Abstract: A device (10) for facilitating use of the shaft (28) of a golf club (30) for plumbing is disclosed. The device comprises two concentric members (12, 16), one freely movable inside the other, with the inner member (16) seated about the shaft (28) of the club (30). Plumbing is achieved by gripping the outer member (12) between two or more fingers, whereupon the free movement of the inner member (16) relative to the outer member (12) permits the club (30) to assume a truly vertical orientation with the head (44) of the club (30) serving as a plumb weight. The shaft (28) may then be used to judge the relief of the putting surface in the usual manner, but with the assurance that the club (30) is in a true vertical orientation.

Abstract: An improved noise making device (10) particularly suited for use in stadiums, arenas and the like comprises a flexible, planar member of "whooping plate" (12), and a handle (14), both preferably comprised of plastic, the ends of the handle (14) being joined to the ends of the planar member (12) with the central section of the handle bowed outwardly from the planar member, such that when the handle is gripped and thrust forward and backward, the planar member bows inwardly and outwardly, thereby generating a loud noise. Suitable indicia, such as a team logo or advertising message, may be imprinted on the outer surface of the planar member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for providing improved electrical contact between an electrical conductor and an electrode. The device is characterized in that it comprises a fixed position nut-forming contact element made of an electrically conductive material and including an axial bore through which the electrode passes, the electrical conductor terminating at the nut-forming element in the form of a connection tab. The nut-forming element advantageously comprises two half-disks for facilitating assembly and disassembly while providing improved electrical contact during operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coordinating the initial positions in three dimensions of a device (10) for triggering and focusing shots and a locating arm (14). The apparatus includes structure (20) for calibrating the distance (D) between the free end (14a) of the locating arm (14) and the device (10) for triggering and focusing shots, the calibration structure (20) preferably comprising a link member (22). The invention improves the accuracy with which a target is located and, therefore, the effectiveness with which it is destroyed.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an apparatus and method for facilitating weight loss. In particular, a doll that will simulate weight loss and weight gain according to simultaneous weight loss and weight gain of the doll's owner is disclosed. Layers of "skin" made of stretchable synthetic material, such as vinyl, are added or removed from the doll each time the doll's owner gains or loses one weight increment, respectively. Each layer represents a particular predetermined weight increment, which may be determined by the doll's owner. The doll may be male or female, preferably includes jointed body parts, and may be dressed, such as in a running suit which fits over the layers of skin.

Abstract: An inexpensive yet effective circuit for producing an irregular pulse train of variable frequency and duty cycle, particularly for generating simulated sounds, such as engine sounds for toy vehicles, is disclosed. The circuit comprises an integrated circuit including a plurality of Schmitt trigger inverters (U1A, U1B) configured for oscillation at different frequencies, and a resistance element (R3, R7) in series with one, and preferably both, of the power supply connections to the inverters, with the circuit output comprising the output of one of the Schmitt trigger inverters (U1B). In a preferred embodiment, a capacitance element (C4) is connected between the output of a Schmitt trigger inverter and its system voltage input for further modulating the circuit output.

Abstract: A tongue cleaner comprises a handle and a scraping portion secured at one end to the handle, the scraping portion being curved, and in general conformity with a human tongue, and having an arc-shaped cross section defining a first channel on one side of the tongue cleaner for accumulating material scraped from the tongue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring central venous pressure (CVP) is disclosed, along with an improved transducer (50) for measuring CVP in infants. Changes in CVP may also be monitored by employing the method and apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A polling device (10) includes a housing (12), pushbuttons (14, 16) mounted on the housing for receiving customer responses to an inquiry, circuitry for counting and storing the number of times each pushbutton (14, 16) is depressed, and a time delay circuit for disabling the counting circuitry for a predetermined period of time after one of the pushbuttons has been depressed for discouraging repetitive voting. A display unit (46) for reading and displaying the number of times each pushbutton (14, 16) has been depressed is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device generating ultrasonic waves focused in a ocal point. Said generator device comprises a plurality of transducer elements arranged externally on a support means for focusing into a focal point, such as a circular dome, and is characterized in that the transducer elements are divided into at least two groups of transducer elements, of which the resonance frequency differs in such a way that the principal positive ultrasonic waves produced by each group add up together and the positive and negative secondary ultrasonic waves are at least partly cancelled, thus reducing significantly the negative waves. This device can be advantageously used for extracorporeal lithotripsy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring central venous pressure (CVP) is disclosed, along with an improved transducer (50) for measuring CVP in infants. Changes in CVP may also be monitored by employing the method and apparatus of the invention. According to the invention, a transducer is disposed on the neck of a subject (or on the head in the case of infants), and the signal from the transducer is processed to obtain the cardiac component. Thereafter, the vertical distance from the transducer to a reference level is adjusted until the position is located at which the signal transitions between a venous configuration and an arterial or mixed venous-arterial configuration, at which position the vertical distance approximates CVP.

Abstract: The antitank-antipersonnel weapons of this invention are synergistic combinations of lens-compromising agents, radar-compromising agents, and human irritants.The lens-compromising agents opaque the external lenses of tank periscopes and gunsights, and the radar-compromising agents block radar signals, forcing tank crews to navigate tanks and aim weapons by direct observation through open hatches, and to don "gas" masks for protection against the human irritants.The lenses of protective masks are also opaqued by the weapons of this invention, and when they are, tanks, tank crews, and other personnel are functionally blind and unable to fight.

Abstract: A locking video cassette case for a single video cassette includes a case defining a space to receive a video cassette, a lid hingedly secured to the case, a first locking member secured to a surface of the case, a second locking member secured to a surface of the lid, the first and second locking members incorporating means for locking the lid in a closed position, and means for manipulating the locking means for releasing the lid from the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for improving the dische regime of an electric arc produced between two electrodes. The device is characterized in that it includes means an insulating element (32), preferably spherical in shape, for increasing the resistance to the passage of the electric arc (A) between ends of the electrodes (12, 14). By using the invention it is possible to obtain an arc discharge of the critically damped type. The method and the device are preferably used in shock wave generator apparatus for hydraulic lithotripsy.