Abstract: A Miniature Remote Control System (10) that overcomes the problems encountered by previous remote control devices is disclosed. The present invention uses a remote emitter (12) which integrates a radio transmitter circuit (60) in a small housing (34) that plugs into an existing lighter receptacle (28) in a vehicle (V). When pushed down, the remote emitter (12) transmits a coded serial pulse train (16) to a remote receiver (14) up to 200 feet away. The pulse train (16) has a unique code (20) (one of 19,683) on a 380 MHz carrier frequency. The remote receiver (14) processes the pulse train (16), and extracts the serial transmitter code (20). The transmitter code (20) is then compared to the preset receiver code (22), and, if a match is found, a relay (104) is triggered. When activated, the relay (104) can be used to operate external devices (ED), including garage doors (GD), security gates (SG), burglar alarms (SA), exterior lights (EL) or interior lights (IL).

Abstract: A MicroMount™ System for providing reliable, self-aligning connections to external fluid-handling or fluid-sensing components is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a generally miniaturized rectilinear body (102) that includes a plurality of exterior side walls (103). The upper wall (104) has a port (108) which is configured to connect to an external component. The end of the same port (108) which extends to the lower wall (105) is connected to an external passageway (107). The rectilinear body (102) does not require holes or fasteners that fit into holes, since it employs a number of posts (110) that project from the body (102) to secure the body (102) to an external component.

Abstract: A Self-Aligning SmartStrate™ for providing reliable, self-aligning connections to external fluid-handling or fluid-sensing components is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a generally rectilinear body (102) that includes a plurality of exterior side walls (103). One of the exterior side walls (103) has a weld extension (106B) which may be welded to an external tube. The upper wall (104) has a port (108) which is configured to connect to an external component. The rectilinear body (102) has at least one internal passageway (107) which runs from the weld extension (106B) to the port (108). The rectilinear body (102) does not require holes or fasteners that fit into holes, since it employs a number of posts (110) that project from the body (102) to secure the body (102) to an external component.

Abstract: A Multi-Electrode Welding System for performing high-precision welding and joining is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention comprises a sealed chamber (13) which is enclosed by a weld head frame (11), a removable lid (12) and a chamber base (14). A generally tubular workpiece (not shown) is placed in a pair of semi-annular inserts (16) and extends into the sealed chamber (13), which is filled with an inert gas. In one embodiment, a weld head rotor (18) revolves around the longitudinal axis defined by the workpiece, and controls the motion of an inside electrode (24A) and an outside electrode (24B), which are held by inside and outside electrode holders (20 & 22). Arc welding is performed by the electrodes (24A & 24B) as they revolve around the workpiece. Inside and outside welding may be performed simultaneously. The invention provides for precise control of the relative position of the electrodes, allowing one electrode to trail the other.

Abstract: Methods and liquified dietary supplements for enhancing and maintaining the health of birds are disclosed. The invention also includes dietary supplements which are intended to promote avian well-being by providing a daily regimen of two specifically designed formulas. The Healthy Bird.TM. Sunrise Formula is a morning supplement which furnishes quick energy, and maintains the natural acid base balance of the bird. The Healthy Bird.TM. Sunset Formula is an evening supplement which enables the bird to begin its rest cycle. Both preparations are novel compositions which furnish highly nutritional dietary regimens for domesticated birds.

Abstract: "Methods and apparatus for producing enhanced ultrasound images of portions of the human body while utilizing the beneficial effects of floatation are disclosed." Although the method is especially useful for generating images of the female breast, tissues of the male abdomen and testicles may also be imaged using the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a patient relaxes while substantially immersed in hot water. When the breast is submerged, the buoyancy of the breast tissue in the water counteracts the effects of gravity. The buoyancy of the water enhances the capacity of an ultrasound sensor which is also submerged to form an image of the body tissues which may be employed to detect abnormalities.

Abstract: A Cutting & Boring Tool which is capable of performing both conventional milling and high-precision automated machining operations is disclosed. One preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a compact Boring Mill (200) which includes five independently controlled and operated drive mechanisms: a spindle rotation motor (202) for rotating a spindle (208), a Z-axis spindle drive motor (204), a tool bit advance mechanism (206) which functions like a continuously variable transmission and which regulates the radial advance of a tool bit (211) and X-and-Y axis motors (218, 220), which provide motion along the side-to-side (X) and front-to-back axes (Z). A variety of tool bits (211) may be employed to drill, bore and form internal and external contours in a workpiece (212) made from metal, plastic or a composite material. The invention is extremely useful as part of an integrated CNC Machining System.

Abstract: An examination of a portion of the body, such as a female breast, is conducted in the relaxing environment of floatation. When submerged, the buoyancy of the breast tissue counteracts the effects of gravity, and enhances the examiner's ability to detect abnormalities. While the breast is immersed in warm water, a constricted portion of the breast tissue is examined with the fingers. Forming this constricted three-dimensional projection of tissue is quite different from the generally flat or planar, circular rubbing motions advocated by more conventional methods of breast examination. Although the method is especially useful for conducting a self-examination of the female breast, tissues of the male abdomen and testicles may also be examined using the present invention.

Abstract: A Computer Controlled Modular Power Supply for Precision Welding (10) that overcomes the problems encountered by previous power supplies is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes an enclosure (100) which holds a Computer Control Module (400), a Welding Power Module (500) and an Electrical Power Module (600). These modules are removable, interchangeable and may be used in any combination. The Computer Control Module (400) includes a microprocessor (406) which is programmed using a color LCD display with a touch screen (300) mounted on one side of the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an 80486 chip is used to run a Microsoft.TM. Windows.TM. Operating System and proprietary, user-friendly software developed by Creative Pathways, Inc. of Torrance, Calif. that controls welding operations. The Welding Power Module (500) includes four removable drawers (502) which each contain an individual power unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elegant automotive accessory which includes a fortified, rigid projection (23) capable of bearing a substantial load such as an integral extended ledge, surface, lever or lip on one portion of a license plate frame (12) mounted on a vehicle such as a car, van or truck. This fortified, rigid projection or surface (23) provides a safe, convenient handle that is especially designed to enable the user to open and to close a trunk deck lid (DL) of an automobile (A). Although the preferred embodiment (10F) of the present invention utilizes an integral load-bearing projecting surface (23F) formed into a license plate frame (12), alternative embodiments may employ separate handles (28) or knobs (40). These separate rigid and firmly-coupled projections that are not integrally formed with a license plate frame may be directly coupled or affixed to other portions of the door which it will be used to open and close.

Abstract: A Method for Supplying Industrial Gases Using Integrated Bottle Controllers that overcomes the problems encountered by previous gas cabinet equipment is disclosed. The present invention comprises a compact and virtually explosion-proof controller (10) that is anchored securely to the top of a standard gas bottle (12). The entire system resides within a housing (11) that sits atop a conventional gas bottle (12) that would normally be enclosed within a gas cabinet (25) that may be sixty times the volume of the present invention. The controller (10) includes a housing (11) that has a top or lid (14), an upper cylinder (16), an annular wall (18) which forms a seal with the bottle (12). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, filled and cleaned bottles are connected to controllers at a fabrication clean area. The controllers are then operated remotely using a radio frequency or infra-red control. After the bottles are depleted, the controllers are removed and tested. The bottles are then refilled for reuse.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problems encountered by conventional machine tool devices when metals, plastics, composites or other materials are cut. The Sizing Tool is capable of precisely and permanently changing the shape of a tubular workpiece because, unlike conventional static spreaders, it repeatedly bends the workpiece back and forth many times to achieve the desired deformation. The Sizing Tool includes a set of revolving rollers (14) supported by bearings (13) and a mounting plate (12). The roller (14) is capable of engaging either the inside or outside surface of a hollow metal tube (10). The rollers (14) exert force on the end of the tube (10) having a circular cross-section in a configuration that resembles a polygon inscribed in a circle. As the rollers (14) are moved toward the workpiece (10), the workpiece is gradually deformed as it moves farther into the inclined surface presented by each roller (14).

Abstract: The Floatation Enhanced Self-Examination System comprises apparatus and methods for performing a finger tip examination of portions of the human body that exploits the beneficial effects of floatation. Although the method is especially useful for conducting a self-examination of the female breast, tissues of the male abdomen and testicles may also be examined using the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a patient relaxes while substantially immersed in hot water. When the breast is submerged, the buoyancy of the breast tissue in the water counteracts the effects of gravity. The buoyancy of the water enhances the ability of the patient herself or a second person to test the breast tissue to detect abnormalities. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention called the Finger Walk.SM., the examination is performed utilizing a random, repetitive, palpitating pressure using the tips of the examiner's finger.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problems encountered by conventional machine tool devices when specialty metals such as titanium, Inconel.TM. and stainless steel are sized, cut or welded. The Sizing Tool is capable of precisely and permanently changing the shape of a tubular workpiece because, unlike conventional static spreaders, it repeatedly bends the workpiece back and forth many times to achieve the desired deformation. The Sizing Tool includes a set of revolving rollers (14) supported by bearings (13) and a mounting plate (12). The roller (14) is capable of engaging either the inside or outside surface of a hollow metal tube (10). The rollers (14) exert force on the end of the tube (10) having a circular cross-section in a configuration that resembles a polygon inscribed in a circle. As the rollers (14) are moved toward the workpiece (10), the workpiece is gradually deformed as it moves farther into the inclined surface presented by each roller (14).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for assisting a person perform a self-examination of various body parts including the breasts (B) are disclosed. One of the preferred embodiments of the invention is designed to be used in the privacy of the home shower, either in a standing or seated position. A preferred embodiment (10) includes a pouch ring (12) attached to both a back panel (13) and to the upper portion (14a) of a generally cylindrical, flexible and waterproof retainer pouch (14). The pouch (14) is designed to hold a volume of fluid against the torso below the breasts (B). Although many different fluids may be used to implement the invention, the preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes water (W). Shoulder straps (16) connected to the pouch ring (12) help to bear the weight of the water (W) from the shower head (SH) which fills the pouch (14). The shoulder straps (16) may each include two sections (17) of Velcro.TM. fabric which make the device (10) easier to wear.

Abstract: A Modular Bottle-Mounted Gas Management System (10) that overcomes the problems encountered by previous gas cabinet equipment is disclosed. The present invention comprises a complete gas manifold (22) that includes computer-controlled valves, actuators, regulators and transducers. The entire system resides within a housing (11) that sits atop a conventional gas bottle (12) that would normally be enclosed within a gas cabinet (25) that is many times the volume of the Modular Bottle-Mounted Gas Management System 10. Outside the housing (11), an upper control panel (13) contains an LCD display (14) and a lower control panel (15) holds a keypad control (16), a removable data pack (17), LED indicator lights (18), and an emergency shut-off switch (19). Inside the housing (11), a bottle neck (20) protrudes up from the gas bottle (12) and provides a connection for a supply of gas within it to a gas manifold (22).

Abstract: Three embodiments of MicroCube Interconnection Hardware are disclosed: the MicroVac Vacuum Generator, the MicroControl Module, and the MicroSensor. Each embodiment is a combination of a MicroCube Precision Fitting and Various enhancements which provide precision control, regulation, or measurement of flows of gas or liquid in a semiconductor fabrication environment. The Microcube Precision Fitting is a substantially cubical unitary body that includes a central chamber and at least one external port. Each port comprises an annular counterbored step surrounded by a support wall which both enclose an aperture that extends into the central chamber. The MicroVac Vacuum Generator is a combination of a MicroCube Precision Fitting and three appendages: an inlet, a contaminant port, and an outlet. A first stage fits inside the inlet and is disposed coaxially to a second stage that resides within the outlet.

Abstract: A method of arc welding is disclosed. Specifically, a method of pulsed direct current (DC) arc welding is disclosed wherein special pulses of positive direct current are used to weld together work pieces. The special DC pulses are capable of dissipating difficult to reduce oxides which may be present on the surfaces of the work pieces without using a flux. The method is especially useful for fluxless arc welding of aluminum, particularly thin wall aluminum tubing used in making heat exchangers for air conditioning systems.

Abstract: An orbiting welding head for welding tubing and the like together. A U-shaped tube clamp unit has a pair of jaws in which two tubing sections to be welded together are held with the edges of such tubing sections in abutment against each other. A welder unit is incorporated in a cassette having a housing with an electrically non-conductive outer wall portion. This cassette is inserted into the U-shaped tube clamp and removably joined thereto by means of a locking ring. The welder unit has a welding electrode which protrudes from a horseshoe shaped rotatable electrode drive member. This drive member has a ball bearing support which comprises a plurality of ball members which protrude from the rotatable drive member at the opposite side faces thereof and which ride in respective grooved races formed in the main body of the cassette. The drive member is rotatably driven by means of a motor driven gear train.

Abstract: A metallic body is formed to have a clearance fit up into a reamed and spot faced tube extended through, and welded to a tubesheet. The form of the body provides a lip which functions to limit the distance the body can be inserted into the tube and supply filler material at the weld zone between the body and the tube.