Abstract: The ramp consists of a wire rail formed as a helix. The rail extends between a first elevation where the ball enters the ramp to a second, lower elevation where the ball exits the ramp. A straight rail extends through the center of the helical rail for the length thereof. The helical rail is dimensioned such that the distance between it and straight rail is less than the diameter of the ball. As a result, the ball will contact both the straight rail and helical rail simultaneously as it rolls down the helical rail by the force of gravity.

Abstract: The leaf switch of the invention consists of an optical switch mounted on a printed circuit board having electrical conducting means imbedded therein. An opto-interrupter is mounted on an actuator arm that is moved by the player controlled button to close the optical switch and complete the electrical circuit. To complete more than one circuit, a plurality of optical switches are provided with the opto-interrupter mounted on the actuator arm associated with each optical switch. The opto-interrupter is configured such that different ones of the switches are closed depending on how far the player controlled button is depressed.

Abstract: The play feature for a pinball game of the present invention comprises a roulette scoring device mounted above the playfield which includes a horizontally rotating wheel having a plurality of apertures arrayed around its periphery. A different point value indicated to the player is associated with each of the apertures. Pinballs can enter the roulette scoring device not only from the shooter lane, but also from a ramp disposed on the playfield. An optical switch or microswitch included in the ramp adjacent a holding device and a microswitch in the shooter lane generate signals sent to the game microprocessor to cause the wheel to rotate. An optical switch mounted on the playfield senses the return of the ball to the playfield and signals the game microprocessor to stop the rotation of the wheel and to add the appropriate point value to the player's score.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing aluminum alloy can body stock including two sequences of continuous, in-line operations. The first sequence includes the continuous, in-line steps of hot rolling, coiling, coil self-annealing and the second sequence includes the continuous, in-line steps of uncoiling, quenching without intermediate cooling, cold rolling, and coiling.

Abstract: An accelerator composition and a rubber compounding composition in which a rubber is blended with a combination of three accelerators and sulfur for curing the rubber while minimizing the formation of iridescent sheen. The combination of accelerators included a thiolated morpholine, a dithiocarbamate and a benzothiazole.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention includes an electromagnet mounted below the playfield on a reversible screw. The screw is rotated to propel the magnet along its length relative to the playfield. A pinball disposed on the playfield is attracted by the magnet such that the ball will be dragged across the playfield as the magnet is propelled by the screw. Optical switches are used to provide feedback to the game's microprocessor indicative of the status of the play feature. In the preferred embodiment, the game player attempts to strike the ball as it is dragged across the playfield to put the ball in play and create multiple ball play.

Abstract: The ball delivery system of the invention consists of a ramp located beneath the playfield where the ramp leads from an inlet accessible by the ball in play to at least one play feature to be loaded. At least one ball is stored in the ramp at each play feature such that the stored ball can be loaded into the play feature. A sensor located adjacent the inlet detects the entrance of the ball in play into the ramp and sends a signal to the game microprocessor indicating that a ball has entered the ramp. The microprocessor, upon receiving this signal, immediately loads the desired play feature with the stored ball such that the play feature can be immediately activated. The ball that entered the ramp inlet is then directed to the just activated play feature and becomes the stored ball for that play feature. Thus, the dead time associated with existing ball delivery system is eliminated.

Abstract: An integrated flash head having a ring flash for taking shadowless pictures and a bar flash for taking contoured pictures. The bar flash is pivotably mounted on the ring flash housing and the ring flash housing is movable relative to the camera lens to change the orientation of the bar relative to the camera lens. An electrical circuit is provided for selectively activating either the ring flash or bar flash.

Abstract: A flexible, retractable assembly for use as a door, space divider, covering or the like which comprises a sheet such as Mylar polyester film having a permanent memory set to roll up on itself or otherwise retract automatically into a coil, accordion, or other compact configuration. The assembly is adapted to be stored on one side of an opening and then guided across the opening to fully or partially cover the opening. The permanent memory set of the sheet permits it to retract at least partially under its own force to eliminate or minimize the need for separate rewinding apparatus. The sheet may substitute for a variety of standard products including entryway doors, closet, cabinet and shower doors, screen doors and windows, room dividers, machinery guards and covers for various items such as florescent light fixtures. The sheet may be combined with decorative finishes including a tambour composite structure providing aesthetic and functional advantages.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of a rotary wheel having a plurality of ball receiving sockets located therein. The wheel is rotated such that an empty socket is disposed in a ball receiving position. During the course of play, the game player can direct a ball into the socket where it is retained. The wheel is then rotated to expose another empty socket into which a player can direct a second ball. Once all of the sockets are filled with balls, the game's microprocessor will rotate the wheel to return the balls to the playfield for multiple ball play. The wheel is rotated by an electric motor that is controlled by optical sensors.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for collecting and disposing of animal excrement has an elastic harness assembly attachably secured to the rear portion of an animal, such as a dog, and an excrement container cooperating with, and removable from, the elastic harness assembly. Specifically, the elastic harness assembly has a flexible outer ring member encompassing a rigid inner ring member to which the excrement container is removably attached. The ring members are located about the anal region of the dog and isolated in place by use of fasteners and elastic straps.

Abstract: The visual display of the invention consists of a holographic display projected through the playfield. The display projects an image that is related to the playfield and is mounted on a flexible plate that is flexed by a rotating cam wheel. As the cam wheel flexes the plate mounted image appears to the player to move.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyester, copolyester and polyblend molding compositions impact-modified by glycidyl methacrylate grafted EPDM exhibit high impact strength combined with good knit-line characteristics, when the grafted comonomer content exceeds 2 percent by weight in the impact modifier, it has a gel content in the range of from about 10 to about 80 weight percent.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for severing and removing tie wraps after their installation consists of a cap, a base, a button having a cutting blade mounted for reciprocating motion therein and springs for returning the button to its original position after operation. A tie wrap is passed through the device prior to being secured. The tie wrap is severed by manually reciprocating the blade.

Abstract: Impact cutter teeth that cut and lift the crop to improve both cutting and transport of the crop are novel features of this invention. The novel construction of this tooth results in actions which reduce undesired recut characteristics present in impact cutters with prior art teeth.

Abstract: An auger cutter, windrower and conditioner for standing and downed crops such as hay, or forage harvester crops such as corn, sorghum and cereals including a cutter auger with cutting teeth attached to an auger flight and a conveyor auger to move the cut crop to a central area or to either side of the cutter to be discharged as a windrow or as a mass of material, or to be fed to a second crop processing device such as a forage harvester. An improved relationship of the cutting augers and the conveyor augers and height control mechanism to improve the cutting and transport of the crop.

Abstract: Switching circuits are disclosed which activate lighting in conjunction with the operation of a video recorder. The switching circuits employ signalling means such as relays, photo emitters or transistors to detect current flow in the video recorder motor circuit. Circuit elements receive the signal and activate a light. If the motor circuit is inoperative, the light remains off.

Abstract: The surgical instrument consists of a pair of arms of different lengths hinged together at an intermediate point for relative pivoting movement. The arms are provided with obliquely oriented handles at one end thereof. The opposite ends of the arms support removable posts having means for removably securing a plurality of different surgical heads. A variety of heads and different shaped posts are provided to facilitate retraction in a wide variety of surgical procedures. A serrated locking mechanism is also provided to lock the arms in either a retraction or compression mode.

Abstract: A flipper control circuit is disclosed in which at least one flipper is controlled by the game microprocessor which attempts to hit a desired target. The processor activates the flipper in response to playfield sensors which detect the ball in proximity to the flipper. Playfield switches provide feedback to the processor on the accuracy of the shot allowing the processor to correct its "aim" for subsequent shots.