Abstract: An architectural louver shade assembly comprising a shade canopy mounted to a rotatable central axle tube that supports a rod rib assembly to which the shade canopy is attached by adjustable tensioners that mechanically stretch and tension the fabric element of the shade canopy to remove wrinkles and sags. A wax cylinder piston attached by elements of a wax piston pressure system that changes the pitch of the shade canopy in response to temperature with a gas spring unit that returns the shade canopy to its default, horizontal orientation with decreasing temperatures. An optional manual/mechanical system that, through use of control cables, changes the pitch of the shade canopy with a gas spring unit that returns it to a default orientation. A camber cable assembly that maintains an equal compression load on the rib arm units that directly support the shade canopy, and carrier brackets that support the central axle tube and connect the louver shade assembly to a building wall.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is generally related to automotive accessories. Specifically, it is a device adapted to covering the bed of a pick-up truck, or similar vehicle, including comparable utility trailers. In addition to covering the bed, the device covers the area of an open tailgate and is adapted to cover loads of varying heights by deploying attached side panels. The disclosed device further includes a strap system that connects to the cover and secures the load; in addition it serves as an aid in pulling loads from the bed. Finally the invention describes three systems to anchor the cover to the vehicle, each of which accommodates deployment of the side panels and each of which provides a degree of flexibility to cover loads of varying height.

Abstract: A base computer that, under normal conditions receives and stores individual ingress/egress data transmitted from at least one card reader and that maintains a current occupancy census of a facility. Under emergency conditions, individual exit from the facility is registered at a plurality of card readers located at evacuation assembly areas and such egress data are transmitted by wireless means to a portable computer that is in communication with the base computer thereby allowing a real time, current occupancy census to be generated and displayed. Egress can also be registered by telephone to a preestablished phone number.

Abstract: A device to assist physically challenged individuals to don outer, lower-body clothing or simultaneously don undergarments and pants or a skirt. The device comprises a cord to which at least one pair of grips is attached at either end. The grips are attached to a garment and the cord pulled to move the garments over the legs, hips, and ultimately to the waist. In one configuration, the cord is passed through a hand piece which allows locking the cord, freeing free one or both hands to fasten buttons of zippers.

Abstract: A system to monitor the entry and exit of individuals from a facility and to identify individuals who safely evacuated the facility and those who have entered, but apparently have not safely evacuated it and indicated safe evacuation by use of a card reader or similar device at an emergency reporting area. The system also indicates the most likely area of a facility in which an individual may be found. Such census information is made available to emergency workers and is of significant value in rescue efforts following facility evacuations. A modification of the systems allows an attendant to monitor the entry, exit, and re-entry of individuals traveling in two or more vehicles following stops. Finally, the system includes a head count census of individuals entering large facilities in which individual identity is effectively impossible to follow and a head count census of individuals evacuating the facility identified by specific parts of the facility.

Abstract: A tool for use in a lubrication system having an oil-containing sump for supplying lubricating oil to a mechanical device and an oiler device connected to the sump for delivering a supply of oil to the sump, the oiler device comprising a base for supporting an oil reservoir and an adjustable element movably disposed within the base for predetermining a level of oil to be maintained within the sump. The tool has a first portion configured to extend into the base for engagement with the adjustable element and a second portion disposed exteriorly of the base to visually indicate the disposition of the adjustable element relative to the oil-containing sump, preferably in the form of a pointing device, optimally a laser beam generating instrument, for representing the disposition of the adjustable element.

Abstract: An integrated biomass converter system capable of converting gasifiable material into a combustible fuel (fuel gas). The system includes elements to convert raw gasifiable material into unprocessed fuel and by a single chamber, down-draft gasifier furnace convert) process) the unprocessed fuel to yield fuel gas. The system includes means to incorporate additional gasifiable materials into the gasifier furnace, or optionally to incorporate material into the unprocessed fuel. The gasifier furnace includes a top closure unit with means to uniformly distribute unprocessed fuel in the furnace and surface treatment means to ensure uniformity of air distribution in the gasification layer and provide means to introduce supplemental gasifiable materials directly into the gasification zone.

Abstract: A device to increase the stowage capacity of vehicles that comprises a fabric, box-like or cylindrical shaped receptacle and primary support straps and tie down straps to mount the receptacle on the rear or side of a vehicle and to minimize sway of the receptacle when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A device to measure minute displacement in rocks, including anchor deployment means, anchor registration means, and frame release means. Further including anchor units comprising a fixed anchor point, a reversible anchor actuator and a deployable anchor face capable of being deployed with a force of up to 2000 lbs.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate precise and efficient evaluation of biomaterials using direct contact cell culture techniques. The apparatus positions the biomaterial and creates the potential to form a fluid-tight seal between the biomaterial and the apparatus, at which point the biomaterial is exposed to cells and/or media. An assay method based on the apparatus is claimed.

Abstract: The invention is a circuit capable of being positioned in a variety of wireless projectile and of delivering a series of pulsed electric discharges in two wave frequencies so as to stun and disable a target individual. The projectiles are adapted to be discharged from a different types of devices and powered by explosive, pneumatic, or manual means. At least one mode includes the ability to deliver a stunning physical blow in addition to the electric shock. The device is sub-lethal, but totally disabling in effects on a target individual.

Abstract: A heavy duty, high efficiency jumper cable system designed to deliver 250 to 3,800 amps with minimal loss by transmitting current from a source through a cable/terminal connector through a heavy duty cable to a second cable/terminal connector and then to a discharge point. The cable/terminal connectors include an electrical harness that minimizes power loss by direct contact between the cable delivering current to the cable connector and a pair of electric contacts, each member of which is positioned in an end of a support. The system is uniquely, but not specifically adapted for use with electrical systems associated with diesel powered vehicles and equipment.

Abstract: A resonance chamber with two or more speakers positioned in the lid of a commercially available cooler chest and electrically connected to a radio circuit board also positioned in the lid and powered by a solar panels or a combination of solar panels and batteries. All elements are water proofed and positioned for protection during normal use of the cooler and positioned so as to not disrupt the normal use of the cooler.

Abstract: Chaotic advection causes the formation of various encapsulates in binary phase composites. Such composites are successfully formed with thermoplastics that are present in desired amounts by weight or volume. With a batch type chaotic mixer, the process starts with selecting suitable polymers, mechanically mixing the raw material, heating the mixture, instilling chaotic advection by agitation for a period of time and cooling and recovering the composite. With continuous flow types of chaotic mixers, the process starts with melting the component polymers in separate extruders capable of component melt flows in predetermined proportions.

Abstract: The invention is a circuit capable of being positioned in a variety of wireless projectile and of delivering a series of pulsed electric discharges in two wave frequencies so as to stun and disable a target individual. The projectiles are adapted to be discharged from a different types of devices and powered by explosive, pneumatic, or manual means. At least one mode includes the ability to deliver a stunning physical blow in addition to the electric shock. The device is sub-lethal, but totally disabling in effects on a target individual.

Abstract: A system by which a portable computer on a cart translates warehouse locations to light addresses of locations on storage bays in a storage facility and communicates instructions by means of a bi-directional, dual transmitter/receiver element on the cart to a pick-controller unit positioned on each bay. The pick-controller unit on the bay is connected with intelligent light assemblies at each location on the bay that, in response to instructions from the portable computer, illuminate indicating the need for, and quantity of a SKU to be retrieved from the illuminated location. In addition, the portable computer communicates instructions using the bi-directional, dual transmitter/receiver element to the put-controller unit positioned on the cart that in turn communicates these instructions to intelligent light assemblies adjacent to specific receptacles located on the cart.

Abstract: A method for the production of a multiple phase composite material, wherein the composite material includes a major phase component and at least one minor phase component. The major and minor phase components are arranged in a desired predefined morphological structure in which the major phase component and the minor phase components have predefined size and shape characteristics. The method involves supplying the major phase component to a chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner and supplying the minor phase components to the chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner. Within the chaotic mixer (10) the major phase component and minor phase components undergo mixing according to controlled parameters to controllably and progressively develop predefined desired morphologies. Resulting structures are also provided.

Abstract: A device to assist carpenters in holding a stud in position to be nailed or otherwise fastened to a sill or plate. Sill guides allow the device to be positioned at a predetermined point on a sill. A single blow with a hammer drives pins in the bottom of the base region of the device into the plate to secure the device on the plate. Three sill guides define the area in which the stud is positioned and supported for nailing to the sill. A hammer blow on the flange rocks the device so that the pins are pulled free and the device removed when the stud has been secured.

Abstract: A gaff device used to land sport and commercial fish. The staff portion of the device comprises two separable sections which are releaseably joined by a manual latch device. The sections remain physically connected by a energy dissipating, shock absorbing, extendable/retractable element. A hook element is attached to the distal end of the device. The shock absorbing element dissipates energy from an impaled fish thereby reducing the chance of the hook pulling free and freeing the fish or the device being jerked from the user's hands. As the force generated by the movement of the fish is reduced, the handle section returns to its initial configuration. In addition, when unlatched and extended, the device provides a superior lever for landing a large fish compared with gaffs designed according to prior art. A second, major embodiment describes a gaff with a single staff that retains the shock absorbing capabilities and eliminates the manual releases.