Abstract: A floating waste oil skimming device comprising a pair of hulls between which is suspended a skimmer box containing a plurality of oleophilic discs. The skimmer box has an outwardly opening bottom door which promotes a draft of water through the skimmer box when the device is in forward motion. Alternately the device can be operated in a stationary mode wherein water is evacuated from the skimmer box by means of a stand pipe inside the box. The skimmer box and oleophilic disc array are demountable and the pair of hulls can be folded together for transportation.

Abstract: A shoulder-mounted bird perch comprising a flexible shoulder cover, a perch assembly mounted upon the shoulder cover and a demountable waste receptacle also mounted upon the shoulder cover to the rear of the perch assembly. The perch assembly includes a wooden dowel or rod upon which a bird can perch. The waste receptacle is shaped to collect and hold bird droppings and is easily demountable for cleaning.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic apparatus for the detection and ranging of lightning strikes wherein radio frequency signals from lightning activity are filtered to allow selected low frequency emissions to be compared with standard voltages in order to activate light emitting diodes which correspond to distances to lightning activity: 0-10 miles, 10-20 miles, etc. The device only the electrostatic field component of the radio signals from lightning activity. The electrostatic component typically dominates over the electromagnetic component at comparatively short distances of 40 miles or less.

Abstract: A hand-held cryofixation apparatus in the form of a pistol handgrip into which is mounted a pneumatic cylinder and piston rod. A removable adapter and tissue mount is attached to the end of said piston rod. The handgrip is further fashioned with a slot or cutout into which is slidably disposed an L-shaped metal rod, the upturned leg of which supports a mirror finish metal block. Upon activation of the pneumatic cylinder the tissue mount is slammed against the mirror finish metal block which has been precooled by immersion into a cryogen such as liquid nitrogen or helium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the control and prevention of bruxing (nocturnal teeth grinding) which comprises a sound generating means affixed to the jaw of the user, an electronic control means to "read" electrical impedance variations within said sound generating means caused by bruxing and to activate an alarm when bruxing occurs. Said apparatus utilizes the principle of bone conduction wherein sonic loading of said sound generating means differs between the open-jaw and the closed-jaw states. The alarm develops a conditioned reflex in the user such that after the first few alarms incident to bruxing the user does not awaken but merely reacts by relaxing the jaw when the alarm occurs.

Abstract: A battery powered hand-held rotary cutting tool for use on BX cable and the like comprising a power unit and attached battery pack with a projecting drive shaft to which is affixed a rotary cutting blade. Said power unit and battery pack fit within a containment shell which is fitted with a top cover which closes onto the containment shell and simultaneously depresses an activation switch in said power unit. A projecting portion of said cover further operates to press a segment of shielded cable into contact with the rotary cutting blade contemporaneously with the activation of said power unit. Said top cover is fashioned with a spring on the inner cover such that when the cover is released by the mechanic or operator, the power activation switch is released thereby. The invention is designed to facilitate one-handed cutting of shielded cable by means of squeezing the device onto segments of cable wherever the mechanic desires to cut the shield.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the control and prevention of bruxing (nocturnal teeth grinding) which comprises a sound generating means affixed to one area of the face of the user, a sound receiving means affixed to another area of the face, and an electronic control means to "read" signals from said sound receiver and to activate an alarm when bruxing occurs. Said apparatus utilizes the principle of bone conduction whereby the sonic vibrations from said second generator are transmitted to said sound receiver bottom when the jaw of the user is closed than when it is open. The alarm develops a conditioned reflex in the user such that after the first few alarms incident to bruxing the user does not awaken but merely reacts by relaxing the jaw when the alarm occurs.

Abstract: A novel containment device for securing electrical connectors comprising a box fashioned with a slot in one face, a rotatable shelf inside said box and a door or moveable panel on one end of said box. The box is employed by inserting the plug end of an electrical appliance cord through said door and into said box, said plug being placed under said shelf with the cord passing over said shelf and out of the box through said slot. The plug is unable to exit the box due to insufficient clearance between the interior edge of the shelf and the back of the box.