Abstract: An electromagnet having at least one access port oriented perpendicularly to the electromagnet's central axis. The magnet has a conventional helical winding along its central axis. However, at some point along the length of the axis, the pitch of the helical winding is greatly increased in order to create a region with a comparatively low turn density. One or more ports are provided in this region. These ports provide access from the magnet's central bore to the magnet's exterior. A sample can be placed in the central bore near the ports. A beam traveling down the central bore, or through one of the radial ports, will strike the sample and be scattered in all directions. The ports allow access for instrumentation which is used to evaluate the scattered beam.

Abstract: A display device for creating a backlit effect on a display article—such as a photograph—with a candle. The display device includes a candle container and a display panel attached to the wall of the candle container by a stand-off. The wall of the candle, display panel, and stand-off together form a pocket for receiving a sleeve which receives a display article. Both the display panel, inside wall and sleeve allow the light of the candle to transmit through the display device and create a backlit effect on the display article that is viewable through the display panel.

Abstract: A blow gun for launching soft projectiles. The blow gun includes an action sleeve which is wrapped around and attached to a receiver. Soft projectiles, such as marshmallows, may be loaded into the breech of the blow gun by rotating the action sleeve approximately a quarter of a turn around the receiver. When rotated in this manner, a loading port in the action sleeve aligns with a corresponding loading port on the receiver, thus exposing the hollow interior of the receiver. A barrel is attached to one end of the receiver so that the hollow interior of the barrel and the hollow interior of the receiver are aligned. A muzzle brake extends beyond the barrel and has a plurality of brake vents to prevent the accidental inhalation of projectiles when inhaling on the muzzle end of the blow gun. The blow gun may be fired by blowing into a blow tube which is fluidly connected with the receiver.

Abstract: A flame effect device for a vehicle including an exhaust pipe and an effect module. The effect module includes a fan, a light, and streamers. When the effect module is activated, the fan blows the streamers in front of the light creating a reflection on the inside face of the exhaust pipe. This reflection has the appearance of an emanating flame inside of the exhaust pipe. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a triggering device which causes the flame to appear more intense as the vehicle accelerates.

Abstract: A spreader tip which can be applied to a variety of different spreader bars having different shapes and sizes. The spreader tip features at least one mounting arm which is positioned to bear against a portion of the spreader bar's exterior. The engagement between the at least one mounting arm and the exterior of the spreader bar is discontinuous, in that it engages less than the entire circumference of the spreader bar's exterior.

Abstract: Cable terminations having features which reduce stress in the transition between the potted region and the freely flexing region of a cable when the cable flexes laterally with respect to the anchor. Several favorable geometries are disclosed. The use of a supplemental buffer material to reduce stress is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connecting system which allows a standard rigging fixture to be connected to a synthetic cable termination by swaging. The cable termination is provided with a swaging sleeve. When the standard rigging fixture is placed next to the termination, this swaging sleeve is swaged over a portion of the standard rigging fixture in order to lock the standard rigging fixture to the termination. The provision of the swaging sleeve on the termination is accomplished using a variety of approaches, including forming the swaging sleeve as part of an anchor, providing a separate swaging sleeve attached by threads, and forming the anchor and swaging sleeve with two separate swaging operations.

Abstract: An additive formulated for blending with bulk absorbent materials to cause the absorbent materials to agglomerate upon the introduction of urine or waste products. The invention also comprises mixtures of the additive with the conventional absorbent materials. The additive itself comprises: a polysaccharide, such as a galactomannan gum; a borate compound for use as a cross-linking agent; a dicarboxylic acid in order to acidify the pH of the additive; and preferably a flow control element such as silica. An additional element may also be added to assist in fixing the additive to the absorbent materials, to control dust during the mixing process, and to improve the flow of the material when poured out of a container by the end user.

Abstract: A method for sealing or resealing a masonry surface in a swimming pool. In a new pool, spa, or similar structure, the masonry surface is cleaned and prepped. A diluted mixture of silicone sealant is then applied to the surface. Staining dyes are optionally added to the sealing formulation. In the case of an old pool, voids and cracks are sealed with a filler. The diluted mixture of silicone sealant is then applied over the old plaster and the filler materials to reseal the surface. Staining dyes may be optionally added to this application of the inventive method as well. A second formulation of the sealant can be used to affix and grout tiles in order to seal all or part of a pool's wall surface.

Abstract: A device which uses an input of speech and measures latency between stimulus and response. The device generally includes an input transducer for converting a stimulus speech sound into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to an electric circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the electric circuit includes a central processing unit which utilizes delay time counters to measure the length of time between signals. A second input transducer is used to convert a response speech sound into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the electric circuit. Each input transducer operates on a separate channel, so that the central processing unit may easily distinguish between stimulus sounds and response sounds.

Abstract: A new system for electronic polling. The system employs a plurality of voter check-in stations which display voter identity information and enable poll workers to verify voting eligibility. Each check-in station is connected to the internet by any available means. Periodically, the check-in station sends a block of information to a web site. The block of information includes a list of the registration numbers of all of the voters who have voted and the last time-stamp of information that it has updated onto the local database. The web site responds with a block of information containing a list of voters who have been reported as voting in other areas of the jurisdiction also a list of voters whose status has changed. The check-in station uses this information to update the local database with the voting status and eligibility status of the voters on its database. The voter check-in process runs only against the local database thereby eliminating the reliance on communications with the web site.

Abstract: A climbing tree stand having a continuous length adjustment for the tensile member passing around the tree. FIG. 1 shows the stand, incorporating a foot platform and a seat platform. Each platform is bound to the tree by a flexible tensile member. Each tensile member is removably connected to a first and second slider. Each slider rides along a bar. The slider is ordinarily clamped firmly to the bar. It can only be moved by the user pressing a lock plate and sliding it along. Thus, the tensile member can be adjusted without ever releasing it from the platform. In addition, if the user should accidentally release his or her grip on the slider, the slider will lock itself in position and prevent the platform dislodging.

Abstract: A method for making a release agent suitable for use in the baking industry, along with examples of the release agent made according to the method. The method comprises heating a food grade oil to between about 100 and about 130 degrees Celsius, then adding water heated to near its boiling point. Agitation is used during the process to convert the mixture to a stable oil-in-water emulsion. A relatively small volume of emulsifying agent may also be added. The preferred embodiment uses a silicone oil, which leaves very little solid residue on the baking pans.

Abstract: A control system for disabling the fan of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system upon the detection of an audible alarm, such as a smoke alarm. The preferred embodiment utilizes a tunable band pass filter/decibel level detector in conjunction with a microphone to detect an audible alarm. When an alarm is detected, the fan is disabled whether the HVAC is operating in heating, cooling, or manual fan “on” mode.