Abstract: A variable focal length lens, for use in spectacles, which includes one or two rigid lenses to provide the wearer's distance correction, and a liquid filled lens bounded by a distensible stretched elastomeric membrane to provide a variable near addition. The liquid, which has a fixed volume, is stored in the field of view between the elastomeric membrane and one of the rigid lenses. Variation of the optical power of the liquid filled lens in one embodiment is achieved by displacement of the outer periphery of the stretched elastomeric membrane. In a second embodiment, both the optical power and the prismatic power of the liquid lens is varied by changing the angle between the membrane support and the rigid lens.

Abstract: A computer printer font cartridge expansion module having i) a connector to couple to a printer font data bus receptacle, ii) a receptacle for accepting a font cartridge, and iii) ROM for storing character information to provide additional font capability when the assembly formed by a font cartridge and an expansion module is plugged into a computer printer. The printer font data bus is extended through the expansion module to the attached font cartridge. The addresses of the ROM in the expansion module are in a block of addresses at the top of the range of addresses addressable by the font data bus. Alternatively, switching means are provided for switching the printer font data bus between the expansion module and an attached font cartridge. Also provided are securing means for attaching a font cartridge to the expansion module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a system for catching fish which rapidly anesthetizes the caught fish, preventing them from thrashing about or exerting themselves after being caught. An anesthetizing fluid, preferably an alcohol/water solution is applied to the gill or mouth area of the fish as they are brought out of the water.

Abstract: A printing control system for a facsimile receiver of the type having a printhead which scans across the page and prints multiple lines of the facsimile image simultaneously. The system includes a first in-first out memory for storing incoming facsimile data which arrives more rapidly than the printing system can accommodate. The stored incoming data is transferred to one or more scan buffers as needed, and then sequentially to the printhead drivers.

Abstract: A label for transferring copies of solvent sensitive images, such as those comprised of fused toner, from one surface to another. An original image is copied on to the label by wetting the image to be copied and the label with solvent (after placing the label and the image in contact). Solvation of the image causes a likeness of the image to migrate to the label. The solvent is preferably applied by breaking solvent-filled microcapsules which are in contact with the label and/or the item which bears the original image. After solvation of the image, the label, bearing a copy of the image, can be removed from the original image bearing surface and attached to a receiving surface. The invention has particular application to the addressing of envelopes for letters printed by laser printers. In this application, a copy of the address of an intended recipient of a letter can be transferred from the letter to an envelope without destroying the original address on the letter.

Abstract: An identification system including an exemplar fingerprint on an identification card which is to be compared using autocorrelation with a fingerprint of the presenter of the card. Additionally, waveforms generated during the autocorrelation step are compared with similar waveforms taken at the time the card is issued and recorded in a read only memory within the card. This latter comparison assures that the exemplar has not been tampered with.

Abstract: A method and system for reproducing facimile images or other images in a dot matrix format wherein the normal printhead line resolution is not the same as the image line resolution. Two embodiments are disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a commercially available printhead having two columns of dot forming elements is used. The printhead is slanted so as to change the effective spacing of the dot forming elements, and the dots making up the image are formed by the two columns alternately so as to increase the speed of operation. In the second embodiment disclosed, each of the scan lines of the image is comprised of dots formed by three dot forming elements. Each picture element is printed by two of the three dot forming elements and no two adjacent picture elements are printed by the same group of two.

Abstract: A label which can be applied to envelopes or the like as an address label. The label, which is transparent, has an area treated so that it will detach a fused toner image from a carrier sheet printed xerographically or by a laser printer and cause the image to adhere to the label. Adhesive or chemical means are used to cause the image to transfer. In use, the label is first applied to a carrier sheet, on which is printed, the desired image, such as an address. When the label is removed from the carrier sheet, the fused toner image remains adhered to the label's underside, and the label can then be applied to an envelope. The label, being transparent, displays the image.

Abstract: A space frame constructed from a plurality of identical struts using octahedron/tetrahedron ("octet") geometry wherein the struts, instead of being simple tubular members, are fabricated as space frame masts using octet geometry. A second aspect of the invention concerns a connector piece for orienting and joining the ends of struts to form octet structures. In one embodiment, the connector piece is in the shape of two interpenetrating tetrahedrons, allowing assembly and disassembly of individual struts without disturbing other struts. Retaining means are described which do not require tools for assembly.

Abstract: An improvement for a cap of the type which uses a cooling pouch which contains a freezable liquid or gel and inserted in the forehead area of the cap. The improvement consists of segmenting the cooling pouch so that it can easily be made to conform to the shape of a wearer's forehead and a plastic drain channel which catches and retains any condensate which may form on the cooling pouch during periods of high humidity.

Abstract: A carrier for skis which converts to a belt when not in use. An adjustable length carrying strap includes a pocket at each end which house retractable holding straps for fastening around skis. The holding straps are faced with Velcro material so that the skis can be conveniently held. When not being used to hold skis, the holding straps are retracted into the pockets of the carrying strap so that the carrying strap can be used as an attractive belt.

Abstract: An optical transmission monitor for determining the optical transmissivity and thickness of films deposited on a substrate. A monitor substrate in the form of a rotating disk exposed to the deposition process is used. An optical system for measuring the transmissivity of the disk obstructs a fixed segment of the rotating disk so that the film thickness on the monitor disk is a known fraction of the film on the substrate being processed.