Abstract: An apparatus for achieving an active matrix liquid crystal display flat panel that optically eliminates bluish or purplish background luminance and fluorescence of the liquid crystal materials. Two polarized layers are placed in a crossed configuration one behind and one in front of an active glass thin film transistor (TFT) layer to block a majority of any background luminance. Two layers of tinted glass are further placed one behind and one in front of the active glass TFT layer to block any remaining background luminance which has leaked through the polarizing layers.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved horse drawn carriage providing several safety and performance features. A transverse shaft tip to shaft tip deflector is fittable over wooden shafts to prevent snagging objects such as trees and fence posts between horse and harness. Wheel deflectors, wheel guards, a low position passenger seat, and a removable rear platform assembly for standing passengers are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a food service facility for drive-up and walk-up patronage, to a method for food preparation, to a retractable menu, and to a drink dispenser and service module. The food service facility comprises base level and second level housings, readily set up and removed from a site. The food preparation method is primarily directed to pizza preparation, the pizza being incompletely cooked and stored, and then rapidly cooked to completion to provide fast food service time to patrons.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a duct notching template apparatus having slidably positionable and settable end templates and a center template. The end templates have hooked or tabbed edges for engaging the edge of a piece of sheet metal to be scribed for notching. The templates contain windows for viewing the measuring indicia on the longitudinal element on which they are disposed.

Abstract: The disclosure of the invention is directed to a site survey ground vehicle based apparatus and method for automatically detecting source materials, such as radioactivity, marking the location of the source materials, such as with paint, and mapping the location of the source materials on a site. The apparatus of the invention is also useful for collecting and analyzing samples. The apparatus includes a ground vehicle, detectors mounted at the front of the ground vehicle, and individual detector supports which follow somewhat irregular terrain to allow consistent and accurate detection, and autolocation equipment.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for ionization modulated mass spectrometric analysis. Analog or digital data acquisition and processing can be used. Ions from a time variant source are detected and quantified. The quantified ion output is analyzed using a computer to provide a two-dimensional representation of at least one component present within an analyte.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a microprocessor based telemetry apparatus and method utilizing a commercially available IBM PC-AT or compatible CPU. Three hardware cards fit in existing slots within the computer chassis. Software is provided to accomplish, in combination with the cards, what has essentially required a main frame computer heretofore. The microcomputer is equipped with novel hardware and software to provide PCM bit synchronizer/decoder, decommutator, time code reader and digital-to-analog converter functions. Data is stored in real time using interleaved buffers, novel software and a hard disk. Data can be archived on digital tape. Data logging can be carried out at sustained rates approaching 2 million bits per second, up to six times faster than with MS-DOS yet files are accessible with MS-DOS. Real-time data scaling and display of up to 128 separate parameters are accomplished.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a built-up granular structure having a stable moisture content controlled upper layer. The preferred granular structure includes an improved fine aggregate upper surface layer, a coarse aggregate reservoir layer having a topmost application of perforate adhesive material, and a dry moisture barrier layer having a topmost impervious layer. The entire layered structure is supported by any firm base including compacted soil or an existing playing court structure. A containment wall having screened drainage inlets/outlets surrounds the periphery of the structure.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to hand forceps usable by medical personnel, and others, to protect them from incurring injury and contamination when handling intravenous (IV) needles, suture needles, scalpels, and vessels containing body fluids, during surgical procedures and otherwise. The forceps comprises thumb and index finger encasing portions hinged together. A skirt area extends over a portion of the back of a user's hand from the base of the thumb and index finger encasing portions. The forceps can be made of various plastics, metals, and the like and can be coated with a trauma preventing, invasive device snagging layer of latex or similar material. Outwardly extending protective flanges can be provided longitudinally disposed on the thumb and index finger encasing portions. A central shield can also be provided.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatuses for the treatment of bruxism, utilizing aversive conditioning. The apparatus provides biting surfaces and is fittable within a user's mouth. When the user bites on the biting surfaces, an electric shock is delivered. In another embodiment, an alarm is provided for arousing or alerting the user. The apparatus can determine the number of bruxing events and/or the biting force of the user. Strain gage and pressure sensing resistor (PSR) using embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A presser foot for a sewing machine comprising a bifurcated foot having first and second limbs. the first limb is about twice as wide as the second limb. Selectively spaced indentations are provided on at least one of the limbs to facilitate accurate stitching. The indentations can be on the tops or the sides of the limbs.

Abstract: A liner for the reservoir of an evaporative cooler consisting of a tub or trough like article. The liner is made of a thin, flexible, water impermeable material and shaped to fit inside the reservoirs of existing coolers. In addition, the liner has flaps extending upwardly from each side which would fold to fit in between the pads and edges of the reservoir. The flaps provide a means for sealing the reservoir when the pads are in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dynamic seal or bearing interface having areas with different roughnesses. The different surface areas both provide asperity tip load support for the opposing interface.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to polymeric B-aminoborazene compounds suitable for pyrolytic conversion to boron nitride. The B-aminoborazene compounds are preferably mixed with an organic solvent and a cross-linking agent to form a polymeric gel. The polymeric gel is then pyrolized to form boron nitride. The polymeric gel is useful to coat various forms and materials.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an exhaust efficiency increasing apparatus incorporating crossover ducts between dual exhaust conduits extending from an engine having two cylinder banks. The ducts are disposed to communicate with upstream entry and downstream exit apertures on the exhaust conduits and cross in an "X". Since where the ducts are positioned affects engine torque, torque curves can be adjusted or changed by placing the crossover ducts near one end of a housing which is placed in the exhaust system and which can be reversed, end-to-end, to position the crossover ducts nearer to or further from the engine.

Abstract: A portable camera support. The camera support comprises a shoulder support member which rests on and extends forwardly from a user's shoulder and which supports a camera. A telescoping extension tube extends forwardly from the front end of the shoulder support member and is pivotably attached to a torso engaging support member, the lower end of which bears upon the user's chest or torso. A preferred adjustable bracing member permits selective adjustment of the height of the camera. A camera mounting plate permits forward and rearward adjustment of the position of the camera, as well as limited left- and right-handed rotation to accommodate left- and right-handed users.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to two embodiments for passive and one embodiment for active mode locking of lasers. The passive systems comprise a GaAs/GaAlAs diode laser (810 nm) pumped Nd:YAG (1964 nm) laser sharing the same optical cavity. A KTP crystal is used to produce a sum of the frequencies of the diode and Nd:YAG laser (460 nm). The KTP crystal and trichroic mirror (with a reflectivity at 810 nm less than the reflectivity at the other two wavelengths) combine to create an effective end mirror reflectivity which increases in accordance with the intensity of the pump laser wavelength (810 nm) to mode lock the system. The active embodiment uses successive sum and difference frequency generation to modulate the reflectivity of a cavity output coupling mirror in a continuous wave dye laser or external cavity diode laser.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity of laser absorption detection of gas phase atoms and molecular species within a gaseous medium. An active optical element in a laser absorption detection system is translationally (longitudinally) vibrated a selected amplitude along the optical axis and at a desired frequency to eliminate fringes produced by interference fringe producing optical elements. The vibration frequency is preferably asynchronous with other modulation frequencies in the system.