Abstract: A family of pill splitters is formed from a standard, substantially cylindrical lower body which contains a distinct bed for each one of a number of different complex pill shapes, and an upper body, integrally affixed to the lower body, which contains a pair of linear plunger guides slots. Each bed contains a recess having a cross section which substantially conforms to the pill shape, and the bed thickness is proportional to the thickness of the pill to be split. A long, thin cutting blade is affixed in proximity to the bed, and a bed support is formed in the lower body. A plunger with plunger guides slidingly engages the plunger guide slots. Each bed contains alignment tabs which engage the plunger guide slots to align the bed relative to the cutting blade.

Abstract: A telephone contains a loudness indicator to assist persons hard of hearing in speaking into the telephone receiver at a moderate level. The indicator contains a microphone, which detects the level of the user's speech. An electronic circuit conditions the microphone output, and outputs one of three signals, depending upon the level of the microphone output. The first signal is output when the speaker speaks at the usual level, driving a first indicator light, which is colored green, to indicate a “go” to the user, that is, increase the level of speech. The second signal is output when the microphone output is slightly above the normal range, and the corresponding indicator light is colored yellow to so indicate. The third signal is output when the microphone output is of a level which far exceeds the normal range of speech. The corresponding indicator light is red, to indicate a “stop” to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that is effective for the treatment of skin itch and skin rash is disclosed. The apparatus is contained within a body which can be easily manipulated with one hand, and which is powered by a self-contained battery. Also contained within the body is a heating means, controlled by a thermostat, a temperature selector, and means to warn the user when the desired temperature is reached. In addition the apparatus includes means to apply the heat in a cyclical manner, in which the heat is repeatedly applied and removed, with a cycle time and pulse width in which is controlled by user by means of a control located on the body heater and some other elements that can ensure only the effective temperature is used. The method, which is related to the apparatus as its governing principle, includes the application of heat at a precise, controlled temperature, for a specific period of time, t the skin at the location of the itch or rash.

Abstract: A multi-configuration golf bag may be used to carry golf clubs while playing golf, or may be used to transport the clubs to and from the golf course in a flat configuration or in a rolled up, compressed configuration. The golf bag has a body formed from a sheet of robust material, such as leather or composite foam with a heat-bonded synthetic surface. Pockets are attached to the inner surface of the body to separate the clubs from each other when the golf bag is in playing configuration. When rolled up in compressed configuration, the body is wrapped tightly about the clubs, securing them within a smaller cylindrical shape. The bag may also be transported in planar configuration, with the golf clubs retained within a hood attached to the top of the body.

Abstract: A self-injection syringe includes an injection button, a syringe body, a needle, and a non-slip surface attached to the syringe body. The non-slip surface may be either formed into the surface of the syringe body, or may be a hook-and-eye fastener material of the Velcro type. In one version of this invention, non-slip surface is confined to a narrow strip disposed lengthwise along the syringe body, so that it falls under the fingers of the user when wrapped around the body. This invention is especially useful when the syringe is of the type in the form of a pen, which contains a cartridge of medication within a cartridge holder, with the cartridge containing enough medication for a number of injections. In this configuration, the syringe has a removable cap and pocket clip, for ease of carrying.

Abstract: A tool to assist in the installation of a waste disposer beneath a kitchen sink includes a central, threaded shaft with a flared bottom end supporting a lift plate which is cocked on the shaft so that it may be inserted into the top of the waste disposer. The tool further contains a threaded stabilizing plate which mates with the threaded shaft, and which is inserted and retained in the top of the sink strainer, so that the shaft and lift plate extend through the sink strainer and into the waste disposer beneath. When the lift plate is straightened on the shaft, and the shaft rotated relative to the stabilizing plate, the waste disposer is drawn up until it engages the adapter on the sink strainer, to which it attaches.

Abstract: An atomizer for coating materials is provided. The atomizer includes two opposing discs connected by a central hub. Each disc includes an inwardly extending flange about its perimeter. The central hub has an exterior surface defining a v-shaped surface. When assembled in a coating apparatus, a fluid material, such as batter, may be dispensed toward the exterior surface of the hub while the disc is spinning. The resulting spray of fluid may be used to coat material effectively, while minimizing waste.

Abstract: A dyslexia detection system displays a test word, either alone, or within a sentence. The test subject is asked to pronounce the test word, and to write it on a handwriting input device, such as a tablet. The system analyzes the spoken words, comparing them to sound records in a library of properly pronounced phonemes which make up the test word. The system also analyzes the characters written by the subject, and detects whether any of the characters correspond to a member of a distorted character set containing distortions commonly produced by dyslexics. A summary of errors in pronunciation shows errors in pronunciation as mispronounced phonemes, and errors in writing are displayed as erroneously written characters.

Abstract: A gutter assembly is formed from a series of identical sections, each between twelve and eighteen inches in length. Each section is attached to one or two adjacent sections at the ends, and the final assembly attached to the eaves, soffit, or fascia of the house in the same manner as the prior art rain gutter. Each section has a section body, with an interior surface. Within the interior surface is a water-permeable screen, disposed in close proximity to the section outer housing. A discharge handle is provided to raise the screen from the interior surface, and rotate the screen in a manner such that any debris captured by the screen will be expelled from the gutter section. The handle is accessible from the grounds by means of a rod with a hook which engages a loop at the end of the handle. Each section contains a discharge passage on each end, except that the two extreme ends of the assembly contain an outer end which is sealed off, and further contain provisions for downspouts.

Abstract: A pill splitter for use with pills of complex shapes has a bed which substantially conforms to one-half of the pill. The bed is affixed within the cylindrical lower body of the splitter, into which a blade is affixed. A clearance slot allows the blade to be exposed within the bed at a height such that the pill, when placed in the bed, just touches the blade. A plunger containing guides is inserted in the cylindrical upper body, so that the plunger lies on the upper surface of the pill, along a line directly above the blade. A sharp blow to the cap of the plunger drives the pill onto the blade below, splitting the pill.

Abstract: A computer memory system provides a double data rate (DDR) memory output while requiring memory chips with only half the frequency limit of the prior art DDR memory chips. The system contains a first memory bank having data lines and a second memory bank having data lines. The first and second memory banks are associated with first and second clock signals, respectively, where the second clock signal is delayed from the first clock signal such that the data lines of the first memory bank are connected to a data bus in synchronism with the first clock signal while the data lines of the second memory bank are connected with the data bus in synchronism with the second clock signal. In one embodiment, a first FET switch connects the data lines of the first memory bank with the data bus and a second FET switch connects the data lines of the second memory bank with the data bus.

Abstract: The invention enhances the viewing experience of visitors to marine environments, a specimen is selected by pointing devices near viewing stations 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, having video displays. The specimen is optically scanned, and the video image compared to a database 16 stored within a computer network 2, to which each viewing station is connected. A number of different graphic identification techniques are used to compare the scanned image to the data within the database, including bulk size-shape filtering, color filtering, and pattern analysis. Once the specimen has been identified, the database provides name, habitat, size, habits, diet, history, and other such demographic information to an output device at the viewing station 14 including printers 32. The textual outputs are translated into different languages automatically by computer program methods, in the form of both text and sounds.