Abstract: The present invention provides a unique ventilated fabric cover reinforced at selected portions for protecting finishes of stringed instruments. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inventive fabric cover is composed of interlaced, natural fibers woven or knitted in a prescribed ventilated pattern, and reinforced at selective portions which are more subject to wear as the instrument is played over time. The ventilated fabric is configured to protect and surround the outer rear peripheral portion of the stringed instrument, and may be custom sized for a wide variety of guitars, violins, violas, lutes, stringed basses, cellos, or the like. The unique cover further comprises elastic banding disposed in a central portion of the fabric to effect a tensioned form fit with the outer rear peripheral portion of the instrument to be protected.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved intraocular lens structure comprising a deformable optical zone portion with prescribed memory characteristics and methods and devices for implantation of such lens in the eye. The unique optical zone portion of the lens can be deformed by compressing, rolling, folding, stretching, or can be deformed by a combination of these techniques to temporarily reduce the optical zone portion to a diameter of about 80% or less of the cross-sectional diameter of the optical zone portion in an unstressed state. After insertion into the eye, the optical zone portion returns to its original configuration, full size and fixed focal length. The inventive methods and devices for implantation permit insertion of the improved lens through a relatively small incision made in the ocular tissue, thereby providing a safer, more convenient surgical procedure and more comfortable fit for the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pedal powered amphibious sailboat apparatus. In one embodied form, the inventive boating apparatus comprises a relatively light-weight hull with peripheral air tanks along the interior walls of the hull, two pedalling stands which translate the rotational movement of the foot pedalling by one or two occupants to a gearing system by means of drive chains, which synchronously causes rotational movements of a screw propeller and a pair of wheels in the rear of the hull. Accordingly, the unique pedal powered sailboat apparatus of the present invention is capable of cruising water with pedal power of the occupants and capable of land transportation without use of a fossil fueled combustion engine or electricity.

Abstract: A unique support device is provided which is particularly useful for holding drafting templates and the like in a condition readily accessible to a working draftsman. The support device comprises an adjustable base member which is conveniently fastened to either vertical or horizontal framework of a standard overhead drafting/artist desk lamp, the base member being oriented with its center at the intersection of x, y and z orthoginal axes; and a post extending outwardly from the base member, the post being angled both with respect to the x axis and the z axis. Accordingly, the inventive support device enables the draftsman or artist to store templates, triangles and the like in a neat and orderly fashion and within easy reach thereby providing quick and accurate access of the work tool desired.

Abstract: The round sandwich holder is made of paperboard stock and has folded end sections which form open cup-like receptacles at either end of an elongated accordion-folding central body. The open cup-like ends are the handles to accommodate the insertion of a round sandwich, such as a hamburger. The bottom outside perimeter edge of the sandwich rests along the accordion-folding central body between the open cup-like ends. The accordion-folding central body is then adjusted to accommodate the diminishing bottom edge perimeter of the sandwich as the sandwich is consumed.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved packaging system for beverages, the system comprising a beverage container having an integral straw permitting automatic emergence of the straw when a pull tab is separated from the container. In one embodied form, the flexible, resilient straw is held internally within the container by a retaining collar member which is suitably secured to the underside of the pull tab to hold the straw in a deformed condition when the pull tab is not yet separated from the container. In a preferred embodied form, the straw comprises an upper corrugated portion to permit prescribed resiliency and adjustment of length when internally positioned within the container. Accordingly, the present invention provides a unique convenient packaging system for beverages which enhances safety and hygienic features of conventional pull tab beverage containers at a relatively modest production cost.

Abstract: A method for improving efficiency of an internal combustion irrigation engine is provided by the present invention. In one embodied form, the method comprises the steps of: channelling an inlet air stream to the engine through a single pass air cooler at a flow rate of between about 200 cubic feet per minute and about 5000 cubic feet per minute, the air cooler being a counter current flow packed cooling tower utilizing irrigation water as cooling means; directly contacting the inlet air stream with irrigation water in the air cooler to bring the temperature of the air stream within a range of between about 55.degree. F. and about 75.degree. F. and a relative humidity within a range of between about 90% and 100%; admixing the cooled and humidified inlet air stream with fuel; and directing the resultant gaseous mixture to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion irrigation engine.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved autoclavable system for packaging of intraocular lens structures. In one embodied form, the inventive system comprises an outer container having at least two optically clear windows arranged in parallel relationship, an inner holding fixture mounted within the outer container for receiving and supporting an intraocular lens structure in alignment with the windows and a liquid medium within the container which substantially duplicates optical transmission characteristics of fluid in the eye. The unique packaging system provides an autoclavable sterile environment for a wide variety of intraocular lens structures prior to implantation which permits visual inspection and measurement of important optical parameters of the lens structure without removal of the lens from the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides release agent compositions which are particularly useful for frozen food products and to methods for using such compositions in relatively low temperature environments. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the release agent compositions comprise one or more oils which remain liquid when held at a temperature of below about 0.degree. F. for at least 24 hours, and are characterized by having a relatively high degree of unsaturation, for instance above about 80 weight percent. Suitable oils for the first mentioned component of the inventive compositions include almond oil, apricot kernel oil, safflower seed oil, walnut oil, cherry kernel oil, grape seed oil and the like and mixtures thereof. The oil component is blended with lecithin in one embodied form, and with lecithin and white mineral oil of specified grade having a Saybolt viscosity at 100.degree. F. of at least about 250.

Abstract: An in-vitro diagnostic method is provided for detecting acetylsalicylic acid ingestion by a patient by utilizing radioimmunoassay procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an early warning sound alarm system for signalling unauthorized entry or attempted entry through a pet door when the pet door is covered and not in use. The alarm system in accordance with the invention, comprises in combination: a pet door including a frame defining a passageway therethrough, and a flap swingably mounted on the frame adjacent the upper edge of the passageway for swinging movement in either direction therethrough; a covering member removably secured to one side of the frame adjacent the flap for preventing entry through the passageway; and an electrically powered sound alarm, including a sound signal box, and a switch such as a leaf spring biased limit switch disposed between the flap and the surface of covering member adjacent the flap. The switch is suitably positioned to maintain the sound signal box in a deactivated state when the covering member is secured on the frame to prevent entry through the passageway.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a pedal powered exercycle mower apparatus is provided. In one embodied form, the apparatus comprises a mobile vehicle member having a main supporting frame and a centrally positioned cutting apparatus mounted on the frame at its lower portion for cutting ground cover and the like. The cutting mechanism is driven by a series of gears which translate force from the pedals into rotational movement of cutting blade about a vertical axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the main supporting frame. The apparatus further includes a plurality of sprocket wheels and a drive chain for apportioning power from the pedals to the cutting mechanism and to directional movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: An extractor for in situ removal of stump cutting teeth from a cutting wheel. The extractor includes a clamping device having a c-shaped frame with an elongated base member especially adapted to receive and then retain a downwardly stepped land disposed on a head portion of a cutting tooth. The clamping device is mounted on a slide hammer which when activated exerts a sharp pulling force on the head portion of the tooth to efficiently remove the tooth from the cutting wheel without distorting the original shape of the tooth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of an internal combustion engine by producing ozone gas and positively charged air particles in a supply of air to an engine. The apparatus comprises an ozone generator cell suitably positioned with respect to the engine so that an air supply to the engine passes between adjacent plates of the ozone generator. In one embodied form, the apparatus comprises a tubular ozone generator cell for charging and ionizing a relatively small volume of air to the engine. The air supply to the generator may be first treated to substantially remove ambient moisture by means of a suitable air dryer. Optionally, a plurality of generators may be connected in sequence to provide an increased source of ozone gas to the engine thereby to commensurately reduce fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved fuel filter for removing formation water, hydrogen sulfides, sulfur and other undesirable particulates from, for instance, a natural gas fuel supply. The improvement comprises a molecular sieve having a non-uniform diameter pelletized catalyst composed of an alkyl metal alumino silicate, combined with an inert binder. The catalyst accordingly resists powdering and supplies more free area between pellets, thus minimizing pressure drop through the molecular sieve portion of the filter. The improvement further comprises provision of tapered holes at the upper end of a tubular member contained within the lower portion of the filter. The tapered holes thus permit gaseous fuel flowing through the tubular member to undergo a rapid expansion, providing a more even distribution of fuel flow to the molecular sieve.

Abstract: A hydraulic stump cutting and earth digging apparatus including a balanced main supporting frame of a vehicle member and an adjustable telescopic channel frame cutter boom, the boom comprising a forward centrally disposed rotatable cutting wheel having a plurality of radially extending cutting teeth circumferentially mounted thereon. The channel frame cutter boom further includes a hydraulic motor contiguously mounted with the cutting wheel and having a common axis for rotation. A double pump and motor for circulation of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic components of the apparatus is mounted on the main supporting frame thereby providing a telescopic cutter boom which is lighter in weight and more accessible to tighter places than conventional hydraulic stump cutters.