Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling remote interactive systems includes a client, a client computer, and a client server for a computer network. A bidirectional data stream of information about a remote interactive instrument/game is provided on the server. A communication socket, creating a connection-oriented communication path between the client computer and the server is provided for enabling transfer of the bidirectional data stream between the client computer and the server. A detachable header is provided on the server which describes and identifies the data stream, separate and apart from the bidirectional data stream, and provides access to the bidirectional data stream by the client.

Abstract: A locking device (1) includes a first clip member (20) and a second clip member (40). The first and second clip members (20, 40) include a first and second clip base (21, 41), respectively. A first jaw (22) extends outwardly from the first clip base (21) whereas a second jaw (42) extends outwardly from the second clip base (41). The first and second clip members (20, 40) are connected together so that they may move with respect to each other between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the first and second jaws (22, 42) cooperate to form a locking loop (6). The locking loop (6) is adapted to fit through and lock with a locking feature (32) on an object to be secured. When the first and second clip members (20, 40) are moved to the open position, the first and second jaws (22, 42) are separated by an opening.

Abstract: A string assist apparatus and method (10) includes a support (12) and a resilient extension (14) connected to the support (12). When placed in position on an instrument (20), one end (18) of a string (16) is connected to a bridge (22). The string (16) is passed over the top of resilient extension (14) and connected to tuning post (26). As string (16) is wound around tuning post (26) tension is applied by resilient extension (14) keeping the end (18) of string (16) in place on bridge (22) and freeing both user's hands to attend to the winding process. A connector (42) for removably attaching the invention to the instrument (20) and a height adjuster (62) for adjusting the height of the resilient extension (14) are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting and removing a flexible first material into a second material (20) includes a moveable carriage (22). An adjustable clamp (24) is connected to the moveable carriage (22), adjustable between an open position and a clamped position on the first flexible material. In a preferred embodiment, a receiver stiffener casing (26) is configured to receive and support the flexible first material as the flexible first material is inserted into and removed from the second material.

Abstract: Removably attachable container holder (10) includes a pressure dispersing conformable pad (12). Pressure dispersing conformable pad (12) includes multiple self-sizing container receivers (18) and a first free end (14) and a second free end (16). Connection straps (20) are connected, one each, to each free end (14) and (16). In a preferred embodiment, hook and loop material (24) is connected to straps (20). Pressure dispersing conformable pad (12) is one width and connection straps (20) and multiple self-sizing container receivers (18) are of another, smaller, a width.

Abstract: A two-stage alarm (10) includes a clock generator (36). A memory device (28 and 30) for storing data is connected to the clock generator (36). A data display device (22) is connected to the memory device (28 and 30) for displaying stored data. An alarm is connected to the memory device (28 and 30) with a first stage and a second attenuated stage. An alarm control device (24) is connected to the alarm for controlling the alarm in the absence of an alarm event and for selecting the second attenuated stage during an alarm event. As a result, the user of the two-stage alarm (10) can acknowledge an alarm event only by selecting an attenuated, reduced, alarm stage for a period of time and then manipulate the alarm only in the absence of an alarm event.

Abstract: In a length of rigid material (12) with first and second unjoined edges (16 and 20), a reinforcing ridge (10) includes a short extension (14) connected to the first unjoined edge (16). A long extension (18) is connected to the second unjoined edge (20). When the unjoined edges (16 and 20) are brought together, the long extension (18) is bent over the short extension (14) forming a connection locking slot (22) and the reinforcing ridge (10). In a preferred embodiment, at least one reinforcing rib (26) is formed in a side opposite the reinforcing ridge (10) and at least one strength indent (28) is formed in a side adjacent to the reinforcing ridge (10). As formed, the rigid material is sufficiently strong to resist collapse when joined together by use of automatic joining devices.

Abstract: A resiliently attachable tool cleaner (10) having a support base (12) with a cleaning surface (14) attached thereto. A resilient, expandable and contractable, attachment (16) is connected to the support base (12) for securing the support base (12) in a desired location. In a preferred embodiment, the support base (12) includes a connection side (30) and a cleaning attachment side. The connection side (30) is connected to the resilient, expandable and contractable, attachment (16) and the cleaning attachment side has an angled attachment face (36) such that the cleaning surface (14) presents and outwardly facing downward angle aspect.

Abstract: A load cell system (10) having a frame (12) to which upper compliance assembly (14) is connected. A load cell (16) is connected to upper compliance assembly (14) and lower compliance assembly (18) is connected to load cell (16). In preferred embodiments, load cell system (10) includes fixed overload limit (26), moving overload limit(28), and anti-rotation device (24). In a still further embodiment, load cell system (10) includes a data transmission and receiver device (65) for transmitting and receiving data to and from load cell (16).

Abstract: A multidimensional color image mapping apparatus (10) has an image input and output device (12) connected to at least one computer system (16). An operator monitor (14) for operating and monitoring the device is connected to the image input and output device (12) through at least one computer system (16) for processing an input image. Computer software (78) is provided on the computer system (16) for applying any image processing operation and any mathematical function to an image as a function of at least two input variables where the input variables are distinct color components from one or more color models. In the preferred embodiment, the input image is a video and is processed in a digital format. Further, in a preferred embodiment, there is a master computer (16) and a plurality of additional computers and/or processors (28) for manipulating the image.

Abstract: A highly efficient electrooptic means and method of light modulation utilizing slow wave optical propagation is provided. A grating structure (35) integrated with a single mode optical waveguide (32) on an electrooptic substrate (30) induces coupling between forward- and reverse-propagating light waves. This contradirectional coupling leads to a reduction in the optical propagation speed in the forward direction. Electrodes (38a and 38b) are provided for applying an electric field to modulate the light propagating in the waveguide (32) via the linear electrooptic (Pockels) effect. In a preferred embodiment, a modulating radio frequency or microwave signal applied to the electrodes (38a and 38b) propagates in the same direction as the modulated light wave at substantially the same velocity.

Abstract: A slide (10) with a pair of suspension cables (12) and flexible material (14) connected to the cables (12). At least one lift (16) and one fall (18) is provided in the slide (10) from beginning to end. In the preferred embodiments, slide (10) includes lifts (16), falls (18), tunnels, loops and curves. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, free hanging spreader bars (70) are provided to hold suspension cables (12) and flexible material (14) in their original spaced apart hanging position.

Abstract: A method of providing venturi based vacuum valve (10) includes the step of providing a plug (12) formed with first (14), second (16) and third (18) openings. The first opening (14) formed in the plug (12) acts as an inlet and is smaller than the second opening (16). The first (14) and second (16) openings are connected within the plug (12) so that a small diameter space (20) is connected with a large diameter space (22) within the plug (12). A third opening (18), open to the atmosphere and forming a suction hole, intersects the small (20) and large (22) diameter space after the small diameter space (20) and before the second opening (16). The second opening (16) forms an outlet in the plug (12). The plug (12) in a preferred embodiment, is form fitted within a shower pipe (26) so that water is received first at the first opening (14). Thereafter, small diameter space (20) opens into large diameter space (22) and air through third opening (18) is mixed therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a structure (10) with complex external and internal shapes (12 and 14) includes a unitary flexible mold of a structure (10) with complex external shapes (12). A unitary flexible male mold (24) of the interior of the structure with complex internal shapes (14) that mirror the complex external shapes (12) is created. A keying device (42) connected to the molds (16 and 24) is utilized so that the unitary flexible female mold (16) and the unitary flexible male mold (24) are maintained in a predetermined, fixed relationship (40) when pressed together.

Abstract: A quick connect sealing and clamping apparatus and method having a pair of oppositely positioned sleeves (12) interconnected by a flexible coupling (14). The pair of oppositely positioned sleeves (12) includes a locking device (16) for locking the oppositely positioned sleeves (12) together when in position. The oppositely positioned sleeves (12) in conjunction with flexible coupling (14), form a passageway (18) into which one free end (20) of device (22) is placed from one side of oppositely positioned sleeve (12). The other free end (24) of device (22), or free end (24) of another device (26), is placed into passageway (18) in the other oppositely positioned sleeve (12). Oppositely positioned sleeves (12) are then rotated in opposite directions so as to wind, twist, and torque flexible coupling (14) around device (22) (device 26) thereby sealing them against contaminants and joining them to quick connect sealing and clamping device (10).

Abstract: A venturi based vacuum valve (10) has a plug (12) with first (14), second (16) and third (18) openings. The first opening (14) formed in the plug (12) acts as an inlet and is smaller than the second opening (16). The first (14) and second (16) openings are connected within the plug (12) so that a small diameter space (20) is connected with a large diameter space (22) within the plug (12). A third opening (18), open to the atmosphere and forming a suction hole, intersects the small (20) and large (22) diameter space after the small diameter space (20) and before the second opening (16). The second opening (16) forms an outlet in the plug (12). The plug (12) in a preferred embodiment, is form fitted within a shower pipe (26) so that water is received first at the first opening (14). Thereafter, small diameter space (20) opens into large diameter space (22) and air through third opening (18) is mixed therein.

Abstract: A throwing apparatus and method (10) having a base (12), an arm axle mount (14), a throwing arm (16), a release handle (18), and a power section (20). Throwing arm (16) is rotatably connected by means of axle (46) near the bottom (28) of throwing arm (16) to arm axle mount (14). Arm axle mount (14) is located near the front (22) of base (12). The bottom (28) of throwing arm (16) is connected to one end (48) of power section (20). The other end (50) of power section (20) is connected to one of a number of speed adjustment connection locations (52) in base (12). Release handle (18) is movably connected near the back (24) of base (12) and includes release block (62). When the top (26) of throwing arm (16) is pulled in the rearward position towards the back (24) of base (12), release block (62) is pressed by release handle (18) over the top (26) of throwing arm (16) thereby holding throwing arm (16) in the rearward cocked position. An object to be thrown (78) is placed in the "V" shaped form of throwing arm (16).

Abstract: A chemical blending system having more than one chemical blending vessel (12, 12') with inlets at the top. A pair of automatic inlet valves are connected to the top of each chemical blending vessel, one with a large inlet orifice and one with a relatively much smaller inlet orifice. At least two chemical batch tanks are connected to the pair of automatic inlet valves and chemicals to be mixed are delivered there at high speed by pumps. Weight cell devices (30) are attached to the bottom of each blending vessel. A controller/computer is connected for the automatic control of pumps (28, 36) and valves (20, 50, 58). A discharge line is connected to the bottom of blending vessels and to a receiving station, and includes pulsation dampeners (38), filters (40) and static mixers (42). A sampling device (46) is connected a recirculation line for the sampling of the blended chemical during recirculation and prior to delivery.

Abstract: An artificial surface active soft plastic lure (16) includes emulsifiers so that the plastic lure (16) reacts in the presence of water and loses a measurable portion of its mass. Fish attractants and stimulants (12) are added to the surface active soft plastic lure (16) so that as the lure (16) reacts, fish attractants and stimulants (12) are actually released into the water for sensing by fish. The emulsifiers are selected from a group of chemicals including nonionic, amphoteric, alkanolamide, sorbitan monooleates, fatty acids, sulfonates, fatty esters, phosphate esters, amines, anionic, cationic, monostearates, sorbitan tristearates, and sorbitan trioleates. Preferred fish attractants include dehydrated protein and amino acids, in particular amino acids which are water soluble and alkaline or neutral substances having a pH of approximately 7-8. In the preferred embodiments, the amino acids are selected from a group including betaine, glycine, glutamic acid, proline, taurine and valine.

Abstract: A wheel (10) with a rim (12) and at least one spoke (14) includes a rim (12) wherein the depth of the rim (12) varies circumferentially around the rim (12). At least one spoke (14) with a first end (16) connected to the rim (12) and a second end (18) connected to a wheel hub (20) is provided wherein the cross-section of the spoke (14) varies from the first end (16) to the second end (18). The rim (12) depth varies circumferentially so that the depth is greater between the spokes (14) and less at the spokes (14). Further, the spoke (14) cross-section is symmetrical at the second end (18) connected to the wheel hub (20) and asymmetrical at the first end (16).