Abstract: A method and a device for automatically calibrating a light intensity measurement device is disclosed. The device includes an optical switch for switching a route of output from an optical intensity modulator, an optical attenuator arranged on a first waveguide, a second waveguide, a light intensity measurement device, a control device for receiving light intensity information measured by the light intensity measurement device and controlling the signal to be applied to the optical intensity modulator, and a signal source for receiving a control signal of the control device and adjusting the signal to be applied to the optical intensity modulator.

Abstract: A method of remotely interfacing with at least one player in a rule-based game over a communication medium operatively connected to one or more communication devices including a visual display wherein each player is associated with a communication device, includes visually displaying at one or more of the communication devices a form comprising a two-dimensional matrix having a cell at the juncture of each row and column and where each cell may be manipulated to reflect a game choice by the player, retrieving by a server each game choice made by the player before any subsequent game choice is made by the player, applying the rules of the game to determine what further game choices are available to the player based upon the game choices retrieved, generating a revised form reflecting game choices made by the player and game choices which are available for the player to make, transmitting the revised form to the communication device being used by the player, and visually displaying the revised form at the commu

Abstract: A tamper resistant safety gun lock (20) utilizes a case (22) having opposing sidewalls (24, 26) and at least one lateral wall (42, 48, 62) to inhibit access to crucial components of a firearm (28). A plurality of gun anchor posts (34) are selectively positionable inside of the case (22), so that the case (22) may be adapted for different types of firearms (28). The gun anchor posts (34) are held in a perforated plate (74) and have a flat disk (68) at one end which is held between the perforated (74) plate and one of the sidewalls. Because the flat disk (68) is held between the perforated plate (74) and one of the sidewalls the gun anchors (34) are generally inaccessible from the exterior of the case. The tamper resistant safety gun lock (20) is provided with a lock mechanism (32) which utilizes a catch (100) extending inwardly from a lateral lock wall. (48). The catch (100) is covered to make the case (22) difficult to pry open.

Abstract: A canister adapted to receive food or a beverage container for insertion into a chilling vessel such as an ice bucket comprising a sleeve member and a base member adapted to support the canister within an appropriate chilling vessel. The base member has a transverse portion extending outwardly from the periphery of the sleeve member which extends upwardly from the base member and has an open upper end through which food or a beverage container can be inserted and withdrawn. The sleeve is provided with a cap having a transverse closure member at least partially closing the upper end of the sleeve and a downwardly depending skirt which is configured to fit around the upper periphery of the sleeve member in order to hold the cap member in place on the sleeve. At least one flow channel provides for fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the canister.

Abstract: Method and display for training and other uses, which may be in the form of a special video, diorama, or print format. The preferred embodiment shows a bright visual image against a dark background. This invention is particularly useful in the Illusion Apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,312 and in an electronic system also disclosed.

Abstract: By a new configuration which more efficiently controls illumination, it is possible to make a mirror dissolve illusion which uses less power than those previously known in the art. A reflector and lamp assembly is provided in front of a partially reflective and partially transparent (one-way) mirror to direct light to a viewer via the one-way mirror. The technique includes use of a backlit wall pattern and a reflective floor surface along with a mirror of reduced density.

Abstract: A collection chamber for fluids and a wide diameter pathway for the removal of air due to leaks from the lung after operation or injury to the contents of the thorax is described. The collection chamber is provided with ports for the attachment of tubing extending from the chest cavity and for connection to a vacuum pump. A water level control vacuum regulator is integral with the chamber which allows a parallel pathway for the removal of large volumes of air from the pleural space without the necessity of a high vacuum. A one-way valve is provided which is open during the drainage mode but which closes during the respiratory inhilation mode to prevent the back flow of air or fluid into the pleural space. In the event of vacuum pump failure, a pressure relief valve is provided to relieve excess positive pressure within the collection chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved insulation material which comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of inorganic, non-flammable, fibrous material and discrete particles of expanded amorphous glass.

Abstract: A variable resistor includes a low-friction contact such as a ball or roller, which may be stabilized by a magnet or trough.

Abstract: A figure placed into a first unit and watched through a transparent door is made to disappear and simultaneously to reappear in a remote second unit from which it may be removed. The first unit, also referred to as the sending unit, comprises a housing which includes a multi-chamber turntable which can contain one or more figures. A door in the first unit includes a half silvered mirror and an additional chamber so that a figure in a turntable chamber can be made to seem to dissolve and disappear. A second multi-chamber unit, also referred to as a receiving unit, substantially identical to the first, is connected to the first unit by wires. Selected chambers of the second unit are filled with figures substantially identical to the figures to be sent by the first unit. Initially, a first figure is placed into the first unit. The transparent door closes and locks and the figure seems to dissolve by the transfer of lighting to the additional chamber in the door.