Abstract: A special mobile kitchen provides an impact-resistant food service trailer and a rapid deployment, containerized field kitchen unit which can be quickly transported to a remote field location by helicopter or other aircraft as well as by ship or land transportation. Advantageously, the mobile kitchen has thermally insulating composite walls so that the kitchen unit can effectively function even at freezing temperatures and dessert conditions. The composite walls can be readily assembled from modular components comprising lightweight, high strength fiberglass panels for easy storage and economical transport. Desirably, the high tech panels are constructed with numerous access openings for ready access to work stations in the kitchen for better service, repair, maintenance, and adjustments and for enhanced supply and delivery of food. During storms and inclement weather, the access openings can be closed and secured with impact-resistant doors and shutters.

Abstract: A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on display screens.

Abstract: A first part of a plastic lid for a garbage container made of metal is secured by a standardized hinge adapter which is installed on one edge of the container. A second part of the plastic lid is slidably adjustable into and out of mating engagement with the first part to form the lid of a selected length. Three different sizes of the second part make the lid fit virtually all known containers. Depending upon the size of the container, two of the two-part slidably adjustable lids may be required to be placed next to each other in order to cover the entire opening in the container. Also, a central bar may be arranged between the two two-part slidably adjustable lids.

Abstract: A vision testing apparatus and a method for testing vision in terms of contrast sensitivity and spatial frequency response are provided. The apparatus and method utilize a plurality light-polarizing optotypes which are provided on sheets of an oriented polymeric material. The optotypes are presented one at a time to a patient in conjunction with a polarizing filter such that rotation of the filter relative to the optotype will cause the contrast of the optotype to vary from a first condition wherein the pattern of the optotype is indistinguishable from its background to a second condition wherein the optotype is seen at a maximum level of contrast. The patient will indicate the point at which he or she first sees the optotype. The sequential presentation of a series of optotypes having patterns which vary in their spatial frequencies will provide a measure of both contrast sensitivity and spatial frequency response for each patient tested.

Abstract: A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on display screens.

Abstract: In a rotary press, temperature of a printing plate is sensed by an infrared temperature sensor mounted in close proximity to a cylinder carrying the printing plate. Sensor output is used to control a closed loop of a water circulating system which includes one or more water-carrying rollers in an ink train. A water cooler and a water heater are provided in the closed loop and are controlled in response to the sensor output to maintain the printing plate at a temperature which allows proper inking thereof.

Abstract: A brake signaling safety system and process is provided with a dependable sequential pressure monitoring brake light display to alert others of the relative frequency and amount of braking forces applied during braking of the vehicle. Preferably, the brake signaling safety system has a special circuit to signal a different number of brake lights for different braking forces and vehicle decelerations.

Abstract: A universal, filter holding apparatus provides an adjustable filter assembly which can hold different size filters. The versatile filter assembly is also constructed and arranged to facilitate tilting, pivoting, and rotation of the filter in different directions and can be guided upon a boom towards or away from a light source, as desired by the photographer. In the preferred form, the filter assembly has symmetrical L-shaped slide members which slide towards or away from each other along the rails of a track to expand or contract the size and span of the filter assembly. The filter assembly can also have a rotatable bracket which can be secured to and rotate the filter. The filter can have an aperture and grommet to facilitate its attachment to the bracket via a fastener. The filter assembly can further be equipped with an articulated tiltable unit which can slide upon and be rotated about the boom to further adjust the position of the filter.

Abstract: An improved faucet connector has a flexible braided metal hose assembly with a water supply fitting assembly at one end and a universal faucet fitting assembly at the other end to readily connect a faucet to a water supply pipe, tubing, or shutoff valve in an efficient, safe, and structurally sound manner.

Abstract: A compact piggyback expandable package assembly safely dispenses labels for attachment to bottles, containers, and closure caps, as well as to other surfaces. The compact package assembly is particularly useful in the pharmaceutical industry, but can also be used for other applications. The package assembly comprises a special foldable package which encloses a set of labels. A resealable tab can be provided to facilitate opening and closing of the package. In the preferred form, the piggyback package assembly has a base or base label which is attached to the package. The underside of the base has adhesive portions so that the package assembly can be mounted upon the top surface of a closure cap of a bottle, a web, or some other surface.

Abstract: An improved connector has a flexible braided metal hose assembly with a compression fitting or pipe fitting at one end and a special composite fitting assembly with an electrically insulating insert in a metal male outer fitting at the other end for connection to the water line of an appliance, such as a hot water heater.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing support for a load comprises one or more spaced kinestatic members which support the load. The kinestatic members are supported at points adjacent their ends by supports which permit the kinestatic members to slide along their longitudinal axes relative to the points of support as the force on an individual kinestatic member varies, thus causing each member to assume a more or less bowed condition. With the system in a state of equilibrium, i.e., with each kinestatic member being flexed to an extent depending on its contribution to the support of the entire load, an increased load will cause an increase in the flex of each member until a new point of equilibrium is reached. If the additional load is removed, each kinestatic member will tend to straighten out, thus causing a longitudinal sliding movement through the points of support and creating friction during sliding engagement with a shock-absorbing member which absorbs the energy and prevents oscillations.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing tie display is provided with a set of special, removable, interchangeable tie-support devices to attractively display different ties in a retail clothing store or the like. Each of the tie-support devices has a special channel member for removable attachment to a clothes rod and has a tie-support bar comprising an angled finger to efficiently carry, support, and display a tie in an attractive manner.

Abstract: A special seed spreading machine, lawn care apparatus and process are provided to transport, meter, and disperse different types of grass seeds evenly and uniformly over a lawn, turf, or soil. Advantageously, the novel seed spreading machine, lawn care apparatus and process can accurately control, mix, meter, and spread different amounts (proportions) of various types of grass seeds and/or other materials, and can dispense different types of grass seed in separate bins simultaneously at different speeds and flow rates. The seed spreading machine and lawn care apparatus preferably comprise of a ground driven disc, dual hopper assembly with double friction wheels which drives tumblers in the hopper assembly through a chain and sprocket arrangement.

Abstract: A special cultivating machine, lawn care apparatus and process are provided to properly prepare, efficiently condition, and gently cultivate the soil, turf and lawn in a uniform manner without uprooting, ruining, or damaging existing healthy plants and grass and without substantial thatching. The special cultivating machine, lawn care apparatus and process attain excellent seed and soil contact for virtually all soil compositions, textures, and conditions, and accurately follow the contour of the ground soil, turf, or lawn, regardless of mounds, hills, valleys, irregularities, clumps, and other soil conditions. The cultivating machine and lawn care apparatus has spring biased, rearwardly facing, scratching arms (cultivation fingers) which are reciprocatingly driven by a crankshaft. The crankshaft is smoothly rotated by a chain and sprocket arrangement. Desirably, the crankshaft and scratching arms can be raised or lowered by a height adjustment assembly to vary the depth and angle of soil penetration.