Abstract: A rail bracket mounting system, including a bracket that is attached to a post. The bracket is formed to support the notching of a rail. The end of a rail is then nested into the bracket, and is supported by the bracket. The rail is then secured to the bracket by fasteners such as screws, and a cover may then be placed over the bracket, housing the securing fasteners. The rail may be hollow or solid. A hollow rail may be reinforced along its entire length by the insertion of one or more reinforcing members through a hollow portion of the rail.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing bioremediation of ground water contaminated with nonaqueous halogenated solvents are disclosed. An illustrative method includes adding a composition to the ground water wherein the composition is an electron donor for microbe-mediated reductive dehalogenation of the halogenated solvents and enhances mass transfer of the halogenated solvents from residual source areas into the aqueous phase of the ground water. Illustrative compositions effective in these methods include surfactants such as C2–C4 carboxylic acids and hydroxy acids, salts thereof, esters of C2–C4 carboxylic acids and hydroxy acids, and mixtures thereof. Other illustrative compositions according to the present invention include oleyl lactylic acid and, optionally, oleic acid and lactic acid or salts thereof. Especially illustrative compositions for use in these methods include lactic acid, salts of lactic acid, such as sodium lactate, lactate esters, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A hitch head is disclosed as part of a trailer hitch. The hitch head may include an upper surface having an opening for receiving a stem of a hitch ball. A back side of the hitch head may include a pair of ridges for defining an area for receiving an attaching member for attaching the trailer hitch to a towing vehicle. The hitch head may also include a pair of weld recesses between the ridges for defining channels for receiving welds. The ridges and the recesses on the hitch head allow the attaching member to be positioned and welded to the hitch head in a more time efficient manner. The ridges and recess are also configured to reduce the amount of weld material required to weld the attaching member to the hitch head without reducing the strength of the welds.

Abstract: A fence rail bracket system. The bracket system may include a bracket with an open end for receiving a fence rail, a retention clip for attaching the rail to the bracket, and a cap for covering the open end of the bracket. The bracket may attach to a wall or post and the fence rail may be slid into the open end of the bracket. The retention clip may attach the bracket to the fence rail and prevent the rail from sliding out of the bracket. The cap may be removably attached to the bracket to conceal the hardware used in the system for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for treating long bone fractures. The nail includes a proximal portion that may have a plurality of segments. The segments may be rotatable 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the nail such that the position of bone screw openings in the segments can be adjusted to a desired orientation. Locking rings or other locking mechanisms may be provided between the segments to lock the segments in place and allow the segments to be unlocked for readjustment of the position of the segments. The bone screw openings may be configured to allow further angular adjustment of the bone screws with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nail. Inserts may be placed within the bone screw openings to support the bone screws in position.

Abstract: A quick and easy to use campfire, fueled by portable bottles of propane gas connected through a variable high-pressure regulator that is used to adjust the fireball size. The burner assembly is a round tube used as a manifold and bent in an annular shape using the size and location of the orifices to produce the shape, activity and texture of the campfire flame. The aluminum windscreen provides a base, with folding legs, that holds the burner, and provides a protective wind buffer for the flames. The windscreen also provides a reflective heat shield for the resting surface located under the legs, and is used to dissipate the internal heat for quick cooling.

Abstract: A rail bracket mounting system, including a bracket that is attached to a post. The bracket is formed to support the notching of a rail. The end of a rail is then nested into the bracket, and is supported by the bracket. The rail is then secured to the bracket by fasteners such as screws, and a cover may then be placed over the bracket, housing the securing fasteners. The rail may be hollow or solid. A hollow rail may be reinforced along its entire length by the insertion of one or more reinforcing members through a hollow portion of the rail.

Abstract: A palatometer and nasometer apparatus is disclosed for the diagnosis and treatment of speech impairment, new language sound learning, and other uses. The palatometer includes a palatal body containing electrodes which fits in a user's mouth. Contact between the user's tongue or lips and the electrodes is indicated on display equipment. The palatometer and display equipment operate to indicate the position and movement of the tongue and lips. The nasometer includes interchangeable sound separator plates to fit users with different facial curvatures. Microphones are attached to the top and bottom of the sound separator plate to measure sound emitted from the nose and mouth for determining the nasality of speech. The palatometer and nasometer are combined to optimize the ability to define speech normality as well as diagnose and remediate speech.

Abstract: A method for utilizing oral movements is used in speech assessment, speech therapy, language development, and controlling external devices. A device is used which includes a sensor plate having sensors to detect contact of the tongue with the sensor plate. One aspect of the invention allows viewing representations of contact of the tongue and palate during speech and comparing the representations with model representations displayed in a split screen fashion. The model representations may be generated by another speaker utilizing a sensor plate or by computer generated representations which have been electronically stored. The representations may be analyzed to assess speech proficiency and the model may be mimicked for speech enhancement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for varying the washout of a wing such that induced drag is minimized during a flight. The washout is varied pursuant to an optimized twist distribution that depends on the wing planform and an optimized twist amount which depends, at least in part, upon the operating conditions, including those parameters used to determine the lift coefficient. The optimum twist may be employed by geometric or aerodynamic twist, including full spanwise control surfaces used to simultaneously provide roll control, high-lift and minimum induced drag. The optimum twist may also be employed be twisting just a portion of the wing or the entire wing, either geometrically or aerodynamically.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching music both visually and tactilely. In one embodiment, the invention comprises blocks shaped to resemble musical symbols used to compose music, including time signatures, notes, rests, and dots. Each of the blocks are relative in thickness such that for a given time signature, the correct rhythm for a given measure can be determined by laying one or more of the notes, rests and dots one over the other to see if their combined thickness is equal to that of a preselected time signature. The thickness of the block shaped to resemble the time signature is such that it only allows the correct number of blocks shaped as notes, rests or dots to be of equal thickness to thereby determine the correct rhythm. In addition, the correct rhythm can be determined by simply reading the shaped blocks as one would read music.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for attaching rails of multiple configurations to a support structure. The bracket assembly may include a base piece having a plate with a pair of flanges extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. An insert may be configured to fit between the flanges and within the rail to provide support to the rail. A pin may be inserted through openings in the flanges, the insert, and the rail to attach the rail to the insert and the base piece. A cover may be placed over the base piece to provide a pleasing appearance to the bracket assembly. A single sized base piece, insert, and pin may be used to connect rails of different sizes and shapes to the support structure.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device and method is disclosed. Specifically, a knee mold system is disclosed, including elastic tibial and femoral molds, each of which may be configured and dimensioned as a unitary mold for in situ placement during a surgical procedure. Each mold may be manufactured from an elastic material that may be disposable. The tibial mold may further comprise a sidewall forming a cavity, markings for relative depth measurement, and depth rings for use as a guide for scoring, cutting, and/or trimming and tearing away an excess portion of the tibial mold. The femoral mold may further comprise a sidewall defining a cavity, two legs extending from a body of the femoral mold for forming the artificial condyles, and an eyelet for aiding in placement and removal of the femoral mold. The resulting prosthetic tibial and femoral components may form an articulation surface that mimics, at least in part, the natural articulation surface of the knee.

Abstract: An arm holding device. The device includes a waist band, a groin strap fitted with an attachment/release buckle, and arms bands which are slidably attached to the waist band. The attachment/release buckle on the groin strap makes placing and removing the device on the patient a simple process. The slidably attached arm bands give the patient limited movement of their arms, while effectively holding the arms of the patient to prevent the patient from aggravating an injury. The device is made of flexible materials to provide as much comfort as possible for the patient, while still being effective.

Abstract: A switch matrix is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or businesses. The switch matrix preferably includes a support frame for supporting a grid of key positioning members arranged in a series of rows and columns. The key positioning members each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the keys to activate switches associated with the keypad. The cantilevers preferably have knobs which are received in corresponding openings in the keys so that the keys can be removably attached to the cantilevers with a compression fit. This allows keys of different sizes and shapes to be easily attached to the keypad in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation.

Abstract: A scrapbooking instrument set comprises three elongated hole punches of different bit sizes and three elongated setters of different bit sizes, each hole punch and setter of substantially identical size and shape except for the bits. The hole punches and setters are arranged in a base, in a circle around a larger mounting tool configured with an axially extending hole of identical radial shape and slightly larger radial size as the hole punches and setters, such that the hole punches and setters each fit inside the tool. The base contains holes into which the hole punches, setters and mounting tool fit, such that the hole punches, setters and mounting tool are stored vertically in the base. A transparent cover screws onto the base to protect the instruments stored therein while allowing them to be displayed.