Abstract: An animal restraint having two similar halves, each half having an arcuate shaped cage portion and a flat elongated base for reversible attachment thereto. Each cage portion includes generally parabolically shaped ribs of differing heights wherein the shortest rib is located at a distal end of the cage and the tallest rib is located medially. Each rib is attached, respectively, at each of its ends, to a base frame. A pair of arcuate strengthening members is attached to the base frame and, in turn to each one of the parabolic ribs. The strengthening members of one half of the cage ends medially in a sleeve for receiving its corresponding strengthening member on the other cage half, thereby reversibly joining the two cage halves. A pair of rectangular plates are reversibly held adjacent one another to form the elongated base which, in turn, is reversibly attached to the joined cage portions.

Abstract: A method of making a LCD panel system including selecting a pair of substrate panels, forming a peripheral seal on one of the flat surfaces of one of the panels to define an area on the panel surface, distributing compressible optical spheres over the area, aligning one substrate panel with the first and placing the second panel against the seal, in an aligned condition with the other to form a chamber. The panels are pressed together to form a fluid tight seal between the panels. Air is then evacuated from the chamber and an optical fluid is introduced into the chamber.

Abstract: The compiling system and method of the present invention enables the recording of individually customized information onto blank storage media devices, and includes a data base memory device for storing information signals indicative of customized recipient information pertaining to a group of recipients. A presentation memory device stores a group of pre-recorded signals indicative of a group of information segments to be compiled selectively. A computing device responds to stored information signals indicative of customized recipient information for selecting certain ones of said pre-recorded signals indicative of certain ones of said segments and for causing signals indicative of certain ones of said segments to be retrieved selectively in a given sequence for compilation purposes. A recording device responds to retrieved signals indicative of certain ones of said segments for storing said retrieved signals onto individual ones of the storage media devices.

Abstract: A new display panel system includes a stacked display panel and drive units therefor. The drive units include a computer for adjusting for the individual gamma characterics of each one of the display panels for color balancing purposes and for causing the luminance of each panel to be maximized, or at least greatly increased for each intensity level or shading of each color.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus includes the inspection of structural wooden members within a structure wall, and then the isolation of the wooden members infected with the insects. Heat producing devices are positioned adjacent to a first one of the isolated wooden members on the outside of the wall. The positioned heat producing device is then activated, and the adjacent isolated wooden member is caused to be heated to increase the temperature thereof sufficiently to kill a large number of the insects contained therewithin to eradicate substantially the entire infestation thereof. The heat producing device is then de-activated after the insect killing temperature has been attained. Thereafter, the remaining individual ones of the isolated infested wooden members are treated in a similar manner.

Abstract: A security fastener for helping to prevent the unauthorized removal of table top equipment, such as a personal computer, from its supporting surface, includes a base frame, which receives the equipment to be protected. A double-sided adhesive tape secured to the underside of the base frame affixes the frame to the a supporting surface. A bar moves between an opened and a closed position to permit the equipment to be removed from, and installed within the device. An inventive lock assembly is disposed within the base frame and fastens the bar in its closed locking position to secure the bar in place. The base frame is fastened together by connecting pins to enable the security fastener to be assembled in a convenient manner, and the lock assembly is similar in its external appearance to the connecting pins for concealing the locking assembly from view and for providing the fastener with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A new and improved control system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a downhole linear d.c. motor-pump assembly and a method of using it for producing a sufficient reciprocating pumping action to lift well fluid through the producing tubing of a well to the ground surface. The system includes a surface monitoring station that is in radio communication with a plurality of remote downhole motor-pump assemblies. Each motor-pump assembly has a surface motor controller, a downhole motor-pump cartridge unit that is adapted to be received in a downhole cartridge sleeve assembly that maintains the cartridge unit in a stationary position for pumping purposes. The motor-pump cartridge unit may be raised or lowered by a control cable within the production tubing for helping to facilitate the repair or replacement of the motor-pump cartridge unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing debris from granular material includes a set of scalper assemblies and striker assemblies, which are disposed between an inlet and an outlet, and which are interconnected by a mechanical system to help urge the flow of the material through the housing to the outlet. The scalper assemblies are disposed on a set of frames covered with removable screens so that the flow of material falling against the scalper screens, cascades down the screens to form a flowing sheet of material, which falls off of the terminal end of the frame. The scalper screens are tiered and portions thereof are raised and dropped to help urge the larger debris within the granular material downwardly across the scalper screen towards its terminal end, while concurrently permitting the smaller granular material disposed thereon to fall through the screen meshings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing electrical transient signals, occurring on power lines, includes a clamping circuit for switching from a high impedance to a low impedance at a certain switching voltage, to suppress the transient signals. A first blocking circuit inhibits the clamping circuit from switching to maintain it at its high impedance during normal line voltage, and permits the clamping circuit to switch to its low impedance for clamping purposes responsive to an initial portion of a transient signal for initial suppression purposes. A second blocking circuit has a second low impedance, which is substantially lower than said first low impedance of the first blocking circuit, for inhibiting substantially the first blocking circuit from continuing to dissipate the transient signal following the initial time period, and for permitting the clamping circuit to suppress the transient signal following the initial time period.

Abstract: A soldering system includes a visualization station disposed in relatively close proximity to the final resting position of a circuit element to be soldered, and a back lighted head arrangement for helping transport the circuit element to the visualization station, and for helping facilitate the clear visualization of the element so that its position may be adjusted for possible misalignment at the time of its placement at the final position.

Abstract: This invention concerns a non-toxic method of exterminating dry wood termites, fleas, roaches, ants, weevils and the like by utilizing an inert freezing liquid such as liquid nitrogen as the killing agent. The liquid nitrogen is inserted so as to envelop the colony of objectionable organisms until the environment is reduced to a temperature of at least zero degrees Fahrenheit and maintained at that temperature for between 2 to 5 minutes. This method effectively kills the organisms by crystalizing the innards and freezing the cells, thereby eliminating the need for more dangerous and toxic poisons that are currently being used.

Abstract: The optical transceiver includes a headset antenna assembly, which is adapted to be worn on the head of the user, and which is connected electrically by a cable to a transceiver unit adapted to be worn on the belt of the user. The headset antenna assembly includes a set of alternating light emitting diodes and photosensitive diodes which are disposed on the antenna assembly to transmit and receive optical signals about a substantially 360 degree radial axis. The light emitting diodes are inclined upwardly from a horizontal plane to help avoid obstructions. Baffles are disposed between the diodes to reduce feedback interface, and a circuit in the transceiver unit discriminates against background light.

Abstract: In order to compensate for errors in the positioning of a tool by a servo motor (4) resulting from mechanical inaccuracies in the machine tool slides (2) and drive (3), an analogue error compensation signal (12) is generated by a compensation unit (1) in which is stored calibration data relating to the components of the positioning error. The error compensation signal (12) is summed by a summation unit (14) with the uncompensated analogue position error signal (7) generated at the output of a CNC controller (5), and the resulting signal (15), as modified by the usual velocity feedback signal 10' from the servo motor (4), is used to drive the servo motor (4). The resolution of the error compensation signal (12) is arranged to be greater than that of the position error signal (7), which is generally limited by the number of bits of the digital to analogue converter in the output stage of the controller (5).

Abstract: A vehicle roof top carrier having a base which is secured removably to the roof rack of a vehicle. A hard, aerodynamically shaped cover closes over the base, thereby protecting the contents of the carrier from the elements. The base has a plurality of downwardly opened channels to enable the base to fit over the vehicle roof rack and in close proximity to the vehicle roof. Removable fastening devices, protectably disposed within the carrier, secure elements of the rack within the channels to hold the carrier securely and removably in place over the rack. Thus, when the cover, which can be locked to the base, is in its closed position, the means of attachment of the base to the vehicle roof rack is protected from access by unauthorized persons.

Abstract: An energy damping device that includes a piston-cylinder assembly having a cylinder and a piston movable therein. A pre-loaded double acting spring, and a friction assembly, are enclosed fully within the cylinder, and engage the piston concentrically. The spring acts against the friction assembly for forcing it into frictional engagement with the inner surface of the cylinder. The friction assembly includes at least one wedge for engaging the interior surface of the cylinder. The friction assembly further includes a plurality of spaced-apart compression rings, that are interleaved with the wedges, for forcing them into radially outwardly directed frictional engagement with the interior surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: The security method and apparatus relates to an electronically controlled latching mechanism which is adapted for use with a closure disposed on a vestibule. The closure is used to seal or close off a passageway or entrance between the vestibule and a protected or secured area. A security unit generates a signal which drives the latching mechanism from a latched to an unlatched position whenever an access control circuit generates an enablement signal. The enablement signal is generated whenever the vestibule is sealed and the weight of the person or persons within the vestibule, as determined by an electronic scale, compares with a predetermined weight value. A closure switch senses when the vestibule is closed, and a weight sensing mechanism senses the weight of a person or person disposed within the vestibule.

Abstract: The game apparatus includes a plurality of player position marking pieces, a game board having a playing area with an endless path arranged to divide symmetrically the playing area into smaller areas for receiving individual decks of question and answer playing cards. The path is divided into interconnecting subdivisions and includes category and bonus indicia on the subdivisions. Each one of the playing cards contains a quotation or a definition with a missing word on one side, and the correct missing word to complete the quotation or definition on the reverse side of the card. The playing cards are divided into subject matter categories that are distinguishable from one another and are placed according to categories into the smaller areas on the playing board.

Abstract: Soil conditioning and method for desalination and reclamation of irrigated soil.

Abstract: A water kite has a single elongated generally flat plate integrally connected to a float having generally pointed terminal ends. A pair of spaced apart eyelets are disposed on one side of the plate adjacent to the float for attaching slidably the water kite to a fishing line without removing the line. A rotating arm assembly having a base and arm is centrally disposed between the eyelets on the plate. In order to control the trolling relationship of the kite relative to the location of the fisherperson, the base is adapted with a set of equally spaced apart detents for retaining releasably the arm against rotation with respect to the base in a selected one of a plurality of discrete positions. A release mechanism is secured at the tip of the arm for securing releasably the fishing line to the water kite, in order to set the tension on the line and to allow the fishing line to be disengaged easily from the mechanism whenever a fish strikes the line or bait.

Abstract: A control device which is fixed to the control arm of a concrete pwer trowel or concrete finishing machine approximately midway between the trowel and the trowel handle. The attachment, which is adjustable in length, relieves the operator from the necessity of controlling the power trowel by means of its handle and allows the operator to control the power trowel from various distances outside the perimeter of the poured concrete.