Abstract: An improved performance marine surface vessel that includes pressurized supporting gas cushions in multiple hulls, normally catamaran-like sidehulls, where such pressurized supporting gas cushions support a majority of boat weight in operation. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes long fine pointed bow catamaran-like sidehulls that are in mechanical communication with a connecting hull structure. The long fine sidehulls offer performance advantages over a single large supporting gas cushion. Sidehull gas cushion outer sidewalls are preferably wider and deeper than inner sidewalls which insures minimum resistance coupled with maximum transverse stability in roll. Further, sidehull gas cushion sidewalls optionally have angled to horizontal flatter surfaces forward and then transition to more rounded shapes aft which provides for good pitch stability and minimum hydrodynamic resistance.

Abstract: An improved tailgate or vane for pickup trucks that provides reduced aerodynamic resistance compared to the standard pickup truck tailgate. In one embodiment, it rotates, about upper pivots, from vertical to horizontal during acceleration of the pickup truck to provide a horizontal low aerodynamic resistance flying tail effect at high speeds. The improved tailgate can, in the preferred embodiment, be locked in a vertical orientation to accomplish a standard tailgate function as a retainer for the aft end of the bed of the pickup. It can be locked or fixedly attached in a non-vertical orientation to provide a vertical force on the rear of the pickup truck. It is intended that the improved tailgate can be easily attached or removed using either the standard tailgate attachment hardware supplied with the pickup truck or with new hardware supplied with the improved tailgate.

Abstract: An educational game for teaching arithmetic includes a game board having a travel route divided into segments, at least one arithmetic problem printed within each of at least some of the segments, several individual game tokens, each token for marking a player's location along the travel route, a chance control device for determining the extent of a single movement of each token, and an answer card providing the solution to the at least one arithmetic problem, and is offered at several levels of difficulty.

Abstract: An emergency signalling includes a sheet having an optically reflective face, for spreading upon an essentially horizontal surface, such that the optically reflective face is directed essentially upward. The sheet preferably has an emergency message on the optically reflective face in nonreflective letters. The apparatus also preferably includes a strobe light positioned on the sheet, an electric circuit, and an electric power source connected through the electric circuit to the strobe light. There is preferably a switch in the electric circuit for controlling the flow of electric current from the electric power source to the strobe light, and an optical sensor for operating the switch, such that the optical sensor closes the switch when light strikes the optical sensor and opens the switch no light strikes the optical sensor.

Abstract: A simple and low maintenance Ride Control System (RCS) for Air Cushion Vehicles (ACV) is presented. This RCS reduces the effect of water wave generated pressure pulses on ACV ride by venting the pressure pulses from the pressurized supporting gas cushion and/or restricting gas flow into a powered blower that supplies the pressurized supporting gas cushion as the pressure pulses occur. The preferred embodiment utilizes high aspect ratio low moment of inertia vanes that are individually driven by brushless electric servo motors and the vanes can rotate in either direction through 360 degrees. A vane braking and locking mechanism is presented that brakes and locks the vanes in a closed position in the event of power failure to the vane drive motors. A further feature of the invention is a venturi that is positioned between the powered blower and the pressurized supporting gas cushion to reduce the effect of the pressure pulses on blower operation.

Abstract: Provided is a method of use of a pneumatically operated mold ejection apparatus using a pneumatic pressure source of conventional means exterior to a multiplate injection molding tool. The pressure source is selectively activated using the mold cycle to operate at least one knock-out pin disposed within the molding plate, usually the cavity plate. The knock-out pin is connected to a pneumatic piston which is urged by biasing means to a stop such that the knockout pin is positioned flush with the inner wall of the molding surface or cavity during injection of plastic or other molding material into the tool. The side of the molding plate opposite the molding surface is characterized by at least one pneumatic channel between the piston and its intersection with a complimentary pneumatic channel in a backing plate. The latter is perforated by a pneumatic orifice for connection of the system to the external pneumatic pressure source.

Abstract: An artificial ocean reef module includes a dome having a hollow interior region, an apex and a lower edge, a ventilation port in the apex leading to the hollow interior region, covered by a hollow guide member having two opposing openings to create a venturi effect to enhance circulation through the dome, and an access port adjacent to the lower edge, leading to the hollow interior region. A base member is preferably secured to the lower edge of the dome. A method of constructing the module, using a hemispherical form having an apex, includes the steps of spreading cement on the outer surface of the form, and creating an opening in the cement at the apex to serve as a module ventilation port.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method to protect medical care workers from accidental needle sticks with syringe needles that have been contaminated by blood or other body fluids, such as after use on a patient. The device renders the syringe readily disposable with minimal risk and itself is intended to be discarded in locked configuration with the contaminated syringe. The apparatus is comprised of a hollow cylinder of a hard material. The cylinder is preferably fabricated to have a circular cross-section. The device preferably contains a recess on at least one of the substantially circular ends. Disposed at the lowest portion of the recess is an asterisk aperture comprised of points generated by the intersection of adjoining radially disposed cuts, which cuts radiate outward toward, but not reaching, the periphery of the end which intersects with the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: Presented is a way to stabilize and support a secondary structure, such as a passenger compartment in a moving vehicle, so that the supported or secondary structure remains substantially level and stable and mostly free of primary or parent structure undesired motions. Application can be to stationary parent structures or to vehicular parent structures such as boats, trains, aircraft, and the like. The secondary structure is stabilized and supported by a pressurized gas cushion. The pressurized gas cushion can be used in combination with gyrostabilizers and/or connectors that may be in the form of active or passive systems. Connectors may be in the form of simple ball and socket or hinge arrangements. The latter would preferably be positioned proximal the most stable and motion free part of the parent structure.

Abstract: A simple, low cost, and reliable, normally cyclic, fluid control valve that in preferred configuration includes one or more rotary valve elements where such valve elements have openings that align with each other and/or with a flow passageway thus forming an aperture for fluid flow during valve cycles. Rotary valve elements may be oriented in different directions to connecting ducts and may have a variety of shapes with a preferred shape being cylindrical. Simple motors drive rotary valve elements such that a rate of valve cycling and/or amount of aperture can be easily controlled by a controller such as a microprocessor. Easy valve servicing and installation are other features. Dynamic sealing of the fluids is preferably accomplished by use of simple low cost labyrinth seals.

Abstract: An improved performance marine surface vessel that includes pressurized supporting gas cushions in multiple hulls, normally catamaran-like sidehulls, where such pressurized supporting gas cushions support a majority of boat weight in operation. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes long fine pointed bow catamaran-like sidehulls that are in mechanical communication with a connecting hull structure. The long fine sidehulls offer performance advantages over a single large supporting gas cushion. The invention may also include a center bow disposed between the sidehulls that adds to stability in rough seas and gives a racy yacht-like appearance. Recesses in the sidehulls may include, at least in part, fixed and/or movable seals. Fixed seals may include inset vented steps to reduce wetted surface area. The recess gas pressurization system may include a controller to control pressures in individual recesses which allows at least some control of boat motions in rough seas.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of use of a specimen support comprising a specimen board with an absorbent square attached thereto, radio-opaque indicia attached to the specimen board, a compression sheet hingedly attached to the specimen board and means for attaching the board and sheet together at a location remote from the hinge. The method includes use of the apparatus for diagnostic studies including radiologically localizing internal structure of a specimen carried by the board and for pathological study of the specimen and reporting of the results of such diagnostic studies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of electrical conduction cooking of food in a package. The package includes two electrodes including a raised portion of the bottom wall and a planar top electrode and wherein the recessed area between the raised portion of the bottom wall and the sidewall of the package defines a peripheral reservoir. The food is cooked by passing electrical current through the food and allowing the drainage and accumulation of exuded products from the food product being cooked so as to prevent contamination of the bottom electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package for electrical conduction cooking of a food product contained therein wherein the electrodes include a raised portion of the bottom wall and a planar top electrode and wherein the recessed area between the raised portion of the bottom wall and the sidewall of the package defines a peripheral reservoir to allow the drainage and accumulation of exuded products from the food product being cooked so as to prevent contamination of the bottom electrode.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for use for a pivotally mounted door disposed in a wall and usually mounted within a door frame. Pivotal mounting of the door is on a hinge. The security apparatus is mounted to a door frame or wall above the door by any suitable technique and is comprised principally of two main body portions in the form of a fixed clamshell and a pivoting clamshell connected by a piano hinge. These clamshell portions enclose a few operative portions of the structure including a locking mechanism preferably comprised of a pivoting key operated lock, a pivoting lock dog, a lock dog lip and a door strike plate. The fixed clamshell is attached to the wall or door frame top by apparatus that may include large size screws or bolts, or the device may be welded thereto as desired. The attaching means is contained within the clamshell enclosure to prevent tampering therewith. The clamshell portions are formed of plates and ends to totally enclose at all times operative portions of the apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic wafer handling system utilizing a vacuum pneumatic controlled cable driving mechanism. In principle, the necessary movements are provided by air cylinder actuation of pulley supported cables. This application of vacuum force is substituted in place of positive air pressure, offering simplicity, reliability and stability by its use. Further advantages include the elimination of electric motor driving elements, thereby providing significant reduction of particulate and dust contamination problems. System operation includes the use of vacuum in the pickup of wafers, in manipulation and transport by cable drive, and motion control by means of air cylinders using negative air pressure.

Abstract: An improved performance marine surface vessel that includes a pressurized gas cavity in its underside that is restrained by hull structure and hull seals supports some 80 to 90 percent of vessel weight which results in much greater hull efficiencies. The gas cushion is normally supplied with pressurized gas by mechanical apparatus such as a powered blower.