Abstract: A tactical utility pole system for use by law enforcement is described. Embodiments of the system are user configurable depending on a particular tactical need. Variations are described for breaching a locked door, breaching a closed window and delivering and nearly instantaneously detonating a distraction within the associated structure, breaching a closed window and delivering a stream of OC or other chemical spray within the associated structure, and breaching a closed window and delivering a chemical grenade within the structure. Other variations are also contemplated.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a military helmet incorporating a neck shield extension is described. The neck shield extension is coupled to the body of the helmet using a plurality of elongated flexible straps. Accordingly, the neck extension moves upwardly whenever the wearer tilts his/her head back or to the side so that the wearer's head mobility is not hindered. The straps are comprised of a material having both a high tensile strength and tensile modulus that helps firmly hold the extension in place relative to the helmet when the extension is impacted with a ballistic projectile or other shrapnel.

Abstract: A screw shaft turbine compressor comprising (i) a compressor section, (ii) a turbine section, (iii) a combustion section coupling to the compressor section and the turbine section, and (iv) a grooved shaft. The grooved shaft in one embodiment extends from a portion of the compressor section, through the combustion section, and to a portion of the turbine section.

Abstract: A pet crate cooler comprising a tub adapted to hold ice, a plurality of tubes or fins adapted to receive melted ice water from the tub, and a fan adapted to blow air across the outer surface of the fins or tubes and into the pet crate cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a collapsible enclosure for a machine tool. According to one embodiment, a collapsible enclosure for a machine tool comprises a substantially waterproof pan. The pan comprises a base portion and a wall portion extending from the base portion around substantially all of an outer edge of the base portion. The collapsible enclosure further comprises a collapsible frame resting on the base portion of the pan and erected inside of the wall portion of the pan. A substantially waterproof cover substantially surrounds the collapsible frame and extends into the pan to overlap an inner side of the wall portion of the pan.

Abstract: An improved method of storing and retrieving cookware and utensils utilizing an assembly attached to the underside of an accommodating surface. The assembly incorporates hanger assemblies whose positions are adjustable along the length of the assembly. The hanger assemblies utilize hooks that hang in a downward vertical position and are capable of rotating and pivoting around their vertical axis. The assembly can be mounted onto any accommodating horizontal surface inside of an enclosed area such as a cabinet or in open space. The assembly can hang any cookware, utensil, or item with an accommodating appendage from which it could be hung.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a lightweight front wheel drive recumbent road bicycle and an associated frame. A front triangle is provided to which the drive train of a standard road group can be attached and utilized. A telescoping tube assembly is provided in the front triangle to permit the distance of a bottom bracket and crankset from a seat pan to be adjusted for riders of different sizes. The handlebar is coupled to an end of the telescoping tube assembly and no traditional handlebar stem attached to a steering tube is utilized, so that the structure provides maximum stiffness to better capture the input of the arms and upper body when maximum power is required. The seat pan and a seat back are integrated with the main frame truss structure to help ensure the maximum transfer of the rider's energy to the drive train.

Abstract: A comb is described having two sets of opposing tines that are connected together by way a biasing hinge. The comb is utilized in styling hair and, in particular, to lift short hair vertically upwardly.

Abstract: The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and string locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fretted fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string locking mechanism includes a string nut fulcrum and a string locking means, where each string nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improving the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fretted fingerboards.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a body, a neck and a plurality of strings. The neck comprises a first end having a headstock, a fretboard, at least one mineral fret coupled to the fretboard, and a second end one of coupled and integrated to the body. The mineral fret may be generally transparent.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system for recording and mapping information and data is described. The system (or intellect map) comprises paths of steps of thought organized into structures comprising two or more paths. The structures each comprise a relatively small number of predefined points of entry and exit wherein the exit and entry points can be but do not necessarily comprise the same intersection points. In some embodiments, a plurality of structures can be connected to each other by way of appropriate entry and exit intersection points with or without intervening connecting paths to form complex structures.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use with a camera is described. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more light emitting diodes and one or more small batteries contained in a housing. A cylindrical piece extends from one side of the housing and is adapted to removeably secure the apparatus in a tripod mount on the camera. The apparatus is lightweight and compact and provides continuous illumination to a scene (opposed to the momentary illumination of a camera flash) to facilitate the recording of video.

Abstract: An embodiment of a water/alcohol injection safety device adapted to signal a user and vehicle equipment when injection has reached a set flow rate specified by the user comprises a housing with external connectors and internal components. One connector is a fluid input port located on the housing adapted to receive a fluid into the housing. Another is a fluid output port located on the housing adapted to output the fluid from the housing. A third connector is a signal output connector located on the housing adapted to output an electrical signal therefrom a set period of time after a fluid flow rate between the fluid input and fluid output has dropped below a predetermined level. The components of the device include a flow switch and a delay switch located on the housing, the delay switch adapted to vary the set period of time based on a user's setting.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise themed hand-held drums configured to be representative of a particular theme, such as an event or entity. The hand-held drums serve as both a means to generate noise or sound during an event in support of the event and/or an entity or team participating in the event but also as souvenirs, mementos or keepsakes that remind the user of the entity or event.

Abstract: An occupancy indicator for a door, and a method of use, one embodiment comprising a magnet a switching apparatus activatable by a person, a signaling device adapted to indicate one of at least two states, and a biasing mechanism. One embodiment may not be comprised of a magnet but may be comprised of a bolt assembly having a plurality of biasing mechanisms. The magnet or bolt assembly, switching apparatus, signaling device, and biasing mechanism are operatively coupled to automatically provide a signaling device state upon the door opening.

Abstract: A beverage hold and transport system is described typically for transporting a plurality of cups of coffee or other beverages. In one system, one or more trays can be suspended from an upper tray that is adapted to be carried by a person using a single hand thereby increasing the number of beverages the person can transport. In another system, a mechanism for removably attaching a container to the bottom of the tray is provided such that any spills from the beverages contained in the tray are directed into the container and not on to a surface therebelow.

Abstract: Embodiments of a rotary style carpet cleaning machine incorporating a heated reservoir of a foaming-type cleaning solution are described. The heated solution increases the chemical cleaning activity of the solution while the agitation of the carpet pile provides additional cleaning capability. In certain embodiments, a quick discount is provided on the heater assembly to permit a stair/upholstery to utilize the heated cleaning solution in the rotary cleaning machine's reservoir.

Abstract: A craft board assembly is described. Embodiments of the craft board comprise a base having a self healing mat coupled thereto. A square frame rule is provided that defines an interior work area having predetermined dimensions. A piece of paper, such as a scrapbook page, that is the same size as work area dimensions can be received in the work area and is held securely in place by the interior edges of the square frame rule's sides thereby preventing lateral movement of the paper while it is being worked upon. A sliding ruler is also provided that spans two sides of the frame rule permitting a user to quickly and easily measure and layout a scrapbook page. Preferred embodiments further include a magnetic sheet underneath the self healing mat in conjunction with a steel sliding ruler to help hold the ruler securely in place at a desired position or location.