Abstract: A baseplate, for use with a bass drum, including a center plate and a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom. Each wing cradles and is adjustably secured to a lug affixed to a drum shell of a bass drum. A connection plate unitarily constructed with and extending from the center plate includes a terminal end with a lip for adjustably interfacing with a pedal clamp of a drum beater assembly for connecting the drum beater assembly to the bass drum. The pedal clamp is removably connectable to any point along the lip for laterally adjusting the striking point of a beater head onto the bass drum, the bass drum isolated from the pedal clamp for improving the resonance performance thereof, without changing the length of a beater shaft or the feel of the drum beater assembly.

Abstract: A universal lighting system for use with a computer web camera including a digital computing device fitted with a web camera for capturing images of a subject for transmission over a worldwide communication network. A base clamping mechanism is affixed to the computing device. A light array is adjustably connected to the base clamping mechanism for illuminating the subject positioned before the web camera. A diffuser lens is flexibly connected to the base clamping mechanism and sealingly positioned over the web camera for diffusing received light for creating a clear image of the illuminated subject prior to transmission over the communication network.

Abstract: A caster suspension system for a multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes two fluid activated cylinders and two spaced apart arms for each wheel and axle set which allow the transport vehicle to be raised and lowered with respect to the roadway. The suspension system mechanically stabilizes the axles with respect to the transport vehicle thereby reducing axle yaw and allowing higher transport speeds. As the transport vehicle moves, the suspension system casters into alignment with the direction of travel.

Abstract: A disposable cover for use with a remote control device for providing a protective sanitation barrier to human infection includes a rear member having a flat surface. A front curved member is integrally molded in a seamless unitary, one-piece construction with the rear member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form a single-use, disposable protective enclosure. An anti-bacterial compound impregnates the rear member, the front curved member and the rounded surfaces for destroying bacteria on the remote control device. An orifice is formed in the rear member for enabling the remote control device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. Finally, the front member, rear member and the rounded surfaces are comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for conforming to the shape of the remote control device for providing a disposable, protective sanitation barrier to human infection.

Abstract: An adjustable tension clip selectively retains a tool. The clip includes a pair of resilient clip members positioned in spaced-apart, parallel alignment. Each of the clip members provides in sequence, from a proximal mounting end of the clip member to a distal clamping end of the clip member; a proximal planar section; a proximal C-shaped section; a medial planar section; a distal C-shaped section; a distal arcuate section; and a terminal outwardly-flared section for receiving the tool.

Abstract: A pouring spout for use in providing a conduit for the discharge of the contents of a closed container containing fluids or granulated materials includes a cylindrical inner housing having an open top end and a removable tethered cap. A pair of opposing punch blades affixed to the cylindrical inner housing is provided for insertion into a top surface of a container where the cylindrical inner housing and the punch blades serve to provide a discharge conduit for the container. A projection spur is formed on each of the punch blades for forcing open the top surface of the container. An outer safety sleeve is provided for covering the punch blades when the punch blades are withdrawn from the top surface of the container.

Abstract: A fluid container for use in accessing an obstructed fill port of a machine for inserting fluids therein includes a housing for containing a fluid, the housing having a top surface with an opening formed therein. A collapsible tube is aligned with the opening and affixed to the housing for providing a fluid exit path, the tube being manually extended and retracted. A channel is formed on the top surface of the housing for receiving the collapsible tube when the tube is in a retracted lateral position. An alternative embodiment of the fluid container exhibits a molded pocket formed beneath the bottom surface of a first housing for receiving a collapsible tube of a second housing when the collapsible tube of the second housing is in a retracted lateral position. Both the channel and the molded pocket facilitate vertical stacking of the containers.

Abstract: A heating fuel canister typically used for heating food in a buffet line includes a housing for containing a volume of liquid fuel, the housing having a continuous cylindrical sidewall and a bottom wall. An interseal top surface is affixed to a top edge of the cylindrical sidewall and includes a threaded neck having a center penetration formed there through. The threaded neck is integral with the interseal top surface. A pan-shaped disk is press-fitted into the center penetration of the threaded neck. A fiberglass layer is positioned upon the pan-shaped disk. Finally, a fiberglass wick is extended from within the housing and is passed through the pan-shaped disk and the fiberglass layer for drawing liquid fuel into the fiberglass wick and the fiberglass layer for providing a broad, hot uniform flame when ignited.

Abstract: A spray pump apparatus typically employed in gardening and commercial applications wherein a charged liquid is sprayed in a garden environment or on a floor surface for removing spills, grease or stains. In its most fundamental embodiments the spray pump apparatus for use in spraying: fluids includes an outer housing and a pump assembly in mechanical communication with the outer housing for developing a pressure therein. An integral bladder assembly is mounted within the outer housing and comprises an integrally formed combination of a flexible bladder, a hose and a nozzle. The flexible bladder is subjected to the pressure developed by the pump assembly for expelling a fluid contained within the flexible bladder, wherein the integral bladder assembly is installed in and removed from the outer housing as the integrally formed combination.

Abstract: A shoe having a simplified construction includes an upper layer having a top edge and a bottom edge for enclosing a foot. An inner lining layer is joined to the top edge of the upper layer for providing comfort. A counter component is positioned between the upper layer and the inner lining layer for supporting a heel of the shoe. An outsole wall having a slanted inner surface for forming a cavity therein is joined to the bottom edge of the upper layer. An insole for supporting the foot is shaped to include a slanted outer surface for fitting within the cavity formed within the outsole wall. An outsole is joined to a bottom of the outsole wall and the insole for contacting the ground. In an alternative embodiment, the outsole wall includes a vertical inner surface for forming a rectangular-shaped cavity which accommodates a rectangular midsole filler layer.

Abstract: An electronic power supply for use with a personal computer exhibits a construction including an external power section located exterior to a personal computer and including a direct current voltage source in combination with a battery source for providing a load adjusted direct current voltage. A first supervisory computer is connected to the direct current voltage source and the battery source for controlling the load adjusted direct current voltage. An internal power section is located interior to the personal computer and in electrical contact with the external power section. The internal power section comprises a plurality of voltage output devices for providing a plurality of direct current output voltages. A second supervisory computer is connected to the plurality of voltage output devices for controlling the plurality of direct current output voltages distributed to the personal computer. A signal communication link exists between the second supervisory computer and the first supervisory computer.

Abstract: A light emitting electric toothbrush and method therefore is disclosed which is intended for use by children, is comprised of a robust high-strength, plastic construction, and employs both light and vibration to assist in the development of suitable dental hygiene skills. In its most fundamental embodiment, the light emitting electric toothbrush comprises a construction including a handle having a bottom end and a top end and a toothbrush shaft mounted to the top end of the handle. The brush shaft is comprised of a plastic resin including a fluorescent colored light refractive additive for optimizing light transmission through the brush shaft. A high intensity light source is mounted within the top end of the handle for generating light and a domed-shaped optical lens is positioned over the high intensity light source for directing the generated light into the brush shaft.

Abstract: A dynamic dual density heel bag for use in shoe construction and typically employed in athletic and walking type shoes. The dynamic dual density heel bag includes a construction including a lower flexible sealed enclosure containing a high density material where the lower enclosure has a V-shaped top surface. Also included is an upper flexible sealed enclosure containing a low density material. The upper enclosure has a V-shaped bottom surface for being vertically cradled by and affixed to the V-shaped top surface of the lower enclosure for forming a heel bag. The heel bag is then affixed within an outsole of a shoe typically with an adhesive. The high density material of the lower enclosure is isolated from the low density material of the upper enclosure. Thus, the low density material of the upper enclosure provides cushioning and shock absorption and the high density material of the lower enclosure provides support, security and stability to a foot.

Abstract: A portable area floor covering and method is directed to a floor covering that is durable yet sufficiently flexible to facilitate portability, exhibits a robust construction and a very attractive and aesthetically pleasing appearance for use in residential and commercial environments. In its most fundamental embodiment, the portable area floor covering comprises a construction including a durable, flexible sheet layer formed of a plurality of sheet sections wherein each sheet section includes a plurality of outer edges. A flexible base layer is affixed to a bottom side of each of the sheet sections to form a backing for the durable, flexible sheet layer. A border reducer is fused to the flexible base layer and to the outer edges of the sheet sections. The border reducer is wedge-shaped which facilitates interfacing with a floor surface. Finally, a padding layer is secured to a bottom side of the flexible base layer to provide cushioning to the entire portable area floor covering.

Abstract: A handheld pressurized hopper gun for use in patching acoustic ceilings and repairing cracks and damage in walls and ceilings by applying a texturized sealing compound thereto is disclosed. The pressurized hopper gun is typically employed where plaster walls and ceilings are being refurbished due to damage thereto. The handheld pressurized hopper gun includes a spray gun, a pressurized sealed hopper mounted over the spray gun and containing a sealing compound, and a pressurized air input. The pressurized air input provides low pressure air from an air input housing to an air regulator and the spray gun and to a cock valve and the pressurized sealed hopper. The spray gun has a handle having a first air passage formed therethrough, a movable hollow plunger shaft having a second air passage formed therethrough, a nozzle for seating an end of the hollow plunger shaft and an orifice formed through the nozzle.

Abstract: A two-phase fire suppression/protection method and system for structures and surrounding grounds includes a Phase1 and a Phase2. Phase1 is initiated first when a plurality of parabolic microphone sensors placed at the perimeter of the grounds surrounding the structure detect sound associated with an advancing wildfire. The parabolic microphone sensors provide a first signal to a system control unit which determines if a wildfire is advancing toward the structure. If a wildfire is identified, a filter and pumping system provides chemically treated water necessary to activate a plurality of parabolic volumetric distribution units located on the surrounding grounds. The distribution units generate a dome of high pressure cool air which encapsulates the structures and surrounding grounds for impeding the approach of the wildfire.

Abstract: A residential fire equipment cabinet and method therefore typically employed in a residence or other habitable structure for storing emergency fire equipment including at least one standard size fire extinguisher container is disclosed. The fire equipment cabinet includes a construction incorporating a plurality of features including a box-shaped enclosure for housing the emergency fire equipment. The enclosure includes a top portion, an elevated base portion, a back portion and a pair of parallel side portions. A first arcuate-shaped door is provided for sealing the enclosure and includes a mechanism for rotatively attaching the first arcuate-shaped door to the front of the enclosure. Finally, at least a first recessed cavity is formed within the elevated base portion for securing a fire extinguisher container within the enclosure.

Abstract: An automated system for immobilizing a vehicle and method therefore typically employed in a motor vehicle for disabling the throttle and deploying the brake and clutch control systems after a theft of the vehicle has occurred is disclosed. The invention includes a plurality of devices for monitoring a plurality of parameters of the vehicle and for generating the triggering signal. A central control microprocessor is employed for receiving and analyzing the plurality of parameters and for detecting the triggering signal. A throttle adjustable range actuator module is utilized for disabling the throttle of the vehicle upon detection of the triggering signal. Finally, a brake adjustable range actuator module is included for deploying the brakes to stop the vehicle. Additionally, a clutch adjustable range actuator module is included for deploying a manual clutch, if the vehicle is fitted with one, for preventing the wheels of the vehicle from being driven.

Abstract: A heating fuel cartridge for use in heating food placed in a chafing dish mounted in a metal frame enclosure typically employed in a buffet line is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a container comprised of a base and a continuous cylindrical sidewall for containing a liquid fuel. A one-piece, disk-shaped top surface is mounted upon the sidewall and includes an upward extending annular ridge integrally formed in the top surface for defining an inner circular portion and an outer circular portion. The top surface is fabricated by a single stamping motion. Thus, the disk-shaped top surface including the annular ridge comprises a one-piece unitary construction. A wick used to burn the liquid fuel projects upward from the inner circular portion. A removable cap which is press fitted into the upward extending annular ridge serves to snuff the flame and seal the inner circular portion of the one-piece top surface.