Abstract: A fixed image projection system that can project an image for a short or long period of time without damage to the film. The system is comprised of a light source having a halogen lamp and a cold coated reflector detachably mounted on a housing having film guides or rails for receiving a film frame. The housing includes a plurality of whisper fans that draw cool air into the housing and expel it from the opposite sides of the housing to maintain a relatively cool temperature at the film frame. Preferably, the fans have a dual speed control to allow a higher speed as an option. A lens barrel is detachably supported on the opposite side of the housing from the light source and includes movable lenses to focus the image. Images may be fed into the system on a film frame one at a time, or by motorized film canisters that allow forward or backward advancement to a selected image on a roll containing multiple images.

Abstract: A disposable utility lighter for lighting BBQS, fireplaces and the like, having a child resistant device comprised of a reservoir, a spark generator for generating spark at a nozzle tip to ignite the flame by activating a trigger. Four embodiments of a child resistant device are disclosed that prevent use by children comprising buttons or switches that must first be manipulated before the lighter can be operated. In a first embodiment, the trigger release button is mounted beneath a trigger guard immediately adjacent to and above the trigger. The trigger release button allows one finger operation to pull or push upward on the trigger release button, and then nearly simultaneously pull back on the trigger. Release of the trigger re-engages the trigger release button preventing operation. In a second embodiment, a downward pressure on a trigger locking button extending through the top of the housing of the BBQ lighter disengages an abutment from the boss on the trigger allowing operation of the trigger.

Abstract: An innovative container lid having an integrally formed tamper evident band that goes through a series of changes or metamorphoses during the manufacturing and application process. The tamper evident band is attached to the lid at weak points on dogs formed around the periphery of the lid. Before use, the tamper evident band has a diameter substantially larger than the outer diameter of the lid. When the lid is installed in a container, and tangential and radial forces are applied to the periphery of the lid, the attachment points of the tamper evident band rupture and the band is displaced in a rippling effect with the dogs locking into sockets formed in the sidewall of the tamper evident band. Continued pressure is applied to the side of the tamper evident band until it is pressed firmly around the entire periphery of the lid against the side of a container with all the dogs engaged in sockets.

Abstract: A method for the steam treatment of beans in which beans are inserted into a chamber (1). Steam at high pressures (“pressure” hereinafter indicates a gauge pressure) of 5 to 7 Kg/cm2, and at high temperatures 158 to 169° C. is jetted into the chamber. Beans in chamber (1) are exposed to the saturated steam at high pressures of 5 to 7 Kg/cm2 and high temperatures of 158 to 169° C. for a period of 15 to 30 seconds so that boiling of beans achieved in a sterilized state.

Abstract: A BBQ or fireplace lighter, including a child resistant device to prevent operation by children, and in particular, small children. In one embodiment, the device is in the form of a pivotally mounted lever having a notch engaging a plate in the trigger, locking the trigger from operation. The trigger release mechanism includes a button extending out of the lighter housing immediately behind the trigger guard for operation by a finger while the trigger is operated by the index or another finger. A second embodiment is comprised of a trigger guard plate having a thumb tab extending out of the top of the housing mounted on a rotatable hub. The guard plate engages and obstructs operation of the trigger. A spring biases the guard plate against the trigger to prevent operation, but can be rotated out of the way by rotating the thumb tab to a stop position moving trigger guard plate out of engagement of the trigger, allowing operation of the BBQ or fireplace lighter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting auxiliary eyeglasses on conventional eyeglasses in which magnets are attached to appendages on the auxiliary eyeglasses mating with magnets mounted on the temple extensions of conventional eyeglasses. The magnets on the auxiliary eyeglasses are mounted in sockets formed on the appendages of the auxiliary eyeglasses such that their maximum magnetic force is oriented vertically or parallel to the plane of the conventional eyeglass frame. The appendages on the auxiliary eyeglass frame fit beneath the temple extensions on the conventional eyeglasses frame to hold the auxiliary frames in place solely by the magnetic attractive force. The orientation of the magnets is such that the maximum magnetic force resists any downward movement of the auxiliary eyeglasses on the conventional eyeglasses when installed. In a modification of the embodiment, a clip is attached to or formed on the bridge of the auxiliary eyeglasses for fitting over the bridge of the conventional eyeglasses.

Abstract: Variable length blades for use with a retractor or distractor include a fixed upper portion and an adjustable extension that allows adjustment to accommodate a wide range of patients. A variable length retractor blade has a fixed upper portion that can vary in length from 10 to 15 cm. having a telescoping extension that can be adjusted to vary the length of the blade from 12 to as much as 24 cm. The variable blades include conventional flanges with a header for securing the variable blades on the end of retractor/distractor arms. An additional option is the inclusion of tubular guides in the variable length blade extension for placement of plurality of fixation screws and a light pipe to provide intensive illumination for the surgical site. Three tubular guides are provided in the upper and lower ends of the telescoping extension on the variable length blade for use with a distractor.

Abstract: A backpack either conventional or of the rolling type having an integrated flexible filing system for storing books, folders, files, papers, and other paraphernalia. The flexible filing system is comprised of a plurality of semi-rigid dividers securely attached to a back wall or panel in the main compartment of the backpack. The dividers are attached to a flexible side wall to allow the system to expand or collapse as needed. Optional features include graduated dividers that are progressively shorter from rear to back to facilitate access to the compartments. An additional optional feature is to make the top edges of the dividers at an oblique angle to facilitate viewing of materials sorted or stored in the compartments formed by the expandable file system. The expandable file systems can also be permanently attached to the back panel of a backpack or could be removable by using a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: An improved plastic bag sealing apparatus comprised of an improved resilient planar heater formed of a heating wire embedded in a resilient silicon rubber material. The heater is shaped to conform to the flat planar surface of a T-bar shaped heating element, and clamped in place with insulators to provide maximum transfer of heat to a heating edge formed by the web portion of the T-bar. In an optional configuration the heater is in the form of a tubular rod seated in a channel in the T-bar directly above the heating edge for transferring maximum heat to the heating edge. The containment of heat and transfer of maximum heat to the T-bar permits a substantial improvement in thermal efficiency and a substantial reduction of power consumption. The heating edge of the T-bar is covered with an easily replaceable heating channel coated with a non-stick, heat resistant material such as polytetraflouroethylene (TEFLON).

Abstract: A portable golf club head cleaning device comprised of a contoured housing allowing it to be easily held in the hand that has a plurality of brushes operated by a micro-motor and rechargeable batteries. The portable golf club head cleaner has an insertion slot for receiving a golf club head and either a manually operated or automatically operated switch for activating the system to rotate the brushes for cleaning debris from the face of the club. An exit port at the rear of the portable golf club head cleaning module discharges debris cleaned from the club face. Optional features include a circuit that permits boosting the speed of the brushes for club head cleaning and a method for moistening club head for cleaning stains from the club face. The golf club head cleaning module has a series of vertical and horizontal brushes forming a cavity for receiving a golf club head to simultaneously clean the face, the top, and the bottom of the club.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for stabilizing a particular area of the heart surface tissue for performing an anastomosis. In one embodiment the invention is comprised of a rectangular flat plate frame stabilizer having a bottom gripping surface for pressing against the surface tissue of the heart and minimizing motion during a heart bypass operation. Opposite closed sides or ends of the rectangular flat plate stabilizer substantially occlude the vessel while the surgery is being performed. A gap or opening in a side of the stabilizer allows for removal after the operation is completed. Various methods are described for locking the position of the stabilizer once it is pressed firmly in position against surface tissue of the heart. In one embodiment a knurled cylindrical rail is mounted on the stabilizer and engages a socket in a rigid shaft. A locking mechanism is provided by a pin and a handle for locking the rail in the socket in the rigid shaft.

Abstract: A counter-rotating sewer cleaning nozzle to provide improved efficient cleaning of interior surfaces of sewer lines. The counter-rotating sewer cleaning nozzle is comprised of a hose connector on one end and nose cone on the opposite end and retaining between them counter-rotating sleeves fitting over a cylindrical conduit. Each of the sleeves has spray jets in communication with a passageway connecting the cylindrical conduit to the hose connector for receiving water at high pressure from a high-pressure hose or pipe. The jets in the counter-rotating sleeves are at an oblique angle to the radius of the sleeves and the cylindrical conduit. The spray jets are angled in opposite directions in the forward and rear rotatable sleeves to provide counter rotation.