Abstract: This invention is a combination pickup device and tine cleaner having an elongated sleeve with an actuating shaft mounted therein. A tine head is mounted on one end of the sleeve and a handle on the other end. A plurality of tines outwardly project from the tine head on the opposite side from the sleeve. A cleaning plate, with openings in axial alignment with the tines, is mounted on the end of the actuating shaft adjacent the tine head. An actuating knob is mounted on the opposite end of the shaft so that as debris is picked up by the tines, the plate will be pushed up adjacent to the tine head causing the actuating knob to move out of the sleeve adjacent the handle. By pushing on the knob, the shaft can be forced back into the sleeve adjacent the handle which will cause the cleaning plate to move down the tines to clean the same. A height adjustable handle provided in a modification. Also, a pin to lock the device with the tips of the tines covered by the cleaning plate is provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a patient immobilization system for repeated use in imaging and radiation therapy of a patient, the system comprising an immobilization plate, side rails mounted on the plate with mask studs outwardly projecting therefrom engaging a thermoplastic immobilization mask with at least two anchor bars holding the mask on said studs, wherein the improvement comprises a relatively rigid plastic arch having two ventricle leg portions and an apex, the lower ends of each of the leg portions being mounted on a respective one of the anchor bars; a flap of material outwardly projecting from the mask to a point adjacent the arch; a fixation member for mounting the outwardly projecting flap of material to the arch whereby the mask can be tightly held between the bars and the side rails on the studs and at a third point to the arch. Contrast material is provided at the apex of the arch and in each of the leg portions such that the x, y, and z axes can be shown in three-dimensional images of the patient.

Abstract: This invention is a drop-lock adjustment used on automatic feeders to adjust the feed gates either up or down and includes shielded drop locks connected to control rods that pass through a channel. An adaptor plate mounted on the channel has a downwardly projecting flange spaced from the channel with an elongated slot in the plate to prevent the animals being fed from tripping the lock to cause either more or less feed to be dispensed.

Abstract: This invention relates to traffic control means for emergency-type vehicles including an on-board plotter screen having a diagram of streets, roads, highways and the like displayed thereon. A light pen is used to draw the preferred route which is then either accepted or rejected in part or as a whole by a computer based on a current street condition program. Once the route has been accepted a traffic signal map program can be activated that will automatically control traffic along the route to the destination of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: This invention is a combination mailbox indicia display and depository that is adapted to be mounted on the top, curved dome portion of a mailbox. The depository has two inwardly and upwardly disposed sides that are made from a material having a memory so that the upper edges of such side portions can be spread apart to insert informational material and to hold the same securely in place. Indicia display is in the form of elongated panels and are preferably removably mounted on the depository so that seasonal symbols and other message indicia can be displayed as desired.

Abstract: An indoor or quasi-indoor aviary for soft-bill and small hook-bill birds designed so as to permit the creation of both a miniature natural habitat and the illusion of an unenclosed space. The aviary features a lower frame that rests on a floor. Four removable corner supports extend vertically from each corner and provide support for an upper frame. Detachable netting connects to both the upper and lower frame and to a flexible lean-in, walk-in entryway. The top of the upper frame supports a removable upper cover. The sides of the upper frame support a built-in perch, an entry guide, vertical snap-on nesting poles and a horizontal brace extending across the top. The lower frame contains a feeding stand accommodating both peg-style and hanging-style feed and water containers. It also contains a plant rack with built-in holders for dried plant materials. Four legs lift the lower frame off the floor. A decorative upper band wraps around the upper frame.

Abstract: This invention is a vehicle sundries organizer and includes a base portion, a hinged lid portion and a pair of pivoted, length adjustable support arms. Also a fold out cup holder having a plurality of cup receiving openings is provided. Further a sundries organizing compartment is provided in the base portion and a vanity mirror with illuminating lights is provided on the interior of the lid portion.

Abstract: This invention is a process for producing low fat meat products comprising trimming the meat to no more than 11%, by weight, fat, cooling the meat to approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit, comminuting the meat to approximately 3/8 inch particle size, mixing between 0.5 and 5.0%, by weight, oat bran and betwen 0.3 and 3.0%, by weight flavoring with the comminuted meat, and comminuting the resulting mixture to between 3/16 inch and 1/8 inch particle size to produce a low fat meat product that, when cooked, has the mouth-feel, texture, juiciness and tenderness of normal fat comminuted meat products.

Abstract: This invention is a method of reducing the incidence of bovine mastitis by mounting an extended release insecticide dispenser on the ventral surface of the bovine's tail just cranial to the switch. This allows the insecticide vapors to permeate the area between the rear legs and the udder and its associated teats. This greatly reduces the incidence of biting insects which transmit mastitis causing bacteria to the teats. Also, tabs are provided on the extended release insecticide dispenser to hold the same in place on the tail until the adhering medium is cured. These tabs are preferably made from a moisture degenerative type material such as paper.

Abstract: An automatic alarm code converter wherein a plurality of alarm dialers report alarm conditions using security industry standard pulsed tone, FSK, or DTMF formats and call through the PSTN to the converter. The converter comprises a telephone line interface/decoder, a microprocessor which correlates the received alarm ID and code with addresses in a page data memory. The page data memory contains a pager number and an associated alphanumeric ASCII message The code converter further comprises a software program embodied in an EPROM which instructs on the automatic formatting of the page data into the PET/TAP protocol. The code converter communicates the page data to the paging system through a full duplex serial port either by direct RS232 connection or remotely through a dial-out modem using the PET/TAP protocol.

Abstract: This invention is an fluid absorbing means wherein an integral grid of inverted, semi-conical projections or fingers with rounded upper ends is provided. This grid can be walked on while preventing oil or other liquids which are dripped, spilled or otherwise deposited thereon from coming into contact with the soles of the user's shoes. Openings are provided at the juncture of the inverted, semi-conical fingers so that the contaminating fluid can pass therethrough onto an absorbing mat disposed thereto. This absorbing mat can be formed from cotton fiber, polymer material, polyethylene sponge, cellulose fiber or other suitable material or a combination thereof. A housing means completely surrounds the grid and its underlying absorbing material and includes an integral bottom to contain the contaminating fluids should the absorbing material become saturated.

Abstract: This invention is a magnetized opener/closure for zipper-type slide closures and includes an elongated handle with a 90.degree. bend or elbow at one end thereof. A magnetized disk with a hook extending outwardly from the center thereof is mounted on the outer end of the elbow to allow the tab of a zipper to be engaged and to prevent the same from becoming disengaged until the zipping or unzipping process has been completed. The elbow is weighted to assist in the manipulation of the opener/closure.

Abstract: A telephone answering service system in which calls to a telephone which can not be answered are forwarded to a unique number identifying a line in a first telephone company (TELCO) service and immediately forwarded by the first TELCO service to a second TELCO service which uniformly distributes received calls over a group of lines connected to the answering service and provides called number ID and line identification over a separate data line to the answering service. The answering service has a number of operator stations where the status of the group of lines is displayed and processing data relative to the called party is available to answer and forward received calls to another number.