Abstract: The method and means for enhancing productivity of video telecommunication systems interrelating conferees at physically separated stations that involves the preconditioning of all conferees utilizing a head band providing left and right temporal leads to a versatile EEG-computer linkage, and speakers linked to a synthetic sound generator, exposing individual conferees to a variable light and sound environment where the colors violet to red are associated with sounds ranging in frequency from low to high by exposing the conferee to the sequential flashing of lights in the order violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, with the associated sounds, and then in the reverse order to thereby stimulate alpha rhythm functioning respectively in the right and left brain hemispheres, repeating such sequential flashing of lights until essentially uniform and synchronized alpha rhythm functioning is achieved in both brain hemispheres, thereby establishing in the EEG-computer linkage a record of the light and sound condit

Abstract: A scoop device comprises a plurality of spring fingers, a string threaded through the ends of said fingers so as to form a polygon-shaped loop, and means for bringing the finger ends together by pulling the string to tighten the loop, such pulling being preferably effected by the upward movement of a sliding member to which is attached a pair of string segments threaded through one of said finger ends. A disposable bag placed between the spread spring fingers with its opening folded over said loop may then be placed over refuse which is scooped up by tightening the loop. The sliding member can then be kept locked in its uppermost position, corresponding to loop closure, and thereafter released to dispose of the bag with its contents. The same device, with or without a bag, may be used to pick up and throw a ball in a new type of sport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for retrieving waste deposits and, more particularly, animal excrement and the like. The device includes an outer tubular shaft having a handle portion formed in the shape of the handle of a walking cane. An inner shaft is concentrically disposed within said outer shaft and is moveable longitudinally with respect thereto. Such longitudinal movement of the inner shaft causes a tension spring to bear against a normally-open hinge which, in the absence of circumferential force thereabout, will exhibit its normally-open position. Longitudinal movement of the inner shaft away from the handle will cause said tension spring to bear against the hinge thus permitting said hinge to open selectably as may be desired. After opening, a throwaway box is attached to the fingers of the hinge and, through an upper movement of the inner shaft, the retrieval of an animal deposit is achieved.

Abstract: A device for retrieving waste deposits particularly animal feces, excrement and the like, comprising a first tubular shaft having a distal or handle end portion and a proximal end portion, the latter terminating in a first stop. A second shaft, concentrically disposed within said first shaft and movable longitudinally with respect thereto, terminates in a second stop positioned outwardly of said first stop. Longitudinal movement of the second shaft causes a pair of opposed frame members rotatably mounted in, or attached to the second stop and connected to the first stop by e.g., rods, to opposedly rotate to open or closed positions in jaw-like fashion.