Abstract: A plant container including a main container (10) and a reservoir tray (12) for receiving fluids. The main container (10) has a plurality of orifices (14) disposed in the bottom thereof. The reservoir tray (12) is rotatable about a member (16) and has a plurality of conduit members (22) disposed thereon. When the conduit members (22) are aligned with the orifices (14), fluid is allowed to pass from the main container (10) through conduits (24) to the exterior thereof. By rotating the reservoir tray (12) to either alignment with the orifices (14) or to a position in alignment with concave depressions (26), fluid can be either drained from the soil or stored in the reservoir tray (12).

Abstract: The specification discloses a refillable sanitary ice pack (10) for single patient use. The ice pack takes the form of a generally rectangular envelope (12) having two sides (14, 16), an open end (18) and a closed end (20). Two pairs of tie strings (22, 24) and (26, 28) extend from the open and closed ends, respectively. A bag (30) closed on three sides and having a throat (34) opening at the open end of the envelope is formed internally of the envelope for receiving and retaining ice. A funnel (38) dimensioned to conform with the divergence of the throat in the bag may be inserted into the throat for filling the bag. A closure member (50) is also provided for sealing the throat of the bag when the bag has been filled with ice.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser surgery system includes a slit lamp (14) with an illuminator (16) and a biomicroscope (26). The high power laser (34) delivers a laser beam (36) which is mixed with the output from a lower power laser (38) with a dichroic mirror (54). The output of the dichroic mirror (54) is input to the harmonic generator (60) to generate harmonics thereof. The output of the harmonic generator (60) is optically directed to move along the rotational axis through rotational supports (22) and (30). The laser beam is then directed by mirrors (72) and (80) to a focusing lens (90) and a filter (92) to a dielectric mirror (94). The dielectric mirror (94) mixes the illumination from the slit lamp (14) with the laser beam for delivery to the eye (12). A micromanipulator (102) adjusts the position of the dielectric mirror (94). A control circuit (104) controls the operation of the laser (34).

Abstract: A mobile dynamometer includes a slotted disk (12) and slotted disk (14) disposed on a rotating shaft (10) a predetermined distance apart. A slot (16) is formed in the periphery of the disk (12) and a slot (18) is formed in the periphery of the disk (14). A light source (20) and a light sensor (22) are mounted stationary with respect to the shaft and proximate the periphery of the disk (12). When the slot (16) passes proximate the source (20) and the sensor (22), a signal is generated. A light source (24) and a detector (26) are mounted proximate the periphery of the disk (14) such that passage of the slot (18) thereby generates a signal. The signal generated by the sensors (22) and (26) are two state signals. The time duration between the signals is measure and the angular deviation of the two disks (12) and (14) can be calculated therefrom. Measurement of this angular deviation determines the amount of twist on the shaft portion (28) between the two disks (12) and (14).

Abstract: A piezoelectric pump includes a hollow cylindrical piezoelectric crystal (12) with end bells (22) and (24) on either end defining a pump chamber (14). A resilient diaphram (32) with an offset orifice (34) provides afferent valving action and a resilient diaphram (44) with an offset orifice (46) provides efferent valving action. Connecting leads (52) and (54) allow a voltage source (56) to be periodically connected to the crystal (12) by a switch (62). A resistor (64) is disposed between one pole of the switch (62) and the connecting lead (54) to allow decay of the charge on the crystal (12). By sensing the voltage on the lead (52) during relaxation of the crystal 12, the internal load can be monitored to provide an indication of the pumping operation. Automatic monitoring is provided by a computer (104).

Abstract: An artificial crawfish lure. The lure (10) comprises a resilient body (12) and a hook assembly (14). The resilient body (12) is shaped and dimensioned to resemble a crawfish and comprises a head portion (28), a midbody portion (30) and a cantilevered tail portion (32). The cantilevered tail portion (32) is an arcuate member extending in a spiral manner, downwardly, inwardly then rearwardly of the midbody portion. The tail portion terminates in a fin member (44) which is disposed substantially perpendicular to the midbody portion. A fabrication seam (46) is disposed on the ventral side of the head (28), midbody (30) and tail portions (32) and a fabrication seam (52) is disposed on the dorsal side of the head (28), midbody (30) and tail (32) portions. The fabrication seams (46) and (52) allow lateral movement of the tail portion (32).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically positioning a reciprocating needle while rotating the motor a minimum number of degrees. Apparatus is provided for sensing the motor angle and comparing it with a preset braking angle. After the braking angle has been reached, the motor is decelerated until it reaches a needle positioning speed, whereupon the motor angle is again sensed and compared to the needle positioning angle. The motor rotates until the needle positioning angle has been reached, whereupon the brake is reapplied to stop the motor at the desired needle position in a minimum time duration without performing an additional stitch.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a hopper (20) that stores a quantity of pelletized material and is partially closed at the bottom by a restricting plate (40) that has an orifice (38) extending therethrough and offset from the center of the hopper (20). The orifice (38) extends downwardly and rearwardly into an agitation chamber (32). A rotor (34) having paddles (41), (42) and (43) disposed radially outward thereof, is disposed in the bottom of the agitation chamber (32) for rotation about the central axis thereof. An outlet port (46) allows exit of agitated pelletized material from the agitation chamber for dispensing into an eating bowl (16). The paddles (41)-(43) are shaped such that particles of pelletized matter that may be trapped between the lateral edge of the outlet port (46) and the edge of one of the paddles (41)-(43) are forced upwardly and outwardly from the paddle. This results in the pelletized matter either exiting the outlet port (46) or falling back into the agitation chamber (32).

Abstract: An induction heating system (40) is provided and includes a plurality of induction heating coils (118). Touch control pads (50, 52, 70, 72) are provided together with circuitry (80) for generating energization control signals. Circuitry (112, 116) is provided for electrically energizing the induction heating coils (118). An electronic digital processor (82) is responsive to the energization control signals for generating energization signals for actuating and controlling the energization circuitry (112, 116) to thereby vary the energization of the plurality of induction heating coils (118).

Abstract: A forming machine (10) is provided for forming a finished part (12) from a flat blank (14). Draw stations (18-24) are provided to initially form the intermediate part. Each draw station includes a punch (44, 62, 66, 70) and a draw die (48, 64, 68, 72). Each punch defines a shoulder along its length to create a step (60) in the side walls (26) of the intermediate part. In the subsequent necking and final form stages (30, 32, 34) the punch employed also has a shoulder to permit variation of the force applied to the intermediate part between the step and bottom portion.

Abstract: An arm wrestling apparatus (10) includes a base (12) with a telescoping arm (20) pivoted about pivoting brackets (16) and (18). A resilient band (50) is disposed between a stud (48) and a stud (46). The stud (46) is mounted on a reinforcing member (42) that is oriented at an essentially 45.degree. angle with respect to the base (12). Rotation of the telescoping arm (20) stretches the resilient band (50) and directs the force primarily along the longitudinal axis of the support member (42). An additional reinforcing member (40) is disposed at an essentially right angle with respect to the reinforcing member (42). A stud (44) is disposed thereon such that the resilient band (50) can be disposed thereon to reverse the rotation thereof. A limiting pin (32) is disposed on the brackets (16) and (18) to limit rotation to essentially 90.degree..

Abstract: The present invention includes a sewing machine (12) with a variable top feed mechanism (25) that feeds the top layer of material for a sleeve at a variable rate to change the fullness thereof. The machine (12) is driven by a motor (42) which is controlled by a controller (51). A program is taught to the controller (51) for storage therein. The controller (51) then controls both the motor (42) and a controller (45) for the top feed mechanism to regulate the number of stitches and the relative rates of speed for the top and bottom materials fed by the machine. The program initially is taught to the machine and can be utilized for any type of material or size by inputting the correct sizes and types of material on a control panel (44). The machine (12) therefore semi-automatically sews sleeves onto armholes with the correct fullness sewn therein.

Abstract: A system for digital transmission includes an active pulse forming network to convert a digital data signal into a Manchester Coded PSK format. A low pass filter network is provided to transform the Manchester Coded signal for transmission over a bandlimited wireline channel. The receiver includes a low pass filter and a bandpass filter that combine to form an overall bandpass filter response for receiving the output of the wireline channel. The transmitter low pass filter and the receiver bandpass filter combine to transform the Manchester Coded PSK data signal into a quasi-raised cosine signal that has the digital data signal coded therein. A timing recovery circuit is included that extracts a timing signal from the quasi-raised cosine signal to provide a coherent timing signal such that the quasi-raised cosine signal can be sampled and the digital data signal reconstructed.

Abstract: An aerosol fire extinguishant container has an insert positioned and secured within a recess in the closure cap of the container. An opening in the insert permits the stem of a depressable ejector nozzle to engage a valve structure in the cap. A trigger is pivotably mounted within a handle mounted on the cap and has a cam for acting on the ejector nozzle to release extinguishant through the nozzle when the trigger is depressed. The insert has strengthening bars which aid in securing the handle to the cap. The insert prevents the stem of the nozzle from being separated from the valve structure when the container is dropped and the handle and trigger are broken.

Abstract: A pumping system (10) is disclosed for pumping a fluid (14) from within a borehole (12) to the surface. A combustion engine (18) is employed to drive a pump comprising a pump barrel (28) and an auger pump shaft (32). The pumped fluid is carried from the borehole in a fluid return tubing string (42) having a standing valve (44) therein to prevent backflow into the borehole. A fuel-air mixture is provided to the combustion engine (18) through a fuel-air tubing string (22). A byproduct of the combustion of the fuel-air mixture is heat. The combusted mixture is exhausted from the combustion engine (18) through an engine exhaust tubing string (60). The engine exhaust tubing string includes a heating coil portion (64) forming a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the combusted fuel-air mixture to the fluid (14) adjacent the inlet of the pump to reduce the viscosity of the fluid to enhance the efficiency of the pumping system.

Abstract: A well coring apparatus (10) includes an outer barrel (12) and an inner barrel (18). A hollow sponge (50) is disposed along a liner (52) for insertion into the inner barrel (18). The sponge (50) is operable to absorb subterranean fluid from a well core (54). A plurality of reinforcing members (56) are disposed on the inner surface of the liner (52) to prevent movement of the sponge (50) with respect thereto. A plurality of orifices (58) are disposed in the surface of the liner (52) to allow gas and/or fluid to escape from the interior thereof when the subterranean fluid contained within the core (54) bleeds into the sponge (50).

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for detecting and playing desired audio segments over a broadcast receiver such as a radio or television. Apparatus is coupled with the broadcast receiver (30) to enable the listener to listen to any of a plurality of different stations and to select desired audio segments being played on any of the stations. Apparatus (46) is provided to store the selected desired audio segments selected by the listener. Apparatus (50) scans the audio being broadcast by each of a plurality of different stations. Apparatus (48) compares the selected desired audio segments with the audio scanned. In response to the comparison, the desired audio segments are played over the broadcast receiver upon occurrence of the desired audio segments on any of a plurality of different stations.

Abstract: This invention is a demonstration device to be used in the teaching of the concept of the Fluid Mosaic Membrane. The Biomembrane Demonstration Apparatus consists of a transparent vessel containing two or three immiscible fluids with sufficient difference in density to support layering. Phospholipid molecules are represented by a spherical head region and two tail-like structures; said molecules are of two types, differing in density such that a lipid bilayer is naturally formed along the interfaces between the immiscible fluids. Protein representing molecules are designed to float within either or both lipid layers. The device may be used as a showpiece or as a working demonstration model.