Abstract: An apparatus for impact dispersal of a force applied to a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle or other carrier. The apparatus includes a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with a relief valve and a flow restrictor connected in series. The piston rod of each cylinder receives the force of an impact, which causes the fluid in the cylinder to undergo an increase in pressure, which is relieved by multiple relief valves and serially connected flow restrictors. In one embodiment, the relief valves and the flow restrictors are incorporated into a single valve. The system responds to an amount of force caused by an impact and disperses the force accordingly at a controlled rate. Applications for such an embodiment include connection to vehicle bumpers, to a seat back where the cylinder is double-acting, and to landing feet for air-drop carriers.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing visual signals at an elevated position on a motorcycle, including one or more of running lights, turn signals, and brake light. A pair of light assemblies each include a light bar, a stem, and a stem bracket. The light bar includes a plurality of amber lights on the front, the side, and the rear and a plurality of red lights on the rear. The lights are selectively controlled to provide visual signals to others. The stems connect light bars to the stem bracket. In one embodiment, the stem brackets are attached to the handlebars. In one such embodiment, the stem brackets are mounted in conjunction with the handlebar mounted mirrors.

Abstract: A tufted air mattress including a first printed sheet and a second sheet. The first printed sheet is printed over a selected area with an ink containing a fluoropolymer. The portion of the printed sheet with the ink defines a coated area. The first printed sheet attached to the second sheet where the printed sheet is not coated with the ink. The coated area of the printed sheet inhibits heat welding of the first sheet to the second sheet. The coated area also lubricates the first and second sheets to aid in inflating the air mattress without flaking and contaminating the air inflating the air mattress. In one embodiment of such a mattress, three sheets define two air volumes that are alternatingly inflated and deflated through an alternating air supply valve.

Abstract: An apparatus having a support base and a removable hair portion for training personal appearance workers. In one embodiment, the releasable hair portion is the crown of a mannequin head and is detachably fixed to the support base of the mannequin head, which is adapted to be fixed to a work surface or mount. In another embodiment the releasable hair portion is the chin and surrounding area, which is detachably fixed to the support base of the mannequin head. The removable hair portion of the mannequin attaches to the support base of the mannequin head with a latching system that securely fixes the hair portion to the head. The latching system includes at least one fastening tab and a releasable clip that engages an opening in the support base. In another embodiment, a detent system is positioned between a fastening tab and the locking clip.

Abstract: A cover adapted to be received on the distal end of a medical probe or instrument such as an endoscope in such a manner as to not require the application of a retainer. The cover is constructed of two panel members secured one to the other along their respective sides. A throat is defined proximate the first end and is adapted to closely receive the distal end of the medical probe. The first ends of each of the panels are folded over to define a double thickness of material. The first panel member first end extends beyond the second panel member first end to define an extended portion, which provides a mechanism whereby the distal end of the medical probe is easily inserted into the first end of the cover. The second end of the cover is inverted to assist in the application of the cover of the medical probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for a rotary internal combustion engine. The engine has three rotating members that orbit about the center of a three-armed rotor as the rotor rotates within a housing with three lobes. The tips of the rotating members engage the lobes and a circular cutout in the rotor as the rotor rotates. A back plate includes inlet and exhaust ports that are sequentially opened and closed by the rotating members and rotor as they move within the housing. A front plate rotates with the rotor and separates the combustion chambers from a planetary gear assembly that ensures the alignment of the rotating members as they orbit the rotor shaft. Fuel is injected after the compression cycle is initiated.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hydraulically locked accessory mounting device for attaching accessories to a boat, or vessel. The mounting device includes a base for attaching to the boat and a ball head that is attached to an accessory, which can be moved to a selected position and locked in that position by a hydraulic assembly. The hydraulic assembly includes a first piston moved by an operator. The first piston is in hydraulic communication with a second piston, which engages a shoe that locks the ball in position. In one embodiment, the hydraulic system includes a bleed valve connected to the channel between the first and second pistons. In one embodiment, the first piston is operated by a knob with a threaded shaft. In another embodiment, the first piston is operated by a cam on a shaft that is rotated with a lever or knob.

Abstract: A water caddy for capturing, containing, transporting, and emptying a fluid includes an open top fluid container pivotally attached to a cabinet set on wheels. The fluid container is pivotable between a fill position in which the container receives fluid through the open top and an empty position in which fluid is emptied from the container through the open top without having to lift any portion of the cabinet. A pneumatic actuator interconnecting the cabinet and fluid container assists the user in emptying the fluid container by urging the fluid container toward its empty position. The water caddy 10 may be dimensioned to enable a user to conveniently empty captured fluid directly into an existing floor toilet. One or more brakes are employed to inhibit inadvertent movement of the water caddy as it is being filled or emptied.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an automated system for cross calibration based on data stored by a plant computer and data storage unit or a plant monitoring system. The automated system includes a processor executing software for retrieving data, determining average temperatures, determining deviations, and determining new calibration curve coefficients for deviating instruments. In another embodiment, the processor executes software for loading the historical data, selecting data points, removing deviate data, analyzing the data, reporting the data, and for recalibrating instruments that were determined to be deviating.

Abstract: An apparatus for a residential low voltage control system. A low voltage controller is adapted to fit into a standard wiring box, and the controller provides isolation/separation of the low voltage wiring from other wiring. The face plate of the controller, in one embodiment, has a recessed portion with terminals for connecting the low voltage conductors. In another embodiment, the face plate has a recessed portion with an opening for a terminal block to protrude. In still another embodiment, the face plate has an opening for a low profile terminal block to protrude.

Abstract: Garments that are an absorption pad holding system used during post tumescent liposuction drainage recovery. These garments with rows of inside pockets will secure retail maxi pads and/or medical pads in a, but not limited to, stretchable, breathable, leak proof and washable material. These user friendly garments after being filled with pads, can be easily wrapped around various parts of the body. The garment can be easily adjusted with the Velcro closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for a rotary internal combustion engine. The engine has three rotating members that orbit about the center of a three-armed rotor as the rotor rotates within a housing with three lobes. The tips of the rotating members engage the lobes and a circular cutout in the rotor (1002) as the rotor rotates. A back plate includes inlet and exhaust ports that are sequentially opened and closed by the rotating members and rotor as they move within the housing. A front plate rotates with the rotor and separates the combustion chambers from a planetary gear assembly that ensures the alignment of the rotating members as they orbit the rotor shaft. Fuel is injected after the compression cycle is initiated.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a boat tower, including a hinge assembly and a releasable member. The releasable member includes two members, one of which has at least one spring loaded bolt, or locking pin, engaging a corresponding opening in the other member, thereby locking the two members in fixed relation.