Abstract: A sensor for the seat of a motor vehicle includes a compressible, preferably foam layer disposed between two conductive sheets. In one embodiment, the capacitance between the conductive sheets is measured to determine what and whether an object is disposed on the sensor, while in another application, apertures are formed through the compressible layer to allow the conductive sheets to contact one another through the apertures. One embodiment having relatively low resistivity to produce a short circuit, and another embodiment has higher resistivity in which the magnitude of the change and resistance may be used to determine the nature of an object.

Abstract: Improved curve plotting techniques are disclosed for drawing a substantially smooth curve in real time, from a plurality of sampled points, as the points are sampled, on a point-by-point basis. The curve is substantially smooth in that it has a continuously changing slope of G.sup.1 continuity, as opposed to a slope which changes in a discontinuous or stepwise manner. The curve plotting is performed by representing the x coordinates of the curve using a parametric equation x=?a.sub.x *(t.sup.2)!+?b.sub.x *t!+?c.sub.x !, and by representing the y coordinates of the curve using a second parametric equation y=?a.sub.y *(t.sup.2)!+?b.sub.y *t!+?c.sub.y !, wherein a.sub.x, a.sub.y, b.sub.x, b.sub.y, c.sub.x, and c.sub.y comprise six unknown quantities, and t is a "dummy" valuable. The derivatives of the parametric equations are employed to calculate and to plot the smooth curve.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine of the type having pistons mounted for reciprocatory movement in respective cylinders which are arranged in equally-spaced relationship around a longitudinal axis of rotation, said axis being the axis of rotation of an output shaft passing rotatably and sealably through apertures of respective first and second end plates of a housing within which the pistons and cylinders move as part of a rotatable rotor assembly secured to said output shaft, while the pistons are simultaneously movable reciprocably in the cylinders, cam follower means being associated with each piston and adapted to coact with undulating cam track means around the housing. Cyclical combustion of fuel in the cylinders imparts reciprocation to the pistons with resultant thrust against the cam track means so as to cause rotation of the rotor assembly and output shaft.

Abstract: A cable connector gender changer for SCSI cables allows a male cable connector to connect to another male cable connector. The cable connector gender changer comprises a first metal socket connectable to the male cable connector, a second metal socket connectable to another male cable connector, an intermediate portion for connecting the first and second metal sockets, and a plurality of electrical connections extending from the first metal socket to the second metal socket through the intermediate portion. The dimensions of the sockets comply with SCSI standards, so they can mate with standard SCSI cable connectors. The gender changer has a continuous EMI shield from one socket to the other and is post-molded for appearance.

Abstract: A paper handling device comprises a flexible, substantially U-shaped handle portion having first and second side members, the first and second side members terminating at first and second ends respectively; first and second arms are respectively disposed at the first and second ends and each directed substantially away from the handle portion; first and second tines depend transversely from the first and second arms respectively, the first and second tines extending in a generally parallel relation and normally spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than the spacing between pre-punched holes in the paper. Compressing the handle portion reduces the distance between the tines so as to allow the tines to be inserted into the respective holes in the paper.

Abstract: A method of decorating a firable article which includes the step of mixing a metallic salt with a fuel material which can supply oxygen to the salt in a reaction. This mixture causes complex formation of the salt, characterized by raising the pH of the mixture to at least 5. Additives in the mixture promote stability and provide the required viscosity surface tension and conductivity for use in an ink jet printer. When applying a solution of this mixture onto a firable article by ink jet printing, the mixture is such that upon drying, the mixture reacts to form an oxide of the metal to provide a decorative color pigment on the article.

Abstract: A cable assembly for efficiently connecting together SCSI devices and multi-channel adapters. The cable assembly includes a plurality of cables clamped together by a pass-thru bulkhead assembly, so that the cables can pass through the bulkhead of a cabinet to a multi-channel adapter mounted inside the cabinet. The cables electrically connect to the multi-channel adapter using low profile connectors to maximize the number of connectors that can couple to the adapter and to minimize the amount of clearance required between adapters in the cabinet.

Abstract: A chin activated switch for use in adjusting the movement of a binocular microscope along three orthogonal axes allows the operator to utilize his hands and feet to control other devices. This chin switch contains a plurality of microswitches which are activated by specific movements of the chin. A chin plate upon which the operator's chin rests is connected to a pivot rod and rocker assembly the movement of which actuates the microswitches. These microswitches in turn control motors which move the microscope in the desired directions.

Abstract: A new mechanical shovel adapted for mounting on a vehicle and for shovelling continuously onto a conveyor consists of a plurality of buckets pivotally mounted equidistantly around an axis to two spaced coaxial cam disc members rotatable by a drive about an axis. These two rotatable members are mounted between and each closely adjacent to another respective coaxial cam disc member also coaxial with the axis. The first-mentioned rotatable cam members have a plurality of cam tracks each for a respective bucket, while the second-mentioned cam members each have a single endless bucket-attitude determining cam track. Each bucket has cam followers each of which cooperates with two cam tracks, one on each member, so that the buckets pivot to the required attitude for shovelling and subsequent discharging as they are rotated about the axis. The inclination of the shovelling part of the bucket path can be changed by rotating the second-mentioned cam members about the axis.

Abstract: A one-handed, self-contained, light-weight syringe for use in applying suction during a surgical operation includes a standardized syringe mounted into a longitudinally cut tube with a wheel attached at a right angle to the tube axis. The surgeon-operator, by turning this wheel with his fingers, may operate the syringe and control the amount of suction. The wheel is fastened to a pinion gear which rotates on a fixed shaft causing a rack and syringe plunger to move relative to the syringe barrel. This device allows the syringe barrel to move very smoothly and also enables the surgeon-operator complete freedom of one hand.