Abstract: An automated therapy table having various support portions capable of being independently and automatically actuated by a physical therapist or other medical practitioner in order to move parts of a person's body medially/laterally, posteriorly/anteriorly and rotatably without causing physical stress to the medical practitioner.

Abstract: A dual compartment tire has a primary air compartment and a secondary air compartment that is internal to the primary air compartment. During ordinary travel, the primary air compartment is in contact with the road surface, with the secondary air compartment constituting an integral spare tire in the event of a flattening of the primary air compartment. Each of the primary and secondary air compartments is bounded by an exterior surface. In contrast to prior art dual compartment tires, the exterior surface of the secondary air compartment is relatively thicker than the exterior surface of the primary air compartment.

Abstract: An improved bolt action rifle. In its preferred embodiment, the improved bolt action rifle has at least one locking lug positioned within the bolt and having at its bottom a convex projection adapted to be inserted into a mating convex slot; a locking lug safety plunger located adjacent to a locking lug and adapted to prevent full insertion of the bolt without the presence of the locking lug; a bolt handle lock to lock the bolt in an upright position when the bolt handle is pulled rearward of the receiver; a bolt handle positioning detent to hold the bolt in a downward firing position when the rifle is in condition to be fired; a split receiver ring having two openings, one for permitting the ejection of a cartridge and the other for permitting the insertion of a new cartridge from the magazine; a bolt sleeve lock for locking together portions of the bolt; an ambidextrous magazine release; a magazine ejector; and an improved trigger mechanism based on the use of studs instead of pins.

Abstract: A lateral-view mirror assembly having a first lateral-view mirror and a second lateral-view mirror coupled to a spoiler of a vehicle and dimensioned to provide a driver of a vehicle with the ability to view objects positioned lateral to a rear portion of the vehicle by looking at a reflection of the objects reflected from the first and second lateral-view mirrors to a rear-view mirror to the driver.

Abstract: A motroized vehicle has a circular platform. A hemispherical frame is coupled to the platform. A front axle and wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to a front section of the hemispherical frame. A rear axle and wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to a rear section of the hemispherical frame. A motor is coupled to the rear axle and wheel assembly for powering the vehicle. Control devices are coupled to the motor and the front and rear axle and wheel assembly for controlling operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser is disclosed which contains a spool that extends at a right angle from a mounting plate secured to a surface. The mounting plate may, optionally, be mounted to a wall surface or may be recessed. The spool receives a roll of toilet paper thereon, and has an end cap that is removably coupled to an end of the spool, after placement of the toilet paper roll on the spool to prevent the roll from coming off of the spool. The toilet paper dispenser includes a top cover positioned so as to conceal a top portion of the toilet paper roll when the mounting plate is mounted on a wall surface. When a drywall type surface is used, a butterfly type anchor permits attachment of the mounting plate to the drywall type surface.

Abstract: An automatic water supply device and method therefore, comprising a water container, a pressure sensitive diaphragm refill valve, and a garden hose adapter. In a preferred embodiment, a pet is supplied automatically with fresh drinking water as needed. In another preferred embodiment, a tile saw cooling system is supplied with a constant flow of clean water.

Abstract: A locking lid and method for a valve box. The locking lid has a closure and surrounding external seal, which fit into the valve box opening and close/seal it. The locking mechanism of the locking lid preferably consists of an actuator spindle that extends through the closure, and that is received in an actuator follower positioned therebelow. The actual follower is in pivotal engagement with a plurality of locking pawls, such that turning of the actuator spindle causes movement of the actuator follower and thus pivoting of the locking pawls—moving the locking pawls into a locked or unlocked position relative to a lid seat within the valve box.

Abstract: A writing implement having a forward-positioned eraser, and method. The eraser circumscribes the shaft of the writing implement, and may have an annular or doughnut shape. The eraser may be affixed to the shaft portion, for example where used with a fixed-length writing implement such as a mechanical pencil or erasable pen. The eraser may, alternatively, be slidable along the shaft portion, which would make the eraser useable with a sharpenable pencil, the length of which will be changed as a result of sharpening.

Abstract: The system and method utilizes an apparatus for generating ozone having, preferably, a first electrode positioned within a channel in a second electrode. The first electrode is a tube made of dielectric material, having at least one electron gun positioned proximate an end thereof for firing electrons. In electrical communication with the electron gun is a rod, maintained in a tube also made of dielectric material, which acts to maintain a constant energy level through the length of the rod. Within the first electrode is an inert gas which, upon the firing of the electron gun, is formed into a plasma. When a feed gas (generally air) is passed between the first and second electrodes, the electrons and plasma cause the formation of ozone. The treated feed gas is then injected into the water to be treated. Preferably, the water is then centrifuged before introduction in the cooling tower system.

Abstract: Updating of information contained in a database is provided, in a more accurate manner, through the use of an update file as part of a coding engine. In particular, a database containing a plurality of data entries is provided to a coding engine. The coding engine will compare the data entries to a reference database. It will leave undisturbed those entries that match entries in the reference database. Entries in the database that do not match will be compared against information contained against an update file, with the update file reflecting events occurring after the last revision of the reference database. In one embodiment, the coding engine is utilized to update street address databases.

Abstract: A lateral-view mirror assembly capable of providing a driver of a vehicle with the ability to view objects positioned lateral to a rear portion of the vehicle by looking at a reflection of the objects reflected from lateral-view mirrors to a rear-view mirror to the driver. The two lateral-view mirrors are placed apart on a rear portion of a vehicle, with a first lateral-view mirror placed between a center portion and a driver's side of a top surface of a rear portion of a vehicle and a second lateral-view mirror placed between a center portion and a passenger's side of a top surface of a rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a household water supply provides protection of structures and fixtures from water damage due to plumbing failure or other causes. The household water supply is shut-off in conformity with a determination that the household is unoccupied and thereby provides automatic protection from water damage.

Abstract: A method for creating a composite work of fine art that is the combination of two works of fine art. The creation of the first and second works of fine art that together form the composite work of fine art each include a hand-painting step. Preferably, for each of the first and second works of fine art, the hand-painting step follows the outputting of its corresponding image onto a substrate. Painting than occurs on top of the image on the substrate, which will speed the process and enhance its accuracy.

Abstract: An aid and method for tying fishing knots. A substantially key-shaped aid has a flat head, a shank having a groove therein, and a notch in the shank. The groove permits the tying of a knot across the shank, and over an object—either a line passed through the groove or a hook positioned under the shank—to which the knot is to be attached.

Abstract: A keyboard tray apparatus comprising an articulating arm coupled to a table at one end and a keyboard tray at the other. The keyboard tray apparatus provides: (a) a hook and slot system for removably coupling the keyboard tray to an articulating arm with ease; (b) a reversible mouse pad capable of being removably coupled with a spring-biased ball detent to either side of a keyboard tray; and (c) a keyboard tray having a forward two-sleeve set and a rear two-sleeve set and capable of mating with a mouse pad in a forward position or in a rear position.

Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining an object, including preferably a gas mask, in position proximate a user's mouth. The retention device includes straps coupled to both sides of the object and having at ends thereof ear pieces. The ear pieces fit over the ears, and are configured to receive the strap at a point proximate the anterior, center portion of the ear, causing pulling forces to be on the posterior center portion of the ear rather than on the top of the ear.

Abstract: A produce washing method, which permits the washing of produce from both above and below in the field. Produce is transported along a conveyor belt, from a loading section, to a washing section on which is located a washing unit, upward along an ascending section, and from there the produce travels along a dumping section and into a receptacle. The washing unit features spray nozzles located above and below the washing section, so as to direct spray from above and below the produce so as to more effectively wash it.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent device having a casing with distinct regions having different colored appearances, so that a single color of light produced by the reaction of chemiluminescent reaction may produce a multicolored appearance. Preferably, the regions are formed into discrete designs as defined by the shapes of the regions.