Abstract: A portable wall partition having a three point pivoting 360.degree. articulate pinch less hinge connecting two panels which may pivot 360.degree. with respect to each other. The hinge has two opposing couplers, each having a toothed semicircular portion meshed with the opposing coupler toothed semicircular portion. Each coupler is adapted to be connected to one of the panels to be pivoted with respect to each other. A pin is in each coupler extending along an axis of the semicircular portion thereof. A link connects each pin to maintain the meshed engagement of the couplers through 360.degree. of coupler pivotal rotation with respect to each other. The link has a sufficient width substantially that of the width of the coupler body as to block and prevent the meshed semicircular portions from pinching an individual's finger or object. The portable wall partition has two full panel end members which provide support, rigidity, privacy, and noise reduction.

Abstract: A gravity-operated anti-surge valve for a turbine pump consists of a poppet adapted to be moveable under fluid pressure between a closed position and a valve seat for the poppet. The weight of the poppet biases the poppet in the closed position against the valve seat in the absence of fluid pressure. Fluid pressure developed by the pump forces the poppet open. As fluid pressure decreases when the pump is shut off, the weight of the poppet allows the poppet to gradually close against continuing fluid flow, preventing water hammer. As fluid pressure approaches zero, the poppet completely closes, preventing the weight of a column of water from rushing down the lineshaft at high speed and driving the pump impellers in reverse. The valve is located above the top bowl of the pump.

Abstract: A data media storage library for storing and accessing storage media such as optical discs, CDs, tape cartridges, and PCMCIA cards, consisting of a housing containing a storage array with a number of storage locations therein; a number of media storage elements for holding the storage media; a number of data transfer elements for reading and writing information on the storage media; and a media transport element for moving the storage media between the media storage elements and the data transfer elements. Each storage location may engage one of the media storage elements and data transfer elements, thereby allowing the interchangeability of media storage elements with data transfer elements within the storage array. A second embodiment includes a flipper mechanism for dual-sided media which can be mounted at one or more of the storage locations and rotate to flip the storage media to its other side.

Abstract: Fluid is efficiently and uniformly removed from successive bodies of a product by a combination of finely perforated wedge shaped hollow blades sufficiently long as to fully penetrate the product body depth, a series of vacuum suction tubes arranged within the blades for pressure differential removal of accumulated free fluid from the lowest point of the product body, a pneumatic or other cylinder to provide linear motion, position control, and cyclic variation in applied load for introduction and withdrawal of each blade and suction tube assembly to and from successive bodies of the product, and mechanism allowing the blade and suction tube assembly to travel only in a defined linear path for repeatable unimpeded entry to and withdrawal from successive product containers, each of which is mechanically fed into and precisely held in a series of locations directly beneath wedge and suction tube assemblies.

Abstract: A reusable beverage container for hot or cold beverages is for use in vehicle beverage holders with receptacles sized for twelve ounce beverage cans. The container has a first lower portion of a diameter approximating or less than the diameters of standard twelve ounce beverage cans. A second upper portion is provided with a diameter larger than lower portion providing additional beverage capacity. A flange is formed between the upper and lower portions. One or more ribs substantially encircle the second upper portion. A handle is positioned sufficiently high on the upper portion so as not to interfere with the insertion of the lower base portion into the vehicle beverage holder.

Abstract: A remote ordering system for a restaurant drive-through lane, consisting of an input device having a keypad, a battery, a first memory, a first processor, and a transmitter; and a drive-up ordering station adjacent the restaurant drive-through lane and unconnected to the input device, the ordering station having a posted visual menu, a receiver tuned to the transmitter, a second processor adapted to decode information received from the transmitter through the receiver and produce decoded information, a display to display the decoded information, a second memory to store item numbers and prices, and a communications link to a point-of-sale system. Preferably, the remote device is hand-held and operated from within the vehicle.

Abstract: A three point pivoting 360.degree. articulable pinchless hinge connects two members which may pivot 360.degree. with respect to each other. The hinge has two opposing couplers, each having a toothed semicircular portion meshed with the opposing coupler toothed semicircular portion. Each coupler is adapted to be connected to one of the members to be pivoted with respect to each other. A pin is in each coupler extending along an axis of the semicircular portion thereof. A link connects each pin to maintain the meshed engagement of the couplers through 360.degree. of coupler pivotal rotation with respect to each other. The link has a sufficient width substantially that of the width of the coupler body as to block and prevent the meshed semicircular portions from pinching an individual's finger or object.

Abstract: An optical disc cartridge handling apparatus, which has a removable cartridge magazine for loading and unloading groups of cartridges into the apparatus, for storing, handling, reading and writing of the optical discs stored within the cartridges. A flipper mechanism is provided to receive one of the cartridges from either of the magazine or an optical disc drive within the apparatus. Means are included for rotating the flipper mechanism about a common center line for inverting the cartridge within the flipper mechanism. A picker mechanism is included for moving the cartridge into and out of the flipper mechanism from either the magazine or the optical disc drive. A traverse mechanism is provided for supporting and moving the flipper mechanism along an axis of motion to locate the flipper mechanism adjacent either a particular slot of the magazine or the cartridge slot of the optical disc drive.

Abstract: A self-deploying cover for the cab of a vehicle, including a roof, windshield, rear window and side windows, the cover comprising a fabric sheet having substantially the general dimensions of the cab for enclosing the cab when the cover is placed on the vehicle. A collapsible, semi-rigid frame or spring rod is along the periphery of the sheet for deploying the cover to an expanded state from a stored state. Connectors are provided for attaching the cover to the vehicle, suitably at the wheel wells. In another embodiment, the cover includes a skirt for covering other lower areas of the vehicle. In a third embodiment, the skirt also has a collapsible, semi-rigid frame or a spring for deploying the skirt.

Abstract: The forced air helmet heater and defroster system for sport and utility vehicles begins with a small motor driven blower. This blower is mounted or fastened to the vehicle and adapted to draw in cold, fresh air from the exterior of the vehicle and force it through a heat source. The heat source warms or tempers this cold fresh air. Then, depending on system configuration, the air exiting the heat source is either forced to an insulated helmet delivery conduit equipped with a break-away connection on the inlet end and a diffuser on the exit end, or it can first be routed to an optional temperature control junction and then to the insulated helmet delivery conduit. The vehicle rider may then place the delivery conduit's exit diffuser between the interior side of the helmet and their cheek or chin whereby the expelling warm air flushes the helmet's interior thus warming the rider's face and breathing air as well as keeping the rider's face shield and eyeglasses defrosted and fog free.

Abstract: A crankshaft-mounted, multiple-speed electromagnetic clutch for driving multiple rotary devices of an engine, the engine having a crankshaft, the clutch comprising: a clutch support plate mounted to the crankshaft; a spring connected to the clutch support plate; a pair of clutch plates connected to the spring with the spring biasing the pair of clutch plates toward the clutch support plate; a pair of rotors rotating about the crankshaft on bearings; an electromagnet fixedly engaging each of the rotors and adapted to attract one of the clutch plates against the rotor, thereby transferring the rotational force of the crankshaft to the rotor; and a transmission device connecting each of the rotors to the rotary device.

Abstract: A collapsible portable bale shaped field blind for wildlife observers and hunters generally includes a cylindrical and collapsible tubular frame supported upon a sled-like base. The frame, when fully extended, has a cylindrical shape much like that of a hay bale. In a collapsed shape, the frame is completely folded down suitably into a sled base. The frame has a camouflage waterproof fabric fastened there over and cooperates with the folding of the frame. A stand-up hatchway which is covered by a camouflaged arcuate door frame is pivotally mounted on the top of the collapsible frame. A stretch cord is provided which biases the arcuate door frame into either the fully open or fully closed position. Windows and viewing slots are also provided.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes an outer socket, a flexible, compressible inner socket within the outer socket with a cavity for receiving the residual limb, a space between the inner socket and the outer socket, a vacuum source connected to the cavity, a positive pressure source connected to the space, a regulator for controlling the vacuum source and positive pressure source, and a seal for making an airtight seal between the residual limb and the socket. Another embodiment includes a semi-compressible molding material in the space to mold to the contours of the residual limb under the influence of vacuum and/or positive pressure. Another embodiment includes a positive mechanical interlock between the inner socket and the outer socket.

Abstract: A lighted, inflatable device comprises a substantially sealed outer shell, an inner inflatable bladder disposed within the outer shell, a valve for inflating the inner inflatable bladder, and an illumination element disposed within the inner inflatable bladder. The illumination element includes a resistor for conserving battery life. The bladder and shell have translucent portions through which light from the illumination element passes.