desired lettering or designs. The plaque is made by a process of repeatedly imprinting with different colors and surface effects. The process includes forming and cutting the plastic on a rigid backing, especially one simulating a fine, hardwood panel.