Abstract: A safety needle cap assembly for needles is described. In place of the usual safety cap which requires a doctor, dentist or nurse to manually place it in position on a used syringe needle, the safety needle cap assembly of the invention automatically caps the used needle the instant the needle is withdrawn from the patient. An elastic sheath or spring attached to a safety needle cap is kept under tension, retracting the cap and allowing the needle tip to be exposed. Once used and removed from the patient, the elastic tension is released, causing the safety needle cap to snap over the used needle tip automatically, without any operator assistance. The designs of the safety needle cap assembly as described virtually preclude accidental re-emergence of the used needle tip during disposal of the needle-cap assembly.

Abstract: A rear section pallet support plate locator and stabilizer is described for use in a screen printing machine. In place of traditional front plate locators or dual front and rear plate locators, a unique two tiered construction of the support plate provides for both front to back and side to side precise positioning and stabilizing of the entire support plate. A locator roller contacts a "V" shaped notch in a stepped lower rear section of the support plate, biasing stabilizer bars on the rear edge of the rear section against pre-positioned cam followers. Precisely positioning and stabilizing the rear section also positions and stabilizes the entire pallet support plate. The front section of the pallet support plate is now completely free of obstruction, permitting processing of closed end bags, long garments, and other objects that could not be processed with screen printing machines having front locator devices.

Abstract: A patient immobilization system and method for patient immobilization prior to radiation therapy is described. An adjustable anchor including a slidable base plate between left and right sides of the anchor, provides for utilizing the same patient immobilizing device for head and neck, chest, and pelvis areas requiring radiation treatment. The adjustable anchor accommodates varying sizes of customized posterior molds forming the "mattress" portion of the patient immobilization system, while customized anterior molds secured in a holder are fitted over the patient area to be directly exposed to radiation. The holder is then firmly, but easily releasably secured to the adjustable holder. A hook and loop fastener or compression clip assembly provides for quick release of the anterior mold from the patient when required for difficult or emergency situations.

Abstract: There is described an electro-optical monitoring switch circuit design typically used for fire protection, sprinkler system valves. It comprises a light generating device responsive to a repetitive, pulse signal. Light emitting from the light generating device is directed towards the valve stem portion of the valve. Light emitted by the light generating device is reflected off of the valve stem of the valve in a first position and received by an electro-optical device such as a phototransistor. If the valve stem is moved to close the valve, there is no reflected light. Assuming the first position condition, the phototransistor produces an electrical signal substantially identical to the light generating signal. A phase comparator circuit monitors the output of the phototransistor, comparing it to the signal which excites the light generating device. When the two are synchronous, the comparator circuit produces a similar signal at its output. This obviates false indications due to noise.

Abstract: A combination tape measure and light bulb assembly disclosed. A light bulb assembly is affixed to the free end of a semi rigid tape measure. A strip of electrically conductive material is applied to the bottom of the tape measure, with various electrical switching mechanisms described to connect this strip of material to a source of electric current, and thereby light the bulb whenever required by the operator. The light bulb assembly includes a reflector plate for increasing illumination coming from the bulb, and a clear plastic shield for the bulb. The light bulb assembly can also include a magnet to further add to the utility of the combination.

Abstract: A fluid tight flare nut union is described. Flare nut unions are convenient to install in systems, such as refrigeration systems, and are generally reliably fluid tight. Leaks can occur over time, however, due to environmental stress conditions. Deformable ferrules, in combination with compression nut assemblies, either singly, or redundantly, or in counter rotation redundant assembly, secure the flare nut to the fluid transfer tubing in a locking relationship which prevents the loosening of the flare nut-flare connection with subsequent fluid leakage due to these environmental stresses. Enclosing the complete assembly in water proof insulating material, further insures virtually leak proof operation of the improved flare nut union.

Abstract: An adjustable book jacket for covering 100% of the external surface area of book covers in a wide range of book sizes is disclosed. A LYCRA-spandex fabric is cut in a unique diamond shaped pattern which eliminates waste fabric during production, and assures that the differential X and Y axis stretch characteristics of the fabric are properly located on the book jacket. Books of various size are neatly and snugly covered without visible seams, including the external spine portion of the book cover which is secured by the unique spine corner locking mechanism inherent in the combination of the diamond shaped pattern and the two way differential stretch nature of the fabric.

Abstract: An economical and easy-to-install method for repairing cracks, including structural cracks, in recreational surfaces is described. Cracks are cleaned and completely filled with a mixture containing a high strength acrylic polymer binder mixed with sand and cement to form a crack patch of harder consistency than the surrounding asphalt. The repaired crack is then covered with a liquid which dries to a non-adhering surface which in turn is covered over with a fabric capable of stretching and then returning to its own original shape. The fabric is covered with an acrylic adhesive, which when dry secures the fabric at its peripheral edges (which extend beyond the non-adhering surface) to the asphalt playing surface. In this manner, expansion and contraction of the asphalt surrounding the acrylic based crack patch is effectively isolated from the playing surface, preventing reflective cracking in the playing surface for extended periods of time.

Abstract: The method and means for enhancing productivity of video telecommunication systems interrelating conferees at physically separated stations that involves the preconditioning of all conferees utilizing a head band providing left and right temporal leads to a versatile EEG-computer linkage, and speakers linked to a synthetic sound generator, exposing individual conferees to a variable light and sound environment where the colors violet to red are associated with sounds ranging in frequency from low to high by exposing the conferee to the sequential flashing of lights in the order violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, with the associated sounds, and then in the reverse order to thereby stimulate alpha rhythm functioning respectively in the right and left brain hemispheres, repeating such sequential flashing of lights until essentially uniform and synchronized alpha rhythm functioning is achieved in both brain hemispheres, thereby establishing in the EEG-computer linkage a record of the light and sound condit

Abstract: A method of forming a flower bouquet for decorative use wherein the bouquet includes at least one flower and a conically shaped decorative wrap. The wrap is a sheet of transparent plastic material or paper with decorative designs. An end edge of the sheet has an adhesive strip layer. A peel-off ribbon, which initially covered the adhesive layer, encircles the conically shaped sheet with its ends tied together. A method of making the bouquet is also provided.

Abstract: A passive aromatic substance dispenser is described. A highly absorbent rod shaped wick, held within a hermetically sealed tube, serves as a fragrance dispensing reservoir in contact with an efficient fragrance diffuser, and also serves as a convenient means for suspending the diffuser in a selected area to be fragranced. When fragrancing an area is not desired, closing the housing for the diffuser seals the diffuser from ambient air currents, protecting the aromatic substance from evaporating from the diffuser. The vacuum that develops within the tube due to the absorption of aromatic substance from the rod and into the diffuser prevents draining of the fragrance material from the rod and into the diffuser when not required, thus providing self regulation of the fragrance material by the dispenser.

Abstract: A steel window structure for modern day double paned insulating glass simulating the narrow, elegant sight lines of older steel window structures which secured monolithic, non-insulating glass windows is described. The window securing structure is made deeper and narrower than is currently available in steel windows. This structure now accommodates a single pane of glass of up to 1" thick glass, or up to 1" thick double paned insulating glass. Additionally the new structure inherently provides a thermal break between exterior and interior metal components, the convenient use of two color factory applied finishes for the steel members, and superior air and water resistance over current structures, while at the same time providing the narrow sight lines previously seen only in the older, non-insulating glass steel window structures. Moldings connected to the exterior steel structure provides a "putty slope" shadow effect to complete the simulation of the older steel window structure.

Abstract: A refillable color ink jet cartridge and method for making same is described. The protective cap on the non-refillable Hewlett-Packard cartridge #51625A (used in printing devices such as the Hewlett-Packard Desk Writer C) and similar cartridges is removed to access the color ink reservoirs to extend the service life of the cartridge. Once pried loose or otherwise removed, the protective cap is modified for convenient reconnection to the cartridge.

Abstract: A laminate coating comprising a durable outer ply which is resistant to abrasion and impermeable to water, bonded to and through a conductive layer of fibers and an integrally enveloping adhesive layer which is disposed on a vehicle component surface, such that the laminate coating upon curing is bonded to the vehicle component surface such as the surface of an aircraft part especially the fuselage, wing parts or tail section. The conductive layer is connected to a source of electrical energy and control means adapted to control the temperature of the coated surface of the aircraft part.

Abstract: A molded safety pin having an elongated base portion with extensions at both ends is described. At the first extension a hinged connection provides the means for biasing the pin portion at the juncture of the means for anchoring the pin and the base portion. At the second extension a detent structure provides the means for holding the pin portion securely when the safety pin is in a closed position while permitting convenient manual release of the pin when required.Additionally a simplified injection mold for fabricating the safety pin is described.

Abstract: A non-refillable ink jet cartridge is rendered user refillable in a convenient manner. Hewlett-Packard ink jet cartridge #51626A is modified by sealing the vent hole at the base of the cartridge with a pressure sensitive adhesive tape, and removing the air tight ink fill plug at the top of the cartridge. After refilling with ink, a bellows type inflator bottle is used to inflate bladders within the cartridge making use of an opening in the cartridge. The ink fill opening is re-sealed either immediately before or just after the bladders are inflated, and bile inflator bobble is then removed which releases the air pressure in the bladders causing the bladders to deflate. The deflated bladders cause an area of reduced air pressure to develop over the ink fill level, which prevents the ink from leaking out of the cartridge when the pressure sensitive adhesive tape covering the vent hole at the base of the cartridge is removed.

Abstract: A safety device for disposing of used hyposyringes employed by home health care professionals is described. A closure assembly permits discarding hyposyringes safely into a container without the danger of hand contact with contaminated surfaces of the safety device, even for objects stuck within the opening to the safety container. A liquid tight seal and liquid absorbent provides additional protection for the home health care professional during the transportation of the safety device after use. The overall design of the assembly permits one hand operation of the assembly.