Abstract: An arrow guide and holder including a body having a pair of crossed, offset bores formed therethrough, a flexible, resilient, bendable arm installed in each bore so that the forward ends of the arms extend forwards of the body and the rearward ends extend rearwards of the body, and a coil spring connected between the rearward ends to bias the arms towards a rest position. The arms are complementary in shape for gripping the shaft of an arrow therebetween, and are movable from the rest position to permit free passage of the arrow fletching therethrough. The forward ends or the rearward ends of the arms, or both, may be at least partly covered by jackets.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an electrical signal for use in biomedical applications, including two timing blocks for generating timing intervals T1-T7, an interconnection block for combining these intervals into an output signal having predetermined relationships among the intervals, an output block for transmitting the output signal to a load, and, optionally, a filter for removing unwanted frequency components from the output signal and an adjustment block for selecting from among a plurality of output signals with predetermined characteristics. The output is a repeating succession of a burst of rectangular waves, an equalizing pulse (if needed) to cancel net DC, and a rest period of no signal.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for tagging individual boards in a pack of lumber. The apparatus includes a support frame with a jump chain conveyer, a lift, a back stop or bump plate, a labeling assembly including a printer and a stapler, an optical, ultrasonic, or RF detector for determining the position of a leading board within the pack, a positioning assembly for moving the labeling assembly in three dimensions via stepper motors, servo motors, or hydraulic cylinders, a computer, and a bidirectional communications link connecting the detector, the labeling assembly, and the positioning assembly to the computer. In operation, a pack of lumber is placed onto the conveyer, lifted, and conveyed by the moving chains to abut the back stop where it is lowered onto the support frame. The operator inputs the number of courses in the pack, the dimensions of the boards, the size of the pack, and other selected identifying indicia into the computer.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting tools such as curling irons with identifying indicia, and a device and kit for implementing the method. The device consists of a cap that carries identifying indicia in the form of a selected color or combination of colors, letters and/or numbers, pattern, shape, or the like. The kit includes a plurality of such caps (all preferably carrying the same indicia), instructions for installing the caps on a tool, and (optionally) adapters for installing the caps on differently-sized handles.

Abstract: A device for securing and holding an item such as a golf bag in a generally upright position, including a base adapted for attachment to a vertical surface, a reciprocable, spring-loaded head mounted to the base, and a clip pivotably attached to the base. The clip is pivotable between an open position and a closed position, and provides the user with positive feedback upon reaching either position. In the closed position, the clip and the head are capable of engaging an item such as a collar of a golf bag therebetween. The device may include one or more plaques with decorative or functional indicia.

Abstract: An accessible bathtub apparatus for persons with disabilities, including an enclosure with an elevated bed with a seat and a foot well, a door panel, a door seal, connectors operable to pivot the door panel from an open position to a closed position, and retainers that hold the door panel in the open position until released by the user. The elevated bed allows direct lateral access by the user. The bathtub can be installed in a newly-constructed or renovated bathroom. Alternatively, it can be installed on an existing conventional bathtub, thereby avoiding the necessity of removing the old tub before installing the new one. It can be used in private homes, hotels/motels, and other locations; it can be used by persons with disabilities that would otherwise preclude them from bathing unattended or unassisted.

Abstract: A skin care system that cleanses, therapeutically conditions, and provides additional beneficial treatment to the skin in a simple, one-step application that air dries quickly. The system is implemented as a skin care kit in the form of a container with a plurality of pre-moistened soft cloths therein. The cloths are impregnated with a treatment composition that contains a plurality of ingredients selected from the following groups: (a) surfactants, (b) anti-inflammatory agents, (c) non-foaming agents, (d) cell-growth-promoting agents, (e) immune system-enhancing agents, (f) antimicrobial agents, (g) absorption facilitating agents, (h) humectants and emollients, (i) free radical-scavenging agents, (j) healing promoting agents, and (optionally) preservatives and fragrances. In use, the cloths gently cleanse the skin, trap and carry away dirt and soil, and deposit beneficial ingredients that coat and are absorbed into the skin.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for small vehicles, including a frame assembly, a pair of fabric webs attached to the frame assembly, and a pivotable lift assembly with a pair of spaced-apart wheel holders for receiving and securing the forward wheels of a vehicle such as a lawn or garden tractor, golf cart, or the like. To use the apparatus, the operator positions the wheels of the vehicle on the webs, operably positions the forward wheels in the wheel holders, then drives the vehicle over the webs while the lift assembly pivots upwards. The weight of the vehicle holds the webs in place on the ground, thereby causing the frame and lift assemblies to lift and pivot, raising the apparatus from a first stable position (the “down” position) to a second stable position (the “up” position) where the undercarriage of the vehicle is accessible for servicing and maintenance.

Abstract: A pulsed signal generator for biomedical applications, including electrical stimulation of fracture healing, treatment of osteoporosis, strengthening of freshly-healed bone after removal of a cast or other fixation device, and iontophoresis. The generator includes dual asymmetric oscillators and associated circuitry to deliver signals efficiently throughout the area to be treated. The components of the generator are selected so as to produce any desired output signal, including fixed and variable amplitude, fixed, variable, and swept frequency signals, and optional DC biasing. The pulse frequency and/or interval can be fixed or adjustable. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the generator is powered by readily-available, inexpensive batteries.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe and optical coupler assembly, and methods for making the assembly and reproducibly aligning a plurality of optical fibers therein. The coupler is used with a probe that includes a housing or probe body, a probe tip, at least one light-transmitting fiber, at least one light-receiving fiber spaced apart from the light-transmitting fiber, and (if desired), in-line devices such as filters and lenses positioned in optical communication with the fibers. The coupler includes at least one aligning pin that helps maintain the transmitting and receiving fibers in precise, reproducible relative alignment therein; thus, the coupler can be cut to install filters and other in-line devices, then readily re-assembled for use with the cut ends precisely and accurately realigned. The coupler is simple and rugged, and can be manufactured and assembled without the need for high-precision machining or optical alignment procedures.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe for ATIR (Attenuated Total Internal Reflection) spectrophotometry. The probe includes a housing that contains an optical element or lens, a light-transmitting fiber that directs incident light to the lens, a light-receiving fiber that receives reflected light from the sample interface, a coupler for holding these components in precise alignment, and a flexible armor casing that provides strain relief and protection for the optical fibers. The lens is shaped and dimensioned so that light from the transmitting fiber is reflected at the interface between the lens and the surrounding medium (such as a liquid to be analyzed). The reflected light is transmitted via the transmitting fiber to a suitable spectrophotometer, where the light signal is recorded and analyzed to determine the composition of the sample. The probe is particularly suitable for analyses of fluids and slurries with high optical absorbance.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for supporting and guiding a tool such as an ultra-high pressure water jet along a work surface, including a contour following assembly attached to a motorized lift vehicle. The contour following assembly includes a gimbals assembly with an instrument or tool carriage assembly, a positioning assembly that urges the gimbals assembly and the instrument carriage against the surface, and, optionally, a hydraulic, mechanical, or pneumatic pressure system that applies pressure to the positioning assembly. A scissors lift, hydraulic lift, telescoping arm, or other suitable device raises and lowers the apparatus. In operation, the gimbals assembly and the positioning assembly cooperate to maintain the instrument carriage in a user-selected position with respect to a work surface such as a ship hull, aircraft fuselage, storage tank, or the like. Depending on the type of tool selected, the apparatus may be used for cleaning or stripping surface coatings, buffing, painting, washing, and so forth.

Abstract: An electrical adapter with dual, user-operable locking mechanisms for attachment to a standard electrical plug and outlet, one for securing the prongs of the adapter into a socket or wall-mounted outlet or receptacle and the other for securing a standard electrical plug thereto. The two mechanisms work independently of each other to secure the male and female sides of a conventional plug-and-socket combination together. The adapter can be used with existing appliances, hand tools, extension cords, and electrical outlets without the need for rewiring. The male and female ends of the adapter may be connected by an electrical cord to replace a conventional extension cord; alternatively, the locking mechanism can be built into replacement electrical plugs or a wall outlet having approximately the same dimensions as conventional outlets.

Abstract: A bathtub apparatus for persons with disabilities, including a removable front panel and an elevated bed that allows direct lateral access by the user. The bed of the bathtub is elevated above the bathroom floor, approximately at the height of a chair, toilet seat, or standard bathtub front rail. The relative movement of the front panel/wall can be accomplished in a number of different ways, as can sealing between the front panel and the stationary parts of the bathtub. In one embodiment of the invention, the bathtub can be installed above an existing conventional bathtub, thereby avoiding the necessity of removing the old tub before installing the new one. The bathtub can be used in private homes, hotels/motels, and other locations; it can be used by persons with disabilities that would otherwise preclude them from bathing unattended or unassisted.

Abstract: A pulsed signal generator for biomedical applications, including electrical stimulation of fracture healing, treatment of osteoporosis, or to strengthen a freshly-healed bone after a cast or other fixation device has been removed. The generator includes dual asymmetric oscillators and associated circuitry to deliver signals efficiently throughout the area to be treated. The components can readily be selected so as to produce any desired output signal, including fixed-magnitude signals and (via suitable voltage-regulating devices) variable-magnitude signals. In addition, the pulse frequency and/or interval can be fixed or adjustable, as may be convenient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the generator is powered by readily-available, inexpensive batteries.

Abstract: A fiber optic Raman probe and optical coupler assembly, and a method for making the assembly and reproducibly aligning a plurality of optical fibers therein. The probe includes a housing or probe body, a probe tip with a window for protecting the interior of the housing, at least one light-transmitting fiber, at least one light-receiving fiber spaced apart from the light-transmitting fiber, an optical coupler, and (if desired), in-line devices such as filters and lenses positioned in optical communication with the fibers. The coupler assembly includes aligning means that helps maintain the fibers in precise, reproducible relative alignment of the fibers; thus, the assembly with the fibers can be cut to install filters and other in-line devices, then readily re-assembled with the cut ends accurately re-aligned, for use. The probe is simple and rugged, and can be manufactured and assembled without the need for high-precision machining or optical alignment procedures.

Abstract: A multiplexed spectrophotometry apparatus, including a rotary multiplexer fitted with a plurality of fiber terminals, a spectrophotometer mounted to the multiplexer and rotatable therewith, and a programmable on-board computer. The spectrophotometer includes precision optics, a charge coupled device (CCD) detector, electronics, and a cooling system, all contained in a compact, streamlined housing that is shaped to promote the radiation of heat from the spectrophotometer and thereby prevent excessive heating during operation of the apparatus. The spectrophotometer is mounted directly to the multiplexer so that any selected terminal can readily be brought into precise, reproducible alignment with the spectrophotometer input. All components of the apparatus are contained in a compact housing adapted for either rack-mounted or bench-top use.