Abstract: An adjustable frame for simultaneously aligning and installing multiple tiles. The adjustable frame contains a plurality of tile apertures. Each tile aperture is sized to accept a particular tile size. Tiles are inserted into each of the tile apertures to allow multiple tiles to be installed and automatically be aligned with one another during the installation process. The width of the grout area between the tiles is thus automatically set by the width of the adjustable frame segments. The adjustable frame is fabricated from independent frame segments which have internal adjustment rod channels. Adjustment rods are adjustably secured to two frame segments such that the distance between the frame segments can be selectably varied. By varying the distance between frame segments, the size of the tile aperture is varied, and therefore the tile size can be varied. The size of the tile apertures can be independently varied in a lateral direction or in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A hands free square and level which includes a self holding square that has central channels formed by opposing inner and outer walls. The central channels include mounting holes in its outer wall to allow it to be mounted on a work piece via screws. An inner wall, opposing the outer wall, has corresponding screw driver apertures to allow access to the screws by a screwdriver. The central channel also has transverse bolt apertures which allow the square to be face mounted on a work surface by inserting a bolt through a transverse bolt aperture and then into a work surface. A separate detachable level is sized to slidably fit within a central channel. Hands free operation is achieved by attaching the self holding square to a work surface and then inserting the level into a central channel. An alternative embodiment uses one or more levels which are integrally mounted on the square.

Abstract: A permanently attached identification device which is a button sized RFID tag having a unique number. The RFID tag is applied to the garment on the first visit and the identification number is then read. Information related to the garment (such as owner name, dates, reason for cleaning, etc.) is input to a computer along with the identification number. Each time the garment is deposited with a dry cleaner the RFID tag is automatically read by a tag reader near the garment conveyor, and information related to the current visit is input to the computer. The computer maintains a history record related to each garment that is keyed to the identification number in the RFID tag.

Abstract: A premixed ultra-light sandless mortar for use with clay and concrete tiles. The mortar uses ASTM standard C-332 aggregate, vermiculite or perlite aggregate in place of heavy aggregates such as sand. The mortar cement is made from portland cement, lime, air entraining agents, and water repelling agents. The resulting compound retains large amounts of moisture which increases hydration time resulting in improved bonding strength, and increased tile uplift strength. The light weight of the mortar also allows a full bed of mortar to be laid on the roof with the resulting benefit of an addition insulating layer for the building. The mortar is suitable for roofing or floor tile applications.

Abstract: A medication delivery straw which delivers medication held within the straw tube. When the patient drinks fluid through the straw, the medication is dissolved and ingested by the patient. A particle barrier at one end of the straw prevents viscous or powdered medicines, or crushed tablets, from falling out of the straw. The particle barrier has apertures which allow fluid to enter the straw during use. The fluid dissolves the medication in the straw while the patient is drinking. Optional features include disposable funnels (which may be preloaded with medicine) for filling the straw with the correct dosage of medication, funnels which are capable of attaching to pill crushers, removable caps for straws with premeasured doses of medication that prevent medicine loss during handling or storage, flexible necks for ease of use, and flexible straw walls to allow crushing medicine tablets within the straw. In the alternative, a medicine sack holds the medication much like a teabag holds tea.

Abstract: A vivarium with a raised side access panel which allows reptiles to be approached laterally rather than from above. A lower glass panel below the side access panel permits the vivarium to hold water for amphibians while permitting side access to the reptiles inside. A frame structure is also provided which allows upper and lower frame segments to be interchanged. The upper frame segments allow the top lid to be permanently mounted such that a variety of equipment can be placed on the top cover of the vivarium without being disturbed when the vivarium is accessed through the side access panel. The shape of the frame segments form recessed bottom which can hold an optional heating element to control temperature in the vivarium from below.

Abstract: Reusable integrated bulkhead and corner units for cargo containers. The units open to form container bulkheads and or corner units as required by the nature of the cargo. For non-bulk cargo, the bulkhead folds against the container sidewall or ceiling. The bulkheads are moved by hinge mechanisms or track assemblies. The hinged corner units fold against the bulkhead or the container walls.

Abstract: A removable insulating container which grips a bottle such that the container is held snugly in place. The container uses a separate lower sleeve and an upper cap which are mounted on a medicine bottle to substantially encase the medicine bottle. The container is fabricated from a multi-layer flexible material which has an impact resistant outer layer and an inner layer which forms an internal channel that grips the side of the medicine bottle. The proximal end of the container has an optional viewing window which allows the user to estimate the amount of medicine remaining in the medicine bottle. The proximal end of the lower sleeve extends past the bottom of the bottle to prevent it from impacting a surface should it be dropped.

Abstract: A system which uses three way password authentication, encrypting different portions of a logon packet with different keys based on the nature of the communications link. Nodes attached to a particular LAN can have one level of security for data transfer within the LAN while data transfers between LANs on a private network can have a second level of security and LANs connected via public networks can have a third level of security. The level of security can optionally be selected by the user. Data transfers between nodes of a network are kept in separate queues to reduce queue search times and enhance performance.

Abstract: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit. The upper surface of the bag is fabricated from one or more rigid panels which may be attached to the inside or outside of the upper surface of the bag. In one embodiment, the rigid panels are separate and operate independently from one another. In a second embodiment, the panels are attached via hinge mechanisms.

Abstract: A coaxial blunt dilator insertion system for insertion of laparoscopic cannulas which uses a coaxial needle guide and blunt dilator instead of a sharp trocar to insert primary and secondary laparoscopic cannulas. A single blunt dilator allows the insertion path to be expanded from the diameter of a needle to a size capable of accepting a digital cannula. Alternative embodiments allow multiple dilators to be used in sequence to expand the opening in the body cavity for a larger sized cannula. The size of the insertion path can thus accommodate both narrow devices such as suture graspers and optical devices up to and including objects as large as a surgeons finger. Open laparoscopy insertion of the first cannula may be performed under improved visual guidance utilizing a Laparoscopic Optically Directed Insertion System ("LODIS"). A blunt optical sleeve guide of appropriate length is fitted over the micro laparoscope and bluntly opens the peritoneum.

Abstract: A punch alignment sleeve that fits over the hub of a fan blade assembly or pulley wheel. The punch alignment sleeve has an internal channel which is aligned with and slidably fits over the end of the motor shaft. It has an internal channel running from the end of the motor shaft on the distal end to an aperture on the proximal end which slidably receives a punch. The punch alignment sleeve is held in place on the hub by a recessed area which fits around the periphery of the hub. The punch is struck to jolt the motor shaft loose after the punch alignment sleeve is installed. The internal channel is sized to snugly and slidably hold the shaft end and punch in position such that the shaft is struck by the punch at an angle substantially aligned with its longitudinal axis. The punch alignment sleeve also has optional and removable hub insert sleeves which allow the device to fit multiple size hubs.

Abstract: A toy telephone which has an integral lollipop holder. The toy telephone has a voice recorder which can be used by a child to record and play back messages for amusement. A lollipop is removably attached to a retractable slide which extends the lollipop for consumption and retracts the lollipop into the toy telephone for storage. During storage, the lollipop is enclosed within the telephone to prevent the lollipop from being contaminated. The lollipop is optionally formed in the shape of an antenna. The data keys of the telephone can be optionally illuminated to simulate a real telephone. The audio data and record function can be replaced or used in conjunction with a radio. Optionally, preselected sounds can be stored such as telephone tone dialing sounds or telephone ringing sounds.

Abstract: A system which uses three way password authentication, and s.sup.3 DES to encrypt different portions of a logon packet with different keys based on the nature of the communications link. Nodes attached to a particular LAN can have one level of security for data transfer within the LAN while data transfers between LANs on a private network can have a second level of security and LANs connected via public networks can have a third level of security. The level of security can optionally be selected by the user. Data transfers between nodes of a network are kept in separate queues to reduce queue search times and enhance performance. Each session maintains its own key dependent s.sup.3 DES S-boxes to enhance security.

Abstract: A venetian blind with individually adjustable slats. Each slat has a multilayer decorative slat extensions mounted in a slat extension holder. The individual slat extensions are mounted directly above one another in the unextended position. Each slat can be individually adjusted in length by sliding the slat extensions in opposite directions. The slats in the blind can be extended to allow the blind to be used on windows of varying width. Each slat can be individually adjusted to allow the blind to be used interchangeably on rectangular windows or on odd shaped windows such as arched windows. The cords used to control slat position and the cords used to raise and lower the slats are mounted on the edge of the slats which do not have holes.

Abstract: A portable cart assembly for use in tile or marble installation and for transporting mortar, water, tiles, marble, and associated tools. A low elevation platform carries a mortar pail just above floor level such that the top of the mortar pail is at the lowest possible level. The low level minimizes the amount of bending required from a tile worker to reach the mortar during installation of tiles or marble. The device has offset wheels which are attached to the perimeter of the platform such that the wheels allow mobility but do not increase the clearance between the low elevation platform and the floor. The wheels can be attached to an optional raised perimeter ring that provides auxiliary storage for tools. Multiple carts can be attached in train like fashion and pulled to the work site by a handle assembly.

Abstract: An activity monitor for a gas cooker or grill which monitors activity with a motion detector. When the grill has not been used for a preselected time period, the gas supply is automatically shut off to avoid fire hazard and/or wasting of fuel. An adjustable timer is used to activate the automatic shut off of the gas supply only after no motion has been detected for a preselected time period. A default timer value can be used when the grill is initially activated. If motion is detected prior to gas supply shut off, then the timer is reset to zero. Motion detection is accomplished by one or more methods including a lid position sensor to detect when the grill lid is moved between the open and the closed position a motion detector which monitors switch usage to detect activity, and vibration or movement monitors.

Abstract: A rapid construction method and apparatus for bulk cargo containers. The system uses a flexible bag which has an open end. The sides of the bag are folded over to form an end wall and sealed together with double stick tape. Side edges are sealed to the end wall with double stick tape to form edge seals. Load, vent, or discharge ports are attached to the end wall with double stick tape. The end is opened for unloading by cutting the section of the end wall which is encircled by the port. An optional access door in the port allows manual access to remove the end wall material. The liner and ports are optionally provided in kit form with pre-attached tape on the liner and ports. The ports do not have to be attached to the liner until required.

Abstract: A portable garment carrier with a handle portion and a garment holder portion which are connected by a central hook attachment that attaches to the garment hook on the interior of a vehicle. The handle portion folds down over the central hook attachment when it is suspended from a car hook. The garment carrier is fabricated from flexible material. The garment carrier can also be made from rigid material with a hinge mechanism to allow the handle portion to fold during use or for more convenient storage. An optional gap in the handle allows the handle to be suspended from a closet clothing rack. Alternate embodiments allow written information such as advertising messages to be displayed on the central hook attachment, folding handle grips which provide more comfortable handling, and specialized handles which can also be used to suspend the garments in a closets. The device may be fabricated as a disposable or reusable unit.