Abstract: A novel switchable tail-cap illuminator with power supply which adds onto, or replaces a standard tail cap at the end of a flashlight and provides a secondary illumination source, with switchable separate power supply for independent use or for simultaneous illumination with the flashlight.

Abstract: Techniques for ultrahigh density writing on an erasable magnetic medium include using a micromachined mechanism having two probes for writing to the medium. Use of the two probe embodiment eliminates the need to change the magnetic orientation of the probe. In another embodiment, a single probe is provided which is heated to the vicinity of its Curie temperature to enable the magnetic orientation of the probe to be switched. The probe may be heated to its Curie temperature through the use of a heating element or a focused laser. In another embodiment of the present invention, either the magnetic orientation of the probe or the magnetic orientation of the medium may be switched through the combination of a static magnetic field, a radio frequency magnetic field and, under certain circumstances, the magnetic field of the probe. In all cases, the writing techniques enable information to be written to a magnetic medium in a manner which enables the information to be erased and the medium rewritten.

Abstract: A portable or stationary light shaping system which can shape a variety of light sources via a series of selectable & moving output specific light shaping optical elements which produces a controlled and precise composite illumination of optical outputs.

Abstract: A removable over-the-door suspending scratching device for cats which is self-dampening and provides a large volume scratching surface without requiring floor space for a base, which encourages a pet to scratch at and climb the device rather than upholstered furniture. A track suspending a raised rolling target may also be formed as part of the scratching device.

Abstract: A secondary or redundant battery supply which nests in-line in a tubular or oval housing. The present invention also provides for a flashlight or flashlight laser illuminator with a secondary or redundant battery supply.

Abstract: A multi-apertured enclosure having one or more rolling target objects located therein. A plurality of slotted openings, of a fixed maximum diameter, which provide access for multiple cat paws, at a great variety of angles and configurations to attack the targets, external replaceable targets, scratching surfaces and refillable catnip dispensing reservoirs may be added which encourage the cat to play on its own.

Abstract: A removable anchor for suspending a pet toy and exercise device under the bottom of an existing dwelling door to allow the pet to interact with the pet toy and exercise and play by itself, the device comprises a durable removable door anchor, supporting a variety of interchangeable wands, teases, scratching surface and track-ball enclosures all of which encourage a pet to interact "on its own" with the device.

Abstract: As a lubricant for cold-working of metal there is provided on the surface of the metal to be subjected to working a solid film of a saturated aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 14 to 18 carbon atoms. After the metal has been worked, the solid lubricant may be removed by heating without causing staining of the metal surface. The solid lubricant film may additionally contain from 1 to 10% by weight of a polybutene, petroleum jelly or butyl stearate to modify the properties of the lubricant film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (400) manages a current data symbol received by a receiver (122) in a frame of data of a time diversity communication system (102, 104). A symbol counter (402) counts a signal (404) from a symbol clock synchronized to the frame of data to provide a count of the current data symbol, and a bit line translator (416) maps a current address from the count. A conditional processor (434) derives a selected memory address from the current address. Then, based upon the current address, a comparator (424) makes a choice among (a) storing the current data symbol in a memory at the selected memory address, (b) merging the current data symbol with an earlier received data symbol stored at the selected memory address during an earlier frame of data, and (c) ignoring the current data symbol.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a computer system housing embodying the invention incorporates a frame upon which the components of the computer system are mounted. The frame has a base, a main unit secured to the frame, and a front compartment, for mounting mass storage unit therein, swingably positioned on the main unit. A housing adapted for supporting a central processor unit and a power supply of the computer system is removable disposed in the main unit. The frame and the housing are provided with all pneumatic connections so that air for cooling various components of the computer system may be brought over such components by the action of a fan mounted on the base. Thus, internally generated heat in such components can be readily dissipated by the air flow over such components. The frame and the housing are adapted so that the components of the computer system positioned therein are accessible with relative ease so that they are installed, replaced, and repaired easily.

Abstract: An improved thick film sensor for detection of magnetic bubble domains which can be configured to provide soft error detection and full data rate sensing. The sensor can be fabricated using single level masking techniques and is typically a magnetoresistive sensor comprised of NiFe. In its basic configuration, the sensor is comprised of two sets of magnetoresistive elements, each set including a sensor element and a dummy element, where both the sensor element and the dummy element provide a signal due to the bubble domain to be sensed. The magnetoresistive elements are arranged in a bridge circuit to give full data rate sensing and soft error detection. In a preferred embodiment, chevron expander-detectors are used, although the geometry of the sensor and dummy elements is not limited to chevron-type geometries.

Abstract: A nucleator for producing reverse magnetized domains in an amorphous magnetic material capable of supporting such domains. The nucleator is comprised of a current carrying conductor whose current carrying path includes a portion of the amorphous magnetic medium. The amount of current which flows through the conductor and through the amorphous medium is sufficient to nucleate magnetic domains therein. The nucleator can be fabricated as a portion of magnetic elements used to move bubble domains in an amorphous magnetic material and can be implemented using single level metallurgy. Thus, a current conducting nucleator is provided in which current flows through the bubble material itself.