Abstract: A baseball pitching machine is disclosed preferably employing a counterrotating wheel type baseball launch subsystem pitching a series of baseballs and a computer controlled system for selecting the type and percentage of pitches, pitcher and batter characteristics, strike zone areas and other parameters to provide a meaningful batting training session. The pitching machine includes a ball transport subsystem including a carousel for receiving and transporting baseballs in sequence to a position adjacent the counter rotating wheels. While being transported, each baseball stops at seam orienting stations where seam rotators rotate the baseball to provide a commanded seam orientation for the particular pitch selected. The baseball is oriented by the ball orienter for insertion in the launch subsystem. A computer allows the selection by the operator of a variety of pitches, random or selected order.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the rectification of liquid mixtures (separation of liquid mixtures into their constituents) and other processes requiring equilibration of liquid and gaseous phases in which mechanical energy is used to create and repeatedly regenerate free flying liquid structures that facilitate the intimate interaction and equilibration of said phases beyond standard practice and thereby allow smaller, more compact, more efficient, and more accessible apparatus and make practical lower operating temperatures and the use of inert carrier gases and otherwise increase the engineering options available to designers of rectification equipment and other equipment requiring liquid/vapor equilibration.

Abstract: A universal decoder consisting of modules that may be exchanged with a module of a like type which provides automatic frequency changes and remote system control of the decoder by a host computer. The decoder minimizes signal invasion by providing a data signal frequency change device between a broadcast station and subscriber terminals. Converters modules are classified into fixed function and variable function modules. The fixed function module is a singularly-bodied unit assembled onto a PCB while the variable functions are modularized based on their functions. The connecting circuitry and the data communication protocol between fixed functions and the variable functions is standardized thereby improving the lifetime of the converter. Hacking is solved by allowing the scramble system to be changed. Compatibility problems are eliminated since the modules are made in accordance with internationally uniform or standardized specifications.

Abstract: A turbocharger includes a main shaft carrying a turbine wheel and an impeller. The shaft is supported in a housing by means of a floating bearing and a ball bearing which is particularly effective in resisting axial loads tending to move the shaft toward the impeller. A preload spring positioned between the stationary race of the ball bearing and a thrust plate fixed to the housing provides a force urging said ball bearing against a shoulder on the main shaft against thrust forces tending to move the shaft toward the turbine wheel.

Abstract: A method of soft tissue cephalometric analysis for diagnosis and a method for cephalometric planning treatment for aesthetic correction of facial imbalance in a patient. Normal size, distance, and angle ranges and harmony values of various facial landmarks of aesthetically pleasing faces from a population group are established. The patient will place his or her head in a natural head position. Markers will be placed on soft tissue landmarks and an image will be taken of the patient's head. A true vertical line will be established, and soft and hard tissue landmarks will be measured to the true vertical line. Dentoskeletal measurements will be taken of the face. Finally, in the method of cephalometric planning treatment necessary orthodontic and orthognathic action will be taken to bring measurements into normal range to improve facial balance and aesthetics.

Abstract: A slidable bagging rack system. The rack has a slanted back portion which slants downwardly from an upper portion to a lower portion, and has a pair spaced apart support arms with risers which extend above the upper portion of the rack. Spaced midway between the support arms is a hook member. A pack of bags, such as T-shirt bags, is loaded on the rack by pushing the risers through apertures formed in the handles and by pushing the hook member through a mouth tab aperture formed in a mouth tab of the bags. Pulling a front wall of the bag tears the handles free of their handle aperture from the risers and tears the mouth tab of the front wall free, thereby readying the bag for loading with merchandise. The slanted back not only supports the bags, but effectively lowers the level of the open mouth of the bag.

Abstract: A pack of self-opening plastic T-shirt bags for use with a bagging rack. Each plastic bag in the pack of bags has a mouth tab portion between its two upwardly extending handles, which are at the sides of the mouth of the T-shirt bags. The mouth tab portion is located on the front and rear walls in the mouth region of the plastic bags. The mouth tab portion has an aperture for receiving a retaining projection of a bagging rack. Frangible pressure bonding is formed along the perimeter of said mouth aperture. Flapless handle apertures are also formed in the handles, with frangible pressure bonds formed along their perimeter edges. Due to the frangible bonding formed between adjacent bags, as a frontmost bag is removed from the pack of bags on the bagging rack, the next bag in the pack of bags will automatically self-open into a open position for loading with merchandise.

Abstract: A fire fighting foam proportioner for use in providing precise proportioning of foaming agent to fire fighting liquid, e.g., water, includes a conduit incorporating a check valve and a venturi with a dual chamber piston pump having one part connected to the high pressure water source at the inlet to the conduit and the other part connected to a source of the foaming agent and arranged to pump the foaming agent through a foam conduit to the throat of the venturi where it is mixed with the water. Reversible valves responsive to pump movement are connected to the first pump part to cause it to reverse direction at the end of each stroke. A pair of one-way check valves at each of the inlet and outlet ports of the second pump part keep the foaming agent moving through the foam conduit where it is controlled by a pressure equalizing valve and a metering valve. The area of the foam conduit is controlled by the equalizing valve which includes a spool valve having pressure sensing areas at each end.

Abstract: A baseball pitching machine is disclosed preferably employing a counterrotating wheel type baseball launch subsystem pitching a series of baseballs and a computer controlled system for selecting the type and percentage of pitches, pitcher and batter characteristics, strike zone areas and other parameters to provide a meaningful batting training session. The pitching machine includes a ball transport subsystem including a carousel for receiving and transporting baseballs in sequence to a position adjacent the counter rotating wheels. While being transported, each baseball stops at seam orienting stations where seam rotators rotate the baseball to provide a commanded seam orientation for the particular pitch selected. The baseball is oriented by the ball orienter for insertion in the launch subsystem. A computer allows the selection by the operator of a variety of pitches, random or selected order.

Abstract: A method and kit for cleaning jewelry and small parts to 95% and greater clean. A holding basket has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and is adapted to securely retain jewelry and small parts therein. Jewelry is placed in the holding basket and dunked into a container filled with cleaning solution to coat the jewelry with cleaning solution. The holding basket is removed from the container of cleaning solution, and is placed in an automatic dishwasher and run through a wash cycle and dry cycle, thereby exposing the jewelry to impinging water and the action of steam to remove the cleaning solution and grime from the jewelry and small parts. The steam helps prevents formation of water spots. The kit includes a hinged jewelry holding basket with handles and a container filled with cleaning solution. The hinged jewelry holding basket is sized to be dunked into the cleaning solution.

Abstract: A paddle type holster including a holster body formed to provide a pouch for holding a handgun or other object and an inside the waistband formed holster support structure. The support structure is in the form of a curved broad surface which generally conforms to the human waist shape and includes a connector portion which extends between the curved portion of the support structure and the holster body. The holster body is rotatably adjustable with respect to the curved portion. The connector portion is likewise vertically adjustable with respect to the holster body to further control the relationship of the support structure. The adjustments are secured by fasteners and by mechanical interlocking of the parts of the holster. A holster or pouch for tall objects is disclosed with a "Z" shaped paddle member.

Abstract: A kit for making boxes from paper card stock. The kit has a flat plate with a guide rail with a vertical edge projecting above the surface of the plate parallel to one edge of the plate. A scoring groove traverses the plate parallel to the vertical edge of the guide rail. One or more spacing strips, each having a vertical edge, may be placed between the vertical edge of the guide rail and the scoring groove to vary the depth of the box. The overall size or "footprint" of a box made in accordance with the invention is determined by the distance of the scoring groove from the nearest vertical edge and the size of the blank card stock employed. Two identical sized card stocks are used for each box. A slightly wider spacing strip is used to form the top than the spacing strip used to form the bottom of the box. This also makes the depth of the box bottom slightly greater than the box top.

Abstract: A lightweight carrier for aiding in transporting an elongated load such as one or more surfboards or sailboards either uncovered on in carrying bags is formed of a simple U-shaped frame of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe having attached wheels. The carrier which is normally fastened to one end of the load, includes a padded cross member which carries much of the load and padded upright supports or arms which are sufficiently flexible that they can deform or bend outwardly or inwardly. A strap is used to pull the tops of the arms together around the load. A surfer can then carry the opposite end of the load which will trail behind him on the carrier.

Abstract: A system for monitoring traffic flow on multi-laned roadways. The system includes a plurality of radiation sources such as light emitting diodes, LEDs and a corresponding set of radiation detectors such as photo diodes. The radiation sources and detectors form a crossed array as well as direct paths across the roadway. By correlating radiation beam interruptions including the time and order of interruption, a signal processor such as a computer is able to determine traffic parameters for each lane. Multiple beams in parallel aid the reliability of the system. Using retroreflectors with the radiation sources and detectors on the same side of the roadway simplifies installation.

Abstract: A hydration system for backpackers or other athletes including a bladder, a filling opening, an enclosing cover and filling opening, a flexible line and a deformable valve to be held in the user's mouth. The cover is of smaller volume than the bladder to protect the bladder from bursting upon overfilling. The valve is operated by pressure in the mouth, usually by the user's jaw and teeth to open a slit and allow potable liquid to flow from the bladder through the line and into the flexible valve for the user's consumption. The slit is located in the side wall of a membrane having a reverse fold whereby pressure from the bladder, in the absence of user applied valve deforming pressure tends to close rather than open the slit. The line includes a quick disconnect fitting to allow the filing of the bladder from the line as well as from its own filler opening.