Abstract: Method and apparatus for simultaneously teaching a plurality of students how to play a musical instrument including programmed audio-visual instruction by pre-recorded audio inputs, prearranged note combinations displayed on a student light strip, confirmation of right or wrong answers on periodic quiz questions, sequential pictures projected on a screen, and correlated printed lesson materials, which programmed instruction may be stopped by the teacher in order to selectively instruct certain students by broadcasting oral instructions, and by playing a master keyboard which activates the student light strip. A teacher's console is provided for collectively monitoring the student quiz results, and for selectively listening to individual student musical performances during the programmed instruction period.

Abstract: A multi-reagent for use in stabilized liquid form is prepared containing three separate reagent solutions which can be combined in proper amounts to form a working composition for a biological diagnostic determination. The first reagent solution contains an aqueous vehicle, organic solvent and coenzyme; the second reagent solution contains an aqueous vehicle, organic solvent, enzyme and substrate; and the third reagent solution contains an aqueous vehicle, buffering agent and an additional component such as a sulphydryl compound.

Abstract: Stabilized liquid enzyme and coenzyme compositions are prepared for use in biological diagnostic determination of glucose. In one embodiment a composition is prepared containing in admixture an aqueous vehicle, a nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide coenzyme, a nucleotide, an enzyme including hexokinase and/or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and an organic solvent to stabilize the enzyme, coenzyme and nucleotide. The compositions have a pH of 6.0 to 8.5 and may contain a bacteriostat such as an azide compound. A preferred organic solvent is a polyol. In an alternative embodiment, a two reagent liquid enzyme and coenzyme composition is prepared wherein the enzyme is stabilized in one solution and the coenzyme and nucleotide stabilized in another solution, and the two solutions combined when used. In the enzyme-containing solution, an ammonia salt can be used as an alternative to the organic solvent to stabilize the enzyme.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of applying weld material to metal parts on a generally automatic basis. The apparatus and method are uniquely adapted to apply weld material to the journals and crankpins and crank arms of an automotive type crankshaft on a generally automatic basis. The apparatus comprises a frame and a head stock and tail stock for rotatably supporting a crankshaft relative to the frame. A carriage is shiftable relative to the crankshaft and in a direction generally parallel to the central axis of the crankshaft. A welding torch is carried by the carriage and shiftable longitudinally and generally parallel to the central axis of said crankshaft. A torch positioning mechanism in said carriage includes a member simultaneously moveable in two mutually perpendicular directions by a drive mechanism which also causes rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A multitarget shooter game apparatus comprising a light beam gun and a plurality of separate targets in the form of light sensitive cells which can be positioned at substantial distances from one another, preferably in different directions from a shooting position where the gun is located. The targets units include housings for the cells and the cells may be adjustably positioned in the housings to account for ambient light conditions. The targets indicate, as by illuminating an LED, when they are active and can be shot at to produce a score and when they are inactive. In one form the targets are each alternatively active for a short time in a random or apparently random order. Thus, the shooter must respond quickly, aim and fire in different directions as the different targets become active.

Abstract: A competitive game apparatus comprised of a game board having a playing surface with a plurality of intersecting playing paths on which playing pieces may be positioned. Two or more players are each provided with a set of the playing pieces which are distinguishable from the playing pieces of the other player by indicia, as for example the color of the playing pieces. The players alternate in playing pieces on the paths, with each player attempting to extend a continuous strip of his or her player pieces while attempting to block the further extension of the strips of his opponents. A timer may be provided with each player required to complete his or her turn in a preestablished time period. This imposes a tempo on the play. Particularly when the game is played at a very fast tempo, the playing pieces already on the board tend to be inadvertently displaced, and it is desirable that the board and/or the playing pieces be constructed to detachably maintain the pieces where they are placed on the surface.

Abstract: An electronically operated game scoring apparatus in the form of a relatively small hand-held portable housing. The housing is provided with a plurality of manually actuable input keys for introducing scoring information relative to a game. The housing includes an electrical circuit means and preferably a microprocessor for generating scoring information about the game or one or more players of the game. The housing is provided with a plurality of manually operable display controlling switches which provide for the display of scoring information regarding the game or the players and scoring information regarding a total score of the game or of an event in the game. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of display members are included on the housing for substantially simultaneously displaying scoring information about different aspects of the game.

Abstract: A relatively low-power egg beating device for scrambling an egg within its shell. The device includes an improved smoothly curved axially offset needle which is rotated by a motor. The configuration of the needle permits effective beating at relatively low RPMs. The motor is normally off, and in addition, a brake limits rotation of the axially offset needle to facilitate the user grasping the egg shell and impaling it upon the needle. As the egg is fully impaled on the needle, the shell engages and moves a control member which automatically turns on the motor and releases the brake. As the user holds the shell, the needle rotates to beat the egg within the shell. When the user then begins to withdraw the egg shell from the needle, the shell disengages from the control member which automatically turns the motor off and reengages the brake. This permits ready removal of the egg from the stopped needle. Because of its low power requirements the device may be battery powered, fully self-contained and portable.

Abstract: An electronic time reaction game apparatus which is capable of being played by one or more players and which comprises a housing having a pair of opposed player ends. A microprocessor is located in the housing and may be suitably operated by a convenient source of power, e.g., conventional battery power. A pair of player actuable response switches and a plurality of player response lights are located at each player end. One of the response switches is forward acting and the other is rearward acting. The microprocessor initiates a game cycle by causing generation of a player ready signal and, after a randomly varying time interval, or apparent randomly varying time interval unknown to the player or players, initiates and causes generation of a player start signal.

Abstract: A spring having an enlarged diameter base mountable in the heel of a seal casing to enable flared arms extending forwardly from the base to freely exert by cantilever action an outwardly directed spring bias against the casing while the spring is retained by its base in the casing. A method of making a continuous spring from a single strip of metal to form opposing flared arms extending from an enlarged concave base.

Abstract: A time reaction game apparatus having a tiltable playing surface which is at least slightly convexed and has a goal located at or near the high point thereof. The goal may be in the form of a recess adapted to receive a playing ball. A timer is set and a ball is released onto the playing surface. The player of the game operates a manually actuable mechanism such as a remote joystick to tilt the playing surface to cause the playing ball to enter the goal. When the player is successful, the ball enters the goal, which automatically releases the next ball onto the playing surface. The timer goes off after a predetermined time period, and the goal may be automatically blocked as for example, by blocking the recess.

Abstract: A lamp simulator for use as a replacement for a phosphor excitable lamp, such as a fluorescent lamp in a plural lamp fixture. The fixture is typically one with socket-type connectors adapted to have at least two or more phosphor excitable lamps mounted therein. The lamp simulator replaces one or more of the illuminatable lamps in the fixture. The simulator comprises a lamp body or housing having end caps on each of the transverse ends and generally has a size approximately equal to a lamp it replaces. In one embodiment, a capacitor may be physically mounted on one of the end caps and is electrically connected to one of the terminals on the end cap and electrically connected to a terminal on the other of the end caps. Further, the caps may have a diametral size at least slightly greater than the lamp tube such that a plurality of lamps can be packed in a single container without a separate jacket for each lamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic spray apparatus and method for alleviating human ailments and conditions thereof. The apparatus comprises a pad capable of being disposed in an area, such as a bathtub, for a person to reside in a sitting position and which pad is capable of supporting the buttocks and a portion of the thighs of the individual sitting thereupon. The pad also serves as a housing to contain certain of the components forming part of the apparatus in a kit form. One of the components of the apparatus is a nozzle capable of being disposed within an aperture in the pad and has a nozzle opening capable of directing water toward the groin area of an individual sitting upon the pad. A hose is connected to the nozzle on its underside and is capable of being connected to a source of water under pressure, such as tap water, such that the tap water is directed as a spray, and preferably as an intermittent spray, toward the groin area.

Abstract: A toy hovercraft apparatus and which includes a toy hovercraft and a launcher therefor. The hovercraft comprises a frame having an outwardly flaring skirt with a downwardly projecting peripheral lip to form an air chamber therebeneath. A motor, e.g., an electric motor, supported centrally of the skirt, rotates a fan located in an upper portion of the chamber to draw in air through inlets and create a pressurized air cushion in the chamber, which, in turn, causes the hovercraft to float or hover over a floor, or other surface. One or more relatively small rechargeable batteries are also carried on the frame and connected to the electric motor for powering the motor and the batteries may be periodically recharged. The hovercraft is preferably round and is constructed so that the weight is symetrically distributed which permits the torque created by the fan to cause rapid rotation of the hovercraft in a level horizontal plane without imparting horizontal motion to the hovercraft.

Abstract: Stabilized liquid enzyme and/or coenzyme compositions are prepared for use in biological diagnostic determinations. The compositions contain an enzyme and/or coenzyme, an organic solvent such as a polyol and an aqueous vehicle. The compositions may also contain a polymer and a bacteriostat. The compositions exhibit excellent shelf life and the container in which a composition is stored can be repeatedly opened for use without any substantial degradation of the enzyme and/or coenzyme.

Abstract: A laminated wooden rack structure forming multiple vertically layered storage bays extending longitudinally along an access aisle. The floor of each storage bay is supported by a pair of upright columns having beams sandwiched therebetween and stabilized at their junction by upper and lower blocks. In one embodiment, the lower block has a portion extending beyond the edges of the columns, and a gusset overlies said portion of the lower block and the adjacent portion of the beam.

Abstract: An improved wheelchair for mechanically assisting in moving a disable person between a sitting and a standing position. A method and apparatus for automatically coordinating the movements of the feet, lower-leg, thigh, seat and back, including the initial pivotal raising of the lower-leg and foot followed by a reversal of direction as the upper-leg and back commence pivotal movement to achieve preliminary alignment of the leg prior to achieving complete upright alignment of the entire body. A lever mechanism having a forward lever arm coupled to a lower-leg support through a cam, and a rearward lever arm coupled to a seat and/or back through a delayed-action channel member.

Abstract: A warm-up sleeve to be worn by an athlete engaged in vigorous physical activity such as pitching a baseball or throwing a football. The warm-up sleeve includes a body portion for covering the wearer's arm, a shoulder portion for covering the wearer's shoulder and chest muscles and a strap arrangement for retaining the sleeve in place on the arm of the wearer without interfering with his freedom of movement.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements in vortex separators for separating the rejects from the accepts in a particle-laden fluid, the separator including, in preferred embodiments, a replaceable inner wall lining minimizing maintenance costs while raising separating efficiency, and in addition, includes means for submitting the rejects to a size reduction process, an elutriation process, a dilution process, and a throttling process, all in one compact unit.