Abstract: A stiffener and support structure for dry flotation cushions used on wheelchairs and a method for supporting dry flotation cushions used in wheelchairs. The structure includes a substantially rectangular rigid plate for inserting into the fabric covering of a dry flotation cushion for improving the support provided by a plurality of dry flotation cells when the dry flotation cushion is supported on the side frame members of a wheelchair. The rigid support plate has chamfered corners and is preferably manufactured of clear, molded plastic. The support plate is also provided with a void on the frontward section to allow formation of a pouch-like storage area by the wheelchair occupant using the support plate in a dry flotation cushion.

Abstract: A chlorine tablet holder designed to hyperchlorinate a localized wall or bottom area of a swimming pool. The chlorine tablet holder comprises a flexible non-porous backing material and a flexible porous front material which are permanently attached by means of vertical and horizontal seams. The chlorine tablets are inserted into pockets formed by the seams. The chlorine tablet holder is generally rectangular in shape and is suspended from the side of the pool by means of conventional suspending mechanisms inserted into the chlorine tablet holder's hanging supports.

Abstract: In order to identify parasitic transistors in bipolar integrated circuit structures, files relating to the parameters of the simulated circuit are established. These files are then manipulated to establish the operating parameters of the simulated circuit. These operating parameters are then examined to identify the conditions that lead to circuit degradation due to parasitic transistors. The structure in the integrated circuit that result in the parasitic transistors are then highlighted on the circuit display in order to facilitate appropriate design changes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure mixing and spray nozzle apparatus generally comprised of three modules. The high pressure nozzle produces a more definite stream with less flair through the use of a linear compressed shock wave. The high pressure nozzle requires less fluid and less pressure for a proper spray. The three modules can be used alone or in different combinations to produce the desired results.

Abstract: In a Pulse Code Modulated (PCM) circuit chip, apparatus in the transmit path to compensate for an offset voltage signal from a band-pass filter includes an up-down counter which is actuated to provide a digital value equivalent to the offset signal and a digital to analog converter coupled to the counter to provide an analog signal representing the digital value in the counter. During an initialization phase, the counter is incremented until the digital value of the counter provides, by means of the digital to analog converter, an analog signal that compensates for the off-set signal. After the initialization phase when the band-pass filter's offset voltage is compensated, then other circuitry including an exclusive OR gate and an associated overflow counter are used to eneable or disable the up-down counter to insure that the PCM output signal is an accurate representation of the analog input signal.

Abstract: A charge redistribution analog-to-digital converter is described that permits their ncorporation of offset voltage correction to provide an accurate reflection in the digitalized output signal of the analog input signal. In a distributed capacitor successive approximation device, additional capacitors are added both to a most significant bit array group of capacitors and to a least significant array group of capacitors that are used in conjunction with the offset voltage. The value of the offset voltage is stored in a register and the register determines various switch positions that determine the value of the offset voltage incorporated in the final output voltage.

Abstract: An analog output system coupled to a digital system bus (1, FIG. 1) comprises a RAM (8) in which digital data may be input from the system bus. The data is converted into analog form by digital-to-analog converters (30-37) in either continuous mode or intermittent mode, depending upon the contents of control/status register (18). The system also comprises interrupt logic (6), bus arbitration control logic (16), and reconstruction filters (40-47). A watchdog timer (50) zeroes all outputs which have not been accessed via the system bus (1) within a specified time period. The conversion rate can be controlled either by an internal timer (52) or by an external trigger (57). The output channel configuration and conversion frequency are fully software programmable.

Abstract: Integrated circuits in the form of a multiplexer, an instrumentation amplifier, a sample-and-hold amplifier, and an A/D converter are mounted on a single substrate, forming a data acquisition system capable of selecting one of a number of analog signals and converting it into a digital number. The resulting package is mounted in a leadless chip carrier (LCC) suitable for surface mounting.

Abstract: The continuous stationery carrier which is adapted to be fed through computer printers, word processing printers, and the like so as to permit the stationery carried therein to be printed upon comprises a plurality of polyethylene backing sheets sequentially joined together along perforated fold lines and equipped with a plurality of feed apertures along the right and left margins thereof. Each backing sheet has a polyethylene cover sheet joined thereto in pocket forming relationship therewith so as to be capable of retaining a piece of stationery. Each cover sheet is provided with at least one aperture therein through which the stationery may be printed upon. The shape and the size of the cover sheets and the apertures therein may be selected to suit a particular application.

Abstract: A scrap metal collection system having apparatus for separating ferrous from non-ferrous material for which the weight exceeds a pre-determined amount and separating metallic materials from non-metallic materials. The resulting material remaining after these separations is typical aluminum cans. The cans are compacted by a crushing apparatus weighed and distributed in a storage area. Coins are returned to the operator of the apparatus determined by the weight and rounded to the nearest penny for the cumulative weight. Apparatus is disclosed for determining the excessively heavy material by allowing the excessively heavy material to fall and impact a plate. The separation of ferrous material has been implemented in a manner to avoid jamming of the conveyor belt. The distribution is of the compacted material in the storage compartment. Other improvements in the apparatus and in the control of the apparatus relative to prior scrap metal collection systems are described.

Abstract: In a system in which a power supply provides power to a plurality of remote devices and sensoring devices, apparatus for applying an initial control signal to the power source lines activates a clock/logic network associated with each group of remote sensoring devices and load devices. The initial control signal defines and synchronizes a plurality of time intervals following the initial control signal. A sensor associated with a clock/logic apparatus can apply a signal to the power line during a time interval that can be interpreted by the control apparatus as an indication of a state of the associated sensor. Similarly, the clock/logic apparatus can enable a load element during a pre-established time interval following the initial control signal, however, the load element can be activated only if the control apparatus applies a signal to the power lines during the pre-established period.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for integrated passenger seat and toilet for vehicles. The apparatus includes a structural seat, an integrated toilet, a water supply, a waste system and a swivel mechanism. The method includes modifying the vehicle, supplying the apparatus, installing the apparatus and using the apparatus. The passenger seat rotates to lockable positions for use in multiple orientations. Segmented seat cushion is hingeably attached to structural seat members and molded to provide a seal with the toilet seat below. Water is pumped from a reservoir through a flexible hose to a ported water rinse ring in the toilet. Wastes are released through a flapper mechanism into a holding tank sanitarily sealed to the toilet. Privacy curtain is provided.

Abstract: A noise suppression interface circuit, using field effect transistors of MOS type, for non-superimposed two-phase timing signal generators is described. The upper level and the lower level of the output timing signals are determined by the potentials of two circuit nodes (V.sub.H, V.sub.L) which are respectively coupled, by a first transistor (M1) and a second transistor (M2), operating at saturation, to a first supply terminal (+V.sub.DD) and a second supply terminal (-V.sub.SS) having potentials which are respectively equal and opposite to a common potential. The circuit nodes (V.sub.H, V.sub.L) are both coupled to the common potential by identical number of transistors (M3, M4; M5, M6) each coupled in a diode configuration.

Abstract: A rock mass reinforcement for use in the mining, civil engineering industry or similar applications for reinforcing the rock mass in the rib and back of an excavation having a plurality of drill holes arranged in a reinforcement drill hole pattern, a continuous cable having one end initially anchored and its other end being free for sequential installation and tensioning at each drill hole of the drill hole pattern in combination with an anchor-pulley assembly for sequentially holding in slidable securement a looped end portion of the continuous cable at each drill hole of the drill hole pattern and a drill hole collar plate assembly having a drill hole collar plug and a plug insert, for sequentially locking applied tension on the continuous cable at each drill hole of the drill hole pattern. The reinforcement when installed in the rock mass results in a homogeneous reinforcement of fractures and joint oriented in multi-directional planes.

Abstract: An improved multi-purpose impact hand tool kit for use by electricians, carpenters or similar tradesperson in the building construction industry or other similar industry in applications that require the use of an impact type of hand tool for driving fastening devices such as concrete nails, threaded or unthreaded fastener studs, pins anchor/expansion plugs or similar devices. The improved impact hand tool kit conveniently provides for the tradesperson an elongated shaft provided with a tool end having exterior threads and a threaded bore for attaching male or female threaded attachment ends provided on commercially available fastening devices. The improved hand tool kit can also be used by the tradesperson in general applications that require the use of an impact or non-impact general purpose hand tools such as chisels, punches, and screwdrivers. Such impact or non-impact general purpose hand tools are specially adapted for use with the elongated shaft of the improved impact hand tool kit.

Abstract: A water conservation system for use in residential dwellings or other buildings having a hot water distribution system. The system conserves water which is typically wasted by users while waiting for warm water to flow from a hot water faucet. The system provides a recirculating cooled hot water supply line from the cooled-off end of a hot water line back to the hot water heater of the hot water distribution system. The system is provided with a plurality of control means to electrically energize the system's recirculating pump so long as a pressure switch detects that the main water supply is providing sufficient water pressure to the system. In operation the recirculating pump opens a check valve in the recirculating line and closes the check valve in the main water supply line and recirculates the cooled hot water back to the hot water heater for ultimate use. If the main water supply has insufficient pressure, the recirculating cooled hot water system is non-functional.

Abstract: A dump valve adapted for use with automatic clothes washing machines provides an optional water conservation feature which allows the user to divert draining rinse water from the normal sewer drain port to an alternate drain port. The optional water conservation feature consists of an electrical control circuit connected to the rinse cycle of a washing machine timer switch which can energize a solenoid coil and in turn will operate the diverter dump valve. A diverter gate is contained within a housing which has an inlet portion and an outlet portion having a normal drain port and an alternate drain port. The diverter gate contained within the dump valve housing is a solid, rectangular, plate-like, structure having a suitably located cylindrical opening for normal drain operation of the dump valve, a solid, blocking surface which inhibits the flow of water to an alternate drain port when not actuated or which will inhibit the flow of water to the normal drain port when actuated.

Abstract: An energy-saving cover apparatus for use in homes, mobile homes or any building in general, having room air registers. The cover apparatus is intended to solve the problem of losing heated room air through inadequately closed louvers of the conventional room air register when another heating system is being used to heat up the room. The apparatus is of inexpensive construction and can be quickly attached to the face of the conventional room air register. The apparatus is comprised of a cover means and a register attachment means. The cover means is described in two embodiments, firstly, a closed cell cellulose fibrous material is adhesively attached to a solid material on the frontside and suitably sized to fit the face of the conventional room air register. The register attachment means for this construction is a latching mechanism having a cover latching shank portion and a register attachment portion.

Abstract: An infant carrier is improved with regards to comfort and transportability by utilizing, in combination, a plastic frame assembly and a laterally-resilient, mesh-type nylon material for supporting the infant. The plastic frame assembly is gently and downwardly contoured at the topmost and bottommost portions so as to provide a convenient and natural means of lifting the carrier. The mesh-type material is secured between an upper and lower plastic frame member. The plastic frame member is further provided with means of attaching a body harness and a tubular support stand.