Abstract: An automatic water dispensing device comprises main container/tank, a trough extending from the lower front end of the container that receives fluid from the tank for drinking by an animal, a flow control valve fluidly communicating the trough and container such that the valve automatically controls the flow of fluid into the trough, an arcuate recessed opening for providing clearance when drinking, a plurality of hooks or notched tabs to prevent movement by the animals or during travel, a fluid monitoring gauge and an inwardly oriented spill resistant lip defined near the upper edge of the trough.

Abstract: A light switch cover is disclosed for use with conventional "rocker" and "toggle" type switches. The cover generally includes a mounting bracket which is attached to the electrical box, along with the switch and a face plate which is attached to the mounting bracket. For "rocker" type switches, the face plate is preferably constructed from a soft material to allow the user to operate the covered "rocker" switch, but can be made of a combination of hard and soft materials. For "toggle" type switches an aperture is provided in the face plate to operate the toggle. Preferably, the outer surface of the face plate is provided with a decorated design or other indicia. The light switch can also be utilized where more than one switch is provided. For multiple "rocker" switches, a diverter bar is provided on the mounting bracket, to absorb pressure being asserted on one "rocker" switch from also transferring to an adjacent "rocker" switch and inadvertently turning "off" or "on" the adjacent "rocker" switch.

Abstract: An adjustable, combination floor tile mortar and grout spreading device for applying bonding material at a predetermined thickness in a straight-combed manner, and for spreading grout between floor tiles. The device comprises a telescopically adjustable rectangular frame having a leading edge and a trailing edge and a pair of downwardly extending sides for containing bonding material. The rectangular frame is telescopically adjustable to various widths and can be fixed at a particular width depending upon the size tile for the given installation. In the mortar spreading configuration, the trailing edge incorporates a resiliently mounted downwardly extending trowel blade having a conventional trowel blade edge with either a saw-tooth or square-toothed shape. The trowel blade is adjustable such that the device may be used for spreading various thicknesses of bonding material.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for use in cooling and dehumidifying an interior space while rejecting heat to several alternative sources. The system incorporates three primary heat transfer coils in a mechanical refrigeration cycle to provide comfort cooling to an interior space while rejecting heat to one of two primary condensing mediums. In addition the heat transfer system of the present invention functions by transferring heat from the atmosphere to a pool, thereby functioning as a pool heater. In a first operating mode heat transferred from an interior space to the ambient atmosphere. In a second operating mode heat is transferred from an interior space to pool water. In a third operating mode heat is transferred from the ambient atmosphere to pool water. A refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger is disclosed having a gas trap for isolating corrosive gases from the metallic heat exchanger components, and further including a sacrificial zinc anode for corrosion protection.

Abstract: An oil distribution system for distributing motor oil under pressure to crank shaft rod journals continuously, comprising first and second oil distribution passages disposed 180 degrees out, drilled angularly and connected together, connecting said main journals of said crank shaft to adjacent rod journals for supplying oil under pressure continuously, distributed through the main bearings, resulting in extended bearing and crank shaft life and improved fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A small security cage for housing a pet reptile, such as a snake, lizard, or amphibian, and observation of the reptile. The cage includes a floor wall, side walls, a rear wall, a transparent front wall for viewing and a removable lower tray for cleaning the cage. An openable top door includes a wire mesh for ventilation and access to the reptiles contained therein. A heating element, light, and thermostat can be included to maintain the environment suitable for a desired species.

Abstract: A drain pan for collecting and draining condensate from a packaged vehicle roof mounted air conditioning unit. The drain pan has an opening registering with the roof opening for air distribution and control components within the vehicle, a bottom surface gasket for this opening, and an upper surface to seal against a gasket for the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: An improved security system for a door that opens inwardly or outwardly, that includes a bar having on one side of the door jamb a U-shaped bracket for locking the bar across the door, preventing its movement inwardly, a double hinge joint on the opposite side, securing the bar to the door jamb, and a key-actuated locking mechanism that includes an actuating fork that raises the security bar at one end away from the U-shaped locking bracket, thereby allowing the door to be opened, and in a second position, disengaging the lever arm from the security bar, causing the security bar to be firmly engaged in the U-shaped lock on the door jamb.

Abstract: A storm shutter for use in high wind severe storms, such as hurricanes and cyclones, that will protect windows, doors, and sliding glass doors on the outside of a building, which can be permanently or temporarily mounted, and which allow for protection in extremely high winds while permitting the transmission of light into the building, while allowing occupants in the building to look out through the storm shutters at all times. The storm shutters can also provide protection from intruders and ultraviolet rays from the sun when in place. Each shutter includes a rigid peripheral frame with a U-shaped channel, a polycarbonate transparent sheet, and an expanded aluminum element mounted snugly in the peripheral frame.

Abstract: An air-chambered frame for sealing a photograph or any document therein to protect against any type of moisture or environmental element. The frame comprises an integrally formed frame plate having a finished outer surface and a rear surface defining a plurality of recessions and a transparent lens section centrally located therein, a backing plate substantially the same outer dimensions of the frame plate, an adhesive gasket for joining the backing plate and frame plate and for sealing the contents therein from any moisture and an opaque cover plate which is removably attached to the frame plate for concealing the contents of the frame from view or light.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus (concealed safety device) and method for preventing unauthorized or inadvertent discharge of a firearm. The apparatus includes a plurality of annular pistons which are manipulated using a spring and hydraulic assembly. The pistons are attached to a annular engaging ring which works to obstruct the mainspring rod of a firearm when the apparatus is inserted into the associated firearm aperture. In operation, a quick manual pressure or strike to the right side of the gun handle through a concealed, thin-skinned, flexible wall allows for manual deactivation of the lock. When in the correct position the engaging ring blocks movement of the mainspring rod preventing the firearm's trigger from being pulled. The device is capable of installation at the time of manufacture or as an after-market accessory replacing the stock firearm grips.

Abstract: A modular bank station unit for installation in building environments, such as stores, shopping centers, and office buildings, for providing full banking services, said modular bank unit comprising a pair of side walls and a rear wall bolted together to support a top enclosure, the top enclosure having compartments for storing video equipment. The unit also includes a front counter enclosure fully engaged with the side walls to enclose the unit and totally support the side walls, wherein the front enclosure provides opposing partitions, a customer window between the partitions, a plurality of cabinets, shelves, and bins for holding banking documents, a computer, a facsimile, and other banking equipment. The front enclosure provides a curved front surface to provide smooth customer flow.

Abstract: A security bar that can be retrofitted onto a gate used in a typical fence construction to prevent unauthorized tampering with or opening of the gate. The device includes a rigid locking bar that is firmly mounted to the gate, a T-shaped strike plate, and a key-actuated latchbolt mechanism mounted within the inside of the rigid locking bar so that the latchbolt and strike plate cannot be accessed for tampering. The strike plate is mounted to a conventional fence post with fasteners that are not accessible when the gate is closed. Using the present device, which can be retrofitted to any type of outdoor gate, a positive locking action insures that the gate is locked at all times and cannot be jimmied or pulled upward to a position that would allow it to be opened. The locking mechanism allows access from either side of the gate for actuation.

Abstract: An earthquake alarm that does not require batteries or other external power supply that supplies an audio alert with sound waves that can be detected by a human being, particularly useful in a bedroom to awaken a human being to notify them of an earthquake, comprising a plurality of sound-generating members, mechanically disposed extremely close together (at least within one-half inch of each other) and tethered from a frame that is supported from the ceiling so that upon vibration of the ceiling, the sound-generating members will be vibrated and bump into each other, causing a large amount of sound, which can readily wake someone up. In order to prevent inadvertent alarm signals because of wind currents, a wind deflector or shield is placed around the device to prevent wind from striking the device.

Abstract: A new method for processing citrus fruit into a marketable product of separate whole natural sections involves as an essential step the injecting of water under pressure simultaneously at a plurality of separated locations into the citrus fruit substantially restricted to the albedo level depth without bursting of the skin. Typically, a complete processing method includes the steps (a) providing a quantity of whole citrus fruit, (b) chilling the fruit to between about 35.degree.-45.degree. F., (c) blanching the chilled fruit at about 160.degree.-180.degree. F. for about 1-3 minutes, (d) injecting water under pressure at a plurality of separated locations into the blanched fruit substantially restricted to the albedo level depth, (e) peeling the skin from the water injected fruit, (f) immersing the peeled fruit in a caustic bath, (g) separating the immersed and peeled fruit into individual whole sections, and (h) recovering the separated whole sections as a marketable product.

Abstract: A fishing reel for fly fishing that utilizes individually removable, interchangeable cartridge spools that contain different fishing lines of desired weights and densities that the user can install or remove. The individual cartridge spool is held in place by a locking member to prevent its inadvertent separation from the flange plate which houses the reel spool during the operation of changing cartridge spools. Unlocking the cartridge spool requires the user to manually pull the cartridge spool away from the flange plate. This causes the locking member to automatically spring tension release the cartridge reel. The locking member is manually positioned in place to lock the cartridge spool after it is installed.

Abstract: A cryptographic method and system based on chaos theory is provided. Unique random 64-bit binary strings generated from an iterative chaotic equation are used as logic and arithmetic operands during encryption/decryption. The random 64-bit binary strings are generated based on 4 initializer values that produce thousands of iterated values from the chaotic equation z.sub.t+1 =Z.sub.t.sup.2 +c, where z and c are complex numbers. The 64-bit random numbers are translated into two 32-bit keys so that each 32 bits of message are encrypted/decrypted, using a bitwise logic operator such as an exclusive-or, with a unique 32-bit key for the length of the message file. For additional security, a combination of logic and arithmetic operators are used on the 32-bit keys and the 32-bit blocks of message text to produce 32N-bit blocks of ciphertext, where N=2.sub.r and r.ltoreq.2. For any set of 4 initializer values, the lifetime, n, is the number of iterations of the equation Z.sub.t+1 =z.sub.t.sup.

Abstract: A dive belt is provided for use by divers during underwater activities, such as scuba diving. The belt comprises a body member and a rapid release weight system which is quickly removal while the belt remains in place on the diver. The belt can also provide for horizontally mounted supplemental air supply system, for use in the event a main air supply is lost or not wanted. An elastic depth compensator can be built into the belt, insuring a snug fit of the belt at any depth. The belt has a plurality of D rings for convenient equipment management. A quick release tow clip is attached to the belt and may be used in conjunction with a surface air supply system for pulling the surface air supply system.