Abstract: Transmission of probe configuration data is initiated upon recognition by the probe of a prescribed condition. Probe configuration data protocol includes a data frame, subdivided into a desired number of time slots. Unlike measurement data protocol, where inter-pulse pair timing within a slot varies based on a magnet position or temperature sensor resistance, configuration data protocol in accordance with the invention uses fixed inter-pulse timing to represent the various states of digital data. In such manner, at least a portion of the time slots making up the particular data frame can be used for containing data sent from the probe, and which can then be interpreted by the receiving processing device as at least one bit of binary code allocated to each individual slot of the portion of time slots.

Abstract: A bird feeder includes a support and a body including at least one feeding station which is rotatably mounted to the support such that the body can be oriented in a feeding position and a refilling position. The body including a receiving chamber with an opening and a scoop at least partially receiveable in the receiving chamber. To refill the feeder, the scoop is removed from the body to scoop a quantity of feed. The scoop is then inserted, upwardly into the downwardly facing opening in the chamber in the refilling position. The body is then pivoted to the feeding position. Operation of gravity transfers the feed in the scoop to feeding station or stations which are located in the body of the feeder at a position below the open end of the scoop when received in the chamber.

Abstract: A method of maintaining an open-mouth state of a bag utilizes a device of suitable form retainable at or adjacent to a bag opening. The device includes an elongated dimensional component extending between respective opposed free ends and which device can assume a shape in the elongated dimension defining a non-linear path along which a circumference of the bag can be made to follow. A length of the non-linear path is greater than half of the circumference of the bag opening and less than the circumference, such that a circumferential segment portion of the bag is held in a position roughly corresponding to the non-linear path and a remainder of the bag circumference extends in an unsupported manner between the free ends of the device, spaced apart from the portion thereof guided along the non-linear path.

Abstract: An optoelectronic liquid sensor indicates failure of operative components therein. The sensor includes a light source, a light detector, and a transparent probe which functions as a primary liquid sensing prism. The transparent probe is of a suitable configuration permitting internal reflection of light transmitted therethrough from the light source, along a primary light path for reception by the light detector, when the light-impinged surface of the primary prism is in air. When the same surface of the probe is submersed in or exposed to liquid, light from the light source traveling along the primary light path is refractively transmitted into the liquid, and therefore almost no light reaches via the primary light path. A secondary light path is provided, along which a fraction of the light from the light source is also transmitted via internal reflection within a transparent body to the light detector.

Abstract: A sports memorabilia article includes a casing at least partially enclosing a sports-related subject to be displayed. The casing is transparent at least over a sufficiently large area portion to permit external viewing of the subject held therewithin. The casing is given the appearance of a particular type of ball suited to use in playing the sport to which the subject displayed within the casing is directed. To achieve such appearance, the ball is either texturized in a manner giving the desired visual impression, silkscreened or otherwise painted either on an exterior surface of the casing or an interior of the transparent portions thereof, or embossed in a pattern resembling seams and other distinguishing surface details characteristic of such ball structure. The combination of subject and surrounding case provides a multilayer visual effect which amplifies the effectiveness of the display, and elicits greater interest and viewing entertainment on the part of the observer.

Abstract: A coated cable includes a structural core made of twined wire or other suitable material, and an outer layer surrounding the structural core, such outer core being transparent to light. The cable further provides a material which is reflective to incident light, effective to reflect light from the cable in a manner discernable to an observer. In an advantageous embodiment, this is accomplished by a reflective layer interposed between the structural core and the outer layer, the reflective layer being provided in the form of a wrapped tape disposed below the outer layer.

Abstract: A collation feature permits rapid substitution of like size tool members between the families of tools by comparison of a common visual indicator assigned to commonly sized members of analogous tools having differing structural configuration. The visual indicia, advantageously disposed in a prominent position on the tool for unobstructed viewing, and includes at least one non-numerical identifying parameter, in the form of a color, combination of colors, and/or recognizable pattern. When a user of such tools discovers that he requires a different style wrench better suited to the application, he simply notes the pattern or color marked on the tool he is using and requests, for example, that his assistant hand him a differently configured tool designed for performing the same tool operation and carrying the same visually recognizable marking.

Abstract: A shaped toy includes a kinetically resilient central core and an outer layer of varying thickness covering the central core. The outer layer may be a material which also exhibits kinetic resiliency, to a degree more or less than that of the core, or, alternatively, be substantially non-resilient, such as fabric or pile. In a preferred embodiment, the toy includes a substantially spherically shaped core, covered by an outer layer of fabric, the type used for fabrication of conventional plush stuffed toys, increasing its appeal, by virtue of appearance and feel, to user and animal alike. The fabric, when stitched together using conventional stuffed animal sewing techniques, encloses the resilient central core, and presents regions of varying thickness over an expanse thereof, such that when thrown against a surface, unpredictable direction and bounce response will result by virtue irregular surface curvature and damping due to increasing and decreasing fabric thickness.

Abstract: An article-carrying receptacle for attachment to a leash includes a body portion for holding articles placed therein while providing access to the contents thereof by a free hand of the individual holding the handle portion of the leash in a remaining hand. The receptacle is supportingly securable to the leash for use in a manner permitting one-hand operation of the entry closure by the free hand. In an advantageous embodiment the receptacle body portion is in the form of an elongated pouch, receivable in a position proximal a handle portion of a leash, or mounted directly thereto, in the longitudinal direction. A closable opening is conveniently provided along the length of the receptacle for accessing the interior thereof, positioned to provide access by a free hand of the individual.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing a molded latex product which does not require a vulcanizing step.

Abstract: A hand-held device permits playout and retrieval of line with reduced incidence of tangling. A spool is drivingly connected a motor selectively energizable by the user. A line is receivable on the rotating spool for uptake in windings thereabout when the motor is energized during a retrieval operation. When the motor is not energized, and sufficient force is applied to the other end of the line, the spool rotates in a direction opposite to the rotational direction during uptake against the resting rotational resistance of the motor to permit unwinding and playout of the line. The device is conveniently wand-shaped, and includes a rear portion of the device defining a user grip, and a remaining head portion disposed forward of the hand when held. The spool is disposed inside the head portion.

Abstract: A conductive bridge receivable between confronting surfaces of electrical contacts to be electrically joined with one another provides a low-resistance union and resistance to mechanical and conductive deterioration when used in accordance with the disclosed method. The bridge includes electrically conductive component portions dispersed along the lateral expanse between the confronting surfaces, presenting conduction regions on each of two opposed sides of the bridge, positioned to provide a plurality of contact points which face each of the confronting contacts. The conduction regions on one of the sides are electrically communicative across the bridge to ones on the opposed side thereof, thereby providing a plurality of spaced-apart, discrete conductive conduits through which electricity may be conducted between the confronting contacts.

Abstract: A collectible article provides a multimedia representation of a desired subject. Such multimedia representation will include a visual representation of the subject appearing on at least a portion of the article. In addition to such visual media, an audible sound segment, reproducible and selectively activated as desired by an activation switch. The article is advantageously of compact, card-like format, and can be user personalized by permitting the recording, and selective playback, of a sound segment corresponding to the visually depicted image appearing on a portion thereof. The article may optionally include a space reserved for receiving an autograph. By carrying the article to places where there may be a likelihood of encountering the depicted celebrity, the owner will have same at hand for personalization by the figure.