Abstract: An apparatus for exercising pelvic floor muscles is provided that allows the user to adjust the force against which she must act so as to maximize the effect of the exercise. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. Attached to said proximal end of said shaft is an intra-vaginal portion designed for the user to contract her pelvic floor muscles against and attached to said distal end of said shaft is a grasping means by which the user may apply variable force so as to maximize the force against which the user's contracted pelvic floor muscles must resist.

Abstract: Through the use of a variety of reinforcing structures, a ribbon light string is described that can be shaped in decorative ways, and it is made of a material that, due to its coloring and/or texture, can become camouflaged into its environment, or of a material that is preferably reflective and compliments the light from the lamp bulbs of the light string. Essentially, the ribbon light string is a reinforced ribbon having a passage therethrough for carrying substantially all, of the non-illuminating portion, of a light string while allowing the illuminating portion to be exposed. To facilitate the shaping of the ribbon, several embodiments are described including the use of pliable ribbon material; the use of at least one reinforcing wire running through the longitudinal extent of the passage; or the use of a “ribbon wire” type conductor for the light string. Also described are the use of novel hole and flap arrangements and lamp bulb/lamp base configurations.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle provided with an internal combustion engines and at least one auxiliary hydraulic mechanism, a system is provided that integrates pressurizing hydraulic fluid for the auxiliary hydraulic mechanism using of heat energy from the engine exhaust gases, and using the inertial energy from the voluntary slowing of the speed of the engine, as well as assisting in the starting system of the engine. The system includes a gas turbine (1), hydraulic pump (2), hydraulic accumulator (3), microcomputer (10), a hydraulic machined(11), a mechanical transmission (12), a tank (13) and piping, sensors and valves. A hydraulic transmission is positioned between the gas turbine (1) and the hydraulic accumulator (3), and a reverse hydraulic transmission is positioned between the shaft of the engine (15) and the hydraulic accumulator (3), so that the auxiliary hydraulic mechanism (14) can be fed with hydraulic liquid under pressure from the hydraulic accumulator (3).

Abstract: An improvement in the design of gumball dispensing mechanisms is described, and, more specifically, resides in the size and shape of the gumball dispensing openings formed through the dispensing wheel. In one embodiment, the openings are generally arcuate shaped, and in another embodiment they are generally “peanut” shaped. In either case, the openings are designed to dispense two large gumballs, relatively jam-free, for each use of the gumball machine by a customer.

Abstract: A method and system for separating oil form oil-absorbent materials for recycle of both the oil and the materials. The method comprises placing the oil absorbent material on a grid over a catch basin to drain, then centrifuging the material to remove additional excess oil. The excess oil is processed to separate water, grit, dirt, metal chips and shavings from it so that it can be sent to a refinery. After centrifuging to remove excess oils, the materials are dry cleaned in doubly distilled dry cleaning fluid to remove additional oil so that the materials can be reused.

Abstract: A transpedicular screw having a round head and thin neck so that when the head encounters resistence, such as the harder cortex of a pedicle, it bends toward the softer axis of the pedical, thus avoiding violation of the pedicle cortex. The screw is inserted following the formation of a hole toward the pedical axis using a guide rod and a pin. Preferably this hole is made at an angle of approximately 35° with respect to the perpendicular and extends just to the pedical. The screw has a threaded body behind the neck and a tail formed to receive a tool that facilitates rotation of the screw into the pedical.

Abstract: A method for producing a more accurate instantaneous unit hydrograph particularly for urban areas and for use in specifying the capacities of structures engineered to manage surface water runoff at the watershed catchment. The method uses map data verified by on-site inspections to obtain the input for the computer-performed calculation of initial probabilities, transition probabilities and mean waiting times, and subsequently the instantaneous unit hydrograph. This data includes the areas, links between streams, and slopes of various parts of the watershed.

Abstract: A pet traveling kit which integrates a pet bed with a food and water storage system for use in traveling with a pet. Generally resembling a folding garment bag, the portable pet kit of includes a folding shell which carries a cushion for use by the pet to sleep or lounge, and a mesh pocket for use in transporting items a pet may need such as medicine or pet toys. At the fold of the shell are sealable containers adapted to hold food and water releasibly affixed to a spine, which also provides support to the fabric shell. The fabric shell further includes handles or straps and closure for convenient carrying.

Abstract: Draining of the waste tank of a recreational vehicle is improved by using a motor to operate the waste hose. The motor causes the proximal end of the hose to be extended from its housing in the RV while the distal end remains attached to the waste tan. The extended proximal end can then be inserted into the access pipe of a sewer system for draining the waste tank. The motor will retract the hose when the waste tank has been emptied. The motor is operable either by throwing a switch on the motor or pressing a button on a remote control unit.

Abstract: A test strip for determining blood glucose concentration includes a test strip and a photometer. The test strip comprises a substrate formed with an aperture, a polymeric membrane adhered to the aperture and in registration with the aperture, having a quantity of reagent on its bottom surface of the membrane. The polymeric membrane is adhered to the bottom of the substrate by double sided tape. The placement of the reagent on the bottom surface of the membrane allows filtration of the red blood cells from plasma before the glucose in the blood reaches the reagent and carries with it oxygen to drive the glucose-reagent reaction to completion. The photometer includes an infrared LED for detecting glucose components in the reacted test strip and simple, one-button operation.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle signal device mounted in the interior of a vehicle which, when activated, is visible outside the vehicle, but which is not readily apparent outside the vehicle when not in operation. The signal device does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle when activated, and does not affect the aerodynamics, handling, or overhead clearance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system of components that cooperate to shield the exposed skin of the ears, forehead and neck against contact by a hot curling iron includes a head band, an ear piece, and neck shield. The ear pieces fit over the ears, cupping the tops and backs of the ears to both protect them and derive support for the system from them. The head band and neck shield attach to ear pieces and are made of a heat resistant fabric. The three components will not prevent burns in every case but can prevent or limit injury from the proximity of the hot curling iron and harm from the occasional, inadvertent touching of the iron.

Abstract: The vehicle for collecting, sorting and reducing the volume of recyclable wastes and regular household and commercial garbage includes a large container with plural compartments mounted to the exterior of the vehicle includes a lifting mechanism for lifting the container to the top of the vehicle so that its contents can be dropped through chutes into plural bins. The lifting mechanism assures that the integrity of the sort of recyclables into each compartment of the container is maintained as the waste drops from the compartments through the chutes into individual bins. Between the chutes and the bins are crushers and shredders for reducing of volume of wastes deposited in the bins. Other wastes are placed in balers for baling. The bales of wastes are stored in a rack under the vehicle's housing. Crushing, shredding and baling not only reduces volume but allows the vehicle to collect wastes from more homes than without these on-board capabilities.

Abstract: A magnet clamp for use with a hand tool is disclosed. The present invention provides a magnet that can be reversibly attached to an existing commercially-available hand-held tool without modification of the tool, thereby providing a way to securely hold various small metal items associated with said hand tool, while making said items readily available for use. Drill bits, saw blades, nails, screws, bolts, tacks, chuck keys, or any small objects made of or alloyed with a ferromagnetic substance such as iron or steel may be securely held by the present invention. The present invention also provides a simple and inexpensive process of manufacturing such a device from common items, including an automotive hose clamp, and from common operations, such as soldering and gluing.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having a hull that includes a pod formed in the bottom of the hull for receiving the engine and drive train. The pod is concave down with respect to the balance of the hull. Foam filled compartments formed lateral to the pod assure buoyancy and stability. Truck engine, transmission, suspension and control system components are carried by the hull and used to move the amphibious vehicle on land and, using the power take off of the engine to drive a marine propulsion system, on water as well. A first drive shaft, turned by the engine, extends through the hull to connect operatively with an axle and rotate front and rear sets of wheels. A second drive shaft runs from the engine through the hull wall to the marine propulsion system.