Abstract: Microphone boom holder assembly comprising a short, solid base rod or tube member adapted to be receivingly engaged in a tubular supporting leg of a music stand or an A-frame recording assembly, a top shoulder, a securing member, preferably a rollpin or knurled nut, and a threaded upper rod. The base member is preferably made of a solid piece of aluminum with a plurality of grooves extending externally along its length. The base member is inserted into a tubular supporting leg of an A-frame music recording assembly to the point at which it is stopped by the shoulder. The aluminum provides sufficient strength to prevent the boom holder of this invention from breaking under the weight of the microphone boom or other holder unit under vibrationally stresses use conditions.

Abstract: SO.sub.x /NO.sub.x pollution control reagent composition comprising from 0.1 to 25% urea in intimate admixture with dry, finely divided Nahcolite, a naturally occurring form of sodium bicarbonate. The composition is used in a process of removing SO.sub.x /NO.sub.x from the flue gases of utility and industrial plants, incinerators and the like by dry injection into a flue gas duct a sufficient distance upstream of a spent reagent collection device to provide above about 0.25 seconds of residence time of the reagent composition in the flue gas duct at temperatures in the range of above about 200.degree. F. followed by collection, preferably in an electrostatic precipitator. The Nahcolite reacts with the SO.sub.2 to form sodium sulfate and also removes NO.sub.x in the form of NO. The urea prevents the conversion of NO to NO.sub.2 by the Nahcolite, and maintains the concentration of the NO.sub.2 in the exit flu gases below the 50 parts per million visibility threshold (depending on ambient conditions).

Abstract: Combination mailer comprising postcard-weight stock having therein at least two areas, a first right hand area for an address and postage and a left hand area which includes a partially perfed (die cut) index card which may be removed from the combination mailer. The index cards may be standard small size or a larger size depending on the size of the mailable card used. The index card may be oriented horizontally or vertically. A vertical boundary between the left and right side areas is defined by a scoring, perf line, printed line or dashes in order to assist in removing the index cards from the mailer. Only partial perforations are used to define the index card margins to prevent the mailer from being folded, mutilated, lost or delayed in the mailing. Microperfs are preferred. Preferably, the index card is oriented vertically with only the T-shaped notches along the bottom margin being perfed out, leaving the bottom margin or top margin to be cut with scissors.

Abstract: A hand controlled peripheral pointing device having an optional analog switch to permit the user to dynamically and continuously change the value of an attribute, for example, the width of a line or color saturation value, when the device is moved. Activation of the analog button or key permits the user to change an attribute value of graphical data input as desired depending on the depth of depression of the key. In the preferred embodiment, the device is a mouse having a numeric keypad placed thereon. This numeric key pad allows the user to directly enter data without moving the hand back and forth between the mouse and a computer key board. The numeric mouse is able to operate in two modes, including a conventional point and click mode and an analog mode. An alternate embodiment comprises a light pen having a finger actuated analog button disposed adjacent the writing tip of the pen. One manner of switching between modes (analog to click and vice versa) is program driven, i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable tarpaulin comprising plastic or canvas materials, an X-pattern array of elasticized reinforcing and tie down straps or cords, and one or more elasticized perimeter cords. A problem with previous tarpaulins is that they are difficult to tie down over varying irregular sized loads. As a result, loose edges of tarp material flap in the wind causing distracting noise and damage to the vehicle, the load and the tarpaulin. Also the loose ends permit a wind tunnel effect which induces suction, loss of particulate loads causing road hazards. These problems are avoided by means of an expandable tarpaulin according to the invention which is characterized by a unitary expandable tarpaulin with elasticized reinforcing, tie downs, and perimeter hand holds, cord or straps. A safety reflective coating on selected portions of the tarp sheet may also be employed.

Abstract: A system for removing impurities from liquids wherein the liquid is forced upward through several zones, the first zone being a bundle of tubes having a helical shape to present an inclined path where settling of particulates back down the tube occurs, then through a stack of filter modules which are over the bundle of tubes and contain treatment media, the arrangement of the filter modules being such that the passage of fluid in the upward direction removes particulates before flushing through the treatment media and agitates the treatment media so as to prevent packing. The helical form of the settling tubes and the modular arrangement provides a compact and inexpensive structure and great convenience for maintenance. The preferred cross sectional shape of each tube is oval to increase settling rate.

Abstract: SO.sub.x /NO.sub.x pollution control process comprising injecting into flue gas from 1 to 50% carbon (preferably 5-15%) along with a dry, finely divided sodium sorbent, preferably sodium bicarbonate or Nahcolite, a naturally occurring form of sodium bicarbonate. The process removes both SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x from the flue gases of utility and industrial plants, incinerators and the like by dry injection into a flue gas duct a sufficient distance upstream of a particulate collection device, such as an ESP or baghouse, to collect spent reagent and additive. The sodium reagent reacts with the SO.sub.2 to form sodium sulfate and also removes NO.sub.x in the form to NO. The carbon additive reacts with NO.sub.2 to reduce the concentration of the NO.sub.2 in the exit flue gases to below the NO.sub.2 brown plume visibility threshold (about 30 ppm NO.sub.2, not corrected to 0% O.sub.2, depending on stack diameter and ambient conditions).

Abstract: Simultaneous double reverse osmosis process for production of low and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly wines, from any traditionally fermented table wine feedstock. A portion of the feed wine is subjected to remove alcohol and water as a permeate, with recycle of the concentrated retentate, while simultaneously a volume-balanced amount of reverse osmosis water is input back into the feed tank to maintain the in process wine at the initial level of the feedstock wine. The process may be run batch-wise, alternately, or in a modified semi-continuous operation to produce non-alcoholic wines (wines having residual alcohol content of less than 0.01% by volume) low alcohol wires (less than 0.5 volume percent alcohol), or wines having reduced alcohol content (less than 11-13 volume percent). The process also overcomes the 5% alcohol barrier problem of conventional reverse osmosis. The resulting finished wine has flavor, aroma and color solids concentrations of a level acceptable in good commercial practice.

Abstract: A coiled article retainer assembly comprising a generally planar rectangular body, including a main body portion having an outlet member secured thereon for an electric cord, garden hose, or other like transmission member for initial power, fluid, or signal sources, secured thereon. The retainer assembly has two arms, spaced from and generally parallel to opposite side margins of the main body portion, defining an upper handle and a lower coiled article retaining slot. The retainer assembly is provided with a hook or hole at each opposite end margin for convenient storage by hanging on a nail, hook, rafter or the like. A keeper assembly, comprising a two way flap-type valve, is disposed at the open end of the retainer slot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing and drying (cleaning) a wetsuit. The system employs a two-tiered, fluid piping structure having an upper and lower hanger portions. The upper hanger portion is directly or indirectly connected to a hose which is connectable to a water or/and air source. During washing and rinsing operations, the appropriate liquid is introduced through the hose into the hanger portions, and is driven through a plurality of spray heads disposed selectively on both upper and lower hanger portions. The individual spray heads are oriented to overlappingly spray the entire outside and inside surfaces of the wetsuit. In a commercial embodiment, two or more systems are connected in series along a common horizontal tube. The entire unit is suspended and housed within a special enclosure.

Abstract: A composition for correcting dry hoof in equines and thereafter maintaining the hooves in healthy condition which comprises an aqueous dispersion of trigylceride, polysaccharide, silicone oil and an antifreeze and the process for using the composition which comprises applying the composition at least once a day to correct the condition and daily application thereafter to maintain the hooves in healthy condition.

Abstract: Method for improving the operation of a knock-controlled internal combustion engine of the type having a fault recognition system for detecting failed knock sensors comprising the steps of incrementally shifting ignition timing in response to an appropriate output signal from the fault recognizer (assuming a failed knock sensor). The preferred method provides for monitoring engine RPM exceeding a threshold value, whereby the fault recognizer is activated thereby causing the ignition timing to be incrementally shifted (retarded) with an added safety margin to a preset anti-block value. Upon sudden reactivation of a failed knock sensor, the fault recognizer is deactivated and the ignition timing is incrementally shifting to the optimum knock-control value as controlled by the knock sensor. That is, the active knock sensor overrides the preset value, but the ignition timing override occurs incrementally. For RPM below the threshold value the ignition timing is incrementally set back to knock-free settings.

Abstract: An armor plate assembly comprising a plurality of U-shaped or J-shaped redirecting members for intercepting and guidingly redirecting incoming small arms fire. The preferred embodiment comprises a closely packed, rigidly held array of tubular members, each tubular member having an intercepting opening and an exit opening directed away from the object to be protected. Three- or four-sided tensoidal deflectors are disposed adjacent the intercepting openings to protectively cover the interstitial gaps left between the closely spaced tubes and to further guide incoming fire into the redirecting members.

Abstract: Heavy duty weather and actinic resistant protective blanket for pool covers which is attachable at the leading edge of a pool cover so that upon furling the cover, the blanket surrounds, both longitudinally and laterally, the pool cover. Fastening means to secure the blanket to itself in the furled condition is provided, preferably cooperatingly disposed strips of VELCRO.TM. hook and loop material. The leading edge of the pool cover is secured to the trailing edge of the blanket by stitching, grommets, barbed plastic rivets, straps, line or the like. The blanket is at least 1/8th the length of the cover and an embodiment for free form pool cover is shown.

Abstract: An I/O subsystem is provided for a series of terminals that communicate via a system bus with a host PC, supporting a series of UNIX.RTM. based PC application programs. The I/O subsystem includes a plurality of I/O subassemblies, each having a series of ports dedicated to the user terminals on a one-to-one basis. Each I/O subassembly includes a CPU including internal memory, a dual ported memory and serial I/O interfaces. Keystroke signals from a sending terminal are transmitted through the interface of the dedicated I/O subassembly to the memory of the subassembly for interpretation and then retransmitted to the sending terminal and/or host PC. Each I/O subassembly dual ported memory is programmed with a UNIX.RTM. based I/O subsystem management method. Additional features of each I/O subassembly include flexible message handling, remote procedure calls and speedup of character input/output processing.

Abstract: A washer for balls such as golf balls including an entry tube having an open entrance end and a second end joined at an angle to an adjoining end of an exit tube thereby forming an elbow-shaped housing. The exit tube has an inner wall lined with brushes near the adjoining end and sponges near the exit end. A rotatable helical (spiral) array of brushes, or/and sponges, is arranged inside of and concentric with the exit tube. The washer is supported with the entrance and exit above the joining ends so that the housing will hold water up to a level that is determined by a weep hole to keep the brushes submerged. The helical array of brushes can be turned manually by a crank extending from the central shaft of the helical brush array to function as a lift mechanism. Balls are inserted into the entrance end of the housing and as the handle is turned, the ball is scrubbed as it is lifted by the helical brush array toward the exit end of the housing onto a sponge-lined tray having weep holes therein.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of packaging hazardous liquids for shipment or containment, and to the structure and composition of the packaging which can be used to practice the method.The method comprises packaging a hazardous liquid for shipment or containment wherein the hazardous liquid, present in at least one sealed container or in a leaking container, respectively, is placed in a package which can be sealed so that the package completely surrounds and isolates the container, wherein the improvement comprises:constructing the packaging material so that it comprises at least two layers, including an interior layer and an exterior layer, wherein the interior layer of the packaging material adjacent to the sealed or leaking container can be penetrated by liquid which escapes from the container, and wherein the exterior layer of the packaging material, the external portion of which is in contact with the external environment, is impermeable by the liquid and by hazardous vapor therefrom.

Abstract: Baghouse SO.sub.x /NO.sub.x pollution control process comprising injecting from 1 to 25% urea or ammonia along with dry, finely divided sodium bicarbonate or Nahcolite, a naturally occurring form of sodium bicarbonate. The process removes both SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x from the flue gases of utility and industrial plants, incinerators and the like by dry injection into a flue gas duct a sufficient distance upstream of a baghouse to collect spent reagent and additive. The sodium reagent reacts with the SO.sub.2 to form sodium sulfate and also removes NO.sub.x in the form of NO. The urea or ammonia additive prevents the conversion of NO to NO.sub.2 by the sodium reagent, and reduces the concentration of the NO.sub.2 in the exit flue gases to below the NO.sub.2 brown plume visibility threshold (about 30 ppm NO.sub.2, not corrected to 0% O.sub.2, depending on ambient conditions). The additive may be used wet (sprayed into the flue gases in a concentrated water solution) or dry.

Abstract: Process for disposal of a waste ash by addition thereto of sodium salts, preferably sodium sulfur oxide salt Na.sub.2 SO.sub.x where x is 3 and/or 4, in an amount ranging from 5-85 weight percent (dry basis) and adjusting the water percentage to within the range of 6-35%, preferably 15-28%. The coefficient of permeability of the ash and sodium salt is reduced from 10.sup.2 cm/sec to the "impermeable" standard of 10.sup.-6 and below. The preferred mixes also call for a smectite clay additive present in the range of from 0.1% to 5%. A flocculant in amounts of 0.01% to 1% can be substituted for about 3-5% of the water content. A principal source of the Ma.sub.2 SO.sub.x is sodium FGD waste, preferably from the use of Nahcolite (a natural mineral form of sodium bicarbonate) as an SO.sub.x sorbent in the Nahcolite FGC process. The resulting co-disposal process simultaneously renders the highly soluble Na.sub.2 SO.sub.x (10.sup.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable microcomputer-implemented bowling aid which indicates to the bowler (i) correct starting position and (ii) correct board marker over which to roll the ball after its released so as to maximize pin count with minimum data entry problems.In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the bowler first inputs game parameters such as right- or left-handness through I/O elements to a RAM of a microcomputer operationally connected to a bowling alley replica display. The replica display includes representations of (a) triangularly configured pins 1, 2, 3, . . . 10, (b) the bowling lane, (c) the foul line, (d) a series of board markers or spots adjacent to the foul line but on the pin side thereof and (e) a series of foot positions to the start of the bowler's approach to delivery of the bowling ball. The representations related to (a), (d) and (e) are keyed together by programing steps.