Abstract: A method permitting a fine artist to transfer a computer generated image to a lithographic plate is provided. Any computer image may be utilized including photographs or drawings which have been electronically scanned into the computer. The computer image transfer method includes the use of a petroleum distillate as a solvent. The solvent acts as a transfer agent to transfer the toner from a laser printed image to the lithographic plate. A computer image is generated and printed on a sheet (separation) through the use of a laser printer. Four separations are laser printed in accordance with the CMYK protocols. A RBG separation may alternatively be employed. Each separation has the following steps performed thereon. The separation is placed face down on the lithographic limestone or the like. A porous sheet, with sufficient quantities of solvent entrained therein, is placed on the plate. A piece of metal foil is then placed on the porous sheet. The tympan is then placed.

Abstract: A folding stock is provided for a pistol. The stock is particularly suited for automatic pistols which may employ extended magazines. The stock includes a first end which mates with the hollow located in the rear portion of the grip of the pistol. A first stock element is attached to the first end. A second stock element is pivotally attached to the first stock element. The attachment includes a spring mounted push-button element. The push-button element, when depressed, permits rotation of the stock from a folded to an unfolded position and visa versa. The pivotal attachment is securable in a folded first position and an unfolded second position. The folded position brings the first stock element into a substantially parallel and proximal arrangement with the second stock element. The securing mechanism is engaged and disengaged by the push-button located on the right side of the intersection of the first stock element and the second stock element.

Abstract: A method of preparing raw molluscan shellfish meat in the shell is disclosed which employs a mild heat treatment and cold storage for the destruction or reduction to lower levels of harmful pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio cholerae and others. The raw molluscan shellfish, such as oysters, arrives at the processing plant in a refrigerated state. The mollusks then have a band placed around them, securing them against opening. The banded mollusks are then placed in a fluid bath at a sufficient temperature and duration to kill pathogens yet leave the meat in a raw state. The mollusks are then conveyed from the heated fluid bath and placed in a cold fluid bath. The mollusks are then removed from the cold fluid bath. The natural enclosure of the mechanically banded mollusk prevents the hot or cold fluids from contacting the flesh of the mollusk. The mollusks remain in a raw state and in the shell throughout the process. The pathogenic bacteria are reduced through the action of this process.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is utilized to provide positional information relative to an external magnetic field. The apparatus includes a rotatably mounted slotted disk wherein the slot is continuously varying in width around the circumference of the disk. The continuously variable width of the slot serves as a light attenuating mask. The disk incorporates an elongated magnet means which causes it to rotate in relation to an external magnetic field. The slotted disk may be placed in a fluid filled chamber. A first and second aperture are located on the top and bottom of the chamber, the apertures defining an emission passage through the chamber. The apertures have a rectangular length approximately the maximum width of the slot. The slotted disk is intermediate the apertures. A source detector, source emitter and an area source means is provided. The area source means is caused to emit a continuous uniform light signal which is attenuated by the slotted disk.

Abstract: A gimballed compass apparatus with digital logic is disclosed which provides directional and attitudinal data. The apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted slotted disk wherein the slot is continuously varying in width around the circumference of the disk. The disk incorporates an elongated magnet which cause it to rotate in relation to an external magnetic field. A first and second aperture are located on the top and bottom elements of the chamber defining a light passage. The apertures have a rectangular length approximately the maximum width of the slot. The slotted disk is positioned intermediate the apertures. A light housing is provided below the chamber and includes a light source. A linear array of source detector are provided above the chamber. Each source detector element provides a response proportional to the specific amount of light incident upon it. The light beam is reflected from the aperture by a mirror to a beam focusing device.

Abstract: An educational board game is provided which aids the players in preparing for the driver's license examination. The game is designed to be an interactive multi-player game which includes a board, game tokens, score cards, dice and cards. The board includes a sequential pattern of rectangles which the players would move their token about in response to a throw of the dice. The sequential pattern resembles a series of interconnected rectangular and square paths of playing squares representing roadways and their associated traffic control devices and hazards. Each player will transit the board following the sequential pattern with the object of memorizing all the safety rules of the road, to obey safety signs, to obey speed limits, and to become aware of the serious problem of driving under the influence of alcohol. Questions which may appear on the examination are posed during the course of play and points will be awarded for correct answers. Scores are kept on associated scorecards.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical simulated boat fender or bumper is provided that has an approximate width to length ratio of 1:3 to allow the device to be used in combination with an existing fender holder or holders mounted on a marine vessel. The device is preferably constructed from a molded polyethylene and has a removable lid. In the preferred embodiment-the lid attachment is of the bayonet type and has a pair of recessed apertures to receive the fingers of the user, but other types of attachment and handle means are discussed. To aid in simulating the appearance of a standard fender or bumper, the device includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed protruding ribs along its outer body, has a smooth rounded base distal the lid and opening, and may include a deep recess or recesses proximate the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus to counterfeit the rope holes on the authentic item.

Abstract: A hangar bearing is designed to be employed in a drying oven, generally known as a "tunnel" type, which is used to dry plywood, veneer board, fiber, or gypsum board. The hanger bearing main body support is made from a pair of identical stamped forms or fabricated plates which include various matched bores to facilitate both mounting and mutual securement. Each of the main body plates includes a depression that conforms to provide a bearing insert support cavity when the plates are fitted together. The bearing insert support cavity may or may not include anti-rotational flanges and/or longitudinal travel stops to hold the semi-cylindrical bearing insert element in place. A steel retaining loop or strap is provided to overarch the bearing element, once it is in place, the loop or strap being preferably provided with a hinge and a releasable retaining clip.

Abstract: A protective covering for a swim platform located on a boat is provided. The protective covering may be detachably attached over the top of a swim platform, such as those platforms which are located about the rear of boats or other marine craft. Use of the protective covering will prevent waterfowl or other animals from defecating, loitering or nesting on the swim platform. The covering includes a generally rectangular portion located intermediate a right wing portion and a left wing portion. A plurality of apertures designed to secure the covering to the swim platform are provided on the rectangular portion, right wing portion and left wing portion. Both the right wing and the left wing fold forming a right sidewall and a left sidewall. The sidewalls and rectangular portion form a hollow, generally triangular structure which is placed atop and resides in the area immediately atop the swim platform. The covering is securely attached to the swim platform by any of a variety of attachment means.

Abstract: This invention increases the flow of breathable air from an air pump to an enclosure such as a hood or enclosed structure without requiring an increase in the air pump output. The invention involves interposing an jet venturi induction pump in the conduit between the air pump and the enclosure. Breathable filtered, muffled, and metered ambient air is induced into the jet venturi induction pump, thereby increasing the flow of breathable air into the enclosure without an increase in the air pump output. In addition, the jet venturi induction pump cools and reduces the humidity of the air emitted from the air pump.

Abstract: A folding hanger to be employed in the hanging of garments and the like is provided. The hanger includes a first wing portion and a second wing portion which fold about a central pivot. The central pivot may be a living hinge or a pin element which rotates in a bearing. The hanger has a simple folded and unfolded configuration. Latching means are provided for the hanger when in the unfolded configuration. The latching means includes a simple flexible tongue element which is received in a socket. The flexible tongue element includes a protrusion proximal the tip which will be positively retained in the socket. By depressing the flexible tongue the protrusion will be brought out of retention in the socket permitting the hanger to be folded about the central pivot. A J-shaped hook depends from one of the wings which permits the hanger to be hung in a conventional fashion.

Abstract: A method of preparing raw molluscan shellfish meat in the shell or out of the shell is disclosed which employs a mild heat treatment and cold storage for the destruction of harmful pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio Vulnificus. The raw molluscan shellfish, such as Oysters, arrives at the processing plant in a refrigerated state. The product is then culled, cleaned and graded into categories according the product size. The product is then enveloped in a polymer or metalized film bag to isolate the product. The bagged product is then placed on a rack which is then lowered into a circulating bath of water at a sufficient temperature and duration to kill the pathogens yet leave the meat in a raw state. The rack is then removed from the heated water bath and placed in a cold water bath with a continuous flow for a time period. The rack is removed from the cold water bath. At no time did the hot or cold bath waters come in contact with the bagged mollusk (product).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring rotation of a shaft with extreme precision. The apparatus includes a housing enclosing a slotted disk wherein the slot is continuously varying about the circumference of the disk. The housing is cylindrical and includes a tubular side portion intermediate a first and second circular face. The two circular faces and the slotted disk have a center. The shaft passes through the center of the two circular faces of the housing and the slotted disk. The slotted disk is fixed to rotate with the shaft. The housing includes a rotation means which permits the shaft to freely rotate in the housing. A first aperture is located outside the housing on the first circular face and a second aperture is located outside the housing on the second circular face, both first and second apertures being co-linear with the slot of the slotted disk and defining a channel. An emission source is located over the first aperture and an emission detector is located over the second aperture.

Abstract: A potable ergonomic computer workstation is disclosed which will permit a disabled individual to operate a computer in a convenient and comfortable fashion from a bed, wheelchair, any chair or standing. The workstation is potable and includes a variety of adjustable support elements which may hold and support computer components including the keyboard, screen, mouse and pad, as well as the computer itself. Other electronic elements, such as a printer, fax machine, copier, television etc. may be employed with the workstation as well. The workstation includes a plurality of articulating arm elements which may be adjusted to a such a configuration to permit a standing, bed borne, or wheelchair borne individual to be able to utilize the computer from a standing position, bed or wheelchair. The articulating arm elements are supposed by a central shaft member which in turn is supposed by a base.

Abstract: A portable dehumidifier is provided which includes an upper section housing a power supply, a small thermoelectric device intermediate a cold plate and a heat sink, and a blower fan. The blower fan provides the motive force to cause the humid air to come in contact with the cold plate. The cold plate causes the water vapor to condense from the air. The condensate drips from the cold plate into a trap where it is funnelled into a lower section. The upper section is mounted atop a lower section. The lower section includes a reservoir for collection the condensed water and is provided with a drain valve, float switch and vapor barrier. The drain valve permits the reservoir to be emptied of condensate. The float switch disengages the portable dehumidifier when the reservoir becomes full of condensate. The vapor barrier prevents the condensate in the reservoir from re-evaporating back into the system.

Abstract: An adapter for a rotating device such as a manually operated spinner or electric drill is disclosed for the cleaning and drying of paint rollers. In painting, small rollers known as "weenie rollers" or "slim jims" are employed to permit paint to be applied to hard to reach areas such as on top of doors or behind radiators. Currently these small rollers are single use and intended to be disposed. The adapter of the invention will permit these small rollers to be cleaned and reused. The adapter will be intermediate the small roller and the device imparting rotating motion. The small roller includes a centrally disposed aperture which receives a mating portion of the adapter. A roller scraping element is disposed on the body of the adapter. The adapter includes a portion for coacting with various devices which impart rotary motion. The adapter may be constructed of plastic or other suitable material. The adapter may be mass produced by plastic injection molding techniques.

Abstract: A vehicle theft prevention device which simply disables the engine control module (E.C.M) of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The device gives the user of the automobile the capacity to activate or deactivate the E.C.M. When the E.C.M. is deactivated the engine would crank but would not turn over, as the E.C.M. has been isolated form the electrical system. The device isolates the E.C.M. via the vehicle's fuse box. The device comprises a fuse box diverter which replaces the E.C.M fuse in the factory fuse box located in the interior of the vehicle. The fuse box diverter is connected to a switch by electrical wiring. Intermediate the switch and the fuse box diverter is a fuse element secured in an in-line fuse holder. By actuating the switch the circuit is disabled. The switch and the in-line fuse holder may be located at a remote location in the vehicle. The vehicle theft prevention device is very easy to install and requires no physical alterations to the existing vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: An instructional board game is provided which teaches spiritual principles as disclosed in the Bible to players of all ages. The game is designed to be an interactive multi-player game which includes a board, player tokens, various collectable items, dice, cards and a timer. The board includes a sequential pattern of rectangles which the players would move their tokens in response to a throw of the dice. The sequential pattern generally resembles a tree. The player will transit the board following the sequential pattern with the object of gathering "fruit", living a principled Christian life, avoiding Sin, and responding correctly to questions posed when the player lands the interactive squares. The game simulates a players journey through Christian life, with all joys, trials and tribulations therein, concluding with the timer signal which announces Christ's Second Coming.

Abstract: A winding device is provided for winding a web to expose its underside. When wallpapering, rolled prepasted wallcovering is first cut into appropriate lengths. The cut lengths have a memory of their rolled condition and tend to automatically re-roll into the rolled condition with the dry adhesive oriented internally. The winding device of the instant invention permits the wallcovering to be rolled into a condition with the dry adhesive oriented externally as to permit the subsequent wetting and application of the wallpaper. A rectangular member with a centrally disposed slot is provided to be adapted to a hand held rotary device such as an electric screwdriver or drill. The rectangular member may be substantially flat. The slot is designed to receive the first end of a web such as wallpaper. The elongated slot may be modified by a semi-triangular guide element to permit the web to be threaded thereto in a more efficient manner.

Abstract: A real time directional orientation apparatus is disclosed for use in a four pi (4.pi.) geometry. The apparatus is to be affixed to an object which translates in space. A source emitter means, which may be radioactive, is suspended in a fluid in concert with a magnet. A bank of emission detectors registers the orientation of the source emitter or emitters against a known starting value. As the object translates in space, so does its position and orientation, thus causing the magnet to adjust its position in reference to an external magnetic field, such as, but not limited to, the earth's magnetic field. The motion of the magnet causes the emitter or emitters orientation to change which is sensed by the emission detectors as both a change in intensity and position. This data is processed by a computer and with ancillary data provided by other sensors provides real time position, path and other navigational, directional and positional data, such as pitch, yaw, attitude and roll.