Abstract: An aquarium action display having a decorative display structure submerged beneath the surface of an aquarium and seated on the aquarium floor. The display structure incorporates a catch basin for collecting granular display media and funneling the media to a tube having a notch interfaced with the catch basin. An aquarium pump produces a flow of water through the tube whereby the granular display media is mixed with the water flowing through the tube and discharged at an outlet and collected by the catch basin thereby creating an underwater display.

Abstract: A generally L-shaped electrical outlet cover remover having a handle and prying shank defined by a tapered end for wedging between the outlet plug and the outlet. The outlet cover remover may also include two handles with opposing prying shanks for removing the outlet cover from the outlet.

Abstract: An improved frequency counter for detecting and distinguishing a main input signal from amplifier generated self-oscillating signals, wherein the frequency counter generally includes an input circuit having an amplifier and Schmitt-Trigger, a microprocessor for controlling the main gate to a main counter and user inputs, and a signal level display, all of which communicate with the main counter, a display driver and a frequency display for more accurate frequency measurements.

Abstract: An architecture and data processing method for a neural network that can approximate any mapping function between the input and output vectors without the use of hidden layers. The data processing is done at the sibling nodes (second row). It is based on the orthogonal expansion of the functions that map the input vector to the output vector. Because the nodes of the second row are simply data processing stations, they remain passive during training. As a result the system is basically a single-layer linear network with a filter at its entrance. Because of this it is free from the problems of local minima. The invention also includes a method that reduces the sum of the square of errors over all the output nodes to zero (0.000000) in fewer than ten cycles. This is done by initialization of the synaptic links with the coefficients of the orthogonal expansion. This feature makes it possible to design a computer chip which can perform the training process in real time.

Abstract: An improved lubrication circuit for a V-block, cam in block, General Motors type internal combustion engine. The improvement is provided by forming additional oil passages in the V-block between the left side oil passage and some of the cam bearings. The cam bearings corresponding to the new oil passages are rotated to match their oil lubrication ports to the new oil passages to allow lubrication of those bearings by oil supplied by the left side oil passage. The improvement reduces the load requirements of the right side oil passage and increases the oil flow in the left side oil passage. The improvement results in: engine operation at a more balanced temperature; reduced frictional losses; improved high speed lubrication; improved idle speed oil pressure; improved engine life; and improved fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A combination blanket/carrying bag/apparel includes a generally rectangular sheet of fabric having a substantially central slit-like opening therein; a tubular piece of flexible material having opposite open ends, with one end being secured to the sheet of fabric around the central opening thereof; a flexible carrying bag secured to the sheet of fabric adjacent a periphery thereof, the carrying bag having an opening through which the fabric can be inserted for carrying; and at least one pillow holder secured to the sheet of fabric adjacent the periphery thereof, so as to overlie the sheet of fabric.

Abstract: A shooter's support belt that can be used by competition shooters, police officers, service personnel, security officers and others to simultaneously support a wearer's lower back while virtually immobilizing an outer gun holster and belt to increase gun draw speed, whereby the support belt provides a relatively stiff support platform having hook and loop fastening material permanently attached between the belt ends and a fastening strap extending from one end lined on both sides with hook and loop fastening material so that 360.degree. of hook and loop fastening material is always provided for releasably attaching an outer belt and holster system having a corresponding hook and loop liner.

Abstract: Protective apparel worn by animals, such as female dogs, for protecting the surrounding environment from body secretions, such as when the animal is in heat, having an absorption pad supported by a removable panel that eliminates the need for removing the garment when the animal has to relieve itself and elastic-type bands sewn in at the neck, waist, and legs to restrain the garment and to prevent its easy removal by the animal.

Abstract: A protective incontinence hygiene pad of laminate construction for catheter patients who have urinary and bowel incontinence. The pad includes at least one peripheral notched area that premits a catheter tube to pass therethrough with sealable areas around the notch so that the device can be sealed to prevent the escape of both liquid and solid materials from the pad while it is being worn by the user. The notch has an adhesive tab or tape proximate its peripheral edges that secures the catheter within the notch, which helps stabilize the catheter in position while retaining the seal around the pad between the skin of the wearer and the pad.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding folding clothing in a compact bag, particularly one suited for storage under seats or in overhead bins on commercial aircraft is disclosed. A two part folding panel is connected at one edge parallel to a hinge between two compartments of a suitcase. A hanger carrying an article of clothing is attached to a hook on the interior of a side wall opposite the hinge so that the clothing lays across the bottom of the compartment and portions of the folding panel. Two arcuate padded bars are provided over a far end opposite the hinge and over a fold line on the folding panel so that the clothing is wrapped around same with a relatively large radius of curvature when the first panel segment is folded along the fold line over the second panel segment, and the composite folded panel is then folded into one compartment of the suitcase.

Abstract: A carpet stripping device for stripping adhesively secured carpeting from an underlying subfloor. The device incorporates a base supporting a winch drum to which power is transmitted through a gearbox and mechanical clutch by a variable speed electric motor. The base incorporates a plurality of anchoring teeth fixed to the base's undersurface, and a wheeled supporting frame including a plurality of pivotally linked members selectively positionable between an elevated position whereby the assembly is movable, to an anchored position whereby the wheels are raised, lowering the base, such that the anchoring teeth penetrate underlying carpeting thereby securing the winch. A gripping jaw assembly having gripping teeth fixed to both upper and lower jaw elements is secured to a portion of carpet located remote from the anchored assembly, and connected by a winch cable. Activating the driving motor and engaging the clutch allows a user to easily strip carpeting by pulling the gripping jaw toward the anchored winch.

Abstract: A combination beach towel and tote bag comprising a towel made of fiber-reactive dyed velour on one side for a decorative pattern and a pair of rectangular panels attached to one corner of said beach towel, occupying approximately one-sixth the surface area of the beach towel, said panels being sized in shape and connected to form a tote bag when turned inside out for receiving the remainder of the towel and presenting decorative designs on the outside of said tote bag. The towel is easily deployed and easily folded neatly and inserted into the tote bag.

Abstract: A hair treatment appliance having improved dispensing capable of multi-faceted operation in the care and treatment of human hair. A body is provided having generally a hollow chamber therein to receive an aerosol container. An opening in a wall of the chamber permits a dispensing valve of the aerosol container residing therein to dispense the contents of the container therethrough. A comb is secured to an end of the body and extends outwardly therefrom, with an optional brush attachment removably secured thereto, while at the opposite end, hair lifters, which are a plurality of spaced apart elongated members, are optionally provided. A cap is generally provided adjacent one end of the hollow body and acts as a closure for the hollow chamber that receives the aerosol container. The aerosol container is actuated by a linear moving trigger secured to the body on the opposite side of the opening.

Abstract: A composite suction and irrigation probe is provided for performing the functions of irrigation and suction alone or simultaneously with the use of a single trumpet valve. The probe consist of an inner cannula and an outer cannula. In the first embodiment the inner cannula is attached to one probe mount end of the valve body while the outer cannula is attached to a second and opposite probe mount end. The inner cannula is inserted through a common channel of the valve body and the outer cannula. In the second embodiment, the inner cannula is attached to the outer cannula prior to attaching the probe to the valve body. The designated suction and irrigation ports located within the common channel of the valve body are isolated from each other to provide discrete and dedicated ports.

Abstract: An improved muffler for silencing the exhaust emitted from a water cooled marine engine employing a first housing encompassing a second housing which is partitioned by an angularly disposed inner planar baffle further having an inlet for exhaust gas and cooling water to fluidly communicate into an inlet chamber of the second housing resulting in a diminution in flow velocity so as to attenuate the exhaust noise, the exhaust gas and cooling water exiting the inlet chamber through an aperture fluidly communicated therewith into a silencing volume formed by an area between the first and second housing and forced through an aperture into an outlet chamber of said second housing. The outlet chamber acting as a back flow preventor.

Abstract: A display for mounting and illuminating individual balloons, said display including a battery storage box and a battery mounted therein and a funnel-shaped mount attachable to the battery housing and sized to receive the stem end of a balloon. The balloon mount includes a light bulb, permanently affixed to the inside wall, and wires which proceed down into the battery housing, none of which are exposed when the balloon is mounted in place.

Abstract: A retro-reflective sign is provided having a front face member attached to a back member. The face member has a plurality of cube corners disposed along its back surface. The sign can be of any shape or color and provides superior light reflection at night as compared to conventional signs. Thus, the sign can be easily seen while driving at night. In an alternative embodiment, the cube corners are disposed along the inner surface of the back member. The front face member or the entire sign can be coated with a silicone material to provide added protection to the sign from scratching and vandalism.