Abstract: A portable computer with at least one reduced-key keypad for one-handed operation is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the portable computer includes two data display screens for displaying data from two programs running simultaneously. It also includes two keypads, both of which are capable of entering the full range of alphanumeric characters and software control commands. An alternate embodiment may be modified to provide universal communication capabilities.

Abstract: An extended life electrical heating element for a water heater includes a coiled heating resistance wire having a uniform power output per coil turn. Where the heating resistance wire passes through the sheath at critical areas, e.g. return bends, the number of coil turns per unit length of element is reduced to reduce thermal power output per unit length of the element. The number of coil turns per unit length of element in bend areas may be reduced by simply stretching the coiled heating wire to attain the desired length of resistance wire per unit length of the element. Resistance wires of differing heat output per unit length may be combined with different degrees of stretching to achieve the desired element temperatures. The reduced power at the bend portions reduces element temperature to reduce hard water scaling and significantly extend the life of the element.

Abstract: A bag filling machine of the type having a discharge spout with clamps to hold a bag mouth on the spout is disclosed as incorporating gusset pleat gripping assemblies on opposite sides of the spout. Each of those assemblies has a pair of cooperatively actuable gusset gripping members operable between open and closed positions to selectively and independently grip each of the two gusset pleats on opposite sides of a gusset bag and to pull those pleats apart to fully open positions. This increases the effective, material-receiving area of the bag mouth as it is opened with the opening of the spout to dispense granular material into the bag. A gusset tucker is also utilized on each side of the discharge spout in cooperative juxtaposition to the gusset pleat gripping assemblies. The gusset tuckers are moved inwardly towards each other and towards the bag to engage in the fold between the two gusset pleats on each side of the bag as the bag top is flattened to a closed position after being filled on a spout.

Abstract: A remotely controllable retractable lifeline extender having an electric motor attached thereto to provide powered payout and retraction of the lifeline to a user located below. The remote retractable lifeline extender may be fastened to the ceiling or rafter of a structure, or to some other sturdy structural component thereof having a great deal of clearance below the connection point. The device is actuated by a hand-held remote control unit used by the worker to be attached to the lifeline. By activating the remote control unit, the lifeline is lowered to the worker by the motor-powered unit. The lifeline is attached to the worker's safety belt or harness by a fastening member such as a locking snap hook or carabiner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus using dry cleaning techniques for cleaning a read/write head of the contact transducing type such as found on computer data backup tape drive systems. The apparatus includes a housing enclosing a supply reel holding a supply of cleaning tape, a takeup reel for holding used or soiled cleaning tape, and a gear train for transmitting rotary power at a reduced rotational speed from an external power source such as the tape drive capstan to the takeup reel. The gear train includes a plurality of gears that constitute a gear reduction system such that the cleaning tape can be driven past the head at an effective cleaning speed which is substantially less than the normal read/write speed of the tape drive. The apparatus further includes a movable shutter mechanism for blocking one of a pair of light paths between a light emitter and a light sensor forming part of the tape drive system, thereby providing a unique signal to the tape drive.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a large oceanic type shipping container while applying fluid foam insulation to the container. The apparatus utilizes a stationary frame which supports a housing, the housing having an open ended foaming chamber in which a mandrel is cantileverly mounted. Heated platens are mounted to the mandrel and housing. At least some of the platens are movably mounted and capable of engaging the container when the container is within the chamber. The container is moveable into and out of the housing chamber by use of a carriage movably supported on a guide base. The housing is swingably mounted so that it may be pivoted relative to the frame and relative to a horizontal plane, allowing increased foaming efficiency of the container's cavities. After foaming, a void detection system having thermal sensors with scanning capability allows detection of inadequately insulated voids within the cavities of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single animal weighing apparatus having an external frame supporting by means of a support structure a longitudinally extending load bar and a floating weight crate suspended from the load bar and isolated from the external frame. The support structure of the present invention further enables the use of an auxiliary basket to weigh small animals, the basket being attached to the support structure above the external frame. The present invention further has a pair of gates each having two panels that are each hinged to the external frame and each including a scissors mechanism that is used to open the gate. The gate opening mechanism of each gate is manipulable from either end of the weighing apparatus. To facilitate movement of a weighing apparatus according to the present invention there is a truck provided that is equally attachable to either end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A retractable traversing trash rake is provided for cleaning weedscreens or bar grates at an installation for generating power, filtering water, or the like. The trash rake includes a frame carrying a troney movable from a position inside the frame to a position outside the frame. The trolley carries a trash rake which may be lowered to clean the weedscreen, and the trolley may be moved to a position within the frame, where the trash rake may be opened to deposit collected debris into a hopper. The hopper is pivotally mounted for tilting in opposite direction to provide multiple dumping options. A method of cleaning weedscreen by using a retractable traversing trash rake is also disclosed.

Abstract: An indwelling urinary catheter having a palpitatable multiaxial dome-type valve and an inflatable anchoring balloon. The valve has a peripheral trough to maximize drainage. The catheter body and balloon are integrally molded from silicone to produce a uniform and symmetrical balloon shape. The balloon shape may be selectively altered by varying bonding patterns or wall thicknesses. Valve openings traverse an arcuate pathway, and adjacent valve elements are separated by an intermediate rib to ensure a reliable closure. Valve elements are readily displaced by a drainage tube connector that engages the valve body. A collar on the catheter body moves axially along helical threads to adjust tension on the balloon.

Abstract: A tape driving cleaning cartridge having a housing with recognition openings, a slide mechanism slidably movable to cover one recognition opening while leaving the other open. The slide mechanism is manually movable between the two positions. If additional recognition openings are employed, multiple slide mechanisms may be used.

Abstract: A double locking snap hook is provided with an extended hook shank and return portion to form a lengthened hook portion for use in conjunction with the assembly and disassembly of wall forms. A slot is provided in the hook shank through which may be inserted a strap made of webbing, leather or another sturdy, flexible material. This strap may in turn be connected to a worker's safety belt or harness, permitting the worker the use of both hands while securely attached to the wall form. In addition to other modifications, the return portion is narrowed somewhat to permit passage through the slots of the wall form bracing.

Abstract: An angular displacement sensor for determining the location of a rotating element such as a power clamp, fixedly attached to the power clamp adjacent the clamp arm. Specifically, the angular displacement sensor includes a rotating portion within a stationary housing, the rotating portion being directly connected to the axle that attaches the clamp arm to the connecting rods driven by the piston. By sensing the position of the rotating portion of the angular displacement sensor, which is directly connected to the axle and thereby rotates in direct proportion to the movement of the clamp arm, the sensor may easily determine the position of the clamp arm.

Abstract: A combined seat and tackle container for ice fishing including a seating portion on which an ice fisherman may rest while watching an ice fishing pole. Additionally, it includes compartments for holding a variety of fishing needs. A rear storage compartment integral with the back resting portion may be used for storage of spare fishing rods or tip-ups. A hinged seat covers an upper storage compartment in which small items such as snacks and beverages may be stored, and the underside of the hinged seat may be covered with a material such as cork or styrofoam into which the hooks of artificial fishing lures may be placed for storage. Finally, a lower storage compartment therebeneath may be used for storage of fish that have been caught. A carrying handle may be attached to the housing to make it easy to transport the assembly.

Abstract: A detachable roof anchor having a fixed, permanent portion and a removable, reusable portion. The permanent portion includes a roof anchor base plate, two carriage bolts and a truss clamp having serrated edges that engage the bottom side of the roof rafter. Releasably attachable to the permanent portion is a pivoting D-ring attachment member held in place by a clamp plate bolted to the roof anchor base plate. The attachment member, while providing safe and secure attachment of fall protection devices, also permits a wide range of motion without compromising the safety of the worker on the roof.

Abstract: A livestock lift apparatus comprises two U-shaped gripping arms hinged together at their open ends. The rounded ends of the gripping arms are bent toward each other. A locking mechanism comprises a locking handle rotatably mounted to locking handle mount plates carried by a cross member of one of the gripping arms, a chain catch rotatably mounted on the locking handle, a length of chain engageable by the chain catch, the chain attached to an eyelet of a threaded ready rod extending through a hole in a cross member carried by the other gripping arm, and adjustment handle threaded to the ready rod. The lift apparatus is place over the hip sockets of a cow and tightened and adjusted with the locking mechanism to securely hold the cow's hip sockets for rehabilitation, lifting, and transport.

Abstract: A microwaveable container is formed of a three part laminate structure including a middle layer of plastic impervious to liquid oils, water vapor, gas, and moisture, an inner layer of fibrous material joined to one side of the middle layer, and an outer fibrous layer joined to the other side of the middle layer. The seams are configured to enable the complete or essential prevention of leakage of oil, moisture, volatile flavoring agents, water vapor and oxygen through the container walls. Oils which are liquid at room temperature may be sealed and stored in the container without refrigeration to a temperature below the melting point of the oils.

Abstract: A wound dressing for covering a wound to the body, providing slow release of a combination of collagenic protein and oligosaccharide, enhancing vapor transmission from the wound, and enhancing healing comprises an aqueous combination of collagen and oligosaccharide coated on a mesh surface and dehydrated to a low moisture content. The ratio of oligosaccharide to collagenic protein ranges from 1:100 to 100:1, with a content (dry basis) of collagen at about 0.1 to 30 percent and oligosaccharide in the dressing at about 0.1 to 20 percent.

Abstract: A squirrel or small animal feeding apparatus comprises a mounting post, an angular mounting member, a pivot arm rotatably mounted to the angular mounting member, and a combination of eye hooks for attaching either a corn cob or a small bird feeder to one end of the pivot arm. The animal feeding apparatus further comprises a slidably moveable counterweight, the counterweight being mountable to the pivot arm in order to counterbalance the weight of an animal climbing onto the animal feeder. When an animal climbs up the pivot arm to get at the food attached to the eye hook assembly, the pivot arm will rotate in either direction, causing the animal to swing across the bottom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bale accumulator for accumulating at least one cylindrically configured bale of crop stock thereon following its discharge by a baler. The bale accumulator has a conveyor module for receiving a bale from the baler and conveying it to a storage module where it is held pending selective discharge by the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anionic shampoo and conditioning composition comprising an oily conditioning agent, a shampooing agent, a acrylate copolymer, a cationic conditioning agent, and water. In another embodiment the composition further comprises a C.sub.8 to C.sub.18 fatty acid. The composition provides enhanced conditioning properties utilizing both oily and cationic conditioning agents in combination with an anionic acrylate copolymer while maintaining stability and dispersion.