Abstract: A device for sensing the presence of liquids or other substances and warning of potential hazards. The device includes a mat which is constructed of metalized sheets. This mat may be cut to any size or shape on site. A monitoring device is electrically connected to the mat and monitors a change in capacitance or resistance of the mat. Such a change is an indication of the presence of unwanted substance. The monitoring device may then either activate an alarm or turn off any electrical devices as deemed necessary. The mat can include a sensitivity layer which may be included to require a greater amount of liquid or other substances to trip the monitoring device. The control module preferably operates on a large range of power voltages, preferably the same as the equipment being monitored.

Abstract: A rotating storage device adapted to receive audio cassettes, compact discs and the containers associated therewith. The storage device comprises a support assembly and a storage drum, the drum including a plurality of slots or chambers for receiving the cassettes. The drum is releasably held by the support assembly for movement between a vehicle and a home for theft prevention. In addition, a drum in a support assembly in a home may be interchanged with a drum held in a vehicle or from vehicle to vehicle. The slots are oriented such that the cassettes are in a horizontal position to provide the cassettes in a natural reading position.

Abstract: An attitude sensing apparatus for detecting a tilt angle and an azimuth angle of the tilt of a structure includes a pair of detecting devices disposed on the structure at right angles to each other. Each of the detecting devices consists of a rotary shaft rotatably supported from a structure to be measured, a sensor support integrally held by the rotary shaft and biased in the vertical direction by gravity, a tilt angle sensor supported by the sensor support for detecting a tilt angle of the sensor support within a plane containing the axis of the rotary shaft, and a controller for controlling rotation of the rotary shaft with respect to the structure. The apparatus also includes a calculator which calculates a maximum tilt angle and an azimuth angle thereof of the structure on the basis of tilt angles detected by the two tilt angle sensors. This calculation is simply and rapidly effected according to approximating formulae, and yet at a good precision.

Abstract: A portable instrument for locating and measuring harmonic distortion in a conductor. The instrument permits voltage and current harmonics to be easily read while the load is changing. Thus, the instrument may provide a great deal of insight as to the source of problem causing harmonics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depositing thin films of complex (compound) materials, including ferroelectrics, superconductors, and materials with high dielectric constants by photo/plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition from stabilized compound sources. Multiple heating and/or spectral energy sources are used for applying high energy, rapid thermal pulses in a precise timed sequence. Sol-gels of compound sources are ultrasonically atomized before being introduced to the deposition chamber.

Abstract: An assembly for installation into the bed of a pickup truck consisting of a cargo chest and a liner insert combination is described. The assembly is adapted to be inserted into the bed of the pickup truck to provide a secure cargo chest and a protective lining. The assembly is adapted to receive one or more chest lids hingedly and lockably attached to provide security and protection for the cargo in storage within the chest. The cargo chest liner insert assembly, in one embodiment, is adapted for a cargo chest lid which opens as one piece from the front of the chest assembly, and in other embodiments for cargo chest lids which hinge at the center for chest access from the sides of the pickup truck. In still another embodiment, the assembly is adapted to include cargo compartments in the opposed wheel well extensions. The upper perimeter flange of insert assembly can be adapted to provide an over the rail or an under the rail truck bed border.

Abstract: A gas cap permanently mounted to an access door for preventing back flow of fuel from a filler neck. A tubular member is secured to the access door including a mating member for connecting with the filler neck and locking members. Upon the presence of pressure caused by a fuel backflow, the locking members are engaged to the filler neck preventing the gas cap from being removed. Thus, release of fuel in vehicle accidents, such as rollovers, is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for depositing thin films of complex (compound) materials, including ferroelectrics, superconductors, and materials with high dielectric constants through a technique which is hereby entitled photo-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and activation (PECVDA). The technique involves the use of multiple heating sources including a resistive heat bias heater, a tuned optical source (UV or laser) and a source (halogen lamps or microwave sources) for applying high energy, rapid thermal pulses in a precise time sequence.

Abstract: A system for protecting the exposed glass surfaces of a vehicle including external mirror covers and window covers. The mirror covers comprise bag-like enclosures of weather resistant material which totally enclose the mirror preventing the formation of ice, frost or snow buildup. The window covers comprise sheets of flexible material having fasteners at the perimeter for securing the cover adjacent the outer side of the window. The fasteners include magnets and hooks.

Abstract: A removable steering wheel assembly to aid in the prevention of theft of vehicles. The removal of the steering wheel renders the vehicle undrivable by a potential thief.A first embodiment of the present invention contemplates removal of the steering wheel and key ignition to render the vehicle undrivable.A second embodiment provides a removable steering wheel and cover to prevent the attachment of other steering wheels.

Abstract: A volatile flux coating solution which, when dry, provides durable protective film coating containing residual flux, and a fluxing-soldering process utilizing such a solution. The coating solution is applied to a cleaned metal surface to be later joined and soldered to another metal surface, thereby obviating the need for recleaning and refluxing at the time of joining and soldering. Where two objects prepared according to this invention are joined, no additional cleaning or fluxing is required, thus saving significant time and labor at the work site. However, an object prepared according to the present invention may nevertheless be joined to an unprepared object at the work site if the unprepared object is prepared by conventional techniques, thereby allowing the prepared object to be joined with either prepared or unprepared objects. The soldering process is completed by soldering the two objects together according to conventional techniques.

Abstract: An arcuate measuring device for measuring distances along a spherical body such as a bowling ball. The device includes a curved guide member including measurement marking thereon. A measurement device is slidably retained on the guide member. Removable pins are provided to permit measuring between two finger holes in a bowling ball. An aperture is provided in the measurement device to permit marking a distance on the ball.

Abstract: A device for sensing the presence of liquids or other substances and warning of potential hazards. The device includes a mat which is constructed of metallized sheets. This mat may be cut to any size or shape on site. A monitor device is electrically connected to the mat and monitors a change in capacitance or resistance of the mat. Such a change is an indication of the presence of unwanted substace. The monitoring device may then either activate an alarm or turn off any electrical device as deemed necessary.

Abstract: A keyboard in which a stopper portion of an upper limit stopper of a black key detours an upper limit stopper of an adjoining white key so as to lie away from the black key side by side with a stopper portion of the upper limit stopper of the white key.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing the cover for a keyboard of a musical instrument including a rack and pinion mechanism to provide smooth sliding of the cover member. A rack and a pinion guide groove are integrally formed on each side of the musical instrument. A rotatable shaft includes at each end a pinion which engages with the rack. The pinion members are slidingly engaged on the shaft so that the guide members at each end of the shaft may be easily inserted into the guide grooves provided on the sides of the mechanism.