Abstract: A hygienic apparatus which totally dissolves sharps from such places as health-care centers, operating rooms laboratories, and the like. The apparatus accepts all sorts of metal sharp instruments. The sharp metal portion is removed from any plastic component of the instrument. The plastic components are collected for sterilization through microwaves or similar process; the sharp metal instruments are dissolved using electrolysis and the liquid is discharged into conventional sewer systems. The sharp instruments, until their dissolution, are secured by a magnet within the apparatus.

Abstract: A secure telephone/computer combination which permits the computer to make automated dialing of a telephone by communicating signals to the interconnection between the telephone's number-pad and the electronics which communicate with the telephone line. The computer selects, or the operator directs the computer to select, a telephone number. This selected telephone number is used by the computer to selectively activate the proper connection in the telephone. As example, assume the selected telephone number is 703-305-8062. The computer first sends a signal to the wire connecting the "7" on the keypad to the telephone's electronics, then the wire connecting the "0", then the wire connecting the "3", etc. In this manner, the telephone's electronics treat the incoming signals in the same manner as if the operator had dialed the number at the telephone.

Abstract: A printer and system which assists in the preparation and completion of check writing at a point-of-sale. This system employs a printer which prints onto labels the critical areas of the check or negotiable instrument, such as: tendered amount, payee, and date. The labels are removed from their substrate and permanently adhered to the check. Further, a separate label, containing the same information, is supplied the customer for completion of the ledger associated with the check. In this manner, the entire check's writing process is completed quickly and efficiently, increasing the efficiency of the check-out counter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to conduct automatically, and moderate absolutely, a networked electronic conference to provide order, maintain constant control, and ensure the best dissemination of information possible. A defined but flexible rule base governs the conference, as executed and interpreted by a conference controller. The rule base comprises a multitude of conference management options and techniques. A main feature of the preferred embodiment is the ability to govern a conference according to a sequence-ordering scheme as defined in the rule base. This conference administration system is independent of the physical implementation of the media or network interconnecting the participants to a conference. Further, it is not limited to the use of any particular means of communication (i.e., voice, textual data, graphical data, etc.).

Abstract: An accurate, easy to use solar compass which permits a user to locate true north or to locate azimuth lines. The user calculates the solar time and determines the declination of the sun from the emphrimis. The user adjusts the compass to compensate for the declination of the sun and the physical location of the user. The user thus determines true north accurately using a shadow cast by a stylet. An important aspect of this invention is that it is an accurate solar compass.

Abstract: A mounting system and method allows standard billboard panels to be mounted onto the side of a commercial semi-trailer or the like. A lower retaining channel and an upper retaining channel form a track into which billboard panels are inserted and retained. Removable end channels prevent the panels from sliding out of the track. The panels are secured together by tongue and groove joints and fasteners which are inserted through apertures in adjoining panels. The panels are covered with either paid commercial advertisements similar to a conventional billboard, or with the trailer owner's own name, insignia, advertising, or the like.

Abstract: A filter cover for an air cleaner assembly of an internal combustion engine. The filtering cover is composed substantially of filtering material which filters air as the air is drawn through the filtering cover and into the air cleaner assembly. The filtering cover greatly increases the air filtering surface area of an air cleaner assembly resulting in improved performance and operation of the engine.

Abstract: This tow bar is designed for lifting the front wheel and towing a two-wheeled automotive vehicle on its rear wheel and is removable for storage. Primarily, it consists of a top section that has a tongue for fastening to the trailer hitch on the towing vehicle and a lifting device for lifting the bottom section which contains a cradle for the front wheel on the vehicle that is to be towed and the bottom section is secured to the top section by means of uprights that traverse inside the vertical members or masts on the top section.

Abstract: An artificial intelligence system which utilizes a unique technique for storing data, analyzing data, and reducing the complexity of data is disclosed. The technique involves identifying "world" states that have a unique exclusive relationship. The identification of these unique states considerably reduces the complexity of the world under study. Furthermore, the identified unique states are useful in combination with any way the system has to affect the world under study. These identified unique states, when placed in a hierarchical scheme, further reduces the complexity of the world under study.

Abstract: A system for locating geographic points on maps, charts and the like uses a rectangular grid with sides tangent to the corresponding geographical extremities of the area (city, county, state, nation, etc.) represented on the chart. Two decimal scales extend from the zero ordinate of the grid, with unit ordinates at their opposite ends. Thus, a feature along either scale and therefore a line of position across the enclosed geographical area represented, may be defined by a decimal number between zero and one and the intersection of the lines of position representing a point on the represented area may be defined by a two decimal array. Tables of the decimal arrays for specific points may be provided, and the system is extendible to different maps and/or insets of dissimilar scale, so long as the decimal scales are consistently used between each map. The system may be further extended to provide point feature within three dimensional volumes by using a three decimal array.

Abstract: A foam panel which is combined with a steel skeleton. Individual panels are connected to each other through the use of a key constructed of plastic, steel, aluminum, or the like. The key slips into a narrow groove on the panel to maintain the panels in proper alignment. The key is secured to a post located at the end of the panel. This post, constructed of such materials as strengthened plastic, steel, or heavy duty aluminum, is the bearing support for the panel assembly and is secured to the foundation or the flooring. Preferably, an assembly of many panels is manufactured in a "factory" setting and is transported to the construction site for easy installation.

Abstract: A system for cleaning or separating particles that uses a controller or computer to precisely control the cleaning or separating process. By carefully monitoring and controlling the separating process, an improved degree of separation is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, the invention controls a particle separating machine which uses upward airflow in a channel to separate less dense particles from heavier or more dense particles. Upward airflow is induced in the channel by an airflow means. A wind speed sensor measures the air velocity in the channel and communicates this data to a controller. An operator inputs targeted or desired upward air velocity to the controller. The controller commands the airflow means to increase or decrease airflow in the channel so that upward air velocity in the channel remains comparable to the targeted upward air velocity input from the operator. Particles entering the channel are separated to a high degree because of the precisely controlled airflow.

Abstract: An improved statement in which removable labels are included with the statement. These labels, although removable from the statement, adhere permanently to a negotiable instrument and provide for efficient and exacting completion of the negotiable instrument. A negotiable instrument, such as a check, contains several portions which are blank and are to be completed by the user. These blank portions include such components as: the payee's name, the amount to be paid, and a reference line. The removable labels from the statement are printed with the statement to provide permanent labels to fill-in these components by simple removal from the statement and adhesion to the check. The user simply dates and signs the check for its proper completion. Because labels are used for the critical areas of the negotiable instrument, their processing by the billing entity is more efficient (permitting machine reading of the check) and more exact since bank operators need not struggle with "poor handwriting".

Abstract: The invention creates an elastic variable tension medical device that relieves pain due to injury, disease, ailment, infirmity, condition, or the like. The elastic variable tension medical device is comprised of multiple strips of elastic material stacked one on top of another and forming a stack of elastic strips. Hook and loop fasteners are attached to each end of the elastic variable tension medical device for securing the elastic variable tension medical device around a part of the body. Reinforcing ribs on the elastic variable tension medical device provide increased strength and reduce folding and binding of the elastic material. The elastic variable tension medical device is wrapped around an appropriate part of the body with sufficient tension to relieve the targeted pain. It is adjusted by the user to achieve the desired pain relief.

Abstract: A media recovery hopper which lies on a floor permitting spent media and debris to be swept thereinto. The hopper, in the preferred embodiment, is a substantially rectangular box having one of its four side walls shorter than the rest. The media/debris is swept over this shorter side wall while the other walls collect and "queue" the mixture for recovery. The mixture falls through a screen and into a channeling mechanism composed of a series of ridges and valleys. Along each valley are drop-orifices which permit the media/debris mixture to fall therethrough and into an air-stream which carries the mixture to proper collection or sorting mechanism.

Abstract: A safe, efficient, human powered vehicle for on and off road use. The preferred embodiment has four wheels and seats two operators side by side. The vehicle incorporates several features which drastically reduce the energy required to propel such a vehicle and optimizes the energy produced from the operators. Each operator is provided with an independent foot pedal and drive mechanism. Each independent drive mechanism has multiple speeds which are independently controlled by each operator. The invention allows each operator to provide power to both rear wheels simultaneously. The drive train includes a simple, lightweight, energy efficient freewheel mechanism which acts as a differential and allows each rear wheel to rotate at different speeds when turning corners. This differential mechanism saves energy by eliminating tire skid which occurs when both rear wheels rotate at the same speed during a turn. The suspension system is energy efficient.

Abstract: A cargo bed cover in which two frames are used to provide a rigid fabric shell. The first frame is rigid and is constructed of metal piping or other suitable material. The second frame is constructed of flexible stock preferably having a substantially flat cross section and sewn into or secured to the fabric material. Acting as battens, the flexible stock tends to keep the fabric taut during wind pressure either through ambient conditions or through the vehicle's movement. The flexible frame is secured to the rigid frame through ties.

Abstract: An artificial frond for use with artificial plants comprises an integral sheet of flexible polymeric material molded generally in the shape of a frond having a central elongate stem portion and a plurality of elongate leaves extending outwardly from the stem portion. Reinforcing means sufficient to maintain the structural integrity of the artificial frond, including structural supporting rods and elasticity-imparting fiber material, are embedded within the integral sheet. The integral sheet is preferably a laminate having a flexible polymeric foam intermediate body layer and outer surface layers pigmented to simulate the color of a natural frond.

Abstract: An intravenous tube holder having positioned along one edge, a plurality of clips for securing the holder to an intravenous tube. On the opposite edge, a writing surface is provided for either the writing of medical instructions or for the attachment of a label giving identification and instructions as to the medicine being delivered via the intravenous tube. At one end of the holder is a male receptacle, at the other end is a female receptacle; this combination permits the holders to be interconnected into a gang approach so as to keep the various intravenous tubes from several bottles orderly and easily identified. In one embodiment of the invention, the holder is color-coded to provide quick identification of the medicine or its characteristics.

Abstract: A stalk, root, and agricultural debris embedding or burying device particularly suited for row crops such as cotton. The apparatus is pulled behind a tractor in close proximity to the row crops. A furrowing tool creates a temporary furrow in a lee, and before gravity can pull dirt back into the furrow, an embedding tool pushes the stalk and root into the furrow, thereby embedding the debris with the collapsing soil after the furrowing tool. An optional ripping tool is used ahead of, or in conjunction with, the furrowing tool to facilitate penetration of the furrowing tool.