Abstract: A device and a method to be used by laryngeally impaired people to improve the naturalness of their speech. An artificial sound creating mechanism which forms a simulated glottal pulse in the vocal tract is utilized. An artificial glottal pulse is compared with the natural spectrum and an inverse filter is generated to provide an output signal which would better reproduce natural sound. A digital signal processor introduces a variation of pitch based on an algorithm developed for this purpose; i.e. creating prosody. The algorithm uses primarily the relative amplitude of the speech signal and the rise and fall rates of the amplitude as a basis for setting the frequency of the speech. The invention also clarifies speech of laryngectomees by sensing the presence of consonants in the speech and appropriately amplifying them with respect to the vowel sounds.

Abstract: A firearm safety device for use with semiautomatic pistols and other firearms which use striker pins to activate a firing pin is disclosed. The invention uses apparatus which selectively blocks the travel or operation of the striker pin to place the firearm in a safe condition. The invention allows for the application of key lock systems to place the firearm in a safe condition and to prevent tampering by unauthorized individuals. In the operation, the safety blocking mechanism operates by preventing the striker from reaching its released position upon application of trigger pressure. The firearm is also caused to be placed in an out of battery condition when selected on and there is any attempt to pull the trigger on the firearm.

Abstract: A carrying structure for support of an infant which cradles the infant in a preferred sleeping position. The infant is supported within a basket structure in which a curved board and cushion combination provide a resting surface which is at an angle to a base which is fixed to the main basket which comprises the body of the device. By supporting an infant's sleeping position such that the infant cannot lye flat on its back, danger of asphyxiation of a young infant is greatly reduced. The disclosed infant carrying basket addresses one of the suspected causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by presenting a resting surface which urges the infant to remain in an off-level position, essentially sleeping partially on one of their sides.

Abstract: A portable door security mechanism which allows an existing door to be temporarily secured from the non-hinged side of the door without destruction or penetration of the door, the door frame or any existing components of the door, is disclosed. The device uses a cylindrical locking pin which is designed to slip underneath the door to be secured and rotated such that part of the locking pin protrudes upward to prevent the door from opening from the inside. The locking pin is secured to a base plate member and a cover plate which, when interlocked over a portion of the locking pin, is disposed to accept a conventional pad lock or similar device. The disclosed security mechanism can be folded through a hinge mechanism for convenience and can be applied or removed quickly without having access to the interior side of the door.

Abstract: A method for calculating a mortgage which provides application of mortgage payments to principle first and then interest in the amortization schedule of repayment of a conventional loan is disclosed. The disclosure provides a method for calculating mortgage payments on a conventional mortgage loan by applying such payments first to reduction of principle while accumulating accrued interest. Payments are applied towards accrued interest after the principle amount of the loan is reduced.

Abstract: A method for making an airtight, flexible cell for enclosing electrical switching apparatus in the application of a door edge safety strips is disclosed. The illustrated technique describes a method which includes a series of steps which may be applied to raw sheet material used in producing the airtight cell which reduces the number of steps necessary to encase the switching apparatus within the airtight cell, simplifying the folding operations required to produce a seam to enclose the switching apparatus. The invention provides for use of two pieces of material to construct an end of the airtight cell, one piece being substantially rectangular and the second piece is comprised of five sides.

Abstract: A new and improved educational and entertaining card game is disclosed which employs chronologically based information, established and displayed in a unique format. The game includes a variety of different instruction sets which allows the play of the game to be varied while still using the same cards. The present invention provides a basis for substantial flexibility in developing new rules for the play of the game using the same apparatus disclosed herewith. The front side of the game card displays a year within the twentieth century. Each such card also contains an array of facts placed in the order of category and aligned with an icon which is used in the scoring of the game. The game card apparatus allows scoring by a variety of different parameters including matching up certain category icons which are related to historical events in each of several different categories. Scoring is also accomplished through the matching of the years of designation on the playing cards.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper and underride crash guard protection device to prevent other vehicles underriding the protected vehicle. The bumper or guard system uses pre-tensioned brake plates which absorb energy by moving at a predeterimined force. The bumper structure has a pivoting arrangement such that upon contact of the main bumper guard by a vehicle, the pivoting member transmits the horizontal force of the moving vehicle to the pre-tensioned energy absorption devices usually located under the vehicle. The bumper system allows large, load-carrying vehicles to comply with certain vehicle regulatory requirements for a crash guard bumper with the capability of deforming, moving or absorbing crash forces at predetermined impact points in a predetermined and regulated fashion.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric laminate having stretch properties constructed using hydroentanglement methods is disclosed. The laminate is comprised of at least two layers and utilizes a foam layer as a component in the preferred embodiment, replacing conventional use of fibrous materials. A superior elastomeric fabric utilizing an open or closed cell foam layer as one element of the composite structure and as the elastic member of the fabric results in superior fabric characteristics when compared to similar hydroentangled fabrics which are constructed from fibrous materials.

Abstract: A post surgical brassiere characterized by a torso encircling support band modified to gently secure the brassiere to the torso with minimal discomfort. At least three vertical bones are integrated into the band at strategic locations about its circumference to divide the band into four separate regions. Two such regions lay situate around the back and sides of the wearer while the remaining two regions overly the wearer's front midriff area. Each region is elasticized, but with varying degrees of stretch ability. As the two opposite ends of the brassiere's adjustment straps are drawn together for fastening, the resulting stretch of the support band will occur predominantly in the back and side regions where tension against the wearer will be greatest, leaving the two frontal regions relatively loose fitting.

Abstract: Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) is an effective computer implemented methodology of 3D-QSAR employing both interactive graphics and statistical techniques for correlating shapes of molecules with their observed biological properties. For each molecule of a series of known substrates the steric and electrostatic interaction energies with a test probe atom are calculated at spatial coordinates around the molecule. Subsequent analysis of the data table by a partial least squares (PLS) cross-validation technique yields a set of coefficients which reflect the relative contribution of the shape elements of the molecular series to differences in biological activities. Display in three dimensions in an interactive graphics environment of the spatial volumes highly associated with biological activity, and comparison with molecular structures yields an understanding of intermolecular associations. CoMFA will also predict the biological activity of new molecular species.

Abstract: This invention is a combination lens and teleidoscope/kaleidoscope device for use in creating special photographic effects by enabling the user to take close-up photographs of Kaleidoscopically and Teleidoscopically produced designs. The device is adapted by means of a series of fittings, for attachment to a camera. A turnable mirror tube located within one embodiment of the device, allows a user to control the composition of his photograph without physically moving the camera itself or the design producing element.

Abstract: A combination device for wireless video monitoring and remote control of a still camera is disclosed. In operation, the device includes a television camera that is positioned so as to photograph through the view finder of a camera. The image photographed is transmitted electronically to a video receiving means located at a remote distance from the camera. The camera lens and the means for vertical and horizontal positioning of the still camera are connected by servo motor means to a means for receiving control signals. The control signals control the focusing of the lens and horizontal or vertical position of the camera. A transmitting device located at the site of the video receiving means, transmits control signals for directing the servo motor means to move the camera's lens or change the camera's position.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Metasequoia glyptostroboides plant characterized by the globose shape, slow rate of growth, golden yellow color and stable dwarf characteristic.