Abstract: A self-sufficient sentic cycler unit usable by a subject to generate and express emotions as an art form of touch and in doing so to overcome inhibitive and repressive tendencies, and to relieve stress and dissipate anxiety. The unit includes a solid-state memory having digitally stored therein a set of words representing different emotions, such as love or anger, as well as a click or other command signal instructing the subject to tactilely express the emotion represented by the word selected from the memory. The memory is controlled by a clock and a programmed microprocessor to produce a sentic cycle in the course of which words are selected from the set in a predetermined sequence, each selected word being followed by a series of time-spaced clicks. The digital output of the memory is converted into an analog signal that is reproduced so that it can be heard by the subject.

Abstract: A phantom assembly adapted to simulate a human subject to verify the accuracy of a carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) measuring device for testing the functional integrity of the subject's alveolar-capillary membrane. The device includes a mouthpiece through which the subject inhales a mixture of carbon monoxide and an inert gas in a predetermined ratio. Then after a breath holding interval the subject exhales into the mouthpiece an alveolar sample whose carbon monoxide content is analyzed by the device to evaluate the subject's condition. The assembly includes a phantom whose chamber is interposable between the mouthpiece of the DLco device and a calibration syringe having a known capacity. Within the chamber cavity is a flow tube that extends between valved mouthpiece and syringe ports on opposing end wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument adapted selectively to provide a sportsman, such as a mountain climber, with readily-readable indications of the existing altitude or direction. The instrument includes a magnetometer which yields an analog signal as a function of direction and a pressure sensor which yields an analog signal as a function of atmospheric pressure. These analog signals are converted into corresponding digital signals and applied to a microprocessor which acts to control an LCD display having two display modes--one providing a numerical readout of altitude, the other a 360 degree readout of direction. When the microprocessor is switched to the altitude mode, it then processes the signal derived from the pressure sensor to yield a digital output for operating the display to indicate the existing altitude. When the microprocessor is switched to the direction mode, it then processes the signal derived from the magnetometer to yield a digital output for operating the display to indicate the existing direction.

Abstract: A corona discharge beam thermotherapy system for veterinary applications adapted to project the beam onto the skin surface of an animal overlying a problem region, the beam serving to relieve pain and to obtain other beneficial effects. The system includes an energy-generating unit having a power in excess of 25 watts in which a radio-frequency carrier is overmodulated by an audio frequency signal to produce periodic bursts of radio-frequency energy whose repetition rate corresponds to the frequency of the signal. The output of the unit is fed by a flexible coaxial cable to a tank circuit tuned to the carrier frequency and housed within the barrel of a portable applicator gun. Supported within the barrel and coupled to the tank circuit is a discharge electrode whose tip is adjacent the mouth of the barrel. The electrode is formed by a helical wire, one end of which is coupled to the tank circuit, the other end defining the tip.

Abstract: A universal applicator for applying therapeutic heat to a localized skin area of a patient. The applicator includes a casing dome whose open base is maintained in spaced relation to the skin area to define an air flow zone therebetween. Coaxially mounted at an intermediate position within the dome is a motor-driven fan which creates a negative pressure region in the dome above the fan and a positive pressure region therebelow, whereby air drawn from the negative pressure region is propelled into the positive pressure region from which it is discharged into the air flow zone. From this zone, the air is returned to the negative pressure region, thereby creating a circulatory flow loop minimizing the discharge of air into the atmosphere outside the flow zone. Mounted coaxially within the dome in the negative pressure region is an electric heater ring formed by a helical resistance coil.

Abstract: A paper-plastic film, fiberglass-reinforced sealing tape for sealing a carton, a package, or any other article fabricated of recyclable material. The tape includes a paper inner ply whose exposed face is pregummed, whereby the tape is adherable to the article to be sealed, and a synthetic plastic film outer ply laminated by a water-based adhesive to the inner ply. Sandwiched between the inner and outer plies is a longitudinal array of fiberglass strands serving to reinforce the tape. When an article sealed by the tape is to be recycled, then the outer plastic ply, which cannot be recycled, is stripped from the tape.

Abstract: A self-tapping screw-type masonry anchor which when turned into a hole drilled in a masonry structure to secure an object thereto is then highly resistant to pull-out forces. The anchor is fabricated of a metal whose hardness is such that when it rubs against a masonry surface it is abraded and worn thereby. The anchor includes a head engageable by a torque-producing tool to rotate the anchor, and a shank extending therefrom provided with a root section surrounded by a helical male cutting thread whose series of convolutions have sharp crests and extend from the leading to the trailing end of the root section. The crests have diameters greater than that of the hole which decrease progressively from the leading to the trailing end to create a reverse taper.

Abstract: A double-barreled gun adapted to inject a two component epoxy bonding agent into a hole to anchor a hardware element therein. The base resin and hardener components of the epoxy are stored in seperate foil packs received in parallel barrels of the gun. The gun includes a removable manifold having a pair of end caps which fit into the leading ends of the barrels and are joined to a manifold pipe to whose outlet is attachable a mixing nozzle. Mounted at the rear of each cap across a port therein is a cutting element. Slidable in each barrel behind the pack is a piston whose rod extends from the trailing end of the barrel. A manually or pneumatically driven operating mechanism effects concurrent advance of the pistons to an extent determined by the operating mode of the gun.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a high-temperature ceramic superconductor having a Y-Ba-Cu-O or other copper-oxide composition of comparable properties so as to render the ceramic porous to define interlaced diffusion channels throughout the entire body of the ceramic. As a consequence, oxygen, an essential component thereof, will in the course of firing the ceramic, diffuse throughout the interior of the body and thereby interact and become integrated with the crystal structure of the ceramic to form a superconductor having superior properties. The resultant porous ceramic body may be used as a superconductive device, or it may be ground into particles and dispersed as a filler in a binder acting as a plastic agent that can be extruded, molded, or otherwise shaped to create a Meisner-effect shield, a cylindrical superconductive bearing or other superconductive structure.

Abstract: A kit for formulating and generating different mood modifying or therapeutic aromas, the kit including a battery of vials each containing a different essential fragrance oil, thereby making it possible for a user to compound a blend of oils producing an aroma having the desired effect. Also provided is a vessel formed of cermaic or other dielectric material and having a removable cover. The inner and outer surfaces of the vessel have a glaze thereon whose composition is such that when the vessel is placed in a microwave oven and subjected to microwave energy, this energy is absorbed only by the glaze, as a consequence of which the interior of the vessel is heated to an elevated temperature and acts to volatilize a charge of oil deposited in the vessel by the user, the constituents of the charge being derived from oils taken from selected vials as formulated by the user.

Abstract: An odor control system for a settling tank containing a pool of wastewater to be clarified in which suspended particles are removed by gravitational settling and the water at the surface of the pool is clarified. Supported within the tank is an elongated effluent trough having a weir at one side thereof which extends upwardly therefrom to permit clarified water from the pool to spill over into the trough. Mounted over the trough along its full length is a hood having a side wall which extends into the pool at a position displaced from the weir the hood being constituted by a series of sections. The hood acts to capture noxious gases emitted into a region above the surface of the water therebelow as the clarified water spills over into the trough.

Abstract: A closed-loop computer-controlled merchandising coupon system which includes a coupon printer-dispenser installed at each supermarket, making it possible for a shopper to receive a merchandising coupon entitling him to a specified discount on the product identified in the coupon. The printer, which is computer-controlled, is linked to at least one manufacturer whose product is available in the supermarket, the manufacturer instructing the printer as to the data to be printed. The printer, when actuated by the shopper, prints on a universal coupon blank the identity of the manufacturer's product and the discount to which the holder is entitled as then determined by the manufacturer, the printed coupon then being dispensed. When the shopper purchases this product and redeems the coupon at a checkout counter at the supermarket, he is accorded the specified discount.

Abstract: A composite material usable for producing gaskets, the composite material being composed of a perforated metal core sheet sandwiched between facing layers having sealing properties and compression-laminated thereto. The core sheet is provided with a uniform array of square holes, each bordered by a set of four triangular tangs whose apex portions are flared outwardly with respect to the hole, the tang sets from alternate holes projecting from one side of the core sheet and the tang sets from the other holes projecting from the other side thereof. When the sandwich is subjected to compression, the tang sets on opposite sides of the core sheet then pierce the related layers and are caused to bend downwardly and thereby clinch the layers to the core sheets whereby the tang sets are then being embedded within the layers, each tang set affording an omnidirectional holding force.

Abstract: A dispenser cartridge loaded with identical mini-compacts containing a test sample of a particular cosmetic such as lip gloss or eye shadow, thereby making it possible for consumers, before purchasing this cosmetic, to try out the sample. The cartridge, which is vertically mounted, includes a gravity-feed channel accommodating a stack of mini-compacts, the lowermost of which rests on a ledge in alignment with an exit slot. Below the slot is a slidable ejector which when pulled out acts to withdraw the lowermost mini-compact through the slot. And when the ejector, after the withdrawn mini-compact is removed therefrom, is pushed back, then the mini-compact, which is now lowermost, falls on the ledge in readiness for the next ejector action. The cartridge, when exhausted, is refillable through a channel inlet at the upper end of the cartridge.

Abstract: A comb and mirror-tray assembly which when in a storage mode the mirror-tray then acts to protect the comb nested therein. In a combing mode, the user who has withdrawn the comb from the mirror-tray can then view her hair in the mirror as she combs it. And in an easel mode in which the comb acts as a stand for the mirror-tray, the user may then view her face in the mirror as she applies makeup thereto. The tray, which is generally rectangular in form and has the mirror secured to its bed, is surrounded by a peripheral wall, a transverse slot being formed in the bed between the end of the mirror and the wall. In the storage mode, the comb snaps into the tray to overlie the mirror, the comb being withdrawn from the tray in the combing mode. In the easel mode, the comb is inserted in the transverse slot to serve as a stand forming an angle with the mirror-tray to support it on a table or other surface.

Abstract: A universal handle for household and other hand-held implements, the handle being adapted to ergonomically render the implement to which it is applied useable by individuals who have diffculty in firmly grasping a conventional handle. The universal handle, which is fabricated of elastomeric material having good thermal isulation and cushioning properties, includes an internal cavity to socket the core shank of the implement. The handle has an ellipticl cross section, the opposing sides of the handle adjacent its upper end each having a concave depression, in each of which an array of spaced, flexible fins is anchored to define a depressible grip site. When the fingers of a user's hand are clenched about the handle, the internal region of the resultant fist conforms to the form of the handle to provide a good grip thereon, the thumb and forefinger pressing into the grip sites to enhance the user's grip on the handle.