Abstract: A device for in situ cleaning a fouled membrane of a sensor disposed in an aqueous process solution includes a first electrolysis electrode disposed in the process solution immediately adjacent the membrane, a second electrolysis electrode disposed in the process solution and spaced apart from the first electrolysis electrode, and a controllable power source for passing a current between said first and second electrodes. The current produces a heavy concentration of ions at a surface of the fouled membrane. The polarity of the current is selectable to produce negative or positive ions for reacting to decompose deposited salts, or to scrub contaminates from the membrane surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a bag holder for plastic trash bags for use outdoors, such as lawns, gardens, and the like. A standard is provided with a pointed lower end, and a foot peg for pushing the end of the standard into the ground. An adjustable clamp assembly is disposed on the standard and may be moved along the standard to a desired point and locked. An elongate flat spring strip of metal or plastic having a length greater than the circumferance of the largest trash bag to be used is attached to the clamp assembly. The spring strip is bent into a circle and the opening of the bag is drawn over the spring strip which is released to hold the bag.

Abstract: An insert for a chair includes a seat portion and a back portion, and is molded from dense firm rubber, or the like. The seat portion tapers from a front edge to the rear such that the upper surface is essentially parallel with the floor when the insert is installed on the chair. The back portion includes a lower concave front surface fitting the gluteal region of the pelvis, a central convex portion fitting the lumbar curve, and an upper concave portion matching the thoraic kyphotic curve. The use of the insert maintains the user's spine in a natural postion that places the center of gravity of the head over the vertical axis of the spine.

Abstract: A system for chemically treating water in a water well utilizes a small pipe for diverting a small percentage of water being pumped from the well. The diverted water flows through a chamber containing concentrated treatment chemicals for producing a solution of the water treatment chemicals and the solution is injected into the well casing. The volume between the casing and the standpipe serves as a retention chamber for treating water before being drawn from the well.

Abstract: A dissolved oxygen measurement system includes real time monitoring and calibrating of a dissolved oxygen sensor. The sensor includes a pair of measuring electrodes, an electrolyte, and a pair of closely spaced electrolysis electrodes. The housing includes a permeable membrane and is immersed in the process solution. A computer is provided, programmed to perform dissolved oxygen concentration measurement, and continuous monitoring of the membrane impedance and sensor condition. A test electrode is disposed in the process solution adjacent the membrane and is driven by a low level pseudorandom binary signal from the computer producing a current through the membrane impedance which is monitored by the computer. Small pulses of direct current are passed between the electrolysis electrodes, producing small increases in oxygen.

Abstract: A container for stationing at curbside has a plurality of bins, each having a hinged lid. A pair of pickup arms is provided, for use with an automated truck-mounted pickup and dump system, for engaging the container and holding the lids closed preparatory to picking up and selective dumping of separated recyclable material in each of the bins.

Abstract: A truck body for mounting on a truck or trailer mounts apparatus for engaging, picking up, and selectively dumping a compartmented curbside container having separated recyclable materials. The truck body is divided into a plurality of bins. A carriage is movably mounted on a longitudinal track, the track supported by a pair of movable telescoping arms, the carriage powered to move along the track. Extensible arms are attached to the carriage and includes hydraulic actuators for extending and retracting the arms. A pair of clamping arms is disposed at a distal end of the extensible arms, and include a hydraulic actuator for clamping the clamping arms on a container. Thereafter, the container is picked up, inverted over the bins, and the container contents dumped selectively as the inverted container is moved over the bins. The container is returned to curbside after dumping.

Abstract: A system includes a point-of-use container having a plurality of removable bins with each bin for a different recyclable material. A pickup container, transportable to a pickup location, has a plurality of bins corresponding to the point-of-use bins, each bin having a normally closed hinged lid. A truck body has a set of bins corresponding to the pickup container bins and an automated arm mechanism for holding the lids closed, and for picking up and inverting the pickup container over the truck body bins. A computer is programmed to control the arm mechanism to perform the required movements. A barcode on the pickup container is read and each lid is released selectively when each bin is over a corresponding truck body bin to dump the contents of the container bins. The container is returned to its pickup location and released.

Abstract: A muzzle blast deflector for use on a rifle having a recoil arrestor attached to the muzzle. The blast deflector is a metal cone having a central opening for installing on a threaded muzzle barrel. The recoil arrestor is threaded on the muzzle and holds the blast deflector in place. The cone projects forward and beyond gas ports of the arrestor. Expanding gases from the recoil arrestor are deflected forward, preventing shock waves from the gases from traveling toward the shooter.

Abstract: A processor for a computerized numerical controller for providing motion planning and interpolation has a first transputer element programmed to convert program data to fixed format binary data and to store converted data in a generated convert data buffer. The convert data buffer is transmitted to a second transputer element programmed to precalculate motion control data therefrom and stores such precalculated data in a generated precalculated data buffer. The precalculated data buffer is transmitted to a third transputer element programmed to interpolate the precalculated data to provide a real time interpolated point stream defining a motion trajectory.

Abstract: A double-bladed combat weapon includes a handle having slotted ends. A knife blade having a semicircular tang, which has a plurality of index notches, is pivotally disposed in each slotted end of the handle. An indexing mechanism is disposed in each end of the handle and engages one the index notches of the blade tang. A release for each blade is provided to permit the user to swing the blades selectively from a rearwardly directed position to a forwardly directed position, as well as intermediate positions during combat.

Abstract: A device for use in a system for providing on-line, real-time monitoring of the condition of a sensor immersed in a process solution, the sensor having a membrane, by periodically generating known changes in characteristics of the process solution adjacent the membrane, the device providing a fixed volume of the process solution adjacent the membrane, the fixed volume being independent of a flow rate of the process solution. The device include a shield of non-conductive material, and having a retracted position permitting flow of the process solution past membrane, and an extended position enclosing the membrane to provide a fixed, stationary volume of process solution adjacent said membrane. The shield is selectively moved from its retracted position to its extended position during monitoring of the condition of the sensor.

Abstract: A combination belt and lotion applicator includes a nylon strap having a circular handle attached to each end. A removable absorbent pad includes a hook type fastener on one surface thereof. A matching loop fastener is attached to a central portion of the strap to permit the pad to be attached and removed. A plurality of pockets with slide fasteners is disposed on the outer surface of the strap. The handles have a buckle attached thereto to permit the strap to be fastened around the waist of user. When the belt is unbuckled, loyion may be applied to the pad, and applied to the user's back by holding a handle in each hand.

Abstract: A metal arrowhead has a ferrule section for permanent attachment to the distal end of an arrow shaft and a point section selectively joined to the ferrule section. A spring catch assembly disposed in the ferrule section permits the point section to be quickly disconnected from the arrow shaft. Barbs on the point section captivate a fish and permit a tether line attached to the arrow to permit the fish to be landed. When the point section is removed from the shaft, the shaft may be pulled from the fish and the point section quickly re-attached.

Abstract: A restraint for the hands of a handcuffed person includes a fabric pouch having a drawstring, and grommets along an edge thereof. The drawstring has a ring at one portion, and a spring clip at an opposing portion. The pouch is placed over both hands of a handcuffed person, the drawstring pulled tight by means of the spring clip which is passed through the ring and attached to a grommet. A plastic liner may be installed in the pouch prior to use to protect and collect evidence from a suspect's hands.

Abstract: An unattended automated rental system for articles such as video cassettes includes a storage unit with electrically locked bins for containing rental articles. Each bin and its article has an identification code strip. A customer terminal having a keyboard and display monitor controlled from a computer permits a customer to review available articles, reserve articles, and select articles for rental. A control module operated by the computer unlocks a selected bin. An article returned to a bin is checked by the control module for its code strip and, if correct, locks the bin. The customer terminal checks customer identification and receives payments. Remote selection terminals may be provided to permit receiving of article information and reservation of articles to be rented.

Abstract: A hand propelled tricycle has a hand-operated crank assembly mounted to an upper end of a front fork stem coupled to a front wheel supported by the fork. The fork is straight without caster and a set of springs attached between the fork and a tricycle frame provides centering of the front wheel. A pair of spaced-apart wheels is mounted to an axle at the rear of the frame.

Abstract: A truck body for mounting on a truck or trailer mounts apparatus for engaging, picking up, and selectively dumping a container at curbside having separated recyclable materials. The body is divided into a plurality of bins. A carriage is movably mounted on a longitudinal track attached to a side of the truck body and is powered to move therealong. An articulated arm assemby is attached to the carriage and includes hydraulic actuators for moving the arms thereof in a vertical plane. A pair of clamping arms is disposed at a distal end of the articulated arm assembly, and includes a hydraulic actuator for engaging a container. Thereafter, the container is picked up, inverted over the bins, and the container contents dumped selectively as the inverted container is moved over the bins. The container is returned to curbside after dumping.

Abstract: A wheeled container has a plurality of bins, each bin coded to receive a separated material for stationing at curbside for automated pickup. Each bin includes a hinged lid, normally maintain in a closed position by a spring catch. A pickup arm assembly operates in combination with the container includes movable arms which engage the container preparatory to being picked up and dumped by an automated apparatus. The arm assembly includes spring catch release devices for selectively opening each bin during dumping thereof.