Abstract: A zero stripper (10) accepts individual bit sequences marked off by a break codes in a bit stream, deletes any leading “0” bits from such bit sequences so as to form a zero-stripped datum segment, counts the number of bits in each resultant datum segment, and then concatenates each such datum segment with the bit count of that datum segment into the code form nnnndddddd . . . , where the “n's” are the bit count and the “d's”are the successive bits. Substantial bit space in transmission in thus saved. A “type code” “tt” can also be added if defined in the original data. The zero-stripped data can be reconstituted at the receiving end if needed, i.e., if the receiving device accepts only fixed length bytes. Also included are new and simple arithmetic routines.

Abstract: An apparatus accepts randomly arriving blacks of parallel digital data of varying bit lengths termed datum segments that may have been generated by stripping leading zeros from bytes of a fixed size, each having associated therewith a bit count code that expresses the bit length of each datum segment in the form nnnnndddd . . . , the “n” being the bits of the bit count code in such number as to encompass the memory capacity of a receiving device to which the datum segments are to be sent, and the “d” representing the actual datum segment bits. The apparatus concatenates the nnnnndddd . . . expressions to form a continuous bit sequence that is saved so that each nnnnndddd . . . expression is accessible thereafter through the computer address therefor, such use preferably being by a circuit of matching bit length, the format, however, allowing the original form of the data to be recovered if desired.

Abstract: A flash arrestor applicable to suppress explosions in gas lines generally, but specifically appropriate for suppressing explosions of pyrophoric gases, particularly silane in connection with integrated circuit manufacturing, has two identical flash suppression assemblies that are interconnected and act bidirectionally so as to suppress explosions occurring on either side of the apparatus. The positioning of a poppet relative to a poppet seat can be set manually into “open,” “closed” and “armed” positions, the latter indicating that the apparatus has been configured so as to intercept automatically any explosion that is transmitted to it through a gas line so as to yield a valve “closed” configuration, and that closed position can then be locked in manually.

Abstract: A transportable basketball rim and net with optional back-board blocking training tool assembly is provided for use on a pre-existing metal goal. The base rim with net is installed over and removed from a pre-existing metal goal without the use of a ladder. The net and training tool can be removably attached to the plastic rim before the assembly is installed on the hoop. The base includes an optional insert to allow installation of the rim over a six or five inch pre-existing mount.

Abstract: A digital concatenator, the operation of which is triggered by the sequential arrival of a series of n-bit bytes thereto, accepts such sequential n-bit bytes and, by directing those n-bit bytes into sequentially identified n-bit channels, concatenates those n-bit bytes into (n×m)-sized words, where m is a pre-selected integral number of said n-bit bytes that are desired to be concatenated with an (n×m)-sized output buffer into a resultant sequence of (n×m)-sized words. The sequential identification of those n-bit bytes is brought about by a cyclical counter incorporated within a data enumerator that counts off the arrival of each n-bit byte and appends a corresponding position bit or byte to each one thereof. Each successive reading of the output of the concatenator is triggered by the arrival at that output buffer through an mth channel of an mth n-bit byte. The concatenator similarly operates on single bits so as to serve as a serial to parallel converter of arbitrarily selectable size.

Abstract: A lubricating apparatus comprising a chamber to receive lubricant, an outlet for lubricant, a movable member to drive lubricant from the chamber through the outlet, and a control circuit for periodically activating the motor to dispense lubricant according to a preset schedule. A motor and drive shaft are attached to the movable member through a transmission. Activating the motor in accordance with operator-selected instructions from a pre-programmed micro-processor moves the transmission to drive the movable member towards the outlet to force lubricant therefrom. The apparatus avoids the disadvantage of the prior art which relies on the generation of gas to provide pressure to force lubricant from the apparatus.

Abstract: A fire-fighting tool incorporates a twist-lock mechanism whereby various nozzles can be interchanged for particular fire-fighting purposes. Included in such nozzles are a penetrating nozzle having a doubly bevelled front end for easier access through a roof, and various fluid ejection and misting elements that can be configured in terms of fluid aperture angles to produce a mist directed somewhat back towards the user, transverse to the nozzle, or forward from the nozzle. A non-penetrating embodiment of the invention also uses an end ejecting misting region. The foregoing elements can be used in conjunction with various extention wands, which are removably connectable fluid channels bent to various angles, so as to provide easier access to fires that are located within recesses of buildings, motor vehicles, or boats and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and analyzing vapor elements, using a preconcentrator collector. The preconcentrator collector collects and preconcentrates chemical vapors to be detected and identified before chromatographic analysis using surface acoustic wave gas chromatograph (SAW/GC) technology. The preconcentrator collector is used in conjunction with a sensor in an SAW/GC detector in the apparatus. A physical parameter associated with the sensor changes in a defined manner upon exposure of the sensor to an unknown vapor, permitting identification of the individual vapor elements. The preconcentrator collector of the invention includes a body portion having an inlet and an outlet, and a stack of collector plates disposed in the body portion. The collector plates are made of a material that is easily micromachinable and easily cleanable, such as silicon, silica or fused quartz.

Abstract: A protected recording medium generally in the form of a disk and in one embodiment corresponding to a compact disk (CD) is provided with an annular spacer on one side thereof near the periphery thereof that will elevate an exposed downward recordable region of the medium far enough above a flat surface onto which the medium is placed to avoid contact with dust and dirt on that surface. The “upper” surface of the medium is also provided with an annular groove at a radial position corresponding to that of the spacer just noted, whereby two or more such protected recording media can be stacked one upon the other such that lateral movement of one relative to the other will be precluded.

Abstract: The safety and torso positioning apparatus consists of three straps removably anchored to a wheelchair or the like and adjustably fastened to hold the seated occupant and stabilize the occupant's torso in a vertical position.

Abstract: A modular integrated pneumatic connection device adapted for precise location onto an upper platen accepts a printed circuit board (PCB) having the edge connectors thereof facing downwardly therefrom through a slot in that upper platen. The device includes pneumatically operated and spring loaded pistons at opposite ends thereof which interact with a bracket holding the PCB, such that upon placing that upper platen above a lower platen having disposed thereon a test board or the like including printed circuit board connectors that are in alignment with those PCBS, application of pneumatic pressure forces the edge connectors of those PCBs in the upper platen into the PCB connectors disposed on the test board or the like on the lower platen, thereby making electrical contact for testing and similar purposes, i.e., as a “Unit Under Test” (UUT). Upon release of the pneumatic pressure, the PCB is withdrawn from that connection by operation of the above-mentioned springs.

Abstract: A digital concatenator, the operation of which is triggered by the sequential arrival of a series of n-bit bytes thereto, accepts such sequential n-bit bytes and, by directing those n-bit bytes into sequentially identified n-bit channels, concatenates those n-bit bytes into (n×m)-sized words, where m is a pre-selected integral number of said n-bit bytes that are desired to be concatenated within an (n×m)-sized output buffer into a resultant sequence of (n×m)-sized words. The sequential identification of those n-bit bytes is brought about by a cyclical counter incorporated within a data enumerator that counts off the arrival of each n-bit byte and appends a corresponding position bit or byte to each one thereof. Each successive reading of the output of the concatenator is triggered by the arrival at that output buffer through an mth channel of an mth n-bit byte. The concatenator similarly operates on single bits so as to serve as a serial to parallel converter of arbitrarily selectable size.

Abstract: A cap useful for protecting against either rainwater or shower water is at least partially of transparent material that can hang down over the front of the face, the cap body portion including air vents over which flaps to keep out water are disposed. The cap further includes an integral hair pouch into which long hair, such as a pony tail, may be placed to protect that hair likewise from water. The pouch with contained hair can be allowed to hang down the back, or alternatively a hair pouch in the form of an arc within the cap interior may be used to contain the long hair or pony tail within an arc surrounding the upper neck, and leaving the lower neck and shoulders uncovered. Either of such embodiments is easily pressed into a flattened form and placed into an envelope of appropriate size so as to permit convenient storage using a minimum of shelf space.

Abstract: A self-contained gold separation kit adapted for easy carrying using a shoulder strap uses a single-spring rocker assembly for agitation of stream bed materials for separation of gold. The main kit elements include a sluice box, material tower and collector tray that are contained for carrying within a box, and in use those elements are then rotatably mounted above the carrying box. That box also serves to contain a quantity of water to be used repeatedly in washing out the bed materials, hence the device can be used at a distance away from stream bed. The weight of that water also serves to prevent the device as a whole both from moving about while being rocked and from tipping over. A dipper is included for dipping water over the bed materials, and also a gold pan for the final separation of the gold and a collector tray for collecting tailings from the gold separation.

Abstract: An incandescent bulb having a looped filament within an evacuated bulb containing a gas mixture including a halogen employs magnetic means external to the bulb to provide inductive heating of the filament so that there are no connections passing through the bulb envelope. Alternative embodiments include a toroidal bulb wherein a second arm of a magnetic circuit passes normally through the center of the bulb toroid, alternating voltage excitation being supplied to a first arm of the magnetic circuit; and an elliptical bulb that is disposed between oppositely facing ends of a two-part second magnetic arm that is similarly excited. In a further embodiment, an additional arm of the magnetic circuit serves to form a non-uniform field in the vicinity of the filament, thereby to provide a lift force against the force of gravity so as to minimize filament sagging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computer security both as to unauthorized remote access thereto and unauthorized local use of selected components thereof are provided. As to re , the communications system of the computer is first disabled as a whole by internal hardware means, and then additional hardware means are provided that can be used locally to enable selected communications operations such as data transmissions to remote sites. As to unauthorized local use of selected components, hardware is provided that includes a preselected password that must be duplicated by an operator before the selected component can be used, wherein that duplication requirement cannot be bypassed by programming means.

Abstract: A vice jig that can accommodate a multiplicity of similarly sized and shaped work pieces provides by a hydraulic piston mechanism an even pressure on all such work pieces upon closure of the vice, in spite of variations in the specific sizes of those work pieces and of the cavities in which the work pieces are held. the invention can accommodate a number of work pieces that is fewer than the number of cavities provided therefor, without there occurring any ejection of any such pistons or of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A laser arbor is provided that will display a cutting line on a work piece to be cut by a rotary saw. The laser is operated by a centrifugal switch mounted within the laser arbor along with a laser diode or the like and a battery. Because of the rotation of the laser with the blade and the persistence of the human eye, the moving light spot from the laser appears as a single line, hence it is not necessary as in the prior art to produce light divergence in the plane parallel to the blade plane. For that purpose, it is preferable to employ a light source having a wavelength that lies in a region to which the eye is sensitive, which in practice will typically mean a wavelength in the upper region of the red. Placement of the laser inwardly from the cutting surface of the blade eliminates the danger of any damage occurring to the laser as a result of debris from the cutting process.

Abstract: A flexible protector ring is provided that can be "snapped" onto the outer periphery of a disc-like recording medium, wherein the outer periphery of the recording medium fits into an annular slot on the inner surface of the protector ring, and the dimension of the protector ring in the direction normal to the plane of that medium/protector ring combination is sufficient to raise the exposed inward and downward surface of the medium far enough above a flat surface onto which the combination is placed to avoid contact with dust and dirt on the table top. The "upper" surface of the protector ring is provided with an annular slot or groove, and the "lower" surface of the protector ring is provided with an annular tip sized to fit within that annular slot or groove of a second protector ring, whereby two or more such medium/protector ring combinations can be stacked one upon the other such that lateral movement of one relative to the other will be precluded.

Abstract: A riding toy for children includes safety shields and end plates to prevent access to a set of longitudinal springs that provides a restoring force when the toy is "ridden." Also, the use of wide vertical struts that rotate about axes passing there-through near to a side thereof causes contact to occur between a strut corner and the base of the toy at the lower end thereof, and between a strut corner and the bottom of the riding structure at the top thereof, thus to provide a natural limit to the degree to which the riding structure can be thrust forward or backward, and thereby serving to prevent tipping the toy entirely over. Such a limitation of motion can also be obtained by contact of upper and lower corners of the safety shields and the riding structure or base, respectively, or between mutually facing sides of the struts on either or both sides of the riding toy.