Abstract: Illumination apparatus includes a light source which directs a polarized source beam in a downstream direction along an optical axis and desirably focuses the beam. A polarization-altering element downstream from the source such as a birefringent plate alters the polarization in a portion or portions of the source beam, so that the altered beam includes portions having different polarization directions. The altered beam passes downstream through a polarization-selective filter. The output beam from the polarization-selective filter can include either portion depending on the orientation of the filter. The arrangement can be used to provide a spot of a given size and shape at the focal location in a scanner such as a bar code scanner. The size and depth of field of the spot can be varied dynamically during operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a miniature, portable, self-contained power machine for handling materials, comprising, a rigid frame providing the base structure for all components of said machine, a means of electrical power supply for said machine, means for regulating the motion of said machine, two endless roller chains forming a traction system and serving as the means to move said machine over various types of terrain, means for readily receiving and rigidly securing a variety of miniature, hydraulically powered material handling implements to said machine, and a central hydraulic system which is powered by said power supply means and which supplies power to said attachable material handling implements. The machine has a diversity of applications in numerous industries. The machine accepts any of a variety of attachable implements through an assembly socket and a torque arm socket, and then links the implement to the central hydraulic system with hydraulic hoses leading to a hydraulic power manifold.

Abstract: This invention relates to means for pulverizing coal or other minerals by causing them to impact against rotating elements which are specially contoured to maximize two objectives: 1) improved efficiency in pulverization of the material particles at high production rates; and 2) protection of the rotating elements themselves from wear by contact with the process material. The device is formed with counter-rotating rotors which are inverted with respect to each other. The rotors have specially contoured elements attached to their inner faces in concentric rings. The elements could be any one of four different embodiments or a combination of two or more different elements forming successive rings.

Abstract: An earth moving and tamping apparatus rig is provided which can backfill a trench and compact the backfill materials up to 100% compaction. A bucket and a vibrator are attached to a backhoe. The bucket retrieves the filling material and either dumps the material into a trench or sifts it through adjustable screening blades that form the bottom of the bucket. The apparatus includes a means to swivel the bucket with respect to the vibrator. The end of the bucket then compacts the filling materials into the trench. Each moving rig apparatus may also be equipped with an alternative two-bucket system, where one bucket fits inside the other one or is along side thereof. For trenches as wide as two feet to increase the area of dirt tamped, the two-bucket may be secured in juxtaposition to each other. For more narrow trenches, the second bucket may be secured inside the first bucket and the area tamped will only be the width of a single bucket.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fuel coal processing system having a centrifugal type coal pulverizer and an electrostatic type coal purifier and an optional fuel coal size classifier all combined into one integral, cooperatively acting fuel coal preparation device in one embodiment, and a centrifugal type coal pulverizer and fuel coal size classifier combined in a second embodiment. The centrifugal type coal pulverizer may be a counter rotating cup and ring assembly for breaking apart the coal particles and impurities. The coal particles and impurities leave the pulverizer in flat, radiating, sheet pattern which passes through the electrostatic purifier or separator. The electrostatic separator has a pair of plates which are oppositely charged and arranged next to the pulverizer. The top plate is negatively charged to attract the positively charged pure coal particles and repel the negatively charged pyritic particles.

Abstract: A golf ball and golf club head cleaner including a leak resistant container which has a lid and open cylindrical portion for receiving a cleaning fluid therein. The lid has a ball holder attached at the end of an extender portion and a handle attached on top forming one rigid piece. A rigid bristle cage formed of plastic or wire mesh internally lined with bristles is placed inside of the open cylinder. A golf ball is placed into an opening in the center of the ball holder and secured by a pair of alternate prongs. The ball holder is then immersed into the container and swished about against the bristles in the liquid detergent. To clean a golf club head the ball holder is removed and the club head is immersed in the detergent liquid in the container. One side of the ball holder has bristles for easy cleaning of the deep grooves on the golf club head. A clip is attached to the side of the container for attachment to a golf bag for easy transportation.

Abstract: This invention is a device capable of repairing umbrellas which have suffered a separation of fabric from the supporting frame. The device has a housing for the naked support tip and several flaps to hold the umbrella's fabric. The tip of the support frame is pushed into the housing of the device, then the fabric is pulled down to the tip and the device's flaps are closed. The flaps sandwich the fabric and secure it with small teeth and adhesive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable and adjustable means for holding a measuring device and its display unit, and more particularly to an apparatus for supporting a boat transducer and depth-finder display within one embodiment. The measuring device holder consists of a tube through which the measuring device lead passes, with the bottom of the tube indented to receive a measuring device bracket to which the measuring device is mounted. The tube hooks onto the upper ledge of the boat transom by means of a tube block consisting of a tightening screw on one side and a boat clamp on the other. The inner space of the boat clamp may be lined with foam or some other cushion. The tube has another tube block at its top with another tightening screw into which the base of the display holder fits, allowing it to be rotated 360.degree. and/or locked into a rigid position.

Abstract: This invention, consisting of a mask and an air delivery system, provides the individual user an increased level of protection and additional time to evacuate in the case of an emergency situation where the normal environment has been contaminated (i.e. by fire, chemical spill, etc.). The invention provides the evacuating person with a small amount of portable compressed air (approximately a 10 minute supply) for breathing from a small pressurized canister that resembles an aerosol canister. The air is delivered at a pre-set pressure and flow rate through a self-contained regulating system, to a mask through a plastic air supply tube. In addition, the invention also provides the user with protection for the face and eyes by virtue of a clear plastic hood which is attached to the mask. The invention is designed to be inexpensive, light weight and disposable/recyclable and is a single use apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides for a portable washing device which can be used to wash a person's hair. The device has a wash basin which is formed of two parts, and upper and a lower portion. The lower portion of the basin has a slanted inner liner which causes water to flow to a drain at the back end of the basin. The upper portion is open with a curved, cushioned edge. Between the upper and lower portion of the wash basin is a mesh screen which allows the wash water to flow through. Attached to the wash basin is a removable, refillable water tank. The water tank is connected to sprayer having an adjustable nozzle and has a water level monitor. The water is pumped from the tank to the sprayed and sprayed over the top portion of the basin. The device is ideal for washing an invalid's hair.

Abstract: The present invention provides a containment integrity system for application in a vessel carrying bulk materials such as liquid petroleum products. The containment integrity system comprises a flexible liner having an inner composite fabric portion and an outer fiber-reinforced rubber skin portion, a fastening system for rigidly securing the flexible liner to the walls of the vessel, an anchoring system for releasably securing and conforming the flexible liner to and about all coverable features of the hull of the vessel, and a self-sealing flange assembly for insertion into all flow holes connecting the cargo compartments of the vessel. The present containment integrity system insures the necessary containment integrity of the hull of the vessel without significant reduction in the carrying capacity of the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a knife sharpener and more particularly to a knife sharpening device wherein the knife is clamped in a fixed position on a table or platform and the knife sharpening or grinding device is moved along the edge of the knife to be sharpened. The knife sharpening or grinding device is clamped into an adjustable arm which is attached to a roller. The roller slides along a track formed in the table or platform which has the identical configuration as the knife blade. Therefore, the edge of the sharpener or grinding device is maintained in constant contact with the edge of the knife during the sharpening. This prevents the problem of knives being sharpened unevenly and inaccurately, as is often seen in conventional knife sharpening methods.