Abstract: This invention describes techniques for thwarting terrorists from successfully performing their destructive missions. The suspected person is identified through sniffers that can detect the presence of ammunition and/or chemicals on the person, and produce an electrical signal upon detection, which signal is amplified, closing a relay circuit with a power supply which then is applied to solenoid-operated fluid valves that blast out high pressure air and Mace at the suspect, rendering the suspect temporarily paralyzed, so the suspect can be apprehended. Persons with sniffers also could help detect terrorists and call 911 with a cell phone to alert authorities of danger, and to come to the rescue. Unmarked police vehicles would have both sniffers and fluid valves mounted on all four sides of the vehicle, ready to blast on the suspect and render him disabled, so he can be apprehended.

Abstract: This is a relatively simple load-lifting apparatus, tongs-like in appearance with a larger lower portion for grabbing loads of various sizes. It has two embracing halves, pivoted at a selected distance from the apparatus' top. It is designed to safely and reliably hold a person between its lower portions, without injuring one who may be disabled. Sensors have been added to enable it to sense the distance of the apparatus' lower portions from the object to be scooped up. When in range of the object its lower portions automatically separate, in order not to make contact with it, while being lowered. In its descent the apparatus could sway under the influence of wind gusts, thus not being able to precisely straddle the object to be retrieved. A technique using air bursts from solenoid-operated valves, mounted selectively on the apparatus to reduce the effect of wind-gusts, is provided. Compressed-air tanks are provided to supply the air to the valves.

Abstract: This application of a law in physics discloses relatively uncomplicated techniques for reducing the impact of auto collisions on our highways by providing aid to the motorist in slowing down his vehicle in time to avoid a hard collision, if such is to occur. The vehicle slows down from the blasts of high pressure air emitted from air valves in the auto's front end, producing a reaction of slowing down the vehicle. The blasts of air also aid in pushing the other vehicle out of the way so that the impact if any, would be less severe. The air valves in the auto's front end can be remotely swivable, servo driven, enabling the motorist to direct the air blasts in the direction of the menacing vehicle. The air blasts can be produced automatically from a simple calculation, providing the time in seconds for a collision to occur. If the time is less than a predetermined set value, then the air blasts are automatically turned on.

Abstract: This apparatus is a tongs-like device for remotely scooping up cargo and personnel, comprising two identical elongated members pivoted at a selected distance from the device's top with a pivot pin. The lower portions are curved and vertical with cushions attached to their inner surfaces to enable the apparatus to hold either cargo or a person securely in place.Each inner lower surface has an inflatable pillow with a perforated spongy cushion attached to it and removable for replacement. The cushions' perforations enable a snatched person to breathe easily, thus avoiding any possibility of suffocation, while being hoisted upwards by hoist equipment. A sturdy net is fastened to the shoulders of the lower portions and draped for the person to sit on. In another technique a pliable plastic sheet, having pie-shaped triangular cuts, allows a person to pass through in one direction but not in the reverse direction.

Abstract: This improved cable-scooping hook device with upper and lower portions and with a pivot pin and hubs is better able to snatch and scoop up a load cable than previous designs. Its tongs-like configuration can have a combination of magnetic hammerheads, weights on top and an extension spring to help force its lower portions, including jaws, to separate, when suspended cargo makes a touchdown onto a platform. To ensure that the load cable is snatched, a bar magnet is suspended from one or both hubs of the pivot pin. A ferrous metal load cable is attracted by the suspended magnet and held in place until the device's jaws close, as a load is lifted by the hoist cables. A person holding a long pole with a hook on its end guides the device to the load cable's location. When the hook reaches the load cable, attached to a load, the device is lowered to make contact with it, whereupon the cable is quickly snatched and scooped up, aided by the magnet's attraction.

Abstract: This improved cable-scooping hook device is capable of automatically loading and unloading cargo, used for transporting suspended cargo. It comprises two relatively flat members, pivoted by a pin near their mid-section and weighted on top to help force its lower portions to separate when the cargo is lowered onto a platform and the hoist cable tension is reduced. Its lower mating ends or jaws are protected from high compressive stresses by inwardly protruding hammers. To prevent the hook device from tipping over upon touchdown, at least one swivable tubular support member staddles the device. For secure suspended cargo retention, its lower portions may have an integrated electromagnet producing lines of force when energized to keep its jaws engaged. The weights on top can be reduced using springs to counter the closing torque about the pivot pin, to enable the device's lower portions to disengage automatically.

Abstract: This is a cable-scooping cargo hook device, pivoted near its center and weighted on top to help force its lower portions to automatically separate upon touchdown on a platform to discharge its load cable. By having the device sit on one of its jaws, the device can be made to avoid rescooping a discharged cable, in its simplest version. Also to assist in discharging its load cable are two inwardly protruding extensions with hammerheads, located above the pivot pin. These hammerheads have magnets of like polarity facing each other to produce a repulsive force and cause the device's jaws to open immediately when the hoist cables slacken, a feature to assist in the jaws straddling and scooping up a load cable. Also an electromagnet to perform the same function as the permanent magnets is described. Then a technique involving additional electromagnets enables the device not only to discharge a loaded cable while suspended, but also to improve its automatic loading ability.

Abstract: This is a compact shovel-like apparatus capable of performing many tasks, including digging, scooping up materials dug, and then enabling one to transport such materials to a chosen site, where the materials would be dumped without straining one's back. The apparatus consists of a removable handle, including bicycle-like handle bars, a round tubular member, and a shovel-head, capable of holding an ample quantity of materials. Runners are an integral part of the shovel-head's underneath to enable one to push the apparatus over suitable terrain, without lifting. For transportation over hard surfaces, like concrete sidewalks and streets, wheels are provided, as an option. In one embodiment the shovel-head is perforated to permit liquids to be discharged, while retaining nonliquid substances. This head's perforated surface may have a resilient plastic overlay to prevent liquids and powdery substances from passing through the holes.

Abstract: This is a multi-purpose apparatus capable of digging, scooping up materials, loading and transporting such to a selected site for unloading with automatic loading and unloading features. It comprises two elongated pieces, curved toward each other at lower portions, and pivoted together near their mid-sections with a pivot pin. The ends of their lower portions have teeth that mesh with each other, when closed. A rod-like member with a knob at its upper end is fixed to the pivot pin. In addition, a shorter tubular slide, with a cylindrical prism at one end and a grooved portion at its bottom end, rides up and down the rod-like member. The tubular slide has provision for either an individual or a robot arm to grasp it and manipulate the apparatus for scratching and digging into the material. This provision also enables one to lift and automatically load the loosened materials.

Abstract: The hoist-cable coupling device is tong-like in appearance, pivoted near its center and weighted on top to force its lower portions to automatically separate when lowered onto a platform to discharge its load cable. When lifted, its lower ends are designed to scoop up the load cable. Its lower mating ends are protected from high compressive stresses caused by heavy loads by inwardly protruding extensions with hammerheads, located either above or below the pivoted point. In one version a solenoid with shaft extension and hook to engage an opposing hook is included, for positive load retention. In another version an electromagnet is incorporated into the above hammerheads for accomplishing the positive load retention. Unless voltage is applied to either the solenoid or the electromagnet, its lower mating portions will under no circumstances separate and discharge the load cable suspending a load.

Abstract: This tongslike device for automatically loading and unloading materials, such as dirt or soil, sand, gravel, vegetables, fruit and leaves and even containerized loads, comprises two elongated members, pivoted approximately midway with a pivot pin. The lower portions of the device are flared to enable it to hold more material or larger size containerized loads. Its weight distribution between its upper and lower portions is such that its lower portions will separate automatically at touch down. The ends of its lower portions or jaws may be serrated and sharpened to enable it to dig into the ground or other material for loading. In one version, the device is capable of scooping up a load cable automatically because of the shape of its jaws. The size and shape of its lower portions determine the material or size and shape of the load capable of being scooped up.

Abstract: A hoist cable coupling device comprising a lower scissor-like part and an upper doughnut-shaped part, in which blades of the scissor-like part extend through the ring part and are locked in place when suspending a load. Hoist cables are attached to its upper part and load cables to its lower part. When the locking mechanism is of the magnetic type, it is so designed and so placed in a recess portion of the scissorlike part that it can be removed by personnel with ease whenever so desired. When the locking mechanism is of the solenoid type, it is an integral part of the scissor-like part with its plunger projecting into the same recess as above, when suspending cargo. The plunger is shaped to retract or rotate easily whenever required to unload cargo. In either locking technique, positive load-cable retension is acquired. The device cannot become unlocked by itself and be decoupled without action on the part of personnel.

Abstract: A detachment and coupling device comprising an upper scissor-like part and a lower doughnut-shaped ring part, in which blades of the scissor-like part extend through the ring part and are locked in place. The locking mechanism is either of the magnetic type or of the solenoid type.

Abstract: For electronic experimental breadboards, connections can be made quickly, inexpensively using magnetic connectors. One way to accomplish this is by using hook-up wires with horseshoe- or U-shaped magnets at one or both of its ends. A U-shaped magnet can be inserted onto a cylindrical terminal post and also can be removed quickly with little effort. The magnet would hang on to a ferrous post by magnetic attraction. If the magnet should be of ceramic material and non-conductive, then the magnet would be coated with a conductive paint. To avoid magnets from sticking together, spacers are used, either by attaching plastic wafers or rings to the post or by providing grooves of the proper width in the post itself to receive the magnet. If spring terminals are used, instead of cylindrical posts, then the magnets are disc-shaped and placed on top of a terminal. A projected cylindrical portion at the bottom of each magnet drops into the terminal's central hole to keep the magnet in position centrally.

Abstract: This invention relates to a book-sized, self-contained analog computer, organized to enable an inexperienced person to program readily a differential equation. In this computer permanent circuits are either exposed or indicated as solid lines. Connections between terminals available for patching by the user are shown as dashed lines, so that with the aid of an instruction manual even a beginner can implement quickly a differential equation at the first try.Being small in size, this computer can be placed beside a student's computation sheets to be used for checking solutions arrived at by other means. Because components are inserted by the user without soldering, a user can modify a circuit quickly to suit his needs.