Abstract: A method and system for managing a Bingo game while allowing a repeat player to play the same sets of numbers in multiple sessions of Bingo. The player preselects numbers which he wishes to play in multiple Bingo sessions. The hall stores the numbers in the memory of the computer. On the date of the Bingo game, the player chooses which preselected Bingo numbers to play. The player is provided with a ticket having the preselected numbers with a control number for each set of numbers and a validation number for the ticket. The player is also provided with a receipt indicating the number of preselected sets of numbers bought by the player and the validation number for the ticket. When a player calls Bingo, the hall enters the control number of the potentially winning set of numbers into the computer to verify the set of numbers is a winner.

Abstract: An adaptor (10) which allows a standard cartridge firing action to be used with a muzzle loading firearm (100) is described. The adaptor includes a breech plug (12) and a nipple (16) and is configured to be inserted into the barrel (108) of the firearm adjacent the receiver (104). The breech end (16A) of the nipple (16) has a conical shape. In use, a standard ignition cartridge (150) with a casing (150A) and a head (150B) with a primer (154) mounted in the flash hole (152) in the head is loaded into the receiver of the firearm. Next, the ignition cartridge is moved into the breech end (108A) of the barrel such that the casing extends into the center bore (14) of the breech plug and the breech end of the nipple extends into the end (152B of the flash hole in the head of the cartridge and is adjacent the primer. When the firearm is fired, the firing pin (114A) contacts the primer which ignites the primer.

Abstract: A ventilation fan assembly (10) having a fan (22) mounted in a housing (12) and a shutter assembly (60). The housing has a square inlet portion (12C), a circular center portion (12E) and a conical outlet portion (12D) having rifling grooves (20). The shoulder (16) formed between the inlet portion and the center portion is radiused to reduce disruption of air flowing from the inlet portion to the center portion. The shape of the blades (32) of the propeller (28) is such that the axial velocity produced as the propeller rotates is essentially constant along the length of the blades. The shutter assembly has a large, radiused entrance and airfoil shaped blades which reduce air disruption. The blades have a flexible flap (68) along the trailing edges (64D) which form a seal between adjacent blades to prevent air from leaking from the housing through the shutter assembly.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention improve the visual recognition of a subject. The method uses a series of converging sets of objects (100) and includes several stages with specific types of objects (102) displayed at each stage. The types of objects which are displayed change at each stage as the subject's visual recognition improves. The subject advances through levels in each stage. The levels increase in difficulty as the subject advances through the levels of a stage. As the subject advances through the stages, the objects have more meaning in the area of communication. When the sets of objects are first displayed in the frame (104), the sets are in a spaced apart relationship. The sets are spaced apart either vertically, horizontally or diagonally. The sets are then moved towards each other. As the sets are moved together, the subject compares the objects of the sets and communicates whether the objects of one set are similar or different from the objects of another set.

Abstract: A counterbalance apparatus (10) for moving the work surface (100B) of a work station (100) including outer and inner members (12 and 20) having outer and inner inserts (16 and 26) with outer and inner cam surfaces (16B and 26B). A dampener (30) having a threaded rod (36) is mounted within the inner member. A cam follower (50) is mounted on the dampener such that the rollers (54) are in contact with the outer and inner cam surfaces. Springs (69, 70 and 71) are mounted between the cam follower and an adjustment nut (42) around the dampener. As the work surface moves, the inner member moves in and out of the outer member to compress and expand the springs. The cam rollers move along the cam surfaces and allow for a constant force on the work surface throughout the movement of the work station.

Abstract: An ozonization system (100, 200 or 300) for washing and cleaning objects (71) is described. The system includes a container (110, 210 or 310), an ozonization unit (50) and a diffuser assembly. The container can be a standard kitchen sink, a commercial sink, enclosure (30) or an airtight box (410). The ozonization unit contains a pump (8), an ozone generator (6) and a water separator (162, 262 or 362) which are all controlled by a control circuit (5). The diffuser assembly in one embodiment is a diffuser wand assembly which fits within the standard spray opening (110A) of a kitchen sink. The diffuser tip (129) is inserted into the container and the ozone is diffused into the container through the diffuser tip. In another embodiment, the container has a diffuser plate (214 or 314) spaced apart from the bottom. The ozone is inserted into the gap (213 or 313) between the diffuser plate and the bottom of the container. The ozone is diffused from the gap through the diffuser plate into the container.

Abstract: A hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder (10) for use on a vehicle (100) to improve the handling of the vehicle in a turn or curve. The cylinder repositions the rear wheel (108) of the vehicle in response to a change in the speed of the vehicle. When the vehicle enters a turn and decelerates, the piston of the cylinder moves to the extended position. When the vehicle exits the turn and accelerates, the piston of the cylinder moves to the compressed position.

Abstract: A firestop coupling assembly (10 or 210) for allowing the passage of utility members (50 or 52) through a penetration in a partition (54 or 56) while preventing the transmission of fire and smoke through the penetration. The coupling assembly includes an outer sleeve (12 or 212) and an inner conduit (16 or 216). The outer sleeve has a concentric indention (12D or 212D) around its inner surface within which is mounted an intumescent material (20 or 220). In one (1) embodiment, the inner conduit is mounted in the open top end of the outer sleeve so that the second end (16B or 216B) of the inner conduit is adjacent the intumescent material. In another embodiment, the inner conduit is adjustable along the length of the outer sleeve. A plug (22 or 222) can be provided in at least one end of the inner conduit allowing passage of at least one (1) utility member through the assembly.

Abstract: A firestop coupling assembly (10 or 210) for allowing the passage of utility members (50 or 52) through a penetration in a partition (54 or 56) while preventing the transmission of fire and smoke through the penetration. The coupling assembly includes an outer sleeve (12 or 212) and an inner conduit (16 or 216). The outer sleeve has a concentric indention (12D or 212D) around its inner surface within which is mounted an intumescent material (20 or 220). In one (1) embodiment, the inner conduit is mounted in the open top end of the outer sleeve so that the second end (16B or 216B) of the inner conduit is adjacent the intumescent material. In another embodiment, the inner conduit is adjustable along the length of the outer sleeve. A plug (22 or 222) can be provided in at least one end of the inner conduit allowing passage of at least one (1) utility member through the assembly.

Abstract: The method and apparatus (10) for moving and positioning parts (150, 250, 350 or 450) on workpieces (160) is described. The apparatus includes a vibratory bowl (12), a conveyance and feed system and a positioning cylinder (82). The bowl aligns the parts and orients the parts using a gauge (16, 216, 316 or 416). The conveyance and feed system moves the parts through a conduit (34) using an escapement (44) to feed the parts one at a time to the positioning cylinder. The positioning cylinder has a pneumatic piston (90) with a piston rod (100) having an extension (102) and tip (104). An electromagnet (112) is mounted at one end of the positioning cylinder. When activated, the positioning cylinder extends the piston rod such that the tip extends into an opening (150D, 250D, 350D or 450D) in the part. The electromagnet is activated simultaneously and sends a charge down the piston rod which charges the extension which is constructed of a magnetic material.

Abstract: The adjustment mechanism (10) includes a stationary first member (12) and a second member (20) telescopingly mounted in the first member. The first member is mounted with a second end (12B) adjacent the ground surface. The second member is mounted with the second end (20B) in the first end (12A) of the first member and the first end adjacent to and in contact with the underneath surface (102A) of the work surface (102). A threaded member (26) is rotatably connected at the first end (26A) to the upper end (20A) of the second member. The second end (26B) of the screw extends down through a top nut (38) fixably mounted on one end of a nut support (36). The other end of the nut support is mounted on the lower end of the first member. A spring (40) is mounted around the screw and the nut support extends between the lower end of the first member and the upper end of the second member. An operating mechanism is used to rotate the screw.

Abstract: A medical vest (10) and a method of using the vest to provide emergency medical care to a patient (102), are described. The vest includes an IV container (28) and a medical supply container (58) which are mounted on mounting pads (22, 24 or 26) on the front (12) or back (14) of the vest. The containers are also connected to the shoulders (16) of the vest by shoulder straps (27). The IV container is configured to carry an IV bag (150) as well as all the medical supplies necessary to provide an IV to a patient. The container is constructed so as to remain in the open position to allow the user to use both hands to tend to the patient. A clip strap (46) with a self-closing hook (48) is provided with the container to allow the container to be hooked near a patient for transport with the patient. The medical supply container has a variety of uses and can be provided with inserts with loops (69) for holding airway equipment or inserts without loops to hold additional emergency medical supplies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a metal foil and solder assembled object (10), is described. The apparatus includes a final mold (400) having a recessed final pattern (408). The sides (408A) of the final pattern form an obtuse angle with the floor (408B) of the final pattern. To create the object, material pieces (12), rods (14) and accessory pieces (16) are positioned in the final pattern. Prior to positioning the material pieces in the pattern, the edges (12A) of the material pieces are covered by foil (18). Once the material pieces, rods and accessory pieces are in place in the pattern, the pieces and rods are soldered together using conventional soldering techniques. The material pieces are positioned adjacent the sides of the pattern such that when the edges of the pieces are soldered, the solder (20) comes in contact with the sides of the pattern approximately half the distance up the edge of the material pieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling the use of a computer (60). The invention calls for providing a container (100, 200 or 300) having a locking mechanism (122, 222 or 322) for holding the peripheral device (50) of the computer. The container can completely enclose the device which effectively prevents the use of the peripheral device. Alternatively, the device can merely prevent movement of the peripheral device over a surface such as in the case of a mouse.

Abstract: An electronically controlled micro-dispensing apparatus (10) is described. The apparatus includes a container (12), an adaptor (18), a nozzle (28) and a control circuit (34 or 42). The container is filled with the chemical (104) and propellant (102). The adaptor, nozzle and control circuit are removable from the container and are reusable. The control circuits controls the length of pulse and the time duration between each pulse. By controlling these factors, the apparatus dispenses a precise amount of liquid over a set time period. The ejector allows for controlled dispensing and allows the liquid to be sprayed a greater distance. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus are used to dispense a pheromone in an outdoor setting, such as an orchard (100), to control insects.

Abstract: A fire transmission prevention system (10) for use in a drainage system (100) to prevent the transmission of smoke and fire through the drainage system. The system is intended to be used in drainage systems in multi-story structures. The system includes a firestop (16), couplings (14, 26 and 30) and an air vent (42). The firestop prevents fire and smoke from moving through the inner passageways (44D) of the pipes (12, 24, 28 and 72) of a drainage system by blocking the inner passageway of the pipes with a fire resistant plug (20). The couplings are mounted in the floor (102) of the structure and are constructed and secured in the floor such as to prevent fire and smoke from passing around the couplings between the couplings and the floor. The air vent is provided in a vent pipe (40) of the system above a trap (38 or 78) of the system.

Abstract: A trailer (10, 210 or 310) having a tilting bed (26, 226 or 326) is described. The bed has a front portion (26A) and a back portion (26B) which are pivotably mounted together. The front portion is fixably mounted to the frame (12, 212 or 312) of the trailer. The back portion is able to be lowered to form a ramp for loading and unloading the trailer. A cable and pulley system (40, 240 or 340) is used to raise and lower the back portion of the bed. The cable(s) (50, 250, 251 or 350) of the cable and pulley system can be loosened or tightened using either a winch (52) or a hydraulic winch (266 or 366). The pivot point of the back portion is located in front of the axle (16) of the trailer which creates a longer leverage arm which allows for easier lifting of the back portion of the bed.

Abstract: A drainage system (10) for use with a Urostomy bag (100) is described. The drainage system includes a drainage tube (12) having a connector (18) at one end (12A) and a clamp (14) at the opposite discharge end (12B). An attachment clip (16) is mounted on the tube between the ends. The tube is connected by the connector to the bottom opening (100B) of the bag. When the bag is in position on a user (150), the clip attaches the discharge end of the tube to the user's clothing where the end is easily accessible.

Abstract: The method and apparatus (10) for moving and positioning parts (150, 250, 350 or 450) on workpieces (160) is described. The apparatus includes a vibratory bowl (12), a conveyance and feed system and a positioning cylinder (82). The bowl aligns the parts and orients the parts using a gauge (16, 216, 316 or 416). The conveyance and feed system moves the parts through a conduit (34) using an escapement (44) to feed the parts one at a time to the positioning cylinder. The positioning cylinder has a pneumatic piston (90) with a piston rod (100) having an extension (102) and tip (104). An electromagnet (112) is mounted at one end of the positioning cylinder. When activated, the positioning cylinder extends the piston rod such that the tip extends into an opening (150D, 250D, 350D or 450D) in the part. The electromagnet is activated simultaneously and sends a charge down the piston rod which charges the extension which is constructed of a magnetic material.

Abstract: A kaleidoscope (100) for producing images reflecting objects (152, 164), is described. The kaleidoscope preferably has three panels (10, 20 and 30) forming the kaleidoscope with a front viewing opening (104) and a rear object opening (106). The sides (16 and 18) of the first panel preferably converge at a 21.0.degree. angle. The sides (26 and 28) of the second panel preferably converge at a 32.0.degree. angle. The sides of the third panel preferably converge at a 37.75.degree. angle. By varying the orientation of the rear edges (14, 24 and 34) of the panels, the first object image (150) is varied. By varying the orientation of the front edges (12, 22 and 32) of the panels, the secondary image (154) is varied.