Abstract: A system for assessing psychobiological conditions of a subject utilizes a plurality of words which are selected to be in four categories as critical stimuli. The words are presented by a tachistoscope to the subject in subliminal and supraliminal modes of operation. Subliminal stimulation of the subject is achieved by presenting the selected words for an exposure period of approximately one millisecond. The supraliminal exposure time is approximately thirty milliseconds. Prior to stimulation, the subject is diagnosed in accordance with conventional psychoanalytical techniques to establish the presence and nature of a pathological condition. The words are selected and categorized in four groups: pleasant words, unpleasant words, words related to a diagnosed conscious pathological condition, and words related to a diagnosed unconscious pathological condition.

Abstract: A system for detecting gas bubbles in a specimen utilizes a transducer which produces pulses, illustratively of ultrasonic acoustic energy, having predetermined frequency characteristics. A first pulse has an increasing frequency with time, and a second pulse has a decreasing frequency with time. Imaging arrangements, which may be formed of ultrasonic transducers, produce images of the region within the specimen after exposure to each such pulse. In one embodiment, a growth transducer array is utilized for dramatically increasing the size of the bubbles, which array is formed of a plurality of transducers which are moved with respect to the specimen and which have respective frequency characteristics over different frequency ranges. Thus, bubble radius is successively increased as each bubble is exposed to the acoustic energy from each such transducer within the growth transducer array.

Abstract: Methods for modulating and demodulating digital data streams utilize a quadrature-quadrature phase shift keying data transmission arrangement to achieve a 100% increase in the bandwidth efficiency over known systems, such as minimum shift keying. Known arrangements utilize two dimensional data transmission. However, Q.sup.2 PSK, in accordance with the invention, provides four dimensional transmission which doubles the rate of data transmission for a given bandwidth, at the expense of approximately 45% increase in the average energy per bit. The input data stream is demultiplexed to form four demultiplexed data streams which are formed of demultiplexed data bits. Each such data stream is combined with a signal having carrier and data pulse-shaping components. Additionally, the data pulse-shaping components have a quadrature phase relationship with each other, thereby adding the additional two dimensions of data transmission capacity.

Abstract: A holder for a pair of crash cymbals of the type which are generally employed in orchestral performances is constructed to be collapsible for facilitating storage thereof and transportation between engagements of a percussionist. A pair of cymbal holder members, each of which is symmetrical, utilizes a coupling member for joining the cymbal holders to one another. In accordance with the invention, the cymbal holders are rotatably coupled to the coupling member, but fixable at selectable rotational orientations by operation of respectively associated locking devices. Penetration of the locking devices into the cymbal holders, while in a locked state, ensures a secure locking, or fixation, of the cymbal holders, while reducing the need for high thread stress in the coupling member. The locking devices also serve to fix the crash cymbal holder in a folded state which provides the desired advantages of compactness.

Abstract: An improved prosthesis interface surface is incorporated on any implantable component where stable long lasting bone fixation is needed. The surface achieves immediate stabilization of the prosthetic component and promotes bony tissue ingrowth by either making the surface of a porous metal or ceramic or coating the surface of the interface surface with a porous metal or ceramic. In the preferred embodiment, the surface includes a large number of conical protrusions which are specifically designed to resist shear and torsional disruptive forces while accommodating the compression loads that occur during motion of a joint prosthesis. By utilizing a series of conical protrusions, the surface contact area of the interface surface is much greater than interface surfaces now in use and this large surface contact area improves stability and provides a large area for secure bony ingrowth fixation.

Abstract: A brush arrangement, specifically a toothbrush, is provided with a reservoir of cleaning material in its handle. The handle is hollow and provided with an actuatable plunger arrangement which pressurizes the cleaning material so as to force it through a channel and to the brush head. The pressurized cleaning material opens a pressure valve arrangement which exposes a dispensing port through which the cleaning material is dispensed in the vicinity of a plurality of bristles. The dispensing port is opened by the application of a force from the pressurized cleaning material which exceeds a counterforce applied by a resilient device, such as a spring. When the pressure in the reservoir is relieved, such as by reversing the direction of travel of the plunger, the counterforce applied by the spring is sufficient to ensure that the pressure valve closes the dispensing port. In certain embodiments, the brush arrangement is provided with a replaceable brush head.

Abstract: A game of chance similar to blackjack is playable without a deck of blackjack playing cards. A plurality of player landing stations are provided on a game board in a predetermined sequence. Each such station has associated therewith a face value number which corresponds to the value of a pair of cards from a blackjack deck. A pair of dice is rolled initially to advance a player along the sequence of stations. In situations where the player thus advanced desires to receive the equivalent of another playing card, the dice are rolled again and the resulting numerical value is correlated probabilistically to predetermined card values. The correlated card value is then added to the base value number of the station on which the player has landed so as to provide a playing number. In embodiments where the numbers are correlated to the game of blackjack, a sum greater than 21 would be considered an immediate loss.

Abstract: A diode thermometer wherein a current source is operated to cause a temperature sensing diode to be subjected to operation at a first current level and then a second current level different from the first current level. A voltage generated from the diode by the switching of the current is applied to a circuit which up integrates the voltage for a certain time interval at the conclusion of which a known reference voltage is applied to the integrator, of opposite sense to the previous signal so that the integrator now integrates in the opposite direction. A capability is provided such that the integrator starts from a zero reference level when it begins to integrate, and when it is integrating the known reference signal it returns toward this zero reference. A comparator detects return of the integrator output signal to the zero reference.

Abstract: An alarm system formed by a wrapper includes an energy source, an operator grip-pressure-controlled switch, an orientation responsive switch, and an audio resonator. The wrapper is secured to an operator controllable member, such as a steering wheel, by being folded over the member upon itself and secured using, for example, a fabric fastener interlock. In operation, the user places his hand upon the pressure control switch included within the wrapper. When the grip of the user becomes relaxed, for example, due to inattention or fatigue, the switch operates the resonator and an alarm is sounded. The orientation responsive switch controls disablement and enablement of the alarm system in response to displacement of the operator controllable member.

Abstract: An illuminated sign is formed on a flexible substrate and installable onto a garment or an umbrella having a deployable frame with a web member extending thereover. The illuminated sign is provided with a plurality of lamps, which may be light-emitting diodes, arranged to correspond with the shape of the symbols on the illuminated sign. The electrically interconnected lamps are electrically connectable to a battery via a switch which controls conduction of electrical energy to the lamps. Additionally, a flasher circuit may be provided for causing the lamps to flash on and off periodically. When installed on an umbrella, the switch may be located at a distance from the illuminated sign, such as on the handle thereof.

Abstract: Acoustic signals generated by muscles during contraction are used, in accordance with the invention, to generate signals responsive to muscle activity, measure muscle fatigue and excitation-contraction decoupling, provide a biofeedback response, control cybernetic systems, and control prosthetic devices. Such myoacoustic signals, when compared against myoelectric signals permit the extent of contraction of muscles to be compared against the excitation thereto. Moreover, a plurality of such myoacoustic signals can be compared synchronously against one another in a multichanneled recorder to analyse dynamic muscle problems, such as situations which result in poor posture and improper gait. These myoacoustic signals can also be used to drive prosthetic devices which are currently driven by myoelectric signals. It is an advantage of the present invention that myoacoustic signals can be analyzed using circuitry which is currently available and in use for analyzing myoelectric signals.

Abstract: A composition of the type which is applied to a surface for protecting it against environmental influences and for producing an aesthetic effect. The composition is particularly suited for being applied with a trowel to form a textured surface, such as stucco, or for being sprayed onto a surface. Baking flour is mixed into a paste-like mixture with water and added to a latex sealer paste. Sand, preferrably of a coarse grade, is then added to the mixture. The mixture can then be provided with filler compounds, such as calcium carbonate, and a pigment, such as titanium dioxide. The mixture has been shown to be effective against a variety of adverse environmental influences, including ultraviolet radiation, humidity, salt spray, fire, and thermal effects.

Abstract: A platform for supporting paint, tools, and other articles is formed of first and second platform members which communicate with a side rail of a ladder tensively and compressively, respectively. Each of the platform members is provided with apertures therethrough, at least one of the members having slot-shaped apertures, for adjustably securing the platform members to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the platform members are provided with respective serrated plate members which communicate grippingly with the side rail of the ladder. The platform may be provided with a paint tray for accommodating a paint can, and a tool or article holder. The present platform can be located anywhere along the side rail of the ladder and does not rely upon the rungs. A safety arrangement includes a spring for applying a biasing downward force which reduces the possibility of accidental disengagement of the platform from the side rail of the ladder.