Abstract: The present invention is for a bank which has a visible serpentine coin path through which coins are deposited into a coin reservoir. The serpentine coin path has a major slot for the transportation of the coins into the reservoir and at least one minor slot through which the coins can be viewed as they travel down the serpentine path to the reservoir. The slot and reservoir are particularly well suited for incorporation into an animal bank.

Abstract: This invention relates to a double headed tool which engages the rim of the tire. A first head is contoured to assist in engaging the bead of the tire to promote engaging the tire with the rim. A second head is designed to assist in stripping the tire from the rim. This tool is deigned to be used in combination with a tire changing stand which has a central post.

Abstract: Improved thick film electroluminescent lamps and displays which provide a moisture barrier for the phosphor layer of an electroluminescent lamp and allows all of the contacts for the lamp or the display to reside within the footprint of the lamp. The moisture barrier is provided without employing a pair of encapsulating polymer sheets. The resulting lamps and displays are provided with vias which allow leads to be attached to a front electrode and one or more back electrodes employed to provide a potential across a phosphor layer therebetween causing the phosphor to emit light. A second dielectric layer is deposited over the underlying architecture of the lamp or display and forms a seal with an exposed continuous band of a phosphor free front electrode which surrounds the perimeter of the lamp and also seals with a phosphor free region at the bottom of the vias which it passes down. The dielectric layer also seals any passages provided which traverse the lamp or display.

Abstract: The present invention is for a stackable modular bird feeder module that when the modules are stacked, provides a tube type bird feeder. The basic module has a sidewall with a top rim and a bottom rim. The top rim and the bottom rims are configured such that when the modules are stacked the bottom rim of one unit will engage the top rim of a unit below. The feed sidewall of the units has ports and associated perches which allow the birds to feed. A base attaches to the sidewall and provides a central cavity. A passage in the base is provided to pass feed to the module below and a baffle is attached to the base prevents overflow of the feed through the ports.

Abstract: The present invention is for a conference system that provides microphones that are ceiling mounted and retract into the ceiling when not in use. The system has microphones that mount on wands with the wand and microphone forming a unit which is stored above the ceiling when not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the wand is connected to an automobile power antenna which is energized to raise and lower the antenna. The system is preferably activated by a proximity sensor, located in the cradle of a phone that senses the presence of a phone hand piece and activates the system when the phone hand piece is removed from the cradle.

Abstract: The present invention is for bird feeders which are resistent to invasion by squirrels, pigeons and other large birds. The feeder has a hopper with a sloped sidewall to which a feed tray attaches. The angle .phi. between the sidewall and the feed tray is greater than about 60.degree. and less than 70.degree.. The separation of the perches on which the birds rest from the sidewall of the hopper is between about 3/4" and 13/4". The feeder has a roof which covers the hopper and preferably forms a convex cover.

Abstract: A protective collar is formed from a sheet of substantially flat resilient material. The sheet is a substantially semicircular section being bounded by an outer semicircular boundary, an inner substantially semicircular boundary, a first substantially straight end and a second substantially straight end. The substantially flat sheet is bent about an axis to form a frusto conical surface. The sheet has clip holes and clip retention holes which, when aligned after bending about the axis, form the frusto conical surface. Resilient clips having a back member and legs attached thereto are provided. The legs have grooves which engage the clip holes and the clip retention holes. In a preferred embodiment, the protective collar is provided with protrusions extending from the inner substantially semicircular boundary toward the axis. The protrusions have a first protrusion hole and a second protrusion hole though which a cord or gauze can be passed to further secure the protective collar when in use.

Abstract: An improved frame for a futon sofa/chair having a first base end and a second base end. The base ends have guide slots which engage guide posts, the guide posts are mounted to a back, which is pivotably attached to a seat. The improvement resides in providing backstops attached to the first base end and the second base end which further support the back of the sofa/chair when the back is upright and when the back is horizontal. In another embodiment of the invention, the frame additionally has a rear deck panel which is pivotably attached to the back and a pair of rear deck supports which are pivotably mounted to the rear deck panel and to the base ends. In a further preferred embodiment, the rear deck supports have deck segment supports which pivotably attach to the rear deck panels and base segment supports, which pivotably attach to the base. The rear deck supports and the rear base segment supports are in turn pivotably connected.

Abstract: This invention is a tire-changing device which is used for engaging then stripping the tire from rims of wheels. The device is used in combination with a workbench and stores under the bench when not in use. A threaded rod is raised above the bench top when the tire changer is in use. Mobility for the threaded rod is provided by having it slidably engage a sleeve which, in turn, is coupled to the bench. A friction pad is employed which rests on the bench and through which the threaded rod passes. A restraining hub through which the rod passes engages the hub of the wheel. A torque nut holds the hub firmly in place, thereby securing the wheel between the restraining hub and the friction pad. A double headed tool is provided which engages the rim of the tire. A first head is contoured to assist in engaging the bead of the tire to the rim and a second head is for the purpose of stripping the tire from the rim.

Abstract: The present invention is for an improved feed shell for an air-flushing, rock-drilling system. The improvement extends the life of the feed shell and, in particular, the feed guide of a feed shell on which gibs for directing a rock drill ride. The system, as improved, provides a first nozzle which directs fluid onto a first guide surface of the feed guide and second nozzle which directs fluid onto a second guide surface of the feed guide. The nozzles can be mounted in either manifolds or, alternatively, in the gibs which support and guide the drill on the feed guide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a filter system for the filtration of residential tap water for drinking. The device of the present invention removes impurities including organics, heavy metals, and nitrates, and it provides a removable filter which can be readily changed without disconnecting the water lines. The filter in its simplest form has a central filter cartridge which is connected to a top cap and a bottom cap. The top cap and bottom cap have a water inlet and outlet, respectively. The central filter cartridge in turn has a conduit, which is terminated with restrainers, forming a central cavity in the central filter cartridge. The filter cartridge is filled with granular material for filtering. Particulate filters are positioned between the granular material and the restrainers. In one preferred embodiment the particulate matter forms a bed of a silver impregnated activated charcoal, a bed of a cation resin, and a bed of an anion resin.

Abstract: The present invention is for an undergarment which can be used separately or in combination with a bifurcated overgarment. Both the undergarment and the bifurcated overgarment are designed with crotch elements which can be easily opened and closed, allowing body waste elimination without requiring partial disrobing. The undergarment has a slidable crotch panel which moves between a closed position and an open position. The overgarment has a closeable crotch opening which, when worn with the undergarment of the present invention, is aligned with the slidable crotch panel of the undergarment. The overgarment preferably has side openings which allow access to the undergarment so that the undergarment can be adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for strengthening the muscles of the lower back and discloses an apparatus for practicing the method the invention. The method permits the user to partition the load between the back muscles and the arm muscles. In practicing the method, the user positions him/herself on a platform having a protrusion and an ankle engaging element. With the pelvic area supported by the protrusion and the ankles restrained by the ankle engaging element, the user engages supports with his/her hands. The user then lowers and raises his/her torso, distributing the load between the back muscles and the arm muscles, repeating the movements a number of times. At the user's discretion, the weight load can be redistributed between the back muscles and the arm muscles by reducing or increasing the load supported by his/her arms.

Abstract: The present invention is for a face mask/earplugs case designed for on-site use by construction workers. Both face masks and earplugs are needed on an intermittent basis by construction workers when on site. The face mask/earplugs case of the present invention is attachable to a piece of clothing, thereby providing accessible storage of the face masks and earplugs when not needed. In one preferred embodiment, the case attaches to a helmet and is configured to substantially conform to the footprint of the helmet, thereby not obstructing or limiting the mobility of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a trash storage system suitable for multiple compartments for selectively compacting and storing the trash generated in a home for subsequent recycling. This trash storage system preferably has a programmable micro controller that allows the selective loading of compartments and compaction of compartments. The trash storage system of the present invention can be mounted under the counter in a kitchen and when so mounted has a front opening that allows the input and removal of trash.

Abstract: The present invention is for a device for rapidly solidifying a material and a method of using the same. The device provides for containing a molten pool of material in a solid skull with the same composition as the molten material. The skull is preferably held in a cavity of an inductor which is heated by an induction coil. Means are provided to maintain a small temperature gradient in the skull so as to minimize segregation which can lead to compositional fluctuations. It is preferred that the minimum temperature in the skull is between about 0.7 and 0.95Tm, where Tm is the melting or solidus temperature of the material.Feed means provide material to the molten pool causing it to spill over onto a moving chill surface. Preferably the chill surface is cooled by a molten stream of liquid gas.