Abstract: An adaptable mounting plate is secured to and thereby combined with a stilt boot plate. The mounting plate pivotally couples a quick-release ratcheting strap and an adjustable arched heel backer to the stilt boot plate. The mounting plate and backer keep a user's feet in correct position, thereby providing both lateral and forward stability needed during movement. The pivotal quick release ratcheting strap simultaneously drives the user's heel into the arched heel backer, ensuring a secure coupling therebetween, and draws the user's shoe or boot tightly down against the stilt boot plate. The toe strap is also preferably a quick-release ratcheting strap, and is preferably attached in existing toe strap mounting holes. Likewise, the upper calf support utilizes the same type of quick-release ratcheting strap as the ankle, and is preferably mounted with nylon lock nuts through mounting holes on the calf support.

Abstract: A spray control device for aerosol cans is provided having three or more dispensing positions. The positions in the preferred embodiment include “automatic” for continuous spray, “manual” for normal push-button control, and “off” to prevent spraying. Adjustment between the various positions is achieved by rotation of a centrally located, floating spray button device that nests on top of an aerosol can. The central spray button device floats within a can coupling ring to accommodate any misalignment between the spray control device and spray can, and movement of the central spray button device is guided by a pin and track combination for predictable and repeatable control over paint or other fluid application. A guide ring is press-fit into the can coupling ring, and both act as a part of the guide track for the central spray button device. The guide ring may optionally be removable to permit complete disassembly and cleaning.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a generally open-frame storage rack having a pair of overhead bridging lifts, each lift further having a pair of side opposed cables extending therefrom. The framework for the storage rack is fabricated using stock automotive exhaust components, which yields a synergistic combination of ready reforming, substantial strength, low weight, and excellent corrosion and chemical resistance. The preferred rack structure is assembled from sufficiently short lengths to enable shipment using standard commercial carriers and rates. Additional novel features and combinations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped multiple drop traction (MDT) apparatus percussively moves at low frequencies and through displacement great enough to induce discontinuous displacement between adjacent cervical vertebrae. The MDT rests on a fixed surface beneath a patient's shoulders. A head traction applicator applies a traction force to a patient's head, and preferably a cushion is provided under the patient's head. The MDT has a motive power source mounted on a static base plate. The motive power source turns an eccentric shaft carrying bearings thereupon, and these bearings are coupled through contact pads to a vibrating plate that is pivotal with respect to the static base plate. Cushions couple the vibrating plate to the patient's back, and yet leave the spinal column unsupported and also displaced from direct contact with the vibrating plate. Additional synergy is obtained with smaller amplitude vibration therapy applied simultaneously to the cervical vertebrae region.

Abstract: An adjustable racing injector injects fuel by carrying out an opening and closing of a fuel orifice in a valve seat. The fuel orifice is controlled by a signal, typically provided by an engine control unit, which energizes a magnetic circuit including coil which in turn will effect movement of a needle. The adjustable racing injector is field reconfigurable and may be provided as discrete components, or may be provided as an assembly together with a collection of replaceable components that are designed to controllably alter the performance of an engine to which the injector is attached. Performance components that may be readily replaced in the field are preferably provided with visual indicia that indicate specific performance characteristics.

Abstract: A Halo Posture head weight is comprised of two consecutive rings. A lower ring is hollow and conformal while also being shape-sustaining to fit comfortably around the skull at approximately the level of the forehead. An upper ring has metal shot in the forward half to apply weight load at the frontal section of the head. Both rings have adjustable closures at the back of the head for a comfortable, adjustable, and secure fit. Additional pads are provided for coupling extra weight, to permit correction of tilt or adjustment of weight loading. In a preferred embodiment, the rings are fabricated from a single strip of double-backed neoprene that is formed using two longitudinally extensive stitch lines, and an additional resilient fabric bag is provided for securing the metal shot in the upper ring.

Abstract: A heterodyne motor weight motor that uses at least a centripetal acceleration to selectively increase or decrease rotational speed or power. The heterodyne comprises a central rotary body and at least one orbital body revolving about said central rotary body. The orbital body additionally rotates about an orbital body axis, and carries at least one or preferably a plurality of rotating eccentric masses.

Abstract: Methods are presented which improve the performance of semi and fully automatic paintball guns include sensing paintball and gun bolt position during loading to coordinate and pace the gun for maximum automatic feed rate and minimal chopping. In addition, methods are presented for indicating a need for servicing through an alarm when the magazine nears empty based upon various conditions such as sensed magazine feed rate fall-off. Additional apparatus are discussed for carrying out the methods, and for performance of other tasks such as selection of pre-wind in spring-type forced-feed loaders.

Abstract: A portable space heater is combined with a compact and collapsible rack that may be folded, stored and transported adjacent with, in the outline of, and supported by the portable space heater. The rack may be removed from the storage position, unfolded, and coupled to a protective grid found on the face of the portable space heater. The rack positively engages with this grid using bifurcated legs that swivel about a main support surface. The bifurcated legs intertwine with the protective grid in such a way as to prevent the rack from collapsing, even when impacted with substantial force. The main support surface of the rack is vertically displaced from the space heater heating element, so that food or beverage is much less likely to contaminate the heating element.

Abstract: In combination, vertically percussive vibration and non-symmetrical forces are applied to a patient. The non-symmetrical forces may be generated by a variety of unevenly applied weights that are supported at appropriate body locations in a manner that upsets normal body load symmetry. The non-symmetrical forces in combination with vertically percussive vibrations induce neuromusculoskeletal proprioceptive re-education and development within a living body to correct musculo-skeletal disorders including but not limited to scoliosis. A special posture modifying chair and head-orienting glasses may be used instead of or in addition to unevenly applied weights. An additional force concentrating treatment apparatus is also presented.

Abstract: A hand-propelled or vehicle-towed convertible deer cart incorporates side walls that are locked vertically when collapsed to a first geometry of very small size for storage and transport, and also when readily reconfigured for use as a larger transport cart or trailer. When further reconfigured for use as a hunting stand, the side walls are pivoted from vertical to horizontal and form a part of a larger platform in combination with the cart bed. A pair of ladders may be stored within the cart bed when configured as a transport cart. The ladders are pivoted about their longitudinal axis to convert to the larger transport cart, and then extended to full-length ladders in the hunting stand geometry.

Abstract: A low-cost minimal-loss zero-maintenance flywheel battery, to store electric power from a DC power source by conversion to kinetic energy, and regenerate electric power as needed. Its vertical spin-axis rotor assembly is supported axially by repelling annular permanent magnets, and is centered by ceramic ball bearings which have axial preload that prevents vibration and augments axial rotor support. A regenerative multi-pole permanent-magnet motor, controlled by its 2-phase stator current, and connected by power and signal conductors to power interface electronics, is integrated within the flywheel assembly, in a vacuum enclosure supported by a self-leveling structure. Sinusoidal 2-phase stator currents are controlled by high-frequency pulse-width-modulated H-bridge power electronics that draw and regenerate controlled DC current with minimal ripple, responsive to respective 2-phase rotation angle sensors, the DC power voltage, and other settings.

Abstract: Compositions and methods to inhibit dry eye as well as other conditions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides reusable envelope structures and methods of use thereof. In preferred aspects, the present invention provides envelope structures in which a single envelope structure can provide multiple uses.

Abstract: A rack with retractable drawers for the bed of a pick-up includes a rack adapted to be supported by the side wall; a drawer brace held by the rack above the truck bed; and a drawer attached to the drawer brace. The drawer extends from and retracts into the rack so as to be accessible from outside of the truck bed. One or more drawers may extend out the sides of the pickup or out the tail gate area.

Abstract: A siphon is adapted for thoroughly cleaning fluid vessels such as recreational vehicle water heaters. The siphon is capable of elevating discharge waste fluid to water heads greater than a water head present within the recreational vehicle water heater through the a transfer of kinetic energy provided by a pressurized fluid source, thereby obviating any need for undesirable electrical, chemical, or other mechanical power sources. An inlet couples pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source. A divider splits the pressurized fluid between a jet port outlet and a tank flush source conduit. A variety of different cleaning attachments may be selected to terminate the tank flush source conduit. A siphon return conduit is in one preferred embodiment concentrically arranged about the tank flush source conduit and is operative to carry waste fluid from the recreational vehicle water heater, with the cleaning attachment protruding from the siphon return conduit.

Abstract: An Intermodal container, also known as an ISO Ocean Freight Container is suitable for the dual purposes of bio-containment and also Intermodal shipping. Provision is made for the introduction of water, oxygen or other liquids or gasses to be treated into the container, for exit of liquids or gasses generated or converted in the container, and for the monitoring of biological processes occurring within the container, all in a liquid impervious container. Improved air ducts and flow paths are provided, while the effects of shrinkage and channeling are reduced, through a strategically placed and relative percentage of openings through the floor. Further improvements in air distribution are achieved by an elimination or substantial reduction in percentage of opening through the floor in areas immediately adjacent to the container side walls. The flooring incorporates a self-cleaning hole design which increases in diameter with increasing distance from the container contents.