Abstract: Using an external ultrasonic generator, ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the skin to the cells and tumescent solution. The ultrasonic waves disrupt the connective tissue between the cells.

Abstract: A hose and wire casing adapted to withstand biological and chemical attacks. The hose/wire casing is manufactured by placing a barrier wrap of elastomer and ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene around a hose body or conductor bundle. The two parts are then cured into a single unit using high temperature and high pressure. The combination of high temperature and high pressure minimize the porosity of the high-molecular-weight-polyethylene. The resulting hose/wire casing is particularly immune to chemical and biological attacks by an enemy and is easily cleaned of such agents using a variety of cleansing and neutralizing agents such as DS2, bleach, and strong bases. This cleaning results in a hose which may be handled safely with bare hands after decontamination.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus to be used in the event of a bee attack in which a handheld cannister sprays a soapy or foamy mixture against the animal being attacked by the bees. The foam is ejected at least three feet to protect the rescuer from the bees. Also, the foam contains a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine hydrochloride and an insecticide. The local anaesthetic is used to both keep the foam from stinging the victim's eyes and also to deaden the site of the bee attack. The insecticide kills the bees to keep them from further attacks. The preferred insecticide is not harmful to humans.

Abstract: An improved headrest adapted for cradling a patient's face while medical treatment is being performed on the patient's posterior (i.e. back, shoulders, and rear of head). The U-shaped face rest/cradle is supported by four legs which are selectively lengthened to meet the situation required to provide full support to the face during the treatment. Extension legs are also provided which raise the U-shaped face rest so that the patient is able to be in a sitting position. In one embodiment of the invention a fan directs air across the patient's face to keep the patient more comfortable. Music is also communicated to the patient in some embodiments through either speakers or a vibration in the face-rest which conducts the musical sounds through the facial bones of the patient.

Abstract: A label holder which is formed by an exterior portion having a label holding envelope and an attached disk of metal (such as within a sealed envelope). The label holder is secured to the user's clothing through magnetic forces which are exerted by a magnet placed on the inner surface of the clothing. The metal disk is attracted to the magnet and is held to the clothing without the need of pins or other fasteners which pierce the clothing and can cause damage thereto.

Abstract: A trenching tool which includes a lower portion having a blade and a guide tube. The guide or alignment tube is vertically positioned on one edge of the blade. An impact rod slips into the alignment tube and is repeatedly forced, by the operator, to impact the top of the blade, thereby driving the blade into the ground. Through a rocking motion, the channel formed by the blade is widened and the blade is again forced into the ground until the desired depth is obtained. The assembly is then removed and repositioned to extend the channel through the same procedure. The blade has either a rectangular cross section or a triangular cross section permitting the channel to be sloped automatically while the blade is being driven into the soil. A handle, preferably having shock absorption capabilities, allows the operator to slide the impact rod to obtain the driving force.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus particularly adapted for use in the cosmetic surgery field of skin resurfacing in which a laser is directed towards the imperfection of the skin. The surgical site is bathed with an inert or noble gas which has the affect of replacing the oxygen in the surgical site. Without the oxygen, burning of the surrounding tissue from the laser is minimized. This results in a reduced recuperation time and less pain associated with the procedure. In one embodiment of the invention, a "basin" is created to hold the inert gas; in another embodiment, the inert gas is "sprayed" in line with the laser against the surgical site. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the surgical site is encapsulated and the inert gas in inserted into the capsule. A window in the capsule permits the laser to be used in the now oxygen poor environment within the capsule. Once the surgery is completed, the inert gas is removed from the capsule and a sterile gas adapted to encourage healing (i.e.

Abstract: An improved network and use of computer based capabilities in which a virtual disk server is employed to give a user portal device access to software object elements and a non-volatile memory. The user portal device includes a rudimentary stand-alone capability. To operate, the user portal device communicates with the virtual disk server and downloads the software object elements which form the operating correlation of objects, the user portal device communicates data and software object elements to the virtual disk server which stores the data and software object elements in its own non-volatile memory such as a disk drive apparatus.

Abstract: An automated payment system particularly suited for purchases over a distributed computer network such as the Internet. In such a distributed computer network, a merchant or vending computer contains certain promotional information which is communicated to a customer's computer. Based upon the promotional information, the operator of the customer's computer decides to purchase the services or goods described by the promotional information. The customer's computer is linked to a payment processing computer and the customer's credit card number and the amount of the goods or services is transmitted to the payment processing computer. The payment processing computer automatically contacts a bank for verification of the credit card and amount; the bank transmits an authorization to the payment processing computer. The payment processing computer communicates a self-generated transaction indicia, and in some embodiments a password, to the customer's computer.

Abstract: A cable-driven pan and tilt mounting system for cameras and other similar and related devices which provides such devices with a limitless range of motion. The invention utilizes two motors with each motor independently controlling the panning or tilting of the camera, respectively. The use of a cable drive in the apparatus eliminates the inaccuracy inherent in similar gear-driven systems and further simplifies the design making it more cost-effective and efficient. Furthermore, even though no gears are utilized in the cable drive, the present invention simulates a geared motion and, in doing so, provides smooth and accurate repositioning for any device mounted to it.

Abstract: A dampening system for a hydraulic or braking fluid activated brake system. The system utilizes a bellows which is responsive to changes in the braking fluid pressure. Pressing on one end of the bellows is a spring which provides an initial quick response dampening to increases in the hydraulic pressure. This dampening action discourages the brakes from locking and hence provides an enhanced braking system.

Abstract: A valve apparatus in which moisture sensitive material controls the opening size of a water valve. The moisture sensitive material is placed in an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. As the material dries, the moisture sensitive material constricts to open a valve draining a timing reservoir so as to hasten the refreshing of moisture to the evaporative pad. In an alternative embodiment, this moisture sensitive material located in the evaporative pad is balanced against an identical moisture sensitive material located in a constantly moisturized pad. This balancing of the materials permits fine control of the moisture content in the evaporative pad.

Abstract: A valve operating on hydraulic pressure for the control of water being deposited onto evaporative pads located on a cool tower. The valve utilizes water flow to fill a basin or tank which is slowly being drained. When the tank is empty, a valve is opened that releases water to the evaporative cooling pads and also to the tank; when the tank is filled, the valve closes permitting the tank to slowly drain and repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A particle separator which separates particles based upon their relative densities or weights. The mixture of particles is deposited within a gas channel while a flow of gas, created by a gas flow amplifier, separates the material. The gas flow is sufficient to entrain the lighter/less dense particles; but is insufficient to entrain the heavier particles which are allowed to fall into a receptacle. The lighter entrained particles are directed to another receptacle or container.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which a supply of adjustable water charged air is provided to the internal combustion engine. Water vapor is provided to the air stream through the use of an evaporative pad; this pad has an adjustable exposed surface area, thereby permitting the fine-tuning adjustment of the amount of humidity generated so as to maximize the efficiency of the engine. Additionally, a barometric valve adjusts the humid air stream and a heat-responsive valve provides additional air input depending on the altitude and ambient air temperature respectively.