Abstract: An animal bedding material that includes a layer of substantially dry ground drywall and a layer of a substantially absorbent litter material. The ground drywall layer has a concentration of greater than 10 g/ft2 and includes ground gypsum and ground paper backing. The ground drywall constituent of the bedding material helps control odor, acts as a moisture barrier, and provides a “lift” to the waste saturated litter material, which reduces compaction and extends the useful life of the bedding material.

Abstract: A device facilitates adjustment of a sight on each of a variety of firearms having different calibers by providing a visible mark on a target when the device is placed within a chamber of any of the firearms. The device includes a housing, and a laser module energizeable within the housing to produce the mark at a position along a laser axis extending through the firearm's barrel. An outer sleeve fits snugly around at least a portion of the housing, and has an external shape sized to fit snugly within a chamber of predetermined caliber for one of the firearms. A power supply situated either within the housing or within the sleeve electrically energizes the laser module.

Abstract: A strip with an exterior sticky surface is judiciously selected for its ability to entrap dust and other loose debris without interfering with the operation of moving parts contacted thereby. The strip is attached to the sides of a magnetic tape cartridge, with the sticky surface facing outward, in places contacted by rollers and/or belts during the process of handling the cartridge in an automated system. Thus, any loose debris in the rollers or belts is retained by the tacky surface of the strip as the cartridge passes through the rollers and belts of the robotic system. The strips of the invention may be removably adhered to the data cartridge, or may be permanently attached. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the strips may be incorporated into a cleaner cartridge for the periodic maintenance of loading equipment.

Abstract: A container for transporting articles that transforms into a ballistic protection unit includes a bag and a detachable panel. The bag includes a first compartment for containment of at least one piece of ballistic shield material. The detachable panel also contains at least one piece of ballistic shield material and is coupled to the bag by at least a first strap. The detachable panel is detachably coupled to the bag. During use, the user may detach the detachable panel from the bag and the bag may be placed over a shoulder of the user, protecting the user from high speed projectiles.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array includes a plurality of solar cells electrically coupled in series with one another via a plurality of electrically conductive interconnect members and end members. The solar cells and interconnect members are bonded to the array surface of a substrate with double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive, and the interconnect members and end members are electrically coupled to the solar cells via a dry electrical contact. The method of manufacturing the array reduces complexity, time, and costs.

Abstract: A circuit and method for generating a variable frequency clock signal that uses a first, lower frequency oscillator, to modulate and vary the frequency of a second, higher frequency oscillator to generate a variable frequency clock signal. The circuit includes a first oscillator, a control circuit, and a second oscillator. The first oscillator generates a first signal having a substantially fixed-frequency magnitude. The control circuit is coupled to receive the first signal from the first oscillator and outputs control signals based on the received first signal. The second oscillator is coupled to receive the control signals from the control circuit and generates the variable frequency magnitude clock signal in response to the received control signal.

Abstract: A quill spindle includes a quill assembly within which a spindle assembly is rotationally mounted. The quill assembly includes a coolant flow path, and the spindle assembly includes a plurality of coolant flow paths. The quill assembly flow path and one of the plurality of spindle assembly flow paths provide cooling to bearings that allow the rotation of the spindle assembly within the quill assembly. Another of the plurality of coolant flow paths within the spindle assembly provides cooling flow to a cutting tool installed on an end of the quill spindle.

Abstract: An elevated toy train track is formed from multiple platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) and a stabilizing ring (48) that are attachable together to form a ring-like structure (10). Each platform section has at least two lateral sides (34, 36), where one lateral side (34) has ridges (42) and the other lateral side (36) has slots (46). During assembly, the ridges (42) on one platform section are placed in snug engagement with complementary slots (46) of an adjacent platform section, until all platform sections are joined together. The stabilizing ring (48) is attached, using threaded fasteners (60), to the joined platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) to form the ring-like structure (10). A train track (20) is attached to the ring-like structure, or can be integrally molded to the platform sections. The structure is attachable to the central pole (64, 66) of a Christmas tree, thus providing an elevated toy train track.

Abstract: A sprayable analgesic composition comprising an analgesic compound which is absorbed into the bloodstream through the buccal mucosa and a pharmacologically acceptable liquid carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method indirectly determines the amount of outside air introduced into the ventilation system of a structure to control the indoor air quality in the structure. Test gas concentrations, preferably carbon dioxide concentrations, are measured for return air, outside air and mixed (supply) air. The flow rate of mixed air is measured. The volume of outside air introduced into the system is determined through use of the test gas concentration measurements without directly measuring the volume or flow rate of outside air. Preferably, a single sensor is utilized to measure each of the trace gas concentrations in the return air, outside air and supply air, and the various measurements sequentially multiplexed to a controller. Moreover, for calibrating the apparatus, a return air sensor is calibrated to the outside air and a mixed air sensor is calibrated to the outside air or the return air to eliminate inaccuracy due to sensor drift.

Abstract: An information display system has a display screen which is substantially transparent to a selected band of wavelengths of light and can be mounted on a window. A projector projects an image of light of the wavelengths to which the display screen responds onto the screen to reflect or transmit the selected wavelengths of light from the screen. The screen is formed as a holographic optical element which reflects the light such that an observer is able to see the projected image from the display screen only if his eyes are within a predetermined area, while observers outside of the area see only a substantially transparent display screen on the window.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implementing a digital filter employing coefficients expressed as sums of 2 to an integer power. Coefficients expressed as sums of powers of 2 may be algebraically manipulated such that higher order terms are replaced by an equivalent group of lower order terms. In the context of a shift-and-add algorithm, the lower order terms require fewer shifting operations and less total hardware to effect multiplication than the corresponding higher order terms.

Abstract: A noise suppression system for use on internal combustion engines and small enough for use in automotive applications is disclosed. A cancellation noise generator and actuator speakers produce a noise to combine with and cancel the engine noise carried in exhaust gases in a mixing chamber. The resultant noise leaving the mixing chamber is measured by a circular tubular microphone array to control the noise generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool and method for installing a roof fastener for securing insulation or waterproof membrane to a rooftop.

Abstract: A tang extends from a cover pivotally attached to a mounting plate of an electrical outlet to interconnect with and lockingly engage a lip extending from the mounting plate. A key, insertable through a keyway in the bottom side of the cover, is used to force the tang upwardly out of engagement with the lip and to unlock the cover from the mounting plate. Subsequent downward pivotal movement of the cover toward the mounting plate will relock the cover.

Abstract: A bullet is provided which is substantially 100% pure fluorocarbon resin. In the preferred embodiment a fluorocarbon resin in the form of polytetrafluoroethylene, preferably Teflon from E.I. Dupont De Nemours Co., Inc. of New Jersey, also known as Dupont, is provided with multiple annular grooves near the rear end and a hollow point front end. The bullet in the preferred embodiment is characterized by having a high muzzle velocity, a very short effective range, and pulverizes on impact so as to deliver considerable hydrostatic shocking effect by delivery of all of its energy within the first two to three inches of target depth.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing intelligible interception of information signals transmitted over a two-direction line. A masking signal is applied through a hybrid circuit at the receiving end of the line, and this masking signal, which appears on the line together with the information signal, prevents intelligible decoding. Only at the receiving end of the line, where the hybrid circuit attenuates the masking signal which it receives at its receive port, can intelligible decoding take place. Signal processing techniques used at the receiving end permit larger amplitude masking signals to be used, thus creating even greater confusion for an unauthorized detecting mechanism which is coupled to the line.

Abstract: A technique for inhibiting intelligible interception of information signals transmitted over a line from a first site to a second site. A masking signal is applied to the line immediately upon the detection of the information signal at the second site, but prior to the time at which the validity of the signal is verified. As long as the information signal remains on the transmission line, the masking signal is repeatedly turned on and off to thereby inhibit decoding of the signal by an eavesdropping device.