Abstract: The present invention features a receipt printing and check validating machine. The machine is characterized by a drop-in loading for the receipt paper supply roll. A first drive roller for the receipt printer is pivotably mounted in a clamshell bucket. The first drive roller is swung into contact, when the clamshell bucket is closed, with an idler roller centrally mounted on a fixedly-mounted idler/drive combination shaft. The check validating drive features a second, slip drive roller pair that is in pivotable contact with a pair of slip drive rollers mounted on the aforementioned fixedly-mounted idler/drive combination shaft, one on either side of the receipt idler roller. Thus, the idler/drive combination roller shaft has a fixed position with respect to both drive rollers, and is used cooperatively by both drive rollers. Both the check and the receipt can emerge from the same slot in the housing of the machine.

Abstract: A blood-repellent neck protector for hospital, surgical, and emergency room personnel is featured. The protector is shaped like a narrow-banded, circular collar having an extended bib. The collar has a blood-shielding, light-weight, multi-layered cloth. The outer layer of the multi-layered cloth is a soft, blood-repellent material. The innermost layer of material wicks moisture away from the wearer's neck. A spongy layer in the center of the collar provides softness and comfort to the wearer. This spongy layer also assists in maintaining the shape of the collar. The collar is adjustable to many different neck sizes from between 13 and 19 inches, approximately.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing the rock formation of a structure, such as in the walls and ceiling of a mine shaft includes a forward portion having a given diameter and length and cross section and a larger diameter rear portion also having a given diameter and length and cross section. A tapered conical portion is attached between the forward portion and the rear portion thereby serving as a smooth interface therebetween. A slit, having a predetermined width gap, runs the full length of the apparatus and an annulus is provided that is attached to the rear portion to engage a mine shaft plate. To insert the apparatus into the formation, a first larger diameter hole is drilled into the formation approximately equal to or slightly in excess of the length of the rear portion. A second smaller diameter hole is then drilled along the same axis to an overall depth which equally or exceeds the length of the apparatus. The mine shaft plate is then placed over the apparatus before it is inserted into the drilled holes.

Abstract: A control method for stabilizing systems or devices that are outside the control domain of a linear controller is provided. When applied to nonlinear systems, the effectiveness of this method depends upon the size of the domain of stability that is produced for the stabilized equilibrium. If this domain is small compared to the accuracy of measurements or the size of disturbances within the system, then the linear controller is likely to fail within a short period. Failure of the system or device can be catastrophic: the system or device can wander far from the desired equilibrium. The method of the invention presents a general procedure to recapture the stability of a linear controller, when the trajectory of a system or device leaves its region of stability. By using a hybrid strategy based upon discrete switching events within the state space of the system or device, the system or device will return from a much larger domain to the region of stability utilized by the linear controller.

Abstract: The invention features three types of shielding for rotary spreaders. The shields protect the user against spreader blow-back, i.e., most materials that are radially thrust outwardly from the rotary paddle of the spreader, are blocked from impinging upon the operator. The different shields of this invention are: (a) a molded, thin, clear, plastic plate; (b) a V-shaped, thin, clear, plastic plate; and (c) a rectangular-shaped, wrap-around, thin, clear, plastic housing having a protective top plate. Each shield plate attaches to the tubular frame at the rear of the spreader by removable, semi-circular tube/conduit fasteners for ease of assembly or removal. The shield plate can also be attached by permanently fixtured screw fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention features a trimaran-styled vessel that can recover from capsizing. The recoverable trimaran is made up of a specifically configured main hull with retractable, asymmetrical amas; internal, water-ballast tanks; a raised, buoyant, stern deck; and a specifically located main hatch. These components are sized according to the requirements of the prospective owner, yet within the confines of conventional, naval-engineering practices. The main hull has dead-end sockets in which the beams supporting the amas are attached and can be retracted. The main hull also includes longitudinal hollows in the lower portion of each side to allow the nesting of the amas in close proximity to the main hull. Retracting the beams places the amas adjacent the main hull, within the hollows. With the amas retracted, the cross-section of the main hull and amas resembles a circle.

Abstract: The present invention features a new iron material for use in situ with a hydrogen-air fuel cell, to generate the hydrogen to fuel the fuel cell. The iron material is made up of freshly-ground particles of iron, ranging in diameter size from approximately 25 to 1,200 .mu.m, with an average-sized distribution having at least twenty per cent (20%) of the particles less than about 300 .mu.m in diameter, and having an average particle density approximately ranging from about 1 to 7.8 g/cc, and a surface area greater than approximately 0.001 meters.sup.2 /g. The particles are in a freshly ground state, in situ, for enhancing their reactivity in producing hydrogen for the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for determining a performance index for each power-generating system, directly correlated to load demands. This performance index can be easily interpreted by power engineers and operators, so that weak areas and potential voltage collapse conditions can be predicted and corrected. When the underlying cause of collapse is due to load variations, the performance index of the current invention has the ability to assess the amount of load increase that the system can tolerate prior to such collapse. When the underlying collapse mechanism is due to a contingency, the performance index of this invention can measure its severity. The performance index of this invention can also assess whether the system can sustain a contingency without collapse.

Abstract: The present invention features a dispensing roll that has a string of tandemly-placed, tear-away, repair articles of manufacture. These repair articles each have an inner, mesh member that has a peripheral member consisting of finishing tape border that is fastened to and placed about the inner, mesh member. The repair articles are intended to be used to repair damaged drywall or plasterboard areas surrounding an electrical box, such as a receptacle box, a switch box or a junction box. A repair article is torn from the end of the dispensing roll along perforations that are provided between each article. Any cracks, holes, saw lines and blow-outs surrounding the electrical box are filled in with compound. The article is then placed over the hole in the drywall where an electrical box is located. The outer, tape border is sufficiently-sized to cover the damaged areas about the electrical box. The damaged areas are then finished off and coated with paint primer.

Abstract: The invention contemplates that brain waves, preferably mu rhythm waves of an individual, can control a cursor on a video monitor or other device in the environment. Such communication via mu rhythms is optimized both in real time, and by stored data. The mu rhythms are detected, filtered, and amplified, as an individual sits facing a video, or other display screen. The scalp of the individual has electrodes placed in approximately 64 locations, for monitoring the mu rhythms of the alpha band and/or other EEG rhythms. An ear lobe electrode provides a reference. The electrode signals are fed to a channel differential amplifier which amplifies the difference between the 64 channels and the reference electrode. The signals are digitized and spatially filtered. The resulting signals are submitted to a frequency analysis periodically. The powers n specific frequency bands of specific signals are the independent variables for equations used to control cursor movement.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of the fundamental concept of color perception and multi-level resolution to perform scene segmentation and object/feature extraction in the context of self-determining and self-calibration modes. The technique uses only a single image, instead of multiple images as the input to generate segmented images. Moreover, a flexible and arbitrary scheme is incorporated, rather than a fixed scheme of segmentation analysis. The process allows users to perform digital analysis using any appropriate means for object extraction after an image is segmented. First, an image is retrieved. The image is then transformed into at least two distinct bands. Each transformed image is then projected into a color domain or a multi-level resolution setting. A segmented image is then created from all of the transformed images. The segmented image is analyzed to identify objects. Object identification is achieved by matching a segmented region against an image library.

Abstract: There is provided a method for counting and dispensing pills, tablets, and capsules which depends on a simple vibrating, sloped, concave-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) trough, having a number of descending steps. The vibration of the trough is controlled and adjusted by a microprocessor. The vibration of the trough is patterned to provide a greater vibratory amplitude at its dispensing end than at its intake end. The difference at each end of the trough in vibratory amplitude is achieved by elastomeric supports that are differently spring dampened. The microprocessor electronically adjusts the input vibration to the trough, such that the flow of materials is adjusted for different types of materials (i.e., tablets of different shapes and/or sizes). This causes the tablets to align accurately within the trough, and sequentially pass a pill detector mechanism in single file. This ensures that the device can handle an extremely varied range of tablet or capsule sizes and shapes.

Abstract: The present invention features an optical apparatus for the transmission of a virtual image to facilitate an individual's copy or reproduction thereof onto a working surface. The optical apparatus provides an image transfer that is more realistic than apparatuses of the prior art because of the illusion that the image is in actual contact with the working surface, when in reality the image impinges only a transparent medium. In addition, the invention provides a more effective image transfer than conventional devices by not including an opaque transfer of the artist's hand and/or art utensil, but rather by rendering the illusion that the artist's hand and/or art utensil is transparent. The optical apparatus consists of a supporting frame upon which is mounted a light source, an upper transparent support plate, a lower plate, and a working surface on which is disposed canvas or paper for receiving the artist's final, copied image or work.

Abstract: The present invention features an improved paint-ball pistol, which has two detent-pin mechanisms, one of which firmly affixes the front receiver of the gun to the trigger housing, and one of which that firmly affixes the barrel to the front receiver. In the event that either the front receiver must be detached from the trigger housing or the barrel from the front receiver (as in those instances when a paint-ball capsule ruptures therein), the detent-pin mechanism allows for immediate and almost instantaneous removal thereof. The detent-pin mechanisms each have a knob that is movable between a locked and a retracted position, and a screw that is affixed to the knob. The screws extend from the knobs through the front of the trigger housing and through the forward portion of the front receiver. The ends of the screws extend beyond the inner trigger housing surface and beyond the inner front receiver surface and into the holes in the outer surfaces of the front receiver and the barrel of the gun.

Abstract: The present invention features a magnetic assembly which has one half formed by one male magnetized part and the other half formed by one female magnetized part, both of which mate together, using very close tolerances so that there is no space noticeable between the two magnetically-closed parts. This close proximity between the two parts prevents either from being accidentally dislodged. The male post extends beyond the reverse side of the female magnet into which it has been placed, so that the user can push against the end of the male post to force it back out of the female hole. This action forces the two halves of the magnetic fastener assembly apart, allowing them to be disengaged from one another and to be able to open the fastener with the use of just one hand on the part of the user.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of identifying and/or extracting an object from multiple fused information sources, such as maps and images. The system allows a user to integrate information freely from multiple sources, such as maps, socio-economic data and various types of images. Data is first retrieved and then processed to transform its pixel representation to a region representation. The region representation is then refined by merging mechanisms, such as segmentation. The identified and/or extracted object can then be visualized by the user. Features or objects can then be extracted using the user's expert rules and confidence levels, which confidence levels may be derived by fuzzy logic.

Abstract: The present invention features a system and a method for operating an electrical automotive vehicle. The system has an electrically-powered automotive vehicle with electrical drive motors. The electricity to power the drive motors is supplied onboard by a hydrogen-air fuel cell which operates by a hydrogen-oxygen reaction. The hydrogen for fueling the fuel cell is generated onboard the automobile by using a fuel storage compartment that supplies iron to a reactor bed. The reactor bed is either a fluidized bed or a catalyzed bed. The vehicle's operator obtains a fresh charge of iron for the fuel storage compartment from an iron fuel station. The iron charge is made up of pellets, sponge iron or particles of iron. The system contains a means for grinding the iron particles, or a catalyst, or both, so that their reactivity with respect to water will become enhanced. The vehicle has a tank for containing a supply of water, as well as a means for heating the water to reactive temperatures.

Abstract: For the movement of work-in-process materials on a storage or manufacturing floor, a grid of computer-controlled, unmanned jib cranes is established. The cranes' operational areas overlap. A crane can place an individual part or a magazine of parts on an elevated, revolving pedestal which then automatically rotates 180 degrees so that the next crane in line can pick up these materials and move them into its own area. The hand of the crane is moved so that it can place its load directly into the position in the machine tool where it undergoes its next process. The arm of the jib crane is fully retractable and computer-controlled, using a laser integrated into the computer's system to aid in detecting the crane's hand location at each delivery position that the crane visits. The jib cranes can lift parts up to a level that places them near the ceiling of the manufacturing floor area.

Abstract: A journal printing apparatus is disclosed for a journal receipt printing machine. The apparatus semi-automatically loads the journal paper onto the take-up spool. The machine is also characterized by drop-in loading for the journal paper supply roll. The journal printing apparatus utilizes a duckbill take-up core or spool that is bifurcated into stationary and movable sections. The bifurcated spool is spring loaded, and is caused to bias closed by movement of a cam. The leader of the journal paper is placed over the stationary section of the spool and a gear train causes the cam to rotate again. The gear train then forces the duckbill spool shut against its biasing, thus capturing the paper between the spool sections. In this fashion, the procedure of journal paper resupply is accomplished without the user having to thread paper.