Abstract: A novelty device and method of using it, include the generation of an attention attracting signal, under the control of the performer but not by the spectator. A secret disabling arrangement causes a spectator to be unable to re-activate the attention attracting device. A resetting device causes the novelty device to be reset in a surreptitious manner to permit the performer to re-activate the attention attracting device.

Abstract: A robotic controlled soldering apparatus is more precise in operation apparatus, and includes a protuberance and complementary shaped socket for defining a universal joint to provide a gimballing action to help prevent unwanted shift in the robotic control unit. A supply of fluid under pressure is directed between the pertuberance and the socket to reduce friction between their respective surfaces to reduce reaction on the delicate robotic arm as the head settles in place.

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 deactivated after the insect killing temperature has been attained. Thereafter, the remaining individual ones of the isolated infected wooden members are treated in a similar manner.

Abstract: A sign mounting arrangement and installation kit, and method of using them, for enabling, without the use of any tools, the installation of a portable sign in a very simple and straightforward manner. The portable sign mounting arrangement includes a pair of open slot mounting brackets and hand-activated clamping devices for clamping a display sign between a conventional sign post standard and the edges of the slots in each of the brackets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitates the alignment and light sensitivity adjustment of an optical computer input system, which includes a user generated light directed onto a screen bearing a computer generated image, to convey information to the computer interactively by the user, even in a darkened room. The system discriminates between the user generated image, and the computer generated image. Devices facilitate the proper alignment of the system with the screen, as well as proper light sensitivity adjustments.

Abstract: A new and improved linear motor and method of using it for producing a sufficient reciprocating thrusting action to enable well fluids be pumped through the production tubing of a well to the ground surface. The linear motor includes a mover and a stator, said stator including a set of coils for producing a series of electromagnetic field extending at least partially in an axial direction when energized with an electric current and a stator core defining a plurality of spaced-apart transversely disposed coil receiving slots and an annular axially extending mover receiving bore. The mover includes an elongated member mounted telescopically reciprocatively within the mover receiving bore and a plurality of permanent magnets interleaved with low reluctance spacers for helping to reduce core flux density in order to improve overall motor performance.

Abstract: A computer auxiliary viewing system that enables a rapid review of previously entered information, in a similar manner to the retrieval of information using a microfiche reader so that by the simple manual turning of a control knob, all previously entered data can be scrolled for review on a screen. The system includes videographics generating devices responsive to stored information signals in buffer devices for causing the reproduction of the desired scrolling image, and control devices for retrieving selectively the stored information signals in the buffer devices to cause the generation of the image signals by an auxiliary monitor device, independently of information signals being transferred from the input device to the computer processor unit.

Abstract: A tube holder is adapted for attachment to the surface of an aerosol can or the like. The holder includes a base having a pair of resilient, tube grasping members for receiving the tube therebetween.

Abstract: A battery charging system which prevents false switching from a fast charge mode to a trickle charge mode due to low frequency voltage aberration signals. The battery charging system includes a battery voltage analyzer and a plurality of battery charging and conditioning units for charging different types and kinds of nickel cadmium batteries. Firmware in the microprocessor rejects low frequency aberrations permitting a desired voltage signal to be produced which is indicative of the actual battery potential for charge switching purposes.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel construction includes a matrix of liquid crystal elements and a layer of optical fluid extending substantially in a plane parallel to the matrix of liquid crystal elements, for improving the optical characteristics of the panel.

Abstract: A chip removal method and apparatus for use with a robotic unit. The chip removal apparatus includes a heated center quill and a soldering unit which cooperate together with a chip removal tool for simultaneously disabling the bonding materials securing a chip to a printed circuit board. The method permits the fine pitch chip device to be removed from the printed circuit board substantially intact for subsequent testing purposes.

Abstract: An animal waste plastic bag dispenser stores a cylindrical roll of bags in a rotatable manner. A central core receives the roll rotatably, and is fixed between top and bottom plates. A cutting blade is disposed between the top and bottom plates to facilitate the separation of bags from the roll seriatim. A device compresses the end of the roll of plastic bags thereagainst, to prevent or limit free rotation of the roll of plastic bags when the device is transported. After a bag is separated from its roll for use in retrieving and confining refuse, such as animal waste, the bag can be attached to the dispenser thereby establishing the user to transport a used bag to a place of disposal. In addition, the dispenser includes a device for restraining an animal during a cleanup operation so as to prevent the animal from interfering with the operation.

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: A pollution control apparatus, which monitors the amount of contaminants being removed from treated gas, and which adjusts parameters to maintain the contaminant removal amount within a preselected, desired range having maximum and minimum limits. A computing microprocessor, causes one or more parameters to be adjusted, thereby increasing or decreasing contaminant removal in order to maintain the level of removal within the preselected range.

Abstract: The display system includes a liquid crystal display panel unit having three different color components for each pixel of the resulting display. Each one of the individual color components of a pixel of the liquid crystal display panel unit is activated selectively by a corresponding one of a set of video processing units. Each video processing unit is responsive to a video signal from a conventional computer processor for causing the reproduction of a component of a colored image. Each video processing unit includes a translating arrangement for converting a component part of the computer generated video signal into a binary digital signal indicative of a single one of the color components for mixing with other color components to reproduce faithfully the computer generated color image.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus for illuminating the rear portion of a vehicle and particularly the license plate of such a vehicle with a bright glowing light. The apparatus includes a transparent channel member for receiving a high voltage high frequency transformer and a single annularly shaped neon bulb therewithin for illumination purposes. The neon bulb is energized by the high voltage, high frequency transformer that is coupled to the vehicle electrical system by a low voltage high frequency power supply. The channel member is adapted to mounted adjacent to the license plate of a vehicle and scaled with a protective cover to help prevent accidental shock and to protect the bulb from exposure.

Abstract: A particle discharge system employs a wet scrubber producing a waste particle sludge, and an evaporator and solidifier operating in parallel with the wet scrubber to cause discharge material to be dried and then solidifed in a compacted composition for convenient disposal.

Abstract: A change of address system includes a group of change of address terminals or stations which are installed at a wide variety of diversified public locations, such as the postal service, shopping centers, food stores, and the like. The terminals receive and store customized change of address information by the user who is desiring to send notices to the postal service and other persons and companies, who send mail to the user. A service computer receives the change of address information from all of the terminals, and in response thereto, the postal service and others desiring the change of address information are notified, at least some of which on a bulk basis.

Abstract: A fluxless reflow soldering processing and system having a reactive inert gas control arrangement coupled to a conventional reflow soldering head for enabling solder to wet metallic surfaces for joining purposes. The gas control arrangement includes a set of gas regulating valves and heat exchange units for supplying selected quantities of inert gases under pressure at various temperatures to a soldering area during the soldering process. The inert gases are employed to clean the soldering area of metal oxides and are used to facilitate the forming of a reliable solder joint by inhibiting the formation of metal oxides and by helping to cool down the solder joint in a substantially uniform manner.

Abstract: A self service system for vending small customized documents, includes an input device for receiving and storing customized input information from a customer for producing and vending a customized document according to the requirements of the customer. In response to the receipt of the customized input information, a device generates and supplies cost information to the customer. Responsive to signals indicative of the correct payment being received from the customer, a device produces the customized documents.