Abstract: A computerized musical keyboard and a method for using same to play or to learn to play a piano. The computerized musical keyboard includes a standard piano keyboard connected to a computer. The computer is programmed to select from a music module a piece of music to be played on the piano; and to generate a signal indicating the proper keys to be played, the correct sequence in which the keys are to be played, and the hand and finger to be used in striking each key, in order to play on the piano the piece of music selected.

Abstract: An axle assembly and configuration of axle assemblies for a mobile vehicle. The axle assembly includes a fixed axle fastened to the frame of the vehicle so that the axle maintains a fixed orientation with respect to the vehicle frame. A steerable spindle is connected to each end of the axle by a vertical king pin. The axle is straight beam, king pin to king pin, with the king pins lying on the longitudinal axis of the axle, thus eliminating caster. The configuration of axle assemblies includes a fixed axle with fixed wheels and a fixed axle with steerable wheels. The axles are straight beam, king pin to king pin, with the king pins lying on the longitudinal axes of the axles. The axles are separated by a distance of at least about ten feet.

Abstract: A training machine for baseball, lawn tennis, table tennis, badminton, racquet ball, handball, and the like. The machine has a frame on which is mounted a kinetic adapter. The adapter includes a linear bearing slidably and rotatably mounted on a stationary shaft, a second shaft fastened to the bearing and perpendicular to the horizontal shaft, and a ball rotatably connected to one end of the second shaft. A training bat is connected at one end to the ball, with the other end of the bat providing a handle. The kinetic adapter provides for the training bat freedom of movement, both linear and rotational, in three dimensions and an infinite number of planes.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting corrosion. The composition contains a mixture of a dessicant and a vapor-corrosion inhibitor. The mixture of dessicant and inhibitor is synergistic: the service life of the corrosion inhibitor is significantly longer when so used than when used alone or in in the presence of but not physically mixed with the dessicant.

Abstract: A modular chemical reactor. The reactor includes a reactor housing having identical and interchangeable ends, a reaction chamber within the reactor housing, a pair of identical and interchangeable modular seal nuts connected to the ends of the reactor housing, and a pair of double-sided screen seals within the modular seal nuts.

Abstract: A tool for attaching springs to a trampoline mat, and a method for using the tool to assemble a trampoline. The tool has a straight rigid shaft and a curved rigid handle connected and separated by a rigid plate. The handle is curved to fit the closed hand of a user, and the plate prevents accidental contact of the spring with the user's hand regardless of the orientation of the tool. One end of each spring is connected to the frame of the trampoline. The other end of the spring is slipped over the straight shaft of the tool, then attached to one of the "D" rings on the mat. By pushing the tool away from him or her, the user causes the spring to slide down the shaft and hook onto the "D" ring. The process is then repeated for the other springs and "D" rings.

Abstract: A fail-safe system for the detection of water leaks, and for the prevention of damage therefrom. In a home or building which includes a hot-water tank and a water tank for a toilet, e.g., the damage-prevention system comprises valves for shutting off the supply of water to the tanks, and other valves for draining the tanks through discharge lines to the outside of the home or building. At the same time, power to the hot-water tank is shut off. A fail-safe water detector comprises a float with a metal cap, a first pair of electrical probes below the float, and a second pair of electrical probes above the metal cap and separated from the cap by an air gap. A circuit is closed in any of three ways: (1) when water contacts the first pair of probes, (2) when water raises the float and makes contact between the metal cap and the second pair of probes, and (3) when water contacts the second pair of probes.

Abstract: A device and method for luring deer. The device includes first and second flexible strips. The first strip has first and second ends, and an absorbent middle portion. The second strip has first and second ends, and an absorbent middle portion. The first end of the first strip is attached to the first end of the second strip, and the second end of the first strip is attached to the second end of the second strip. A fragrant liquid having a scent which attracts deer is sealed in a brittle container, which is sandwiched between the absorbent portions of the strips. When the container is crushed, the liquid escapes and is absorbed by the strips, from which it emits a scent which lures deer to the site from which the scent is coming.

Abstract: A tool for use with a ratchet wrench for removing and/or installing various types and sizes of fuel and oil filters, unscrewing and/or screwing different sizes of threaded pipe, turning and/or twisting fence posts, and moving and/or rolling logs. The tool has a belt or strap, with a buckle at one end and a magnet at the other end. The buckle grips the ratchet of a ratchet wrench and the belt is wrapped around the filter, pipe, post, or log. When the handle of the ratchet wrench is moved, the buckle is pressed against the filter, pipe, post, or log, causing it to turn as the ratchet is turned. The magnet makes for more secure contact between the belt and a filter or pipe, which are made of metal.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting corrosion. The composition contains a mixture of a dessicant and a vapor-corrosion inhibitor. The mixture of dessicant and inhibitor is synergistic: the service life of the corrosion inhibitor is signficiantly longer when so used than when used alone or in in the presence of but not physically mixed with the dessicant.

Abstract: A method for training a baseball trainee in the art and science of batting a baseball. The method comprises (a) simulating the ideal swing of a baseball bat, and (b) communicating to the brain of the trainee the muscular sensations felt by the trainee during the simulated ideal swing.

Abstract: Motor vehicles in which steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are steered by the same steering wheel which steers the front wheels. In one aspect the present invention provides an extended motor vehicle thus steered, and in a second aspect a tractor-trailer assembly in which the trailer is steered from the tractor. In one embodiment a mechanical power train is used to forcibly steer the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels. In a second embodiment the wheels are steered electronically, and in a third embodiment they are steered pneumatically. For extended vehicles the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are forcibly steered in response to the position of the Pitman arm which controls the front wheels. For tractor-trailer assemblies a directional sensor is disposed and held in the V-shaped slot of the fifth wheel of the tractor, and the steerable wheels on the trailer are forcibly steered in response to the direction of motion of the tractor sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A versatile carrying bag useful for industrial and sporting use. The bag comprises front, rear, bottom, and side panels. The front and rear panels have exterior and interior surfaces, and upper and lower halves. The front panel and the lower half of the rear panel are substantially parallel. The upper half of the rear panel extends beyond the front panel to provide a margin which folds down over and overlaps the upper half of the front panel. Matching strips of a self-adhesive material are attached to the outer and inner surfaces of the upper halves of the front and rear panels, respectively, to provide reversible closure of the carrying bag. A pair of substantially parallel side panels are indented along their entire length. The indentations so formed are joined to the upper half of the rear panel and to the bottom panel, thereby forming an upper fold in the upper half of the rear panel, and a pair of lower folds in the bottom panel.

Abstract: Motor vehicles in which steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are steered by the same steering wheel which steers the front wheels. In one aspect the present invention provides an extended motor vehicle thus steered, and in a second aspect a tractor-trailer assembly in which the trailer is steered from the tractor. In one embodiment a mechanical power train is used to forcibly steer the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels. In a second embodiment the wheels are steered electronically, and in a third embodiment they are steered pneumatically. For extended vehicles the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are forcibly steered in response to the position of the Pitman arm which controls the front wheels. For tractor-trailer assemblies a directional sensor is disposed and held in the V-shaped slot of the fifth wheel of the tractor, and the steerable wheels on the trailer are forcibly steered in response to the direction of motion of the tractor sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A baseball training machine which simulates the ideal swing of a baseball bat, and which communicates this simulation as a feeling to the trainee. The training bat held by the trainee has freedom of movement, both linear and rotational, in three dimensions and in an infinite number of planes.

Abstract: A fail-safe system for the detection of water leaks, and for the prevention of damage therefrom. In a home or building which includes a hot-water tank and a water tank for a toilet, e.g., the damage-prevention system comprises valves for shutting off the supply of water to the tanks, and other valves for draining the tanks through discharge lines to the outside of the home or building. At the same time, power to the hot-water tank is shut off. A fail-safe water detector comprises a float with a metal cap, a first pair of electrical probes below the float, and a second pair of electrical probes above the metal cap and separated from the cap by an air gap. A circuit is closed in any of three ways: (1) when water contacts the first pair of probes, (2) when water raises the float and makes contact between the metal cap and the second pair of probes, and (3) when water contacts the second pair of probes.

Abstract: A method for training a baseball trainee in the art and science of batting a baseball. The method comprises the steps of providing an entirely and totally constrained straight track for a ball striking portion of a bat to follow during the swinging motion of a batter; providing a measured resistance to movement of the bat along the constrained path; and increasing the resistance to movement of the bat along the straight path as bat training progresses.

Abstract: A shooting platform for quadriplegic. The platform has a frame for holding a rifle crossbow, or shotgun. The frame is mounted on a turntable which is rotatable by the quadriplegic seated in a wheelchair, using only the palm of a hand. The gun or crossbow is also aimed and fired by the quadriplegic, using only the palm of a hand.

Abstract: A device for attaching a prosthesis to an above-the-knee amputee. The device includes a frame which is vertically adjustable for different working heights. A motor is mounted on the frame, and is controlled by a switch. One end of a shaft is connected to the motor, which turns the shaft. The other end of the shaft is disposed in a bearing supported by the frame. A clip holds one end of a tubular stocking in contact with the shaft. As the shaft turns, the stocking is wrapped around the shaft, drawing the stocking toward the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil or other floating pollutants from the surface of a body of water including a barge for entrapping and containing floating pollutants, the barge having a bow and a stern, the barge having a plurality of individually adjustable louver doors on the bow of the barge for selectively admitting floating pollutants into the barge, the louver doors being aligned generally parallel to the surface of the water.