Abstract: A novel dental prosthesis abutment and waxing core assembly, in which the abutment has an exterior axis which differs from its longitudinal axis, and the waxing sleeve has both interior and exterior axes which differ from one another and from the exterior axis of the abutment, is disclosed. In the present invention the abutment and waxing sleeve assembly cooperates with a conventional anchor having a socket for receiving the abutment, and also adjusts to correct for angular misalignment of the prosthesis. The divergent axes allow for alignment of the prosthesis within the mouth while requiring less modification of the waxing sleeve by removal of material and/or addition of material to the waxing sleeve and abutment, thereby reducing the labor required in producing the prosthesis using prior art waxing sleeves and abutments.

Abstract: A rotational drive device that provides both variable levels of adjustable rotational resistance and also selective direction in which the resistance acts. The device has two mutually rotatable members each having a grasping handle. One member has a shaft serving as an axle for rotatably supporting the second member. A nut threads to the end of the shaft. When tightened, the nut imparts axially compressive forces urging the two rotatable members towards one another. The base rotatable member has a ramped member facing a corresponding opposed ramped member rotatably supported on the shaft. When the ramped members are rotated relative to one another, overall axial length of the base member is adjusted. This adjustment selectively modifies resistance to rotation of the rotatable members. A clutch device selectively transmits resistance forces when one rotatable member is rotated relative to the other in a first direction, in a second direction, and in both directions.

Abstract: A portable particulate spreader comprising a container having a closed end, an open end and a storage chamber for holding particulate matter therein is disclosed. A first handle is attached to a side of the container proximate the closed end. A second handle is attached, preferably pivotally, to the same side, approximately midway between the closed end and the open end, allowing a person to conveniently grasp the spreader in either a vertical position for carrying or a horizontal position for use. An impeller at the open end disperses the particulate outwardly and downwardly from the spreader.

Abstract: The present invention features an acromial-humeral prosthesis for use in performing acromial-humeral arthoplasty. The prosthesis is useful for cases where massive, irreparable tears to the rotator cuff have occurred. The principle function of the prosthesis is to prevent superior migration of the humeral head. An acromial tray is inserted using a specialized insertion tool. The acromial tray is held in place against a prepared inferior surface of the acromion by a pair of screws. A concave, disc-like polymeric component is affixed to the bottom of the acromial tray by sliding the component onto one or more matching rails on the inferior surface of the acromial tray This component is relieved to accept the long head of the biceps tendon anteriorly and the greater trochanter laterally. The inventive prosthesis helps prevent non-anatomical articulations of the humerus and other inappropriate glenohumeral kinematics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective cover for the bill validator and storage box of a vending machine, such as a soft drink vending machine. A substantially hollow box, having one open face and having the remaining faces configured to the dimensions of the bill validator and storage box is frictionally fitted over the bill validator and storage box to reinforce the housing of the bill validator and storage box in the event a vandal or thief is able to partially pry the door of the vending machine open and probe the interior of the machine.

Abstract: An illuminated safety or security gate having an optional audible alarm device. The gate includes an electrically operated light adapted to illuminate the gate directly, to project a visible signal away from the gate, or both. The gate includes an electrical system having a power source to supply power, controls, and conductors connecting the light, power source, and controls. Optionally, the controls include a programmable timer, a light-sensitive (photo-electric) controller or a motion sensor to control operation of the light, and a manual switch which controls intensity of the light. Additionally, the motion sensor controls both the light and the audible alarm. The various controls may be combined if desired. A remote controller is optionally provided.

Abstract: A corner form for forming concrete having panels connected by a plurality of tie brackets. Each panel comprises a short led and a long leg. The exterior panel has an eighteen inch long, and a thirty inch long leg. The panels have projections formed in the upper surface and corresponding, vertically aligned notches formed in the lower surface. The projections and notches receivingly cooperate to interlock with one another and vertically align the tie brackets. The corner forms are configured such that the long and the short legs enable alternating, overlapping projections of succeeding courses. The tie brackets, each having perpendicularly arranged flat plates extending the full height of the form, are spaced apart twelve inches on centers, measured from the corner edge of the exterior panel. A vertical bracket is optionally embedded in the corner of the exterior panel. The combination of the above inventive features constitute the novel corner form.

Abstract: A low pressure, low air volume system for heating and drying concrete walls in a damp environment is disclosed. A wall unit consisting of a wall panel having a plurality of vertical grooves and ridges formed in a back surface, the ridges in contact with a concrete wall surface and the grooves forming a plurality of air channels in contact with the surface of the wall, ducts heated air across the concrete surface of the wall, evaporating moisture migrating through the wall. An upper and lower plenum connect the air channels of the wall unit with a remote system consisting of a dehumidifier and discharge pump, heating element and fans for moving air through the system, the dehumidifier removing the moisture from the air before recirculating it through the system.

Abstract: There is provided a cigarette case having a compartment for the storage of cigarettes and a second compartment of for the storage of a removable lighter or, alternatively, a lighter as an integral element of the case. An access door allows the removal of a cigarette from the case and the use of the lighter, while a separate installation door allows a pack of cigarettes to introduced into the cigarette compartment. An integral clock allows a user to set an alarm to sound at either a desired time or after a desired period of time, a feature beneficial to one desiring to limit the frequency of smoking. An adjustable spacer plate within the cigarette compartment accommodates either “regular” or “king” cigarettes. A clip on the back of the case allows for clipping the case to a user's belt, a automobile's sun visor or other similar object.

Abstract: A table top or wall mountable organizing station for mail or other documents and related items is disclosed. The organizer is centered around an open fronted box having a plurality of adjustable, vertical dividers which typically define 31 slots for organizing documents, such as bill, by due date or other sorting criteria. Drawers below and above the sorting slots, and a tray between the upper drawers, provide storage for unsorted mail, including magazines and similar sized documents, as well as related items, such as scissors, paper clips, postage, and the like. An ancillary sorting and storage tray which may be placed atop the upper drawers provide vertical sorting/storage slots for additional mail/documents, and open topped storage boxes allow additional storage for small related items.

Abstract: A selectively reversible message board has a first face of the message board which displays one or more message cards, either preprinted, containing common messages such as “OUT OF GAS”, “FLAT TIRE”, etc., or hand written. The message board may be reversed and the second face is adapted to receive a hand written message. Reversible suction cups are retained in keyhole shaped openings so as to minimize damage to the suction cup tabs when they are reversed. A flashing signal lamp is reversibly mountable on either face of the message board and serves to call attention to the message board and the stopped vehicle. The message board and accessories are provided in a kit contained in a reclosable bag. Storage inside the passenger compartments allows convenient configuration and deployment of the message board without need for any vehicle occupant to leave the vehicle.

Abstract: A threaded implement, such as a dental or medical implant having a receptacle bearing a socket for receiving or securing a threaded shank for engaging material such as bone tissue, the threads bearing longitudinally oriented grooves for opposing spontaneous unthreading over time. Alternatively, the implement could be a general purpose anchor or an industrial fastener wherein resisting unthreading is important. The grooves extend from the lower end of the implant toward the upper portion. In a first embodiment, the grooves are shallow, and in another embodiment, are deep enough to impinge upon the shank. Each groove has a first face disposed perpendicularly or nearly so to the circumferential surface when viewed in side cross section and a second face disposed more closely to parallel to the circumferential surface when viewed in side cross section. The first face is oriented such that it faces away from the direction of advance when the implant is threaded into the bone.

Abstract: The present invention features an airbag to be worn by swimmers for safety. The airbag device generally relates to personal floatation in the water and more particularly comprises, a plastic inflatable airbag, an air filling tube for filling or draining air, and an air check valve. The airbag is inflated by the wearer's breath, or in an alternate embodiment, an electrical air pump or compressed gas cartridge or gas generated by a chemical reaction. The airbag is worn around the lower abdomen (for the male wearer) or placed on the ribs or breast (for the female wearer). The airbag is worn underneath the swimming apparel and is practically invisible to an onlooker. The airbag can be made in smaller sizes to be worn in other parts of the swimmer's body (such as the neck) along with the main airbag for enhancing buoyancy. When the swimmer is not inside the water, the inventive safety airbag can be comfortably deflated allowing the wearer to perform other tasks such as walking or eating, with ease.

Abstract: The present invention features a portable, modular on-site breathable fire control system which can make an unlimited amount of cooled, oxygen-depleted air that can still be consumed by humans while extinguishing fire and reducing smoke. This system may be incorporated into an already existing heating and A/C unit for enhanced fire safety in a home or building. The system may also be used as a mobile unit attached to a fire safety vehicle wherein a transmission conduit transfers the processed air directly to the area on fire. Additionally, a fire-resistant tarp-like structure of sufficient size may be used to enclose a burning structure while the process air is transmitted thereto via a transmission conduit.

Abstract: There is provided a system for remotely monitoring coin-operated machines. Data from the machines is collected and transmitted by the machine to a remote server. In alternate embodiments, several machines may be interconnected via a LAN to a local CPU which transmits data to the remote server, typically using the internet. The combination of one or more remote machines and the central monitoring site form a Virtual Private Network (VPN). An optional feature allows for e-mail or other type of alert messages to be sent from the remote server in response to the identification of one or more predetermined events for which a customer should immediately be notified. Browse and query tools working against a database of machine information are provided so that authorized customers or other interested parties may view data for individual or groups of coin-operated machines by means of a web page accessed via the internet.

Abstract: A video camera support device with an improved device for stabilizing recorded images by eliminating camera movement. The camera support device comprises a hand held monopod having motion-absorbing elements. The motion absorbing elements provide counter balance and shock absorbing means incorporated within the handle. The support device further provides a panning aiming arm with a remote control affixed thereto for remote operation of the camera.

Abstract: There is provided a unique weight lifting spotting pin which provides an assist to the weight lifter to speed the development of his lifting ability. The inventive spotter pins mount to typical weight lifting power rack to provide a rest for a weight bar. A helical spring forms the weight bearing element of the spotter pin, flexing downwardly under the weight of the resting weight bar. As a lifter begins to lift the weight bar, the helical spring tends to return to its natural, unflexed position, thereby helping to snap the weight bar upwardly from the spotter pin. With an assist in initiating the lift, a weight lifter may more rapidly increase his lift weight, thereby speeding the training time required to achieve a desired weight lift.

Abstract: There is provided an illuminated mounting system for storing a small, domestic type fire extinguisher in a manner allowing quick location and retrieval in the event of a fire. A rear section of a housing is plugged into a convenient electrical outlet and a fire extinguisher is mounted thereon. In a first embodiment, a front section of the housing, containing an illuminating beacon/nightlight and a rechargeable flashlight, hinges closed to secure the fire extinguisher in place. The mount/locator may be used as a flashlight either with or without the fire extinguisher in place. In a second embodiment, the illuminating beacon/nightlight and a rechargeable flashlight plug into a receptacle in the rear housing allowing use of the flashlight without disturbing the fire extinguisher. The second embodiment may also have one or more supplementary outlets which replace or supplement the receptacle into which the mount/locator is plugged.

Abstract: The present invention features a grain distribution apparatus having a top loading intake hopper adapted for direct attachment to the discharge end of a grain auger or similar conveyor. A pair of hingedly connected, movable discharge spouts each receive a portion of the incoming grain stream. Some of the incoming grain is directly discharged from the bottom of the intake hopper. Intermediate discharge ports located along each of the discharge spouts also allow controlled amounts of grain to be discharged. All remaining grain is discharged from the terminal (i.e., distal) ends of the discharge spouts. By controlling the angle of the discharge spouts with respect to a horizontal plane, the pattern of grain discharge by the apparatus may be controlled.