Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various actuation system embodiments, including fluid actuation systems, drive train actuation systems, and motorless actuation systems. Additional embodiments include a reversibly lockable tube that can provide access for a medical device to a patient's cavity and further provides a reversible rigidity or stability during operation of the device. Further embodiments include various operational components for medical devices, including medical device arm mechanisms that have both axial and rotational movement while maintaining a relatively compact structure. medical device winch components, medical device biopsy/stapler/clamp mechanisms, and medical device adjustable focus mechanisms.

Abstract: A fence post for use in building a post and rail fence over varying terrain or of varying curvature. The post is perforated by a hole having a reduced diameter center section that is flanked on either side by an enlarged diameter section. The posts thus permit the support of rails that are not restricted to a straight, horizontal orientation and provide and improved overall appearance.

Abstract: A scoping auger of adjustable length is described. The scoping auger includes two conventional augers interconnected to each other in with a sliding connection mounting the two augers to each other with their longitudinal axes parallel with one auger section above the other. A longitudinally extended opening is formed in the top of the auger tube of the lower auger section so that particulate material being conveyed by the upper auger section can be deposited for further conveying of the particulate material anywhere within the length of the opening.

Abstract: An actuator/coupler device having a housing connected to a towed vehicle and a coupler attached to a towing vehicle, wherein the coupler is secured to the housing through a pair of opposing roller shafts extending through a slot within the coupler and a hole in the housing. Rollers secured to the roller shafts bear on a surface within the generally hollow interior of the coupler. A brake actuator secures within the coupler, wherein a first end of the brake actuator is secured to the rear roller shaft and a second end is fixed to the coupler, wherein the brake actuator is in operable communication with the brakes of the towed vehicle such that the brake actuator is actuated by movement of the coupler relative to the housing. A coupler ball socket is included within the coupler for releasable attachment of the coupler ball connected to the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for vulcanizing at least a tread of a tire has a top mold section and a bottom mold section. The mold sections are secured to one another during a vulcanizing process by a plurality of locking mechanisms located around the outer circumference of the apparatus. Each locking mechanism includes a dual action hydraulic actuator. A piston rod of the hydraulic actuator imparts movement to a generally vertically oriented articulated linkage member. T-shaped projection located at an end of the articulated linkage member distal from the piston rod is brought into engagement with a securing member associated with the top mold section to secure the mold sections to one another. After the vulcanizing process is complete the hydraulic actuator imparts movement to the articulated linkage member to release the top mold section from the bottom mold section.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitch assembly is provided for attaching to a towing vehicle. The hitch assembly generally includes a hitch ball head assembly and retaining assembly for receiving and securing the hitch ball head assembly. The retaining assembly includes a channel coupled to a locking collar. Once the hitch ball head assembly is inserted into the channel, the collar is released and resilient members guide the collar to its offset resting position to lock the hitch ball head assembly in place. Alternatively, the collar is released and resilient members guide a lever into a circumscribed groove of the hitch ball head assembly, thereby locking the hitch ball head assembly in place. The hitch ball head is removable and may be selectively received by the retaining assembly in both towing and inverted positions. Optionally, the hitch assembly may be protected or covered by a housing.

Abstract: A low profile, streamlined, lamp for use as a side-marker and/or a clearance light on a vehicle which directs a substantial amount of its light output at an angle left and right of the perpendicular axis, and along the longitudinal axis through the agency of an optical element positioned between the light source and the outer cover.

Abstract: A mounting module for a rope light system which easily attaches to the surfaces of an interior corner of a structure that can retain and support a rope light without the need of a junction or brake in the rope light by holding the rope light in a flexure curve that does not stress the LEDS or electrical conductors of the rope light.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a pneumatic seed meter having a seed disc that uses a pneumatic pressure differential to hold and release seed on a rotating disc. The control apparatus is controlled to disrupt the pressure differential in an area of the rotating disc to selectively disrupt planting of seed by the seed meter to, for example, reduce overlap planting.

Abstract: A stabilized carotenoid-based pigmenter free of synthetic antioxidants for the addition to animal feed to add color to tissues of animals fed the animal feed. The carotenoid-based pigmenter contains free-form carotenoids obtained from natural sources through a saponification reaction. A natural antioxidant, such as grape seed extracts, green tea extracts, clove bud oil, clove leaf oil, Vitamin C, cinnamon leaf oil, oleoresin turmeric, tocopherol, tocotrienol, rosemary extracts and gallic acid or salts thereof combined with a diluent, preferably glycerol or a glycerol-like substance, is added to the pigmenter after the saponification reaction.

Abstract: A reversible container is provided with a hollow housing and removable closures at each end. The container is filled with a substance, and when at least some of the substance has been removed, the container is refilled with the substance and inverted. In this way, the user is able to use substantially all of the contents of the container, and is able to use completely the older substance first, because the older substance is at the top of the container after the container is inverted.

Abstract: A safety sign for a shooting shed or building at a shotgun range is disclosed. The safety sign is mounted on the building and moveable between an exterior warning position wherein a warning sign is displayed and visible exterior of the building, warning shooters that it is not safe to shoot, and an interior warning position wherein the warning sign is visible inside the building and provides warning to occupants that it is not safe to exit the building. Preferably, the safety sign is mounted near the exit door of the building and partially obstructs the exit when in the interior warning position so as to provide further warning to occupants not to exit the building.

Abstract: Various robotic devices and related medical procedures are disclosed herein. Each of the various robotic devices have an agent delivery component. The devices include mobile robotic devices and fixed base robotic devices as disclosed herein. The agent delivery component can have at least one agent reservoir and a discharge component in fluidic communication with the at least one reservoir.

Abstract: A gravesite memorial display is provided which includes a display rack and support post. The display rack displays items that depict hobbies, interests, and achievements of the deceased. The gravesite memorial display also includes an anti-theft bar that prevents theft of memorial items.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable cone-shaped wind dam for reducing the air drag of a moving tractor-trailer. The wind dam is comprised of two longitudinally opposed sections each section having an outer shell and an inner inflatable bladder, constructed so that the outer shell houses the inner inflatable bladder. The cone-shaped wind dam further comprises an inflatable mating joint for maintaining the form and structure of the wind dam.

Abstract: The invention is a composition and method for non-specific enhancement of immune responses in human and animal recipients. A colostrum-derived feed additive (CDFA) for human or veterinary use comprises a sprayed-dried preparation of pasteurized and homogenized first milking colostrum that enhances immune responses in a recipient receiving an oral administration. Generally, CDFA is administered in a conditioning dose once per day during a conditioning period of time from about 7 to 14 days, and then in a maintenance dose administered once per day during a period that follows the conditioning period. The maintenance dose is about one-half the concentration of the conditioning dose. Administration of CFDA enhances immune response in a recipient in a dose-dependent manner.

Abstract: A waste gate valve actuator is provided for use with a turbocharger having a flexible and durable thin non-fabric diaphragm substantially uniform in thickness comprised entirely of a thermoset or thermoplastic fluorocarbon material.