Abstract: A power management system for the control and operation of distributed power has a controller operatively connected to a plurality of monitors, switches, control devices, and a visible light emitting array. The monitors, switches, and control devices provide the means for the controller to modulate the power to the visible light emitting array using a current modulator. The current modulator produces a variable power duty cycle that is received by the visible light emitting array. The visible light emitters of that array have a selected perceivable brightness. That brightness is held constant but power is conserved due to the controller modulating the power.

Abstract: A removable trailer tongue for use with a towing vehicle and a trailer frame equipped with hydraulic brakes. The trailer tongue (10) can be removed without disconnecting any of the components of the hydraulic system. A first guide (20) and a second guide (22) slidingly receive a tongue (10). A first end (12) of the tongue (10) is equipped with a non-active hitch (18) that connects to the towing vehicle. The second end (14) of the tongue (10) has an aperture (38) defined therein. A brake assembly (24) attaches adjacent to or on the second guide (22), and the assembly (24) has an aperture (36) defined therein. The tongue (10) is inserted through the guides (20, 22) until the aperture (38) aligns with the aperture (36) in the brake assembly (24). In order to connect the tongue (10) to the trailer frame (16), a pin (40) is inserted through the apertures (36, 38) in the brake assembly (24) and the tongue (10).

Abstract: A postoperative garment for protection and improved healing of a wound, injury or disease site comprising a first panel and a second panel, the panels being constructed of a fabric structure comprising a blend of at least one polyester fiber and at least one elastic fiber. The fabric has an elasticity of about 200-220+/-10% in both the warp direction and in the fill direction, the difference between the warp and fill direction elasticity preferably being no more than about 3% to about 5%, a compression modulus of about 1 to about 4, and a breathability measurement of 70-100% moisture loss within 30 minutes and an approximate skin surface temperature reduction of about 4-6.degree. F. within about 3-7 minutes as measured by evaporative cooling, and the panels being attachable to each other along one edge by a closure means, such as mated hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A versatile bench mounted fixture for automotive repair applications is disclosed. The fixture, for assembling and testing a transmission, or removing a concentric member press fit to a shaft, for example, comprises a base having a first arm extending vertically therefrom. The fixture further includes a second arm fixed to the remote end of the first arm, and a pivotal support member pivotal from a midportion of the first arm. Finally, a third arm is provided and extends between a distal end of the pivotal support member and a temporary engagement with a free end of the second arm.

Abstract: A training grip for positioning over a preexisting grip on a golf club shaft having an annular elongate resilient member with an open lower end, a cap on an upper end, and a longitudinal slit defined therein. The member has at least one groove for proper alignment on the club and an inner surface with a plurality of studs. At least two and preferably three contoured protrusions extend from the member for providing confirmation of proper hand position in the grip and providing abutments to discourage hand movement on the girip to enhance muscle memory. A plurality of contoured recessed portions are defined in the member for receiving and urging a user's hands into a proper position on the golf club, with the recessed portions having only a slight thickness to thereby enhance muscle memory. At least two openings are preferably defined in the member, for permitting gripping contact of the hands with the preexisting grip to assist in securing the grip to the preexisting grip.

Abstract: A temperature control system for gas operated devices. The system includes a burner (23) that is connected to a gas supply through a regulator (41). A pilot light assembly (26) has a first vane (29) and a second vane (32) which provide a flame for igniting the gas from the burner (23) and for heating a thermocouple (38) to produce a control voltage for operating the regulator (41) and a temperature control (44).

Abstract: A dispensing device (7) that is intended to be mounted on a vertical planar surface such as a door (10). The dispensing device (7) includes an enclosure (13) having a first opening (34) and a second opening (37) defined therein. The first opening (34) contains a first airflow valve (43) and the second opening contains a second airflow valve (46). An odorous substance (40) is disposed inside the enclosure (13) between the two airflow valves (43,46). When the door (10) swings open or closed, airflow generated along the surface of the door (10) passes through the airflow valves (43,46) to release the odors from the odorous substance (40) into the area surrounding the door (10).

Abstract: A body heating/cooling apparatus comprising an enclosure (10) for raising or lowering the temperature of a fluid (22) prior to circulating the fluid (22) through a vest (55). The enclosure (10) has a first chamber (13) where the fluid (22) returning from the vest (55) is picked up by a pump (25) and recirculated through a second chamber (16). The vest (55) has an integrally formed channel (67) that passes through the vest (55) in serpentine fashion. The enclosure (10) may also be equipped with a module for also providing helmet cooling for racing car applications.

Abstract: A protective cover (7) that functions as a carrying case and a protective sheath. The cover (7) comprises an enclosure (13) for covering a portion of a rod (10). The enclosure (13) defines a space around the rod (10) and provides protection for the tip of the rod (10). A spacer insert (16) that opens in a hinged fashion surrounds a portion of the rod (10) and occupies the space between the portion of the rod (10) and the inside of the enclosure (13). The spacer insert (16) fits snugly inside the cover (7) to prevent excess motion of the rod (10) inside the enclosure (13) and to prevent the cover (7) from separating from the end of the rod (10).

Abstract: A water-dispersible coformed fibrous nonwoven fabric structure comprising a primary reinforcing polymer material, preferably capable of being meltspun; a secondary reinforcing polymer material having an average fiber length less than or equal to about 15 mm and preferably having a softening point at least about 30.degree. C. lower than the softening point of the primary reinforcing polymer; and, an absorbent material, such as pulp or a superabsorbent. The fabric structure maintains desired tensile strength and softness while being water-dispersible and flushable. The fabric produced can be incorporated into an article and can be flushed down a commode. The fabric is flushable when placed in water, with agitation, if necessary, and will disperse into unrecognizable pieces without clogging conventional plumbing or piping.

Abstract: A soft, absorbent nonwoven fibrous web, such as a wet wipe, capable of dispersing in an aqueous environment into unrecognizable pieces, made by a method comprising the steps of forming a wet-laid nonwoven web from an aqueous slurry of fibers; hydraulically needling the wet-laid nonwoven web; partially drying the hydraulically needled web; applying a binder composition to one side of the web; creping the web such that interfiber adhesion is disrupted and z-direction fiber orientation is introduced; optionally applying a binder composition to the second side of the web; recreping the web; drying and curing the web; and, converting the dried and cured web into a wet wipe, dry wipe, or other absorbent article. In the case of a wet wipe, a solution containing about 100 ppm of calcium ion is applied to the web, such as in a preserving solution. In the case of a dry wipe, the calcium ion is added after the binder is added to the web, and the final product is stored in a dry state.

Abstract: A bioremediation device and process for remediation of waste collection systems. The present invention preferably comprises an bioactive element having an outer and an inner portion. The concentration of the bioactive element in the outer portion differs from that of the inner portion so that the concentration is greatest when the waste material is first exposed to the outside of the element and diminishes while the solid dissolves in the waste material. The outer portion is disposed about the inner portion such that substantially all of the outer portion is dissolved for delivery of the bioactive element into the waste material before dissolution of the inner portion occurs. The outer portion has a relatively great bioactive effect for remediating the waste material and the inner portion has a relatively lesser bioremediating effect for maintaining the waste material in the collection systems.

Abstract: A rotating turret (10) having an outer plate (12) with several interchangeable tool (13) posts mounted to an index plate (22). The index plate (22) is mounted to a first axle (23) that extends through a block (24) and rotates on a set of bearings (28) mounted inside the block (24). The index plate (22) provides for rotation of the turret (10) between the several tool (13) positions. The index plate (22) is locked into position by a set of pins (34, 37) that fit into apertures (31) in the index plate. The pins (34, 37) are spring-biased toward the index plate (22) by springs (52, 55, and 58). A handle (16) attaches to a second axle (40) to provide a quick release mechanism. The second axle (40) mechanically engages with the pins (34, 37) and a sliding wedge (49) such that when the handle (16) is rotated the pins (34, 37) are retracted from the index plate (22) against the force of the springs (52, 55, 58).

Abstract: A hem folding attachment (23) or former having a support plate (26), an underlay plate (29), a set of air nozzles (32) or air jets, and a vacuum chamber (35) having a reduced pressure area defined therein. The support plate (26) or tongue is adjustably mounted above the vacuum chamber (35) and the front edge (38) of the support plate (26) extends beyond and overhangs the edge of the vacuum chamber (35). An edge of a piece of material is folded around the front edge (38) of the support plate (26) and extends back toward the vacuum chamber (35). The vacuum chamber has a guiding surface (41) with a set of air intake orifices (47) defined therein for aligning the edge of the material. The orifices (47) receive air from a set of nozzles (32). The nozzles (32) and the vacuum chamber (35) assist the raw edge of the piece of material in being folded back underneath the rest of the material. An underlay plate (29) also guides the edge of the material toward the vacuum chamber (35).

Abstract: A toner cartridge insert (10) for use in remanufactured toner cartridges (16) and a method for remanufacturing toner cartridges. The toner cartridge insert (10) is hollow and conforms to the shape of the inside of the toner hopper (40). The toner cartridge insert (10) is presealed and prefilled with toner (13) so that the toner hopper (40) does not have to be cleaned, sealed, and refilled in order to remanufacture a toner cartridge (16).

Abstract: A telescopic sun screen assembly for removably mounting to the interior of an automobile, such as the sun visor thereof. The assembly includes three telescopically arranged members, where a first member comprises a bracket for slidably receiving a second panel member, which in turn slidably receives the third panel member. The second panel member includes an opaque face, while the third panel member includes two different and distinct areas of translucency such that the user thereof may, by sliding the members relative to one another, determine the degree of sun protection desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interpretive BIOS machine for controlling the cooking of food in a microwave oven or the conduct of a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream wherein the microwave oven or process stream functionally operates by user independent commands. The interpretive BIOS machine is implemented by a microprocessor or computer having a memory for the storing of a program that contains the operating instruction for the present invention. Data is received into the interpretive BIOS machine from a data entry mechanism. That data is specific code that represents a plurality of desired cooking or process instructions selected by the user of the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention interprets the received data and transforms that data into time duration(s) and scaled power level(s) settings for the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention monitors and adjusts the work performed on a specimen disposed within the microwave oven or process stream.

Abstract: A duct connector (32) with a flow channel through its center and an increased diameter seal (35) on its end. A compression ring (38) is designed to fit tightly over the duct connector (32) and has an inwardly directed flange (68) on one of its edges which reduces the diameter of the end and thereby prevents the compression ring (38) from sliding past the end of the duct connector (32). A retaining clamp (53) includes two arcs (77, 80) that are pivotally attached and that may be rotated between a circular, closed configuration and an open configuration. The second end of each arc includes a number of open loops (137, 140, and 152) that align when the arcs are in the closed configuration. A sliding locking mechanism (161) is affixed to the arc (77) proximate to the loops (137, 140). The locking mechanism (161) has a prong (170) that passes through the aligned loops (137, 140, and 152) on each arc (77, 80), thereby preventing the arcs (77, 80) from separating.