Abstract: A self-aligning door stop is taught that consists of a resilient cone shaped body having an apex, a rebated base with a major diameter selected to exceed spacing between a door and a floor upon which the door moves. The rebated base is configured to permit the door stop body to roll into a horizontal position when dropped in proximity of the door. When the door stop is on the floor in any orientation and the door is opened the door stop automatically rolls in the space between the door and the floor thereby self-aligning the door stop. Increasing the door movement retains the door in the desired open position.

Abstract: A twist-tie catch twister apparatus is taught that consists of dual feed rollers that feed twist-tie material through a back opening in a catch twister into the groove of a peripheral ring, which continues around the ring penetrating the front side of the catch twister through a second opening. The twist-tie material is then retained by a twist-tie clamp and the rollers reverse rotation drawing the twist-tie material onto a workpiece. The catch twist motor rotates the catch twister one half turn twisting to hold tension on the workpiece. A twist-tie cutter, positioned between the feed rollers and split ring, severs the twist-tie material and the twist-tie tape clamp opens with the motor rotating the catch twister a predetermined number of turns and then reverses at least one half turn to release the twisted material and the split ring opens for removal of the twist-tie secured workpiece.

Abstract: An interior lighting system for a security safe is taught which incorporates a power supply that is located within the safe and converts alternating current power to low voltage direct current. An electrical switch is in communication with the power supply and mechanically interfaces with the safe door boltworks which energize the lighting system when the safe door is unlocked and opened. A number of LED lights are disposed within the door edge and connected to the switch. When the door is hinged open the LED lights are energized through the switch and illuminate the interior of the safe until the door is closed and bolted.

Abstract: A set of multiple recoil lugs for a rifle is taught, consisting of a rifle barrel with receiver end and a muzzle end. The receiver end of the barrel having a cartridge chamber therein and receiver threads with an extended chamber portion over the cartridge chamber and at least one set of forward lug attaching threads located between the receiver end and the muzzle end. A threaded receiver recoil lug jointly engages a rifle receiver on the receiver threads which forms a recoil absorbing surface with a rifle stock. One or more forward recoil lugs are mated with the forward lug attaching threads, forming additional recoil absorbing surfaces with the rifle stock. A barrel lock nut is attached to each set of forward lug attaching threads engaging each forward recoil lug, firmly locking each forward recoil lug securely in place. An alternate embodiment is used when the rifle receiver incorporates an integral recoil lug thereby eliminating the necessity of the receiver recoil lug.

Abstract: A container lid with a latch handle is taught that incorporates a drinking lip, having a flared brim, configured to interface with a liquid container. A lip sealing ring is disposed on the drinking lip creating a watertight fit between the lip and the container. A lid body, having lid male threads, is configured to interface with container lid female threads, and the lid body includes a bottom cover which forms a dead air space for insulation purposes within the lid. The lid body incorporates a vertical arched handle with a snap-in hinged spring loaded latch for quick release attachment of the container lid and container securely to an object. A lid sealing ring is disposed on the lid body forming a watertight fit between the lid body and the container drinking lip.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of a self contained lighting and identification device (10) having a strap (104) for attachment to a SCBA tank. A back plate (58) and a front shield (62) are spaced apart forming a cavity for LED back-lighting, with the front shield incorporates identification indicia (68) which provides recognition of a specific firefighter. Battery containing tubes (72) act as structural pillars and are located between an upper end cap assembly (20) and a lower end cap assembly (86), utilizing tie rods (96) for attachment therebetween. Diffused light distribution tubes (78) energized by LED's are positioned adjacent to the battery tubes evenly dispersing light on each side of the apparatus, effectively penetrating a smoke environment. The upper end cap assembly incorporates a printed circuit board (46) which includes the necessary control and lighting devices, and the lower end cap has a removable bottom cover (90) allowing batteries to be replaced.

Abstract: An adjustable direction LED puck light is disclosed that incorporates an inner bowl shaped with external radial sides, an open top and a closed bottom incorporating an outwardly extending square post. A printed circuit board, including an LED cluster, is mounted in the interior of the inner bowl. A transparent lens is snapped into the open top of the inner bowl directly above the printed circuit board. An outer bowl body is, shaped inside with reversed internal radial sides in mirror image of the inner bowl. The inner bowl assembly is nested within the outer bowl body, permitting the inner bowl to be angularly reposition therebetween. A bezel is attached within an open top of the outer bowl body permitting the inner bowl to be manually repositioned at an angle to direct light emitting from the LED cluster in a desired direction. Mounting provisions permit the outer bowl body to be attached onto a fixed surface that contains a hole provided to receive the LED puck light.

Abstract: A multi-function beverage brewer and cup (10) is taught that includes a travel mug (20) with a filter basket (26) that is removably placed within a top opening of the travel mug. A brewed beverage is created by pouring hot water over tea leafs or coffee grounds that have been placed into the filter basket. A storage container (38), including a lid (40), is used to retain additional tea leafs or coffee grounds and is removably attached to the travel mug. A holding cup (54) engages a lower outside surface of the travel mug for storage. When a beverage is brewed the holding cup and filter basket are removed from the travel mug and the filter basket containing tea leaf or coffee ground residue are stored in the holding cup and a basket/cup cover (34) encloses the holding cup.

Abstract: A roof drain sump box (10) is utilized for positioning a roof drain (12) on a flat roof. The sump box is formed with a horizontally oriented flat plate (20) with a central opening (22) making a peripheral flange (24). The central opening has a width less than a distance between building roof joists providing attachment of the sump box onto the flat roof top of a building without altering the building structure. An angular transition portion (46) is integrally formed with the flange contiguous with the central opening. A vertically oriented downwardly depending step (48) is formed integrally with the angular transition portion and a horizontally oriented flat sump deck (50) is integrally formed with the step. The sump deck, is coplanar with the flange, and incorporates a roof drain opening (52) to receive the roof drain (12). The sump deck is positioned sufficiently below the flat plate permitting water to flow uninhibited into the roof drain without ponding.

Abstract: An electronic device security container is taught which is used for storing valuable objects which consists of a console having electronic devices inside including a clock radio, a iPod® docking station, a fingerprint recognition biometric device and an electrical locking mechanism. A power supply provides electrical energy to the electronic devices housed within the console. An enclosure is attached to the console, which has a top opening lid, and a bottom storage container with a spring loaded hinge attached therebetween. An alternate embodiment is for a slide drawer opening security container differing only in the configuration of an enclosure which contains a sliding drawer under the console instead of the lid opening on the enclosure top.

Abstract: A lid (10) is taught for use with a cup to brew tea using a tea bag which incorporates a lid body (24) having an access opening (26) therein and apertures (28) located through the body for drinking tea from the lid. A resilient stopper (38) is disposed within the access opening in the lid, holding the tea bag string (36) between the stopper and the access opening, permitting the tea bag (22) to be initially immersed in hot water within the cup for brewing with the capability of retaining the tea bag string when the tea bag is manually drawn upward away from the tea after brewing. The invention allows brewed tea to be consumed through the lid body without of removing the tea bag until any time after drinking the brewed tea. A lip seal (46) is disposed around the lid body for gripping an inside diameter of the cup while maintaining a firm grasp on the cup.

Abstract: A clothes gathering clasp (10) is provided that is used for gathering and retaining a portion of a clothing garment. The clasp consists of an outside member (20) having a jewelry decorated external surface (22) and an internal surface (24) containing an imbedded a first magnet (26). A chain (40), or other flexible retainer, is attached onto the outside member on one end and to a jewelry decorated inside member (52) on the other. The inside member contains a second magnet (54) imbedded in its internal surface (52). The clasp functions by placing the outside member on an outer surface of a garment then gathering the material with the chain while placing the inside member opposite the outside member on an inner surface of the clothing garment. The portion of the garment gathered with the chain is then retained by the chain in conjunction with the opposed magnets that magnetically bind each other together through the garment material.

Abstract: A reusable electronic seal for a trailer includes a structural enclosure configured to attach onto a shackle of a padlock with an electronic module integrated within the to enclosure. A rechargeable battery circuit with a photovoltaic cell is in communication with a battery permitting the battery to be charged by the photovoltaic cell when the voltage is low. The electronic module incorporates a microprocessor, a random number generator and a liquid crystal display which communicates with the random number generator. A shackle engagement switch is configured to engage the padlock shackle, applying a signal to the microprocessor when the padlock has been opened. When the padlock is re-latched the shackle engagement switch triggers the microprocessor to signal the random number generator to transmit a new number to the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A no-drip carafe (10) is taught that is used for storing and serving a hot or cold beverage, which incorporates a vacuum insulated bottle (20) with a lid (30) engaging the top of the bottle. The lid incorporates a pouring spout (34) with a liquid cavity (36) running completely through and also an integral handle for convenience in handling. A spring loaded lever (56) pivotally snaps into the lid with the lever having an integral downwardly projecting plug finger (58) that engages and completely obstructs the liquid cavity when at rest. When the lever is manually depressed the plug finger is pivoted away from the liquid cavity permitting the beverage to flow freely and when released the integral downwardly projecting plug finger seals the cavity in a no-drip manner.

Abstract: A trailer backup alignment guide apparatus (10) is taught for aligning a vehicle hitch ball (20) to a trailer coupler (22) for attachment therebetween. The apparatus consists of a vehicle ball mount (28) incorporating a ball mounting strap (36) encompassing a vehicle ball. A vehicle mast (58) is disposed within the hitch ball mount in a vertical position. A trailer hitch coupler mount (62) is attached to the trailer which includes an L-shaped base block (64) with a telescoping trailer mast (68) in a vertical position parallel with the vehicle mast. A coupler mounting strap (70) is attached to and circumvents the coupler mount.

Abstract: A multi-fingered clamshell disc is taught that is used with an apparatus for classifying a stream of mixed recyclable materials. The disc includes a body with outwardly extending fingers, a centrally located square opening, a tapered notch and a tapered slot, with the notch and slot on opposite sides of the square opening. Insert sets are molded within the body adjacent to the notch and the slot configured to receive socket head cap screws that compress the notch and slot thereby tightly gripping the shaft of the apparatus. The disc is installed by spreading open the body in clamshell manner then slipping the body over the shaft allowing it to spring back in shape then attaching with the cap screws. A spacer is installed on one side or both sides of the body for separating the disc from other discs.

Abstract: A ceiling vent air diverter is taught, in the preferred embodiment, which incorporates a diverter body configured to cover beneath an existing air vent supplying air to a room of a building. The diverter body has a rectangular flat bottom and upstanding sides with each upstanding side having a discharge air slot permitting air to be distributed in opposed directions from the diverter at a ceiling level. A peripheral flange extends outwardly from each side of the body, in parallel relationship with the bottom and is used for attachment to the building ceiling. A second embodiment is configured and functions in the same manner as above but covers over the top of an existing air vent and includes a lip on the underside of the flange. The third embodiment is for a ceiling air duct diverter system consisting of a box like housing with side walls, an open top and open sides to divert air flow and having the capability of affixing the open top near a ceiling air vent.

Abstract: A beverage shaker (10) consists of an insulated container (20) which is configured to hold the ingredients for protein supplement drinks. The shaker permits manual mixing by shaking to and fro and retains any large pieces of the remaining ice within the container. The shaker has a removable top member (32) that is attached to the container which includes a smooth peripheral lip (26) surrounding the container suitable for drinking. A strainer (50) is supported internally by the top member and is configured for holding back large sized pieces of ice. A lid (60) internally interfaces with the top member in a leak proof manner permitting protein supplement drink ingredients to be mixed and consumed directly from the shaker when the lid is removed.

Abstract: A security tie-down apparatus is taught which is used in conjunction with a LCD monitor of the type incorporating a flat display mounting interface configured in accordance with Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mounting interface standards. The apparatus attaches a mounting plate to the LCD monitor utilizing the VESA mounting interface standard threaded holes, using flat head screws. A mounting plate cover encloses the mounting plate that engages the LCD monitor rear surface and a cable retaining adapter engages the mounting plate cover in such a manner as to obscure the contact union therebetween. An adapter shoulder bolt is disposed within the adapter and attaches to the mounting plate and also engages the mounting plate cover with the adapter. A security cable runs completely through the adapter obscuring the adapter shoulder bolt, and when the cable is anchored onto a fixed surface, the LCD monitor is protected from unauthorized removal or theft.