Abstract: A system for discerning and displaying relational structure and conceptual similarities among items in a target group of data items. Root terms are extracted from descriptions of the data items, and are used to generate similarity measures among all data items in the group. The invention uses a combination of mathematical operations to transform the similarity measures into Euclidean coordinates such that all data items and all root terms can be simultaneously plotted as visual objects in a computer-simulated three-dimensional space. Interpoint distances between data objects and root term objects correspond to the measures of associative similarity between those points. Three-dimensional graphics and movement simulation allow the data display to be presented and viewed from an unlimited number of perspectives.

Abstract: A hinged golf training club having a hinge that pivots at a zero degree angle relative to the reference plane 42 of zero degree clubhead 32. The club looks substantially like and acts substantially like a conventional golf club in every way except for hinge 28, and allows the user to safely hit golf balls both on the range and on the course. This hinged training club 20 gives unmistakable positive feedback to the user both as how to use the hands, wrists and forearms in the golf swing to affect what has been popularly called the release of the club through the ball, and also gives the user exact, unmistakable three-dimensional feedback as to where the shaft is supposed to be throughout the swing in order to affect the correct swing.

Abstract: An improved hypodermic needle that greatly reduces the pain associated with injection through the skin that includes a translucent hub for quick observation of flashback, a regular-wall needle with multiple strategically-placed lateral perforations ending with a blade-like honed edge orifice which the remainder of the injection fluid escapes. The increase in localized surface area through which fluid leaves the needle decreases the mechanical distortion of the surrounding tissue thereby lessening pain receptor stimulation and reducing the perception of pain during the injection process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the total thermal resistance to heat flow from the air to the evaporative cooler fins of a refrigeration system. The apparatus is a frost sensor that measures the reduction in heat flow due to the added thermal resistance of ice (reduced conduction) as well as the reduction in heat flow due to the blockage of airflow (reduced convection) from excessive ice formation. The sensor triggers a defrost cycle when needed, instead of on a timed interval. The invention is also a method for control of frost in a system that transfers heat from air to a refrigerant along a thermal path. The method involves measuring the thermal conductivity of the thermal path from the air to the refrigerant, recognizing a reduction in thermal conductivity due to the thermal insulation effect of the frost and due to the loss of airflow from excessive ice formation; and controlling the defrosting of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a cigarette lighter and cigarettes from damage and wetting. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a body fitted with an insert that accommodates a disposable lighter and a number of cigarettes. A lid is provided that snaps onto the body to provide a waterproof seal between the body and the lid. In some embodiments, the body and the lid are injection molded of plastic as one piece and are connected by means of an integral hinge.

Abstract: A vehicle seat-mounted gun and rod holder. Preferred embodiments include a strap embodiment that is attached by way of a strap to the crown or headrest of a vehicle seat, a cap embodiment that is attached by way of a cap to the crown of a vehicle seat, a band model that is attached by way of a band to a bench vehicle seat and a casement model that is attached by any of the mentioned ways.

Abstract: The invention is a humidification and filtration mask having an open cell foam reservoir attached to the facial or inner surface of a paper filtration mask. The reservoir provides for evenly wetting the paper mask by capillary action, after being charged with water. The device offers low inspiratory airway resistance compared to other art and is lighter and less costly.

Abstract: A computer-implemented expert support system for authoring invention disclosures and for evaluating the probable patentability and marketability of a disclosed invention. The system comprises at least a computer, an input device, an output device, and software program. The software program is developed whith an object-oriented design process and is implemented in an object-oriented computer language such as C++. The system facilitates communication of invention characteristics and enables output of invention disclosures in a plurality of formats, including that of a patent application.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training basketball players to shoot a basketball with one hand instead of using two hands in shooting. The apparatus is comprised of a belt placed around a player's torso, a band placed around the wrist of the player's weak or guide hand and a line assembly connecting the belt and the band in such a way that forward movement of the weak or guide hand is prevented during the act of shooting. The method is comprised of placing a belt around a player's torso, placing a band around the wrist of the player's weak or guide hand, adjusting the effective length of a line assembly connecting the belt and the band with the player's body in the shooting position so that forward movement of the weak or guide hand is prevented to during the act of shooting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anaerobic biodegradation, bioremediation or bioprocessing of hydrocarbons dissolved in an aqueous matrix, such as wastewater, groundwater, or slurry. Dissolved alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons), alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons), aromatic hydrocarbons and/or halogenated hydrocarbons are metabolized or cometabolized. In one form, the invention involves introducing an aqueous stream comprising at least one dissolved aromatic hydrocarbon (such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, or p-cresol) and a dissolved oxide of nitrogen [such as nitrate (NO3−), nitrite (NO2−), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O)] to a reactor, and operating said reactor under conditions that support denitrification of the aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An apparatus for guarding an operator from hazards produced at the point of operation of a machine tool. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket for attaching the fixture to the dovetail of the ram of a milling machine (e.g., a Bridgeport vertical milling machine), the mounting bracket having a first end and a second end; a swing arm attached to one of the ends; and a guard attached to the swing arm. In some embodiments, a second swing arm attached to the other of the ends supports a second guard or a tube that carries oil to the work piece.

Abstract: A golf club shaft is provided with a pressure actuated switch on the handle and is operatively connected by an electrical circuit to a training head that has electromagnets mounted in both its forward and backward faces. When the golfer presses down on the switch, the energized electrical circuit causes a magnetically influenced ball or balls to attach to either or both of the forward or backward faces of the electromagnets; and when the pressure is let up, the ball instantly detachs from the face and will travel along the line that the device was swung through. Practice with the device provides the user with observable feedback as to the squareness of the face at release and the feel for the proper amount of acceleration needed to propel the ball a specified distance. When a golfer swings the device and releases the switch correctly, the simulated golf ball will have the proper end over end roll and travel straight towards its target at the right speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anaerobic biodegradation, bioremediation or bioprocessing of hydrocarbons dissolved in an aqueous matrix, such as wastewater, groundwater, or slurry. Dissolved alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons), alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons), aromatic hydrocarbons and/or halogenated hydrocarbons are metabolized or cometabolized. In one form, the invention involves introducing an aqueous stream comprising at least one dissolved aromatic hydrocarbon (such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, or p-cresol) and a dissolved oxide of nitrogen ?such as nitrate (NO.sub.3.sup.-), nitrite (NO.sub.2.sup.-), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N.sub.2 O)!to a reactor, and operating said reactor under conditions that support denitrification of the aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bioremediation of mixed hazardous waste is discussed. The method and apparatus can be used for treatment of a liquid or slurry hazardous waste stream (e.g., industrial wastewater or sludge) or for treatment of contaminated groundwater. Removal of the following constituents is possible: (1) aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, phenols and cresols, (2) halogenated (e.g., chlorinated) hydrocarbons, such as tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and similar xenobiotics, (3) heavy metals, such as copper, lead, zinc, lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium, (4) acids, such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid, and (5) salts, such as sulfates and nitrates. One embodiment of the invention involves the steps of denitrification (e.g., nitrate reduction), sulfate reduction, methanogenesis and aerobic respiration. Other embodiments delete the denitrification, sulfate-reduction or aerobic respiration steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic oxidation of metal sulfides in ores and concentrates. Base-metal and precious-metal ores and concentrates often contain metal sulfides, such iron sulfides (e.g., pyrite, pyrhotite, arsenopyrite, etc.), copper sulfides (e.g., chalcopyrite, chalcocite, etc.), zinc sulfides (e.g., sphalerite, etc.) and/or lead sulfides (e.g., galena, etc.) and/or other metal sulfides), that must be oxidized in order to recover metal values (e.g., gold, silver, or platinum group elements) from the ores. In the present invention, these metal sulfides are oxidized in one reactor under anaerobic or anoxic conditions using oxidized metal ions, such as ferrous ions (Fe.sup.+3), as the oxidizing agent. Anaerobic oxidation of elemental sulfur that is produced by metal sulfide oxidation is biocatalyzed by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans, or or Sulfolobus sp.