Abstract: A dual purpose picture hanging aid which serves as both a device for holding the picture wire in position away from the back of the picture and as an adjustable length plumb bob for straightening the picture after hanging. The device incorporates openings for receiving the plumb bob string as it is wound around the body and a hook for engaging the string in a partially wound position, providing the adjustable length. Notches in the outer edge engage the picture wire allowing the device to be wedged between the wire and the picture. A smoothly curving edge opposite the edges allows the device to be easily removed after hanging the picture.

Abstract: A fully enclosable backpack style baby carrier which protects the baby from sun exposure, insects, rain, snow and light impacts such as from overhanging branches. The carrier remains enclosed while the carrier is being carried and while it is set on the ground. The configuration of the fabric enclosure allows the stand, carrying straps, etc. to be attached to the frame without penetrating the inner layer, preserving the integrity of the enclosure. Mesh panels are used throughout to provide ventilation while excluding insects. A head enclosure encloses and protects the baby's head while providing significant ventilation.

Abstract: A guard for an electrical receptacle uses a rotating cover to mask the slots in the receptacle. Catch pins engage the cover and hold it in its closed position. Springs means, or similar, automatically return the cover to the closed position. In the preferred form, the catch pins engage the same slots which provide access to the slots in the receptacle, allowing the pins to be released by partially inserting the electrical plug. The cover can then be rotated by turning the plug to align with the receptacle slots. The catch pins move with a certain amount of independence, requiring that both be released separately to allow the cover to turn. The guard may be implemented using a modified housing on the receptacle or as a retrofit cover usable with an existing receptacle.

Abstract: A modular fluid storage tank, intended for underground storage of water, utilizing alternating circular and octagonal ribs in the main body and curved, ribbed, end caps. Interconnection of the tanks uses rigid pipe or semi-flexible hose. The coupling between the pipe and the tank incorporates a fitting, integrally molded into the tank, which extends into the interior of the tank, and a flexible sleeve which fits over, and is clamped to, the fitting and the pipe. The coupling is protected from the environment and is accessible from within the tank after installation for inspection and repair without the need to excavate the tank. The tank preferably has approximately equal length and diameter for improved strength. It is relatively small and lightweight, suitable for transport to and installation at a remote location without heavy equipment.

Abstract: An image transfer assembly comprising a preferably flexible fiber optic guide and a pair of fiber optic tapers connected to the ends of the guide. The assembly can compress an image, transmit it via the guide and magnify it for viewing. The tapers may have either the same or different magnification/compression ratios. Alternatively, only single taper may be used. The image transfer assembly can be combined with an image source, such as a computer display to provide remote viewing of the image. When used for prototyping or simulation of control systems, the assembly provides significant flexibility in placement of simulated instruments and gauges, increasing the fidelity of the model.

Abstract: An adjustable, flexible tie strap with low insertion and release forces but which provides significantly greater holding force. A tapered head has rearwardly extending ears which engage the body of the strap to prevent withdrawal after the head is passed through a retaining hole in the strap. The design of the ears is such that the lock, or brace, against each other in response to tension on the strap, reducing distortion of the head and increasing the holding power. The strap may also have a tab for attachment to a cord or rope.

Abstract: A dispensing system using dual linear vibratory feeders, aligned along their longitudinal axes with their dispensing ends at substantially the same vertical location. The feeder trough of one feeder penetrates the structure of the other feeder, allowing them to be aligned and compactly located. Isolation mounts may be used to damp the vibration of the feeders. An optional metering pan serves as an intermediate stage which accepts supplied material and transfers it to the feeder without compaction or bridging. Resilient mounts and an adjustable mass on the pan allow the amount of vibrational energy transmitted to the pan to be adjusted independently of the energy supplied to the feeder by the vibratory motor. A counterweight may be used to shift the center of mass of the fixed portion of the feeder into alignment with that of the vibrating portion.

Abstract: A folding insect trap which uses an adhesive layer on only the inner side, leaving the outer surface clean and available for handling. A decorative, or camouflage, pattern is printed on the outer surface to disguise the appearance of the trap. A pattern may also be printed on the inner surface to aid in attracting insects. The colors of the two patterns may be modified to attract individual, or several, target insects. The design of the trap is such that manufacturing waste is minimized and packaging is reduced. The trap may be extracted from the package, set in place, used, and disposed of without coming into contact with the adhesive. Alternate forms provide tabs for easier opening of the trap; provide an elongated, pointed form for insertion into the soil around a plant; incorporate a stick for insertion into the soil; and incorporate a chemiluminescense stick for attracting insects.

Abstract: A cleaning device for either carpeted or hard surfaces which utilizes pressurized cleaning fluid to clean the surface. The fluid nozzles are arranged on two or more heads which are in turn mounted on two or more arms. The arms rotate about a common axis causing the heads to move in a circular pattern. The heads rotate about their own central axis. The nozzles are angled relative to the surface being cleaned and preferably rotate towards the direction of the fluid jet. Preferably, at least two of the heads counter-rotate. Also preferably, the heads are arranged at somewhat different radial distances from the rotational axis of the arms so that their coverage patterns partially overlap. The combination of the counter rotation and the overlap provides an alternating, or beating, pattern to the angle of incidence of the fluid on the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A single chip application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which provides a flexible, modular interface between a subsystem and a standard system bus. The ASIC includes a microcontroller/microprocessor, a serial interface for connection to the bus, and a variety of communications interface devices available for coupling to the subsystem. A three-bus architecture, utilizing arbitration, provides connectivity within the ASIC and between the ASIC and the subsystem. The communication interface devices include UART (serial), parallel, analog, and external device interface utilizing bus connections paired with device select signals. A low power (sleep) mode is provided as is a processor disable option.

Abstract: A protective cover for a backpack style baby carrier which fully encloses the occupant of the carrier, providing protection from sun exposure, insects, rain, snow and light impacts such as from overhanging branches. The cover may be used while the carrier is being carried and while it is set on the ground. An integral pocket encloses the carrier's collapsible stand, providing for normal use of the stand. Baffled openings are provided for the carriers straps, preventing ingress by insects through the strap openings. Mesh panels are used throughout to provide ventilation while excluding insects.

Abstract: A jig for cutting a finger joint which eliminates the trial and error required to adjust the spacing between the key and the cutting blade. A key and an abutment are arranged on one side of the cutting blade. The key is connected to an alignment ledge on the opposite side of the cutting blade. The key, abutment, and alignment ledge can be aligned with the cutting blade so that the blade will trim all three when they pass over. When the cut is made, a gap is left which is the exact width of the blade. After the cut, the alignment ledge can be slide toward the abutment, closing the gap. The key, connected to the alignment ledge, moves a corresponding distance away from the blade. The key can then be fixed in position. A workpiece can then be placed flush against the trimmed face of the key and be cut, leaving a finger, between the key and the blade, which is the exact width of the adjacent kerf, formed by the blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for arbitrating requests for access to a shared resource. A buffer, on command from control logic, can selectively couple or decouple two buses. The control logic uses signals from two logic devices, one of which may be a microprocessor, and one of which may be a communications interface, to determine which of the devices is granted access to the shared resource. The control logic can generate an inhibit signal to the microprocessor to stall it while the second logic device is accessing the shared resource. Handshaking is used to control access by the second device to the shared resource.

Abstract: A device for installing drywall or other sheet materials on a ceiling where access to the joists is limited by an existing ceiling or vapor barrier. The device aligns with the leading edge of an installed sheet, braces against the floor, and provides a support ledge for the trailing edge of a new sheet as it is installed. A clearance gap in the device allows it to be removed while leaving a flush seam between the two sheets. The same device serves to support the leading edge of the new sheet as it is raised into position.

Abstract: A toolbox, designed to be used as part of a set of similar toolboxes, which has a tongue and groove along the top edge of both sides and a mirror image tongue and groove along the bottom edge of both sides. Two toolboxes made according to the invention can be coupled together by slidably joining the upper tongue and groove of one with the lower tongue and groove of the second. The two toolboxes are thereby stacked and can be handled as a single unit. Additional toolboxes can be added to the stack in any order the user desires. A cover is also provided which mates with the upper tongue and groove and also provides a centrally mounted top handle. A rack mount is provided which mates with the lower tongue and groove to provide a stationary mounting for one or more toolboxes either in a workshop or a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storage and retrieval of electronic documents is disclosed. A central document repository and one or more remote access sites are interconnected via a general purpose data network. Documents are stored within the system using a monochrome, raster format. Documents are transmitted from the repository to the remote access sites for display to the user. Additional capability is provided to search the stored documents; generate on-demand user interface screens containing the search results; insert documents into the repository via transmission by facsimile machine; and to interactively communicate between users of the system. The electronic documents can be either conventional text and graphics; or multi-media documents containing text, video, and audio material. A single physical document repository can be logically segmented into multiple virtual repositories supporting diverse groups of users.

Abstract: A scratching post suitable for use by cats and other clawed animals which can be held in position adjacent to an item of furniture without physical attachment to the surface of the furniture. The apparatus is comprised of a horizontal base plate and one or more vertical members. The vertical members are arranged so as to conform to the shape of a portion of the piece of furniture which they are protecting and are attached at their bottom ends to the base plate. This base plate is then inserted under the piece of furniture. The weight of the furniture holds the base plate in place which, in turn, holds the vertical members in place around the piece of furniture. The vertical members are either constructed of a suitable scratching material or are covered in such a material.