Abstract: An apparatus for slicing apples is provided. The slicer utilizes thinner blades than known in the art, with a thickness less than 300 microns, and preferably between 180 and 220 microns. Each of the thinner blades is supported against bending, warping or twisting by a novel clinch buckle which rigidly supports the outer end or ends of each blades. The clinch buckle is rigidly connected to bent tabs formed at the outer end or ends of each blade and supports the outer ends across the full width of the blades. The clinch buckle is supported by an outer blade support ring and is captured by the outer support ring to prevent rotation of the clinch buckle. The thinner blade reduces cell damage, reduces the amount of sealant or neutralizer needed to slow or prevent oxidation of enzymes released from cells ruptured by slicing, and delays the onset of browning. A serrated blade is used to further reduce the extent of cell damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for maximizing the punch of a bass kick-drum and simultaneously minimizing the ringing of the drum. An insert is provided having a cylindrically shaped body adapted to be slid into a conventional circular opening formed in the resonant membrane of the drum. The cylindrical insert is held in contact with the resonant membrane by one of several mounting techniques. The weight of the insert and the length and diameter of the body of the insert are sized in a manner to lower the fundamental frequency of the resonant membrane and to increase the amplitude of the fundamental resonant frequency and to simultaneously dampen the vibration of the resonant membrane, which three factors are all part of increased “punch.” The ringing of the drum is minimized by quickly dampening the vibration of the resonant membrane wherein the increased dampening is caused by the weight and shape of the insert.

Abstract: A three wheeled baby stroller is provided with a single steerable rear wheel. The stroller preferably has the three wheels positioned to form an equilateral triangle, resulting in a highly maneuverable stroller. The stroller has a minimized turning swath and is easily steered. The stroller has a simple and relatively lightweight design. The seat for the infant is positioned relatively low to the ground to increase stability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically drying a tennis court or other flat surface after rainfall is provided. A robotic vehicle cooperates with a sensing unit preferably mounted on a fence adjacent the court or other paved surface. A sensing unit detects the onset and cessation of rain and then waits a predetermined amount of time. After waiting, the sensing unit transmits a signal to the robotic vehicle which actuates the vehicle. The robotic vehicle includes an on-board controller which is internally programmed with a map of the court including obstructions. The robotic vehicle automatically sponge rolls the entire court. A thermal imaging camera connected to the sensing unit then scans the court to determine if any wet spots remain. The location of any remaining wet spots is recorded and transmitted to the on-board controller of the robotic vehicle. The robotic vehicle then returns to the location of the wet spots and automatically sponge rolls and fan dries those remaining wet spots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for building a reinforced sea wall or levee. The reinforced structure is designed particularly for use in areas of soft sub-soil such as those sub-soils found near the Gulf of Mexico which are capable of bearing loads of less than 5 pounds per square inch of weight. The structure includes first and second rows of soil-cement columns formed on opposite sides of the centerline of the structure. Soil-cement columns are formed by mechanically cutting the soft sub-soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the cut soft soil with a cement slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or more. Reinforcing structural elements, preferably H-beams, are embedded in at least some of the soil-cement columns in each of the two rows. Tensile load bearing members, such as cables or beams, are interconnected between some of the reinforcing structural elements in the first row of soil-cement columns with some of the structural elements in the second row of soil-cement columns.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and periodically measuring a patient's blood glucose level wherein the patient has a catheter in a blood vessel and is receiving infusion fluid through the catheter. A testing unit is provided which has a main infusion channel and, in a preferred embodiment, the testing unit includes a side channel. The side channel has a restrictive cross-sectional area compared with the main infusion channel. A glucose test chamber is formed in the side channel. First and second valves are placed adjacent the test chamber in the side channel to isolate a blood sample for testing. The isolation of the sample provides more accurate blood glucose measurements than those provided by systems of the prior art. A second embodiment of the invention has an isolatable test chamber placed in the main infusion line and no side channel is utilized.

Abstract: A fire and/or water resistant enclosure is provided for housing an operable digital data storage device. The enclosure is a low cost, preferably molded enclosure having various embodiments for providing resistance to fire and/or water. In one embodiment, a fan cooperates with one or more hatchless ventilation passageways to cool the digital data storage device. Passageways are sized to be sufficiently small to limit the transfer of heat through those passages sufficiently to prevent damage to the data storage device and to prevent loss of data stored thereon. Another embodiment provides a water resistant pouch surrounding the data storage device which may be made of flexible foil or of finned relatively robust and non-flexible thermal conductor. The enclosure in some embodiments utilizes a fan and in some embodiments operates without a fan. Similarly, the enclosure in some embodiments utilizes movable hatches and in other embodiments is hatchless in design.

Abstract: A single-use lancet device is provided for drawing capillary blood samples. The device includes a body having an upper portion and a lower portion and a trigger carried by the upper portion of the body. The trigger is movable between a first raised position wherein the device is cocked and a second depressed position wherein the device is fired. A needle assembly is provided which is movable between a cocked position and a striking position. A free-floating drive spring is provided for moving the needle assembly from its cocked position to its striking position. A bounceback spring is integrally molded with the needle assembly and includes a pair of generally V-shaped spring arms. A trigger bar has a first position wherein it holds the needle assembly in its cocked position, and the trigger bar has a second position wherein it allows the needle assembly to move to its striking position as the drive spring expands.

Abstract: A bi-directional (BiDi) electrical to optical converter (transceiver) module is described that contains means for communicating in a full duplex fashion over one fiber. Furthermore, an automatic fail-over capability is included which allows redundancy to be build in to the transceiver. In one configuration, a BiDi transceiver module contains two lasers at different wavelengths and a means for establishing which wavelength to communicate with. An example of an application for the described invention is a storage area network application which requires redundant links and are currently bound by the number of fibers connecting to the front panels of switches.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting users of surfboards, kayaks and other personal water activity apparatus against sharks and other water-borne predators is provided. A plurality of lights is provided on the bottom and side surfaces of the personal water activity apparatus. The lights are actuated to mask and distort the shadow, shape or outline of the user together with the personal water activity apparatus, in effect camouflaging the user and his or her personal water activity apparatus. The lights may be actuated either manually or automatically. Sensors are provided to detect the stage of ambient light in order to automatically actuate the light sources.

Abstract: A multiple stage, single pass and non-recirculating refrigeration system is provided for either outdoor use or for use with temporary structures such as emergency firefighter tents. The refrigeration system utilizes, for example, three evaporative coils in series to achieve a 48° F. reduction of temperature and 70% reduction of humidity in a single pass, i.e., the output airstream from the refrigeration system is not recirculated to the blower as it is in the case of conventional air conditioning systems. The large amounts of super cool air provided by the invention can be used to cool athletes on the sidelines of a football field or firefighters who need to cool off to prevent heat stroke.

Abstract: A fire resistant, forced air cooled enclosure for one or more computer digital data storage devices is provided. An operable digital data storage device is mounted in a fire resistant enclosure. One or more openings are formed in the enclosure. A movable fire resistant hatch is positioned adjacent each of the openings and each hatch is movable between a closed position in which it closes the opening and an open position allowing ambient air to pass therethrough. A fan is positioned either inside or outside of the enclosure for actively driving ambient air through the opening to cool the data storage device. A hatch closure system is provided for closing each of said hatches automatically in the presence of a threshold temperature. The hatch closure system includes a temperature sensitive element which, when activated in the presence of the threshold temperature, causes the hatch to move to its closed position.

Abstract: An optical device for combining optical signals of different wavelengths is described wherein an array of laser output beams are collimated, directed to propagate along a similar path, and coupled into an optical fiber through a single molded part. The single-part optical coupling module can be constructed in various ways to achieve the desired configuration. One example is a single plastic-injection molded part, containing mechanical alignment features, an array of collimating lenses, and a focusing lens housed within a fiber optic connector ferrule. The laser output beams are separately passed through separate radial sectors of the focusing lens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for automatically labeling individual produce items. Individual produce items are conveyed towards a rotary bellows or other applicator. A sensor senses at least one variable characteristic, such as size of each of the produce items. The sensed variable is transmitted to a laser coding device and a variable human or machine readable code is printed on an individual label prior to application of that label to the specific item of produce for which the variable characteristic was sensed. The laser coding beam either reacts with a reactive or ablatable film on each label.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for periodically and automatically testing and monitoring a patient's blood glucose level. A disposable testing unit is carried by the patient's body and has a testing chamber in fluid communication with infusion lines and a catheter connected to a patient blood vessel. A reversible peristaltic pump pumps the infusion fluid forwardly into the patient blood vessel and reverses its direction to pump blood into the testing chamber to perform a glucose level test. The presence of blood in the testing chamber is sensed by a LED/photodetector pair or pairs and when the appropriate blood sample is present in the test chamber, a glucose oxidase electrode is energized to obtain the blood glucose level. The resulting glucose level is displayed on a monitor. The unit is typically used for a patient in an intensive care unit.

Abstract: A skateboard tension strap is provided for temporarily connecting a skateboard to the body of the user in order to allow the user to perform “hands-free” stunts without having to use his or her hands to hold or control the skateboard. A waist belt is worn by the user. A tension strap resiliently and adjustably connects the waist belt to the skateboard. The tension strap includes an elastic section and has a first end anchored to the skateboard and a second, upper end for adjustably connecting the tension strap to the waist belt. A connector extends between the waist belt and the upper end of the tension strap to provide the adjustable connection. The tension strap and the waist belt are sufficiently wide and flat to allow the application of logos or other designs thereto.

Abstract: A restorable sand or pellet pile is provided for use as an amusement or exercise device. A sand or pellet collection chamber has inclined side walls that converge toward each other in a downward direction and having a bottom surface connected to the side walls. A support deck is positioned above the side walls of the collection chamber and is adapted to support sand or pellets on its upper surface. A safety grating is formed around the perimeter of the support deck to allow sand or pellets to flow downwardly therethrough into the collection chamber as children or adults play or exercise on the pile. A diaphragm pump is positioned in the collection chamber and pumps sand upwardly through a vertically extending conduit to restore the pile. The pump may be operated intermittently or continuously. Other pumping mechanisms may be used. The preferred embodiment utilizes resilient inclined side walls in the collection chamber and a vibrator connected to the side walls to cause the side walls to vibrate.

Abstract: An optical apparatus and method are provided for controlling the polarization of light. An incoming beam is directed at a photonic crystal. The photonic crystal is designed to act as a transmission quarter-waveplate or half-waveplate; as a reflection waveplate; or as a polarizer. In addition, the photonic crystal may be designed to accomplish phase matching in nonlinear optical mixing processes, as well as obtaining other selected effects upon incoming beams having known polarizations.