Abstract: A floor mat includes a housing for containing a power supply, speech module and speaker. A grid-like switching mechanism is closed upon a person stepping on the mat so as to provide an energizing current flow to the speech module. The speech module includes circuitry for recording and playing back a selected message. A slidable or releasable panel in the housing allows for selectable user access to the speech module. The housing precludes weather deterioration of the elements therein and cooperates with the switching mechanism so as to provide a user-selectable message to a person stepping on the mat. The mat/housing configuration allows alternative switching mechanisms to be used in connection with replaceable speech modules.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing the glucose content of a blood sample applied to a sorbent for drying is provided. A solution of sodium fluoride or other glycolysis inhibitor is applied to a sorbent. A blood sample for glucose determination is then applied to the sorbent whereupon glycolysis is immediately inhibited. The blood sample may then be dried for shipping without loss of glucose content during the drying period.

Abstract: An adjustable height training hurdle is provided for which allows variation of the height of the hurdle from near ground level up to regulation height. A slip gear is utilized to create a scissor action of the hurdle legs thus offering incremental adjustment of the hurdle height.

Abstract: A device for aligning the shafts of adjacent driven and driver machinery units comprising a pair of congruent alignment plates connected to the coupling flange of each plate such that the axis of each shaft is normal to an identical point on each plate. A pair of centering bars positions each shaft with a coupling flange thereon in such position. Opposed keys on one plate are registered in corresponding keyways on the opposed plate by manipulation of the machinery. A gauge plate indicates any offset in the plates. Registration of the keys and superimposition of the congruent plates is achieved by machine manipulation to assure the user that an alignment in angularity and parallelism has been achieved. Bubble levels and dial indicator gauges are used in connection with the plates to enhance the alignment process.

Abstract: A drag bar having a tiller directing control arm is provided for use with front tine gardening tillers. The control arm presents a user with means upon which to apply directionally controlling forces to a front tine tiller as well as to apply drag forces to control the rate of travel of the tiller.

Abstract: A telephone directory holder and binder spine is designed for use with telephone enclosures. The directory holder comprises a separable directory holder unit which may be inserted in a directory at a site distant from the binder spine which is fixed to the telephone enclosure. The holder unit further comprises cables spanning first and second cable holders. The cable is releasable at one end from a holder to permit individual cable placement within the directory. Engagement of the first and second cable holders with the binder spine secures the holder unit with directory to the binder spine. Pre-placement of the directory holder unit within the directory at an off-site location is thus provided to enhance directory replacement.

Abstract: A forearm protector for use with an archery bow comprising a mounting plate with a mounting strut extending therefrom. A forearm guard is pivotally mounted to the mounting strut in pivotal vertical movement. The mounting plate includes a plurality of vertically and laterally aligned apertures or slots for alignment with a conventional accessory aperture found in the limb of a compound bow. A threadable pin engages the bow aperture with the mounting plate inserted therebetween. A coupling nut engages the free end of the pin so as to present another accessory aperture. The plurality of apertures allows the protector to be adjusted in lateral and vertical directions relative to the bow. This adjustment cooperates with the pivotal vertical adjustment of the guard to allow the archer to selectably position the protector relative to the bow and relative to the forearm.

Abstract: A curb cutter for use by a mobile operator comprises a boom having a saw assembly at one end thereof. The boom is user-movable through vertical and lateral directions so as to place the saw at a desired location. The up and down movement of the boom is controlled by a separate cam assembly with lateral movement of the curb cutter being diminished by a ground engaging spike assembly during use. The device allows for the use of various boom lengths according to the job at hand.

Abstract: A twin screw extruder includes screw crests having wear surfaces formed of weld bead, deposited on the edges of the crests and into a groove in the crest to form a plurality of spaced dams or fences across the groove between the edges of the crest, and a molybdenum fitting between the dams. The dams or fences prevent unraveling of the entire molybdenum fitting, in the event of separation between the fitting and the screw.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the removal of a grip from a handle, such as a golf club, comprises a double side tape wrapped about the handle with a cutting wire embedded therein. Adhesive is placed about the tape with the grip placed thereon. For removal one end of the cutting wire is grasped by a user and pulled along the length of the handle to sever the overlying grip. An alternative embodiment embeds the cutting wire in the grip proper for subsequent manipulation and grip severance.

Abstract: A blood collection system comprising a needle assembly, an evacuated collection tube and a holder for said tube. A housing at the end of said holder receives an adaptor therein. A conventional cannula assembly is threaded into the adaptor such that the rear cannula end extends into the collection tube with the front cannula end extending forwardly for venipuncture. A locking assembly traversing the housing includes first and second slide locks with apertures therein. The slide locks have a first biased position in which portions of the adaptor are engaged by the rims of the apertures to hold the cannula within the housing. Upon user manipulation of the locks, the slide locks are moved to disengage the rims from the adaptor. The latter movement causes release of the adaptor with cannula assembly from the housing allowing for cannula disposal subsequent to use without user handling.

Abstract: A pair of exercise devices for respectively performing the "curl" and "fly" exercise. Each device utilizes a clamping assembly for receiving a range of user selectable free weights therein. Each clamping assembly is associated with a support assembly for the lower arm of the user. Upon the user grouping a handle the "curl" and "fly" exercises are performed with the clamped weight of the respective devices offering resistance thereto.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use in abdominal hysterectomies includes an inner uterine-ring assembly having a ring for insertion into the vagina at the juncture of the cervix and vagina. An outer clamping assembly insertable through a surgically opened abdominal cavity is clamped about the inner ring with the vaginal tissue interposed therebetween. The combination presents a scalpel guide for surgical circumcision of the interposed tissue as well as controls undesirable bleeding from the circumcised tissue.

Abstract: A closure system for a plactic security bag comprises an access opening with an adhesive laden cellophane carrier film regulating access thereto. The film is affixed to the bag below the lower edge of the access opening and has a band of "hot melt" therealong. Upon removal of the releasable liner the carrier film is positioned such that the "hot melt" spans the access opening and closes the same. Lacquer coating at the ends of the opening preclude undesirable sticking of the releasable liner to the security bag. The ends of the access opening are "heat sealed" and cooperate with the adhesive to preclude leakage of liquid through the closed opening. Entry of the bag is accomplished by tearing the carrier film and/or bag proper which is evident to an observer.

Abstract: A telephone directory holder and binder spine is designed for use with telephone enclosures. The directory holder comprises a separable directory holder unit which may be inserted in a directory at a site distant from the binder spine which is fixed to the telephone enclosure. The holder unit further comprises cables spanning first and second cable holders. The cable is releasable at one end from a holder to permit individual cable placement within the directory. Engagement of the first and second cable holders with the binder spine secures the holder unit with directory to the binder spine. Pre-placement of the directory holder unit within the directory at an off-site location is thus provided to enhance directory replacement.

Abstract: A pair of exercise devices for respectively performing the "curl" and "fly" exercise. Each device utilizes a clamping assembly for receiving a range of user selectable free weights therein. Each clamping assembly is associated with a support assembly for the lower arm of the user. Upon the user grouping a handle the "curl" and "fly" exercises are performed with the clamped weight of the respective devices offering resistance thereto.

Abstract: A food carrier comprising longitudinally-aligned and spaced-apart thermos bottles with a supporting storage compartment, bowl and cup. Interengageable annular threads about said bowl, cup, thermos bottles, storage compartment and intermediate spacer ring allow for a single thermos or dual thermos configuration according to the desires of the user. The carrier allows for transport of first and/or second liquids with accompanying utensils, condiments and the like. A cup may accompany either the single thermos configuration or dual thermos configuration according to the desires of the user.

Abstract: An amniotic membrane perforator includes an elongated shaft having a pair of spaced apart lobes at the distal end thereof relative to the user. A pair of tines are positioned between the lobes. Upon insertion of the perforator into the vaginal canal the lobes depress the amniotic sac so as to present a portion of the sac tissue to the tines for subsequent puncture.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing impurities from a laundry wash effluent including the steps and means therefor of acidifying the solution, infusing a gas into the solution and coalescing the released contaminant droplets by means of baffle plates into droplets sufficient to achieve buoyany with respect to the solution. The resulting top layer of buoyant droplets is skimmed from the solution and the remaining solution is adjusted to a neutral pH for discharge.