Abstract: A chimney safety and control system includes a control panel which indicates the position of the chimney damper and the operational status of a chimney fan unit, and allows the operator to electro-mechanically open and close the damper and set the fan. When the safety control system senses that a predetermined condition (e.g., high temperature) exists in the chimney firebox while the damper is closed, it automatically opens the damper and activates the fan. The system may also be used in conjunction with one or more smoke detectors, in which case the system automatically opens the damper and activates the fan when a smoke detector is activated.

Abstract: A kit provided for putting in place a regulation size baseball field in a suitably sized park, playground, pasture, sandlot or the like. The components of the kit are contained in a small compact duffle bag and comprise in addition to the bag, 3 regulation size bases, home plate, pitcher's plate, Velcro patches approximately 2 - 4" X 2 - 4", 5 metal stakes, a measuring tape marked along its length at 60 feet 6", 90 feet, and 127 feet 33/8". Preferably there is included in the kit, a brush for cleaning off home plate, an instruction sheet and a ball. The field is the regulation 90 foot square, with home plate, first, second and third base occupying the corners of the squares. Second base is 127 feet 33/8" from home plate, and the pitcher's plate 60 feet 6" from home plate along the same line of measurement. Each of the bases and plates has fixedly attached to the back surface thereof a Velcro patch with the fastening means facing out.

Abstract: A fluid flow direction and velocity monitor, particularly useful in monitoring pressure differentials between a controlled environment and its surroundings, includes a heated thermal sensor situated between upstream and downstream cold thermal sensors within a channel. The heated thermal sensor provides a pressure differential or fluid flow velocity signal. The pair of cold thermal sensors are utilized to provide both temperature compensation and fluid flow direction. The pressure differential and direction signals are combined by the circuitry to yield a single digital direction and pressure signal.

Abstract: A handle for an implement or sports equipment such as a fishing rod, having a contoured gripping portion designed so as to reduce fatigue and tension while improving casting accuracy without interfering with reel function. The handle and contoured gripping portion are adapted to being surroundingly mounted on an elongated shaft member of said implement or sports equipment. The gripping portion is contoured so as to correspond to the natural angles and position of the hand and palm, with an S-shaped curvature on its top side, and a triple curvature along its opposing bottom side that creates a depression in which the fingers rest when a user grasps the gripping portion of the handle. The contoured gripping portion of the handle is preferably oval shaped and slightly tapered toward both its proximal and distal ends.

Abstract: An improved keyboard design and method for manufacturing the same is provided for minimizing the distance of travel required in entering characters using a keyboard with a single data entry device. Such system is especially useful for use in small hand held computers, pen based systems and other devices in which data entry with a pen or a single finger is required.

Abstract: A fluid flow detection monitor (80), particularly useful in monitoring pressure differentials between a controlled environment and its surroundings, includes a heat source (1) situated between an upstream and downstream thermal sensor (2,3) within a channel (5). The electrical resistance of the downstream sensor varies as the downstream sensor is heated from fluid carried past the heat source. Circuitry is used to detect the electrical resistance differential between the thermal sensors, thereby detecting the presence of fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a interactive computer system for use in training persons in surgical procedures in remote locations. The system employs visual, audio and/or textual data bases to provide training to students of such procedures using a personal computer based system with graphics and multimedia capabilities.

Abstract: The invention is related to hermetically sealed dry accumulators having significantly larger power output per units of mass in a proportionately smaller volume. The accumulator includes one electrode comprising copper, cadmium, zinc, nickel, or iron, and another electrode of lead dioxide. An immobilized electrolyte containing a silica gel and sulfuric acid is in contact with the electrodes. A method for producing a novel silica gel which is especially suited for use in the immobilized electrolyte is also described.

Abstract: A method is described for making silica gel having a large active surface area suitable for use as an adsorbent-separator of gases and liquids in hermetically sealed acid accumulators and as a filler in the fabrication of rubber articles.The method produces silica gel having a large active surface area and, at the same time, a microgranular structure. The product is in the form of aggregates having a size which generally does not exceed 5 mm, so no additional grinding of the product is required. The silica gel exhibits a large pore volume.

Abstract: A method for making porous lead dioxide electrodes having a relatively large active surface area and long service life is disclosed. The electrodes employ a grid which is coated first with a thin layer of nickel and then with a thin layer of lead. A paste containing a halogenated lead compound is applied over the lead and successively reduced and oxidized to form an active mass of porous lead dioxide. The finished porous lead dioxide electrode is suitable for use in storage batteries.