Abstract: A locking shaft extends from the end of the hoist shaft through the hole in the rear bumper of a vehicle. The front end of the locking shaft is tapered to fit within the end of the hoist shaft. A padlock fits within a hole in the locking shaft adjacent to the bumper. The padlock prevents unauthorized removal of the locking shaft from the hoist shaft. If the locking shaft and the hoist shaft are rotated, the padlock contacts a lip on the bumper and prevents further rotation of the locking shaft and the hoist shaft.

Abstract: A method for treating an individual includes selecting a reference site or sites for determining a brain wave frequency of the individual, determining an initial brain wave frequency of the individual, determining a brain wave frequency which corresponds to a highest evoked response of the individual, by use of electroencephalographic (EEG) feedback, entraining the brain wave frequency of the individual at the chosen site or sites to the brain wave frequency corresponding to the highest evoked response, and then maintaining the brain wave at that frequency for a first predetermined length of time. The highest evoked response can be the highest EEG response or the highest cerebral blood flow (CBF) of the individual or even some other measure. The CBF can be either for a selected portion of or the entire cerebrum. In one embodiment, the method includes repeating some steps. A preferred method entrains the individual back to approximately the initial brain wave frequency of the individual.

Abstract: A shrink-wrapping pallet (P) for packages includes a pallet member (150) having essentially rigid first and adjacent second sections (152 and 154). The first and second sections (152 and 154) each include an upper and lower surfaces (156, 168, 160 and 162) and opposing inner and outer edges (164, 166, 168 and 170). The first and second sections (152 and 154) are joined along the inner edges (164 and 166) of the first and second sections. The pallet (P) is adapted to hold a selected object (O) to be secured on the upper surface (156) of the first section (152) of the pallet member (150). A flexible film (172) is secured to the pallet member (150) near the outer edges (168 and 170) of the first and the second sections of the pallet member (150). A pocket (178) that is adapted to hold the object (O) to secured is formed between the upper surface (156) of the first section and an opposing lower surface (180) of the film (172).

Abstract: A new and improved outdoor lighting control system for an outdoor lighting system network for automatically sensing, conveying, and recording data relevant to the operation of the lighting system network so that both control and maintenance can be performed more efficiently. At each of plural lamp locations in the network, there is a controller module that receives electric power input and that supplies electric power to the remaining lamp locations. Each controller module has a first relay to deliver current to one or more outdoor illumination lamps at the controller module's location, and a second relay for switching electric power on to a succeeding lamp location. A first current sensor monitors current to the lamps at each lamp location, and a second current sensor monitors current to the remaining locations. The network's power lines form portions of a bi-directional data link via which data is transmitted from each controller module to a command station, and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing consumer transactions and recording them on a consumer's magnetic stripe card is disclosed, having a magnetic stripe reader, a magnetic stripe encoder, a printer and an account processing station. In one arrangement, a plurality of such apparatus are operatively connected to a master accounting station through an automatic communication system. A method for processing consumer transactions and a method for producing a promotional game are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system (A) for making shrink packaging (P) that is adapted to receive an article (O) to be packaged is disclosed including a conveyer (250) for moving a rigid substrate pallet member (250) beneath a flexible wrapping feed (252) that extends a flexible wrapping material (172) over a top surface (254) of the rigid substrate. An extension assembly (256) extends a desired length of the flexible wrapping material (172) from a flexible wrapping material supply (258) over the top surface (254) of the rigid substrate forming a pocket (178) between the top surface (254) of the rigid substrate and a bottom surface (180) of the flexible wrapping material (172). A trimmer (260) cuts the desired length of the extended flexible wrapping material (172) from the flexible wrapping material supply (258). The two opposing ends (174 and 176) of the length of the flexible wrapping material (172) is attached to the opposing ends (168 and 170) of the rigid substrate.

Abstract: Multi-section safety apparel used by a workman installing or repairing steep sloped roofing for effecting a reduced coefficient of sliding friction between the workman and the roof surface. The first section is comprised of a coarse textured layer of foam rubber or high density polyurethane foam adapted for a wrap installation about at least the buttocks and rear of the wearer's thighs. Additional sections attachable to the first section, are available for optionally protecting also the calfs and knees of the wearer while a hammer loop and nail pouch are available for detachable attachment to the first section.

Abstract: A valve device (D) of the type used for a breathing apparatus (A) includes a mask section (10) that is adapted for mating with a desired subject (U), such as about a mouth and nose. An inlet tube (12) communicates a desired fluid, such as oxygen, into an interior chamber (16) of the mask (10). At least one plate assembly (18) has a thin, pliable outer section (20) to act as a flapper. A plate mount (22) retains the plate assembly (18), and has at least one pair of passages (24a and 24b) formed therethrough for communicating the fluid (14) out of the interior chamber (16) and an external fluid into the interior chamber (16) of the mask (10). Compatible portions (26a and 26b) of the pliable outer section (20) movably cover the passages (24a and 24b) in the plate mount (22) forming at least one inlet valve (28) that permits the flow of the external fluid into the interior chamber (16) and a second outlet valve (30) that permits the exhaust of combined fluid out of the interior chamber (16).

Abstract: A variety of sighting device embodiments for use on projectile type weapons including a scope type sight for archery and barrel supporting sights for guns. Some sights utilize a predetermined length of a light gathering flourescent fiber having a distal end at which gathered light is focused. The fiber or fibers are arranged in various configurations and/or pairs in predetermined relations for exposing the ends in a sighting plane visible to the user of the weapon.

Abstract: A base plate with an extension which defines a pair of notched seats is secured to the frame of a pivoting door in the gap between the frame and the door. A stop plate, made from a disk of stiff metal plate having an aperture of predetermined shape and with three bent sections that form a hand grip, is initially placed over the extension on the base plate while the door is closed. The stop plate aperture allows the stop plate to be displaced horizontally and downwardly until the section of stop plate defining the opposite end of the aperture lies within the upper notched seat and rests on the base plate. The stop plate confronts the face plane of the door; the door is prevented from opening beyond the door frame by the combination of the stop plate and the base plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor is mounted on top of a hydraulic cylinder barrel. The barrel houses a drive shaft that is rotated by the motor. A male hex drive shaft, attached to the drive shaft, extends downward through the barrel. A piston is mounted within the barrel and moves linearly along the male hex drive shaft. Attached to the piston is a piston rod having an upper portion, a center portion, and a lower portion. The center portion defines a rod chamber for accommodating the male hex drive shaft as the piston and the piston rod move upward. The upper portion has a hexagonal inner surface for rotation and sliding movement along the male hex drive shaft. A passage through the center portion allows fluid to flow between the rod chamber and the upper chamber of the cylinder barrel.

Abstract: A design for a circular, piece-matching math educational aid is disclosed. It contains a holding plate and various fraction pieces. The circular holding plate has a clockwise spiral bottom, designed in such a way that a sloped cliff is formed at the joint of the starting and ending point. The edge of the cliff is lined up with a guiding mark "0" on a fraction scale marked on an elevated wall on the outer circumference of the holding plate. The fraction pieces contain numerous pie-shaped segments. Any of the segments can precisely depict a fraction, based on the ratio of its center angle to the circle, 360 degrees. The pieces can be made with any center angles, such as 5, 7.5, 10, 30, 45, 60, 90, 180 degrees, etc.

Abstract: Biological tissue of a living subject is irradiated with optical energy at a wavelength and at a power dissipation level to cause the amount of optical energy absorbed and converted to heat in the tissue to be within a range bounded by a minimum absorption rate sufficient to elevate the average temperature of the irradiated tissue to a level above the basal body temperature, but which is less than the absorption rate at which tissue is converted into a collagenous substance. According to this method, a therapeutic, warming effect is produced within the irradiated tissue, but without causing tissue damage by thermal overheating.

Abstract: A sight unit comprising a pin and holder for an archery bow adaptable for mounting onto a sight assembly of the bow and including an elongated length of a light gathering fluorescent fiber defining a lens at its distal end to which gathered ambient light becomes focused to serve as an aiming indicia. A holder adapted for secured mounting onto the sight assembly includes a transverse bore through which the fiber is received while an adjustment screw enables clamping or loose positioning of the fiber in the bore for adjustment setting of the lens position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vending machine for vending fried foods. The machine has a hopper for storing frozen food. The food is measured into a weigh basket and then transferred to a fry basket in a deep frier. The food is fried, and then delivered to the customer in a serving cup. The cooking oil in the deep frier can be replenished or even completely replaced at periodic intervals. The hopper can be moved forward out of the freezer and tilted forward to allow for easier cleaning and refilling. A stack of condiment packages is loaded into a tube, and the tube is inserted into a receiver. The first package rests on a support platform, and the receiver holds the tube at a position to secure all of the packages above the first. A push block on the end of a piston rod pushes the first package out from under the tube, and then retracts to allow the stack to fall to the support platform.

Abstract: A cover is attached to a housing, and a hollow shaft extends from a motor in the housing to a rotatable disk within the cover. Several optical fibers extend between the disk and a light source in the housing. The forward ends of the fibers are attached around the circumference of the disk, and the fibers pass through the shaft. The fibers exit the shaft and turn forward toward the light source. A shaft extension disk positions the rearward ends of the fibers radially outward from the shaft. A light filter, having sectors of various colors, is located between the optical fibers and the light source. Ornaments are suspended from the disk, and cover the forward ends of the fibers when the ornaments are near the top of the disk, and reveal the ends of the fibers when the ornaments are near the bottom of the disk.