Abstract: An interocclusal appliance includes a maxillary impression preform of a resilient thermoplastic having a low softening temperature, e.g. 36° C., such as an EVA copolymer having approximately thirty percent vinyl acetate. The preform is molded over and unitarily bonded to a base having a planar bottom face contacted by mandibular occlusal surfaces. The base is formed of a thermoplastic having a higher softening temperature, e.g. 70° C., with the bond between the preform and base characterized by high shear strength. The preform includes a bight shaped centric relation positioning channel having a thick footing and draft along lingual, buccal and labial walls. The appliance is fitted by immersion in hot water to soften the preform, seating the maxillary arch within the channel and biting, such that the impression of the maxillary dentition embeds in the softened preform. Upon cooling, the preform is transformed into a reusable resilient encasement for the maxillary dentition.

Abstract: An air-cooling device comprises compressor (1). Double cavity heat exchanger (2), turbo expander (6) and the freezing chamber (3) containing fan (5) and air cooler (4). Fan (7) is mounted on the same shaft with the turbo expander (6). The first cavities of the heat exchangers (9 and 2), moist separator (8) and the second cavity of the heat exchanger (2) are connected with the compressor (1) input in sequence. In the other appearance the device comprises compressor (44) and turbo expander (49), double cavity heat exchanger (45), freezing chamber (46) containing fan (48) and air cooler (47), double cavity vaporization heat exchanger (51) and moist separator (50). The first cavities of the vaporization heat exchangers (51 and 45), moist separator (50, turbo expander (49), air cooler (47) and the second cavity of the heat exchanger (45) are in sequence connected with the compressor input (44).

Abstract: A noise abatement ring having a low coefficient of friction is captured in an annular channel on the inner face of a wheel cover and abuts a vehicle wheel when the wheel cover is mounted to the wheel. The wheel cover is assembled by registering radial tabs formed on a wall of the channel and spaced from the base of the channel with notches formed in the ring and seating the ring into the channel. Thereafter, the ring is rotated relative to the wheel cover into a captive position, wherein the tabs and notches are no longer registered and with the tabs overlying reduced thickness stepped portions of the ring. A leaf spring latch, formed in one piece with the ring, seats into a detent on the inner face of the wheel cover to prevent rotation of the ring from the captive position.

Abstract: A processor implemented monitoring system includes a sensor coupled to the processor for sampling a physiological parameter of a subject which may comprise a subject unique identification parameter. Also coupled to the processor is a physical location determining device. Subject location as well as parameter status data are input to the processor which is programmed to determine whether the parameter and/or location data falls within prescribed boundaries stored in a memory. Upon determination of an out of boundary condition, e.g. subject entered proscribed geographic area, monitored medical parameter, e.g. blood pressure, out of limit or an unauthorized person attempting to operate a vehicle, etc., the processor transmits information pertaining to the subject, the off limit condition and the specific geographic location of the subject to a central monitoring station for implementation of appropriate action.

Abstract: A bottle drainage coupler unit has upper and lower coupler pairs to support bottles with viscous fluid such as ketchup for stable, effective, mouth to mouth drainage. The drainage is effected without the need for supervision.

Abstract: An image compression technique employs selecting a gray level threshold value for converting a gray level digital image input into a bi-level input which minimizes weak connectivity, wherein weak connectivity comprises a checkerboard pattern found in a 2×2 array or neighborhood of pixels. The threshold value is determined by traversing the array of pixels comprising the document in a single path, examining successive 2×2 neighborhoods and incrementing a plus register for the gray level value which a checkerboard pattern first appears and incrementing a minus register for the gray level value at which the checkerboard pattern no longer exists. The total number of weak connectivity checkerboards for each gray level threshold value is calculated based upon the difference between the values stored in the registers.

Abstract: A points based handwriting recognition system is suitable for hand held processor implemented devices with small touch pad writing surfaces. The writing surface is divided into a grid by a number of spaced discrete points. The user is instructed to write, as by a stylus, characters such as letters, numbers or symbols with the writing path extending through a predetermined sequence of the points which define the grid. The stylus must pass sequentially within a specified distance of mandatory points for processor recognition of each written character and may additionally pass within a predetermined distance of optional points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pole transformer load monitoring system using a wireless Internet network. The load monitoring system is capable of measuring, in real time, a variety of load parameters (phase voltages, phase currents and temperatures) of a pole transformer placed on a distribution line. The results of the measurements are transferred to an operator in a branch operating station over the wireless Internet network so as to prevent losses resulting from overloaded and unbalanced states, thereby enhancing the quality of power supply and efficiently managing a distribution load.

Abstract: A verification system for a value added indicia applicator such as a cigarette fusion tax stamping machine at a cigarette distribution center includes a processor associated with the tax stamping machine. The processor receives data comprising the requirements for a specific run, order or distribution route. A scanner identifies cartons of cigarettes prior to reaching a station at the machine which opens the carton flaps and the processor verifies if the identified carton is part of the run being processed. If the identified carton is not part of the run, the stamping machine operation is interrupted and/or the improper carton is ejected.

Abstract: A vibrating cushion for relieving fatigue and reforming a sleeping position includes a cylindrical sponge carrying three motors. A controller controls the motors to generate vibrations. The cushion includes a frame having open ends with one end of the sponge fixed in the frame. A vessel receiving a battery is inserted into an end of the frame. A cap having a controller input and display covers the vessel. An aromatic case is mounted to the cap and an outer cover covers an inner cover and the frame. Hot or cold packs are detachably mounted to the outer cover. A user lies on his/her side while wrapping arms and legs around the cushion or placing legs on the cushion, whereby the spine becomes straight and blood circulation is improved.

Abstract: A kit for repairing a windshield break utilizing a light activated resin includes a light impervious pedestal and resin chamber with the pedestal being placed in airtight engagement about a windshield break. The kit also includes a syringe which is couplable to an opening in the chamber. The light activated resin is carried in a light impervious container having a neck dimensioned to deposit the resin directly into the chamber before the syringe is coupled to the chamber. The kit additionally includes a light transmissive film to cover the resin filled break during curing of the resin and a light impervious patch for covering the opposite face of the windshield.

Abstract: A goaltender's leg pad toe anchor includes a houve which is secured to the lower portion of a leg pad. Two elongate bands extend downwardly from the houve, with the bands being drawn through and crossed within a toe opening of a skate blade carrier. Each of the bands is releasably attached to a transverse strap which extends beneath the skate from one side of the leg pad to the other. The ends of the bands may be looped, with the transverse strap being threaded through the loops.

Abstract: An enclosed pest control device includes a covered tray carrying a tacky glue, bait, etc. The cover is vacuum formed of a transparent thermoplastic sheet and includes an open ended igloo vestibule which leads to the interior. During manufacture, the vestibule open end is formed by cutting the vestibule in a plane transverse to the plane of the tray, without a backing support. An array of covers is formed of a single sheet with continuous vestibules joining the ends of adjacent covers in a row such that a single cut through each vestibule will form two open ended vestibules without wasted material.