Abstract: A remote data collection system for use with a photo-minilab includes an on-site data collector and a host computer. The on-site data collector controls collection of data and information regarding operation of the apparatus and communicates with the host computer to download data from the on-site data collector to be stored into pre-designated data tables. The on-site data collector allows for manual entry of data and control commands via keypads and accesses on-site monitoring devices by program control to gather production data and quality control information.

Abstract: An apparatus for mooring watercraft to a dock makes use of a mooring clamp with a pair of rearward-pointing teeth. The teeth and other inner surfaces of the clamp define a serpentine path for engaging a corresponding pole mounted to the watercraft. Because the pole is mounted substantially vertically and the serpentine path lies substantially in the horizontal plane, the mooring apparatus permits the craft to rise and fall vertically without subjecting the mooring clamp to undue stress. At the same time, the features of the serpentine path inhibit accidental unmooring of the craft from natural forces.

Abstract: A plastic article having a number of surfaces with at least one surface being modified by contacting that surface with a reactive gas atmosphere containing F.sub.2, Cl.sub.2, O.sub.2, Ozone, SO.sub.3, oxidative acids, or mixtures thereof, at a temperature and gas partial pressure sufficient to increase the surface energy of the at least one surface being modified to at least 40 dynes/cm at a temperature of 20.degree. C., to enhance bonding of non-slip polymer coatings to the modified surface, to which coatings elastomeric or rigid particles may be admixed for imparting a surface profile and increasing the coefficient of friction between the coated surface and the counter-surface.

Abstract: A liquid gas grill providing small bubbles of gas in a nonflammable liquid bath, such as a water bath, beneath the surface of the water, wherein the small bubbles of gas are ignited on the surface of the water creating a flame for heating and cooking food articles suspended thereabove.

Abstract: A combination rearward viewing and wind gauge comprising a base member having a plurality of mounting holes and being conformable to the shape of a substantially rigid underlying support surface, an elongated shaft for supporting a holder for at least one mirror and a flexible line for determining wind direction and movement, the elongated shaft being substantially perpendicular to an outer facing surface of the base member and attached to the base member and to the holder for the at least one mirror being attached to the elongated shaft at its distal end. The elongated shaft is bendable over its entire length to selected positions with the capability to remain in said selected positions.

Abstract: A center webbed baseball glove which utilizes the natural fold of the human hand and folds into two equal halves increasing the utilizable surface area is provided. The center webbed glove is constructed from a pocket and back piece which are attached together to form a central pocket, a set of outer finger slots and a set of inner finger slots. The glove is worn by placing the pinky and ring fingers into the left outer finger slot, the middle and index fingers into the left inner finger slot, and the thumb into either the outer or inner right finger slots. The glove can be worn on the right hand by placing the thumb in the left inner or outer finger slots and placing the remaining fingers in the left finger slots of the glove.

Abstract: An apparatus for implanting one or more optical fibers in a panel having a uniform planar surface is comprised of a frame for supporting a fiber inserter above a fiber insertion table above a bath containing ultra-violet light activated liquid adhesive for adhering the optical fiber to the panel and a source of ultra-violet light, the fiber inserter carries the optical fiber downward to the fiber insertion table piercing the interposed panel at a desired point of insertion and carrying the optical fiber to the underside of the panel through an opening in the fiber insertion table for immersion into and removal from the liquid adhesive in the bath and subsequent irradiation by ultra-violet light, exposure to the ultra-violet light causing a change of state of the adhesive from liquid to solid resulting in the permanent adherence of the optical fiber to the panel at the point of insertion.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly for universal joints which is particularly suited for commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, as well as off-road vehicles, comprises forward, intermediate and rearward shields that overlie but do not touch respective universal joints. In one embodiment, the shields have outside brackets that attach to either the cover of a transmission or the cover of a differential gear mechanism and are adjustable inward and outward relative to the covers. In another embodiment, the shields have brackets that respectively have straps for connecting to the body underside frame rails of the vehicle and are adjustable forward and rearward to cover the universal joints the shields overlie.

Abstract: A disposable pathogen barrier of a material which is highly elastic and stretchable, yet tear-resistant, and capable of being placed in proximate contact and covering an entirety of a variety of elongated, tubular-shaped intra-oral medical or dental tools or implements which emit lightwaves in pre-determined ranges without distorting, interrupting or shifting the wavelength of the emitted light, or the receiving of reflected light, by the use of, in a first embodiment, an optically transmissive end and, in a second embodiment, an optically clear film to provide the required range of transmissivity of light.

Abstract: A fluid heat transfer medium and process employing composite mixtures of monocyclic and bicyclic terpenes useful for heat transfer processes in a temperature range down to approximately -165.degree. F., where the fluid heat transfer medium maintains its liquid phase.

Abstract: A suspendable apparatus for the lifting, rotating and transferring of essentially smooth-walled cylindrical objects, where such apparatus is preferably an air cylinder. The apparatus comprises a vertically oriented lifting mechanism consisting of a lifting chamber fixed at its upper end and movable at its lower end, with power to the air cylinder in the chamber. Additionally, there is a rotating mechanism for gripping and rotating the cylindrical object, such as a drum or paper roll. The rotating mechanism is mounted on a fixed arm secured to the lower end for movement therewith. The rotating mechanism further includes a housing having a fixed end secured to the fixed arm and a second end remote therefrom. The second end includes a pair of movable gripping arms mounted for rotational movement about the second end, where the arms include at least two arcuate shaped cups positioned to apply a vacuum against the wall of the cylindrical object.

Abstract: A multi-function coil for use in a magnetic pickup apparatus for transducing the mechanical motion of the stings of an instrument wound on a single coilform structured to separate the single continuous coil into first and second collinear segments in each of two winding spaces, each coil having a predetermined number of turns and being uniformly spaced one from the other, for substantially eliminating distortion and harsh sounding overtones by the reduction of the mutual inductance of the first and second segments of the single continuous coil.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for retrieving and then later refiling one or more sheets of single or multi-part architectural plans, blueprints, and/or any document from a flat storage file drawer comprising a sheet separator, a first clamping element, and a second clamping element, said sheet separator having a tapered front portion and means for being mounted on at least one transverse member for slidingly coupling to runners of the storage drawer. The portable arrangement allows the removal of a single sheet from a tightly packed stack of sheets without losing the place of the single sheet in the file and to replace the single sheet in the stack of sheets without disturbing the order in which the sheets are arranged.

Abstract: A food display case for displaying pre-cooked food products while preserving them at optimal serving conditions for prolonged periods of time is disclosed. The display case includes an outer housing with a display window, a recessed primary food heating element which evenly distributes heat across the display case, an air circulation system for providing a convective air flow, and a food moisturizing spray for retaining a desired humidified environment within the display case. In addition, a radiating heat lamp is suspended from the top of the display case for providing additional heating within the display case.

Abstract: An apparatus for implanting one or more optical fibers in a panel having a uniform planar surface is comprised of a frame for supporting a fiber inserter above a fiber insertion table above a bath containing ultra-violet light activated liquid adhesive for adhering the optical fiber to the panel and a source of ultra-violet light, the fiber inserter carries the optical fiber downward to the fiber insertion table piercing the interposed panel at a desired point of insertion and carrying the optical fiber to the underside of the panel through an opening in the fiber insertion table for immersion into and removal from the liquid adhesive in the bath and subsequent irradiation by ultra-violet light, exposure to the ultra-violet light causing a change of state of the adhesive from liquid to solid resulting in the permanent adherence of the optical fiber to the panel at the point of insertion.

Abstract: A surgical or clinical lamp handle or adjusting means covering, barrier, shield or prophylactic comprised of a thin, tear-resistant elastic material which is disposable after a single use for covering the exposed surfaces of each of several different shaped and sized surgical or clinical lamp handles or adjusting means, as well as the handle or adjusting means elements which support and connect the handle or adjusting means to the surgical or clinical lamp for preventing the spread of infectious disease.

Abstract: Rubber particles, to be used as fillers or extenders for various composite polymer systems, are chlorinated by a gas-solid phase reaction with a chlorine-containing gas. A composite polymer containing the chlorinated rubber fillers or extenders exhibits a higher flexural modulus than if prepared using an unchlorinated rubber filler or extender. Chlorination of the rubber particles is carried out by contacting the finely divided rubber particles with a chlorine-containing gas comprising at least about 5 volume percent chlorine. Advantageously, the chlorine can be diluted with air, nitrogen or other essentially inert gases and may contain minor amounts of fluorine. Improved performance is obtained with nitrogen dilution of the chlorine gas over air dilution. Improved polymer composite systems having higher flexural modulus result from the use of the chlorinated rubber particles as fillers instead of unchlorinated rubber particles.

Abstract: A battery operated combination burglar alarm and door chime is mounted to the inside of a door. The alarm mode is capable of being armed from either side of the door. A dead bolt slide cooperates with a plate fastened to the door frame to manually arm the device from the inside with the door closed. A plunger slide also cooperates with the plate fastened to the door frame and a mode selection switch to effect either a chime mode or a delayed alarm mode when the door is opened. The delayed alarm mode being activated with the door open to permit pre-arming the device followed by automatic arming of the device when the door is closed. Depending upon the alarm mode of operation selected, unauthorized opening of the door can either lock the door and instantaneously sound an alarm or sound an alarm after a predetermined time when the door is opened. A combination switch deactivates the alarm and chime modes and another switch can alter the combination.