Abstract: A method which improves check fraud prevention systems both in printing and verifying checks at their entry points. The method operates by printing on each issued check, a line of encrypted machine-only readable symbols such as a bar-code that contains all the information printed on the check, using a special, key-selectable encryption algorithm. When a check is presented to a bank teller or a cashier, a required, modified reader/decoder device connected to a computer, will read the line of encrypted data and identify a fraudulent check for rejection. The method requires primarily computer software additions and changes. Expensive replacement of existing equipment is avoided.

Abstract: A shaft retainer device that comprises three major components: a barrel shaped housing, a leverable gripping assembly which is located inside the housing along its central axis, and a key lock in one end of the housing. When the device is locked, the gripping assembly radially grips any grooved shaft that has been inserted in the housing preventing shaft withdrawal. When unlocked by a key, the gripping assembly is spread apart, releasing its radial grip on the groove of any grooved shaft that has been previously inserted in the device. The shaft retainer will work equally well with any shaft that has a raised ridge or a stepped edge around its circumference, and can accommodate a range of shaft diameters. The device is small, light weight and economical to produce.

Abstract: A modification of an earlier invention by this inventor for a non-spiilable liquid toothpaste dispenser, to simplify its construction and make replacement liquid toothpaste cartridges more available. The dispenser stands upright for normal use, but can be used in any orientation. It is made of rigid plastic and comprises a case, a cap, a cartridge containing liquid toothpaste, a case stand and a tooth floss holder. Inside the case top is a novel sliding valve that utilizes semicircular doors at its top. In use, a toothbrush head is pushed through a flanged hole in the top of the case, through the valve semicircular doors and into the liquid toothpaste. When the toothbrush is withdrawn, excess toothpaste is wiped off by the doors which return to their normal closed position to seal off liquid flows A plug which fits tightly in the case top entry flange, is provided in the cap to ensure no liquid leakage when the dispenser is packed. The liquid cartridge is simple and inexpensive to replace.

Abstract: A driver circuit for high frequency transistor type switches, comprising two sections; a positive (+) drive and a negative (-) drive, both sections being supplied with a high frequency signal by a square wave oscillator source. The sections are connected in parallel to a control generated input drive signal. In the negative drive section, the input drive signal is first inverted before being processed. Each section contains precise circuits for routing a high frequency carrier signal, for increasing input drive signal power gain, for providing independent positive and negative slope control, for providing exceptionally high voltage and noise isolation to avoid transmission of harmful voltages or noise, and for delivering a positive or negative drive signal to the gate/emitter of an external transistor under drive. The invention is characterized by its high voltage and noise isolation, using few components and being small in size.

Abstract: A power-on control circuit which functions to inhibit and prevent turn-on of an external power supply to an aircraft, unless a continuity signal is received from the aircraft indicating proper mating of the external power plug in the aircraft socket, thus preventing the hazards of an improper connection. The invention power-on control circuit incorporates a subcircuit for generating an acquisition signal to confirm continuity of connection, and a sensing and detector sub-circuit to enable turn-on of an external power source supplying power to an aircraft. The control circuit contains high ohmic isolation between logic elements and the aircraft, and is not sensitive to coupling with extraneous signals.

Abstract: A three-phase ac power inverter incorporating circuits which operate to correct input power factor to near unity when connected to an ac input rectifier, while also reducing input harmonic distortion. The inverter includes a dc capacitor connected between buses, and three, four-pole inverter H-configuration bridges which output ac phases A, B and C. The cross-bar of each H-bridge is made up of an L-C filter. The inverter bridge switches, switching in an output Pulse Width Modulation mode for generating three phase sine waves, also serve to pump resonant energy between the L-C filter in each bridge and the dc capacitor. Phase A, B and C inverter bridges are pumped at the same carrier frequency, providing a continuous feed to the dc capacitor and the input rectifier. In effect, this action extends the conduction angle of the input rectifier, resulting in the input power factor being corrected to near unity. The pumping action through the L-C filters also filters and reduces the input harmonic distortion.

Abstract: A missing phase detector circuit which monitors the ac three-phase output voltages of power equipment or sources and produces an output signal in the event a missing ac phase is detected. The circuit reduces the monitored phase voltages to low values and produces an ac ripple voltage waveform where each ripple represents a phase. An analyzer circuit examines the ac ripple voltage waveform for its zero crossings and produces a pulsed dc waveform where the width of the pulses is normally small. If any of the pulses is found to be wide, indicating a missing phase, a positive high signal is output by an AND gate. This output signal may be used to initiate illumination of a "Missing Phase" indicator or it may be used for equipment control purposes. Provision is made to prevent a false output signal when there is no input power. The circuit is not sensitive to frequency, power factor or unbalanced loads.

Abstract: A device for athletic exercise by pulling at a resisting force. The device consists of a small cylindrical enclosure containing a number of constant force, circular wound spring assemblies, having a pulley molded to the enclosure, and having a force selector assembly connected to the enclosure which also serves to hold the device in any fixed location. A cord is wound around the pulley during assembly and its free end is attached to a pull-handle. A person uses the force selector by manually moving a spring-loaded adjustment knob through slots in the selector assembly to a slot which corresponds to the desired force level. This action causes a spring-engagement rod inside the selector assembly to engage the number of spring assemblies that will produce the selected resisting force when a person pulls at the pull handle. The device is small and light in weight. Provision is made for attachment of the device to any suitable restraining object or static equipment.

Abstract: A non-spillable liquid toothpaste dispenser which stands upright for normal use, but can be used in any orientation. The dispenser is made of rigid plastic and comprises a case, a cap and a cartridge containing liquid toothpaste inside the case. Inside the top of the cartridge is a sliding valve having semicircular doors at its top. In use, a toothbrush head is pushed through a flanged hole in the top of the case, through the valve semicircular doors and into the liquid toothpaste. When the toothbrush is withdrawn, excess toothpaste is wiped off by the doors and the doors return to their normal closed position. The valve doors will also be made to close if any liquid toothpaste flows toward and impinges on the valve. In addition, a tight plug is provided in the cap to ensure no leakage of liquid when the dispenser is packed.

Abstract: A frequency monitor and error detector circuit that processes an input ac signal to be monitored, comparing the input ac signal with an internally generated reference center frequency, and outputting a "Go/No-Go" signal indicating whether the monitored ac signal frequency is within a pre-selected tolerance band or is out of tolerance. The reference frequency is provided by a highly accurate crystal oscillator. An adjustable delay circuit is provided, capable of being adjusted to produce a frequency tolerance band of from +/-0.05% to 0.1% of the center frequency. The device has three output signals which may be logic high or logic low, and are used for activating illuminated indicators or as frequency signal inputs to other equipment. The device is small in size, accurate and reliable over a wide range of frequencies.

Abstract: A document holder that is either floor mounted or table mounted, capable of holding and displaying out-sized documents. The document holder is composed of a vertical stand, a support arm and assembly which is mounted on the stand so that it can rotate and an extension rod assembly which is suspended from the overhanging end of the support arm. The extension rod assembly includes horizontal rods to which out-sized documents can be attached and displayed. The holder includes provision for a seated user to be able to remotely adjust the height of the extension rod assembly or to swing the support arm and assembly in a horizontal arc to a desired location while remaining seated. An alternate configuration has a support stand with a horizontal rail on which the support arm assembly can ride from one end to the other. This adds a remote horizontal moving capability of displayed documents for a seated user where required for special applications.

Abstract: A device for transporting a suitcase is provided including a removeable wheel assembly and two supporting brackets which are permanently attached integral with the suitcase. The wheel assembly includes a handle which is welded to the assembly axle and is used to install the wheel assembly on the brackets by positioning the axle across the brackets, parallel to the bottom surface of the suitcase, then rotating the handle and axle through an angle until the axle and handle are retained by the brackets. The suitcase may then be easily transported over uneven surfaces on the two large wheels provided by the device. An alternate embodiment provides a plastic handle that may be removed for convenient storage.

Abstract: A method which enables a credit cardholder to make a donation to a cardholder-selected charity any time he makes a purchase using the credit card. The method comprises a credit/charge card which identifies on its magnetic strip, charities to receive a donation, and a bank expedited system which processes the card user's purchase transaction, pays a previously decided amount to the charity or charities and also bills the cardholder. In this system, the donated amounts may be paid by the bank or card issuing organization, or the cardholder may add an amount which he pays to the selected charity. The proposed system may be described as being a bank expedited charity donation, (abbreviated to BAX) approach for credit/charge cardholders.

Abstract: A safety cable locking device for a knob-operated door mounted in a door frame including a framing stud. The device comprises an anchor member, a wire plastic covered cable, a lag bolt and a bushing. The anchor member contains the bushing and is fastened to a door frame framing stud by the lag bolt which passes through a hole in the anchor member and bushing into the framing stud. The cable ends pass the side of the anchor member through two holes which are located to cooperate with the bushing, causing the cable ends to be angled apart at 15 to 30 degrees. The cable loop is passed over the inside door knob. If the door is pushed open, tension force is put on the cable causing the edges of the anchor member holes to bite into the angled cable, locking the cable in place and preventing the door from being opened further.

Abstract: A sport exercise handle device is disclosed which adapts to commonly available components such as large soft-drink bottles to form a dumbbell, and a hand weight. Attachments to the handle produce a hand-rod holder for a bar-bell, a jump-rope using cord, an arm-expander exerciser using bungee-cords and even a jai-alai type ball catcher. These are some of the many hand sport equipments for which the universal handle may be used. The sport handle itself is inexpensive as are all attachments and components, producing inexpensive and easily assembled sports equipment.

Abstract: A device for preventing theft of any appliance having a permanently attached power or data cord, such as portable power drills, power saws, personal computers, monitors, printers and the like. The device comprises a flat clamping body member made of two mating halves, a threaded bolt element which protrudes through both body member halves and a nut member which fits on the bolt to screw down tight on the clamping body. The clamping body incorporates running alignment grooves for cupping the power or data cords and holding them tightly. Holes are provided in the clamp body and nut member allowing a wire cable to be passed through, securing the device and appliance cord to the wire cable.