Abstract: A control system for an audio amplifier including a control module interconnected by an edge connector to an amplifier to monitor status signals and the audio input and output signals from the amplifier. The control module passes serial data to an interface which interconnects the plurality of control modules and amplifiers to a single host computer. The host computer receives data from the interface and transmits instructions to the interface for routing to the specific amplifier control module to control the amplifier's gain along with other audio functions and a remote power supply. The control module can be set to run in a stand alone mode to regulate the amplifiers thermal dynamic response to the audio signals and prevent thermal clipping.

Abstract: A temperature limiting device for connection across a common heater which senses the critical temperature of the heater to trip circuit breakers and thereby disrupt power to the heater when the critical temperature exceeds a predetermined value. The device includes an SCR or triac connected across power lines to the heater and which is triggered by a comparator monitoring the output of an integrator circuit. The input to integrator circuit is connected to the output of a thermocouple device. Upon the critical temperature of the heater exceeding the predetermined value as determined by the integrator and comparator circuits the SCR or triac is fired so as to short the voltage lines and thereby open the mechanically resettable circuit breakers.

Abstract: An automatic food cooker machine having a plurality of food product carriers attached to an endless conveyor. The food carriers are attached and detached from the conveyor at opposite ends of the cooker. A plate is provided between the heat source and conveyor to catch grease and other debris falling from the food products. A plurality of restraining bars extend across the plate in one embodiment to minimize buckling of the plate when heated.

Abstract: A pet cage for carrying an animal in a vehicle. The pet cage includes a pet housing and an integral base. The base includes openings for accommodating a vehicle seat belt to secure the cage to the vehicle seat. A plurality of vent openings are formed in the pet housing two of which form a handle therebetween.

Abstract: A limb support for elevating the distal end of a patient's limb. The support is formed from a generally conical body having a longitudinal through bore for accommodating the patient's limb. The distal end of the limb is positioned adjacent the base of the conical body to elevate the end when the limb support rests on a supporting structure. A portion of the conical body may be open to permit bending of the patient's elbow or knee joint.

Abstract: A lighting system mounted to public transportation vehicles which includes a multiple directional light positioned above the exit door of the vehicle so as to provide illumination for the ground or pavement in front of the exit door to aid and assist passengers entering or departing the vehicle.

Abstract: A bi-planar switch device having a plurality of spaced switches carried by a base. A level indicating device carried by the base indicates the orientation of the base relative to horizontal. Each switch is carried by a seat carried by the base. Each seat may be angularly displaced relative to the base to set its corresponding switch at a preselected angle relative to the base, each switch may be shifted within its seat ride upon the seat shoulder to adjust its preselected angle. A circuit is connected to the switches to eliminate the effects of switch bounce.

Abstract: A fluid valve structure which combines anti-siphon and anti-backflow features in a single element. The valve utilizes an insert which separates the valve body into two distinct and non-communicating chambers, permits the flow of air through one of the chambers and fluid through the other and fixes a flexible flapper-type diaphragm over the entry passages into the chambers. Due to the flexibility of the diaphragm and the independence of the chambers, that portion of the diaphragm in each chamber operates independently of the other in response to varying conditions of pressure and flow.

Abstract: A telescoping vehicle bed extension which is connected to the frame of the vehicle. The extension when retracted, is positioned substantially under the vehicle bed. Upon extension, a vertical support member is connected to the telescoping extensions to support the load end extending past the vehicle bed. When retracted, the vertical support is carried by the extensions in a substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: A laterally foldable knife which includes a locking member slidably engageable with the blade to lock the blade into either its extended or retracted position. The locking member includes protrusions one of which is wedged between the blade proximal end and handle to lock the blade in its extended position. The other locking member protrusion is restrictively fitted within a blade proximal end notch to lock the blade in its closed position. A spring biases the lock member toward the knife blade proximal end.

Abstract: An automatic food cooker machine having a plurality of food product carriers attached to an endless conveyor. The food carriers are attached and detached from the conveyor at opposite ends of the cooker. A plate having side rails is provided between the heat source and conveyor to catch grease and other debris falling from the food products. A pair of vents are formed at each end between the cooker doors and top wall to provide a safe escape for steam and promote the proper ignition of the flammable gas exiting the gas burner ports. A pair of dip tanks are positioned at each end of the conveyor so that as the food product is pulled through the cooker it is immersed in a flavored sauce.

Abstract: An automatic rearview mirror for vehicles which is capable of constricting the rearview mirror when it is not used, and capable of drawing out the rearview mirror only when it is required. The rearview mirror comprising an external housing, an internal housing, a protecting glass plate, a mirror plate, packing and scraper, a motor, and two servomotors for adjusting the angle of mirror plate. The external housing is fixed to the interior of the front quarter vent or on the bonnet, and the internal housing is drawn out of the external housing and inserted therein by switching operations performed by the driver. The protecting glass plate is cleaned every time the internal housing is drawn out of and constricted into the external housing by the scraper attached to the opening edge of the external housing so that the mirror can be easily cleaned.

Abstract: A key assembly which is composed of a flat key and a credit card-like key holder members. This assembly does not make the pocket bulky and can conveniently be used as a spare key for a car door lock, a building door lock, etc.

Abstract: A novel voltage switching device operable under a first and a second source voltages is disclosed. The device, which is capable of converting one of the source voltages to the design voltage of an electrical appliance when the two are different, comprises a connector having voltage indicators representing the first and the second voltage switching positions, respectively; and a voltage switching plug having a groove and a pair of fuses for the different source voltages. The connector, in one of the embodiments, may have two pairs of guide slots arranged in a perpendicular relationship between the two pairs. The plug may have a pair of complementary members apt to be selectively engaged with any one pair of the slots when the plug is coupled with the connector. The plug can be accurately coupled with the connector in the first or the second source voltage position based on a simple reading of the corresponding voltage indicator through the groove provided in the cover.

Abstract: A C-shaped wire guard device for positioning within a notch formed in the face of a stud in a building structure. The wire guard and notch define a protective channel for passage of an electrical wire therebetween. To prevent transverse movement of the guard within the stud, a flange or barb extends from each side of the guard to overly a side of the stud. In one embodiment each flange forms a smooth corner surface for preventing snagging or scrapping of the electrical conductor when the wire is pulled through the channel during wiring of the structure.

Abstract: A gun target supported by a frame at an oblique angle which upon impact pivots about a hinge pin. The target resets itself to the ready position by nature of an over-center relationship between the hinge pin and target. The target is angled with respect to the shooter to deflect the projectile either downwardly or upwardly dependent upon target orientation. Since the target is angled with respect to the shooter the target is elongated so as to present a visually correct image to the shooter.

Abstract: A clothing rack which is connected to a support structure such as an ironing board. The clothing rack includes a generally U-shaped base connected to an L-shaped support. A disk is connected to the vertical portion of the L-shaped support and functions with the base to clamp the clothing rack to the ironing board. A tubular extension is connected to the vertical support at the top by a bracket. The connecting bracket permits the tubular extension to be shifted between operative and storage positions.

Abstract: A refoldable and transportable rigid building which requires no load bearing interior walls and further permits the permanent placement of plumbing and plumbing fixtures almost anywhere within the periphery of the exterior walls. Upon unfolding, the structural components of the building become fast on one another providing a rigid building which is capable of resisting substantial racking and compression stresses without loss of integrity. Folding and unfolding of the building may be accomplished with the use of hand tools only. A sixty per cent volume reduction is achieved on folding and when folded the structure may be handled by a forklift and/or supported on a pair of dollies.

Abstract: An insulator for an electric fence comprising a separate clip part and a base support for connecting a woven wire electric conductor to a variety of fence posts. The clip part snap fits over a fiberglass fence post with the electric conductor retained therebetween. To connect the electric conductor to either a metal or wood fence post the base is first secured to the post either by bands or by nails. The clip part is then snap fitted over the base with the electric conductor retained therebetween.

Abstract: A replaceable spindle assembly which includes a pair of plates connecting the spindle to the axle and fastened together by mounting bolts. One plate includes annular ribs which fit within annular grooves in the other plate to distribute the shear forces transmitted by the spindle to the axle through the plates.