Abstract: A capacitor assembled in the form of a lightweight structural panel and including isolated capacitor cells. Each of the cells includes a honeycomb structure wherein each film-like layer in the honeycomb structure is an electrode stack. Each of the electrode stacks includes an elongated cathode, an elongated separator, and an elongated anode. The separator is wetted with an electrolyte solution to enhance the dielectric properties of the separator. Alternatively, the capacitor cell could be composed of a foam-like cathode, foam-like separator, and a foam-like anode. With either embodiment, the invention achieves the storage of electrostatic energy in a structure with a multitude of voids defined therein so that the structure is relatively stiff, yet light weight.

Abstract: A cat litter device includes a rotatable chamber supported by a support base and has a motor mounted on the support base for rotating the rotatable chamber. The rotatable chamber includes a pair of openings, the first opening being suitable for ingress and egress of the animal, and the second opening being suitable for selective disposal of the waste material therethrough. The chamber includes a septum in the interior thereof which is attached to the chamber to form an inner compartment within the chamber. The inner compartment has an opening therein to place the compartment in fluid communication with the chamber, with the opening being selectively covered with a screen which is pivotally mounted to the septum.

Abstract: An EHAM system consists of a central monitoring system (CMS), a field monitoring device (FMD), an electronic detection circuit that generates a detection signal upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, e.g., the absence of the monitored individual from a monitoring location, and a communications network. The communications network consists of at least one communications link wherein a fee-based communications mode may be used. The CMS is installed at a central monitoring location, the FMD is installed at the monitoring location, and the electronic detection circuit is attached or otherwise coupled to the individual to be monitored at the monitoring location. The occurrence or non-occurrence of the predetermined event is detected during a prescribed reporting time period. Regular or random communications are established between the FMD and CMS during the reporting time period to inform the CMS about the occurrence or non-occurrence of the predetermined event.

Abstract: A security gate for positioning within an area way such as a doorway. The gate includes a support structure defined by a frame and a flexible panel supported by the frame. The frame includes horizontal members and vertical members detachable engaged with the horizontal members. One end of the horizontal members includes a lock assembly including a pivoting linkage defining a parallelogram structure for facilitating firm engagement of the horizontal members with opposing sides of the doorway.

Abstract: A battery assembled in the form of a lightweight structural panel and including isolated battery cells. Each of the cells includes a honeycomb structure wherein each film-like layer in the honeycomb structure is an electrode stack. Each of the electrode stacks includes an elongated cathode, an elongated separator, and an elongated anode. The separator is wetted with an electrolyte solution to facilitate the electrochemical reaction. The electrochemical reaction may be that of an NiMH2 battery, an NiH battery, an Li.sup.+ battery, an NiCd battery, a Lead-acid battery, or any other suitable electrochemical reaction. Alternatively, the battery cell could be composed of a foam-like cathode, foam-like separator, and a foam-like anode. With either embodiment, the invention achieves the storage of electrochemical energy in a structure with a multitude of voids defined therein so that the structure is relatively stiff, yet light weight.

Abstract: A baseball trainer includes a target apparatus set at a predetermined distance from a practicing ballplayer. The target apparatus includes a plurality of panels for indicating a "strike" or a "ball" which indication is communicated to a microcomputer in a console adjacent to the practicing player. The target apparatus is associated with an adjacent catching apparatus and ball return apparatus for returning the ball to the player. The player pitches from a pitching rubber which includes a switch for providing a start signal when the player shifts the weight off of his back foot at the instant the ball is pitched toward the target apparatus. The start time, together with a stop time generated by the "strike" or "ball" panels, can be used by the microcomputer to generate an elapsed time which together with the known distance is used to calculate the speed of the pitch and which is then audibly reported to the practicing player.

Abstract: An adjustable baseball-style cap with a closed-back or "fitted" look. The adjustability is provided by a fabric tunnel on the back panel of the cap which slidably receives a flexible strap attached to the cap at one end of the tunnel. A free end of the strap protrudes from the opposite end of the tunnel and engages with the cap via a releasable connector material. The cap can be selectively adjusted to sizes between 6 1/2 and 7 5/8 by adjusting the amount of the strap protruding from the tunnel.

Abstract: A lumbar pack having a bag and a waistbelt attached to the bag and including an elongated, flexible, semi-rigid support member flexed into a curved shape and received within the bag. The support member is of sufficient height when in this curved shape to extend from the buttocks of the user to the thoracic region of the user. A pair of adjustable straps are provided, one on either of opposite sides of the pack, to adjust the pack into a position adjacent the lumbar region of the user. When in this adjusted position, the flexible support member serves to bring the upper portion of the bag against the thoracic region of the user's back. The support member may include a pair of elongated delrin rods. The bag includes a front and a back interior wall with top edges folded over to form pockets therein for receiving the ends of the flexed rods so as to retain the rod within the compartments.

Abstract: A golf training device features a support base with a light source attached thereto, the light source generating a planar-shaped beam of light which is projected forward of the support board to form a target line on the ground. The target line can be used in alignment of the golfer's body and club face before and during the striking of the golf ball. A pair of removably attachable elongated guide rails can be attached to the top of the support base to provide a guide path for the golfer to move the club head therethrough while putting a golf ball from the top of the support base. The positions of the guide rails can be selected to accommodate putters having different club head lengths, as well as to provide for lesser-constrained guide paths. The light source includes a laser and a cylindrically-shaped optical element placed transversely to the light beam to create the planar-shaped beam.

Abstract: A shaving cartridge including spaced-apart first and second razor blades each having an elongated edge formed thereon for cutting and shaving whiskers and hair, a container for retaining the blades therein and presenting the cutting edges at an angle for shaving action against the skin, the cartridge having formed therein a pass-through aperture between the blades allowing passage of shaved material away from the cutting edge to allow movement of the blade over the skin free of accumulations of cut material.

Abstract: A gravity meter includes a support framework which supports a suspension system having a weight beam to which a reaction mass is attached. The reaction mass includes a dielectric mass which extends partially within first and second cavities formed between respective first and second pairs of conductors. Changes in either the ambient gravitational field or the electric potential on the conductors causes the dielectric mass to move into the first cavity between the first pair of conductors and out of the second cavity between the second pair of conductors or vice-versa, with the force on the dielectric mass being linearly proportional to the voltage between the conductors. An optical detector system determines the position of the weight beam, thus the position of the dielectric mass, and is connected to the voltage source for the plates so that, by adjusting the electric potential between the plates, the weight beam can be moved to a nulled position.

Abstract: An intelligent data protection system includes a memory refreshing apparatus and a memory access apparatus connected to the volatile memory array of a computer system for maintaining the integrity of the data contained therein and allowing the main computer system to access data. Control apparatus follows a user programmable power control sequence to selectively provide power to various components and to initiate the transfer of data into a non-volatile memory. Initially, the control apparatus provides power from a reserve power supply to the volatile memory, the memory maintenance apparatus, and the memory access apparatus immediately upon detecting a power failure. If the power is not restored within a predetermined time, the control apparatus removes power from all non-essential components, including the memory access apparatus, to minimize the power consumed by the data protection system while still maintaining the data in the volatile memory.