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 (1064 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 is directed to several different woven wire joint structures, each comprising a plurality of intersecting wire elements. The intersecting elements preferably comprise an odd number of wires and are capped or joined at the ends. Retainers are used control the movability of the joint.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for preventing needle pricks and for safely disposing used intravenous needles. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal body, having first and second ends, an entry and closure mechanism on the first end and an aperture on the second end of the longitudinal body, and a pulling structure which passes through the interior and both ends of the longitudinal body. The pulling structure is attachable to an intravenous needle. The other end of the pulling structure may be attached to a syringe or blood-drawing device. A user pulls on the pulling structure to draw the intravenous needle into the longitudinal body after use. The entry and closure mechanism prevents the needle from exiting the longitudinal body after it becomes disposed within the longitudinal body. The longitudinal body, containing the needle within, can then be disposed of.

Abstract: A photograph holding greeting card and kit comprising a jacket, an insert, and a transparent pocket for holding a photograph on the front face of the jacket. The insert includes a preprinted message. A selection of a plurality of inserts are provided for the user to place a message or greeting within the jacket.

Abstract: A means to control piston movement in relationship to crank arm rotation in an internal combustion engine is provided. There is provided a system to permit the crank arm of an engine to rotate a number of degrees past what would be the normal TDC (TOP DEAD CENTER). There is also provided a means to lift the piston to its highest point when the crank arm has reached its predetermined number of degrees past normal TDC. A mechanical linkage has been provided to replace the usual connecting rod. A short link is assembled to the crank arm bearing by means of a journal. The crank arm length is coupled to a longer link through a coupling pin. The longer link is attached to the piston by a standard piston pin.

Abstract: A unique wavy-tilt-dam shaped mechanical face seal ring, a mechanical face seal which incorporates the wavy-tilt-dam shaped ring, and an apparatus for shaping seal rings. The face shape of the ring is contoured to include a number of waves, tilts and a dam, for the purposes of promoting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic lift, and minimizing leakage in the seal. The apparatus includes a grinding wheel, a drive motor, a spindle, a cam, a cam follower, and flexure mounts to allow slight rotations of the grinding wheel or the face seal ring being ground, and thereby the apparatus machines contours onto the face of the ring.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a nonsettling insulation structure comprising a central support member having a layer of insulative material adhered to each side of the central support member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a built-up playing court structure having a stable moisture content controlled surface layer with playing qualities equivalent to conventional clay courts. The playing court structure comprises a built-up court surface layer, a barrier surface which is substantially impervious to moisture, a containment wall, a subsurface bed of aggregate, and means for controlling the moisture content of the court surface. A subsurface moisturizing and drainage system provides a horizontal playing surface, highly resistant to any washing away of surface materials. Controlling surface moisture also provides a consistent playing surface with no loss of surface materials due to wind.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to maskless deposition and etching and more particularly to maskless deposition and etching of the surface of objects using single and multiple ion sources.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a fault tolerant fluid flow apparatus which will continue to function during a malfunction of a valve utilized therein. The disclosed apparatus uses parallel arms, each containing serially connected valves and may be incorporated in a manifold. One embodiment utilizes an inlet and outlet switching valve so that one of the parallel arms can be closed off from fluid flow for service of a valve therein.

Abstract: A foldable paint splatter board with collapsible paint vessel holder. The apparatus is foldable for storage and the vessel holder thereof erects and collapses, as needed. Boundary marking indicia are provided to alert a user to the edges of the safe painting region. The device is inexpensive enough to be considered disposable and can be constructed from corrugated paperboard, cardboard and the like. Paint trays and paint cans can be held by the vessel holder.

Abstract: A unique wavy-tilt-dam shaped mechanical face seal ring, a mechanical face seal which incorporates the wavy-tilt-dam shaped ring, and an apparatus for shaping seal rings. The face shape of the ring is contoured to include a number of waves, tilts and a dam, for the purposes of promoting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic lift, and minimizing leakage in the seal. The apparatus includes a grinding wheel, a drive motor, a spindle, a cam, a cam follower, and flexure mounts to allow slight rotations of the grinding wheel or the face seal ring being ground, and thereby the apparatus machines contours onto the face of the ring.

Abstract: 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 invention relates to an overlay for selectively blocking out or covering unwanted information or data on a page having a predetermined layout, such as a television program listing or guide, a class schedule, or a public transportation schedule. The overlay comprises a substantially transparent sheet alignable on the page with indicia and data blocking areas corresponding to indicia and bodies of data of the predetermined layout. The overlay may be partitioned by lines to predefine the data blocking areas. Strips of precut adhesively backed paper or other material sized to fit over selected data blocking areas are attachable on the sheet as desired by a user to cover or block out unwanted information, such as programming unwanted or unreceivable by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable and foldable magnetic tool holder. The magnetic tool holder has a front face and a rear face and includes at least one set of a plurality of magnetic bars which are positioned side by side on the interior of the holder, such that both faces of the holder are magnetic. Preferably, the holder contains an apron and can be folded in multiple directions.

Abstract: A fluid detector that senses fluids, activates an alarm and preserves a sample of the fluid for laboratory or on-site testing. The fluid detector includes a first container having a sealable cap and a fluid-passing portion, a second container disposable within the first container for collecting and storing a sample of the fluid. The detector can contain a fluid-responsive material which undergoes a change upon contact with the fluid. The change in the fluid-responsive material causes the second container to be sealed. The second container can contain a fluid collector so that the fluid can be analyzed.

Abstract: A closure check for temporarily bracing open a conventional cylinder/piston mechanism. The closure check comprises a longitudinal brace, positioning means, engagement means and disengagement means. The closure check can automatically engage with the cylinder/piston mechanism or can be engaged manually by a user.

Abstract: A dually-adjustable device for firearms is provided which is attached to the muzzle of a firearm to stabilize the muzzle and to suppress the flash during firing. The device is dually adjustable to counter both the magnitude and direction of firing forces. The device is further adjustable to individual firing characteristics as well as varying powder loads in ammunition. The device includes a cylindrical-shaped main body with at least one surface opening. One end of the main body attaches to the muzzle; the main body can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the muzzle. The device further includes a cap with a gas-restricting opening which attaches to the other end of the main body. This gas-restricting opening in the cap causes a portion of firing gases to back up and flow through the surface opening thereby causing force in the direction of the opening which serves to stabilize the muzzle. A preferred cap comprises a frustum-shaped portion which narrows towards the firearm.

Abstract: Method and device for correlating the spontaneous emission of photons into laser fields. Atoms of a common lasing medium of multiple laser fields are excited into a coherent superposition of upper levels. When photons are emitted into the laser fields, these emissions are coherent or correlated. The method and correlated emission laser of the invention utilize this correlation to quench the spontaneous emission noise inherent in active laser systems.

Abstract: This invention is a readily attachable and removable portable platform for use in conjunction with a vehicle steering wheel. The platform contains slots located on its edges which facilitate detachable mounting in a variety of positions on steering wheel rims of various diameters and grip thicknesses. One of the slots contains notches for adjusting the position of the platform relative to the steering wheel.