Abstract: A removable locking plug that is easily inserted and/or removed from the cylinder portion of the locking mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the plug is enclosed in a case hardened steel housing and contains a tumbler keyed locking mechanism.

Abstract: Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), associated devices and methods of use, and more specifically, exit signs, traffic signals, informational and other signage and lighting devices utilizing CCFL-type devices are provided with novel connectors, mounting brackets, housings, associated electronics and other accessories to provide new and unique lighting devices and methods of using them, all of which offer significant savings in cost, operating expense, power consumption and retrofit convenience.

Abstract: A highly pliant projectile intended to be deployed from a firearm is adapted to be elongated during transit through the firearm. The propellant gases act upon a piston element which is coupled to a force transfer member that is positioned in a cavity within the projectile body so that propulsion forces are applied to the forwardmost part of the projectile, causing it to elongate, thereby reducing its diameter so as not to interfere with the walls of the firearm.

Abstract: A grasping handle for a toilet seat includes a base unit having an inner lip and a slidable handle unit having an outer lip. The handle unit telescopes into the base unit. In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit includes a pair of toothed prongs which engage matching teeth on the interior of the base unit. The lips grasp the inner and outer perimeters of the toilet seat between them and the spacing is held by the engagement of the teeth. A release mechanism includes plungers which bias the prongs away from the interior walls, disengaging the teeth. In an alternative embodiment, the prongs include a cross member which carries a torsion spring with arms that engage the base unit interior walls. The torsion spring biases the handle into a fully telescoped condition and thereby exerts a spring force to keep a toilet seat grasped between the inner and outer lips.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for sensing and generating images of objects including first sensor probe means sensitive to Coriolis forces for detecting first magnetic phenomena and for generating first signals in response thereto, second sensor probe means sensitive to Lorentz forces for detecting second magnetic phenomena and for generating second signals in response thereto and data processing means coupled to receive said first and second signals for analyzing said signals, correlating said signals and for deriving useful information from said signals.

Abstract: A pet toe nail cover is provided with a predetermined quantity of liquid adhesive that is stored at the tip end of the cover. The liquid adhesive is covered by a frangible seal which can be penetrated by the animal toe nail when the cover is fitted on the toe nail. The adhesive is released and cures in place, firmly attaching the cover to the toe nail. In alternative embodiments, the cover can be provided with a reservoir end covered by an airtight seal or the adhesive can be provided in a capsule or globule that is stored in the cover and penetrated when the cover is applied to a toe nail.

Abstract: An improved towel has at least a top edge and first and second side edges, and contains an improvement, which includes a slit cut into the towel, the slit extends partially into the towel from the top edge and is disposed substantially parallel to the side edges, the towel further includes a reinforcement means located on the towel substantially adjacent to an end point of the slit, and an attachment means coupled to two corners of the towel.

Abstract: Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), associated devices and methods of use, and more specifically, exit signs, traffic signals, informational and other signage and lighting devices utilizing CCFL-type devices are provided with novel connectors, mounting brackets, housings, associated electronics and other accessories to provide new and unique lighting devices and methods of using them, all of which offer significant savings in cost, operating expense, power consumption and retrofit convenience.

Abstract: An optical module for edge lit display signs utilizes energy efficient miniature cold cathode fluorescent lamps. Lampholders that mechanically and electrically couple the lamps include resilient sockets and clamps shaped to engage the outer surface of the resilient sockets. A preferred optical module intended as an illumination source for edge-lit emergency exit signs has two spaced apart cold cathode fluorescent lamps and an optical reflector configured to increase the light coupled to display surfaces of the edge-lit sign.

Abstract: A photonic band-gap (PBG) light-emitting fiber, including two-dimensional PBG structures in an environmentally robust glass matrix. The fiber limits photon emission to directions collinear with the fiber core to increase fluorescence and scintillation collection efficiency. The PBG structures are comprised of a plurality of high refractive index inclusions to increase the light-trapping efficiency of the fiber.

Abstract: A brake mechanism, for use in connection with a portable cart having at least one wheel, includes an elongated rod rotatably coupled to the cart, a turning means coupled to the rod for rotating the rod about a centerline from a first position to a second position, at least one cam extending radially outward the said rod, a brake shoe means coupled to the cart, spring means disposed between the cart and the brake shoe means, the spring means being disposed so as to force the brake shoe means against the wheel of the cart, and wherein the at least one cam is disposed so as to compress the spring and force the brake shoe means away from the wheel when the rod is rotated from the first position to the second position.