Abstract: A method for teaching musical notation from rhythm. A musical rhythm is demonstrated to the pupils, and is associated with a worksheet having a plurality of blanks, the blanks each representing a beat of the rhythm and being grouped in accordance with the rhythm. The blanks are then filled with symbols representing beats and pauses in the rhythm. The rhythm is demonstrated by having or otherwise indicating a series of objects, such as blocks. The symbols are filled in with colors representing individual notes in accordance with a predetermined code. At more advance stages, the worksheets can be used to compose simple songs. The worksheets can be printed paper, or may be an electronic display such as on a computer screen. Words and mathematical problems can be incorporated into the worksheets and exercises to complement the pupil's instruction in other areas.

Abstract: An anchor rope lock that locks the rope in response to tension exerted by the anchor, and that unlocks the rope for retrieval or adjustment in response to tension applied to the free end. A locking shoe is mounted on a horizontal pivot axis for pivoting towards locked and unlocked positions. The rope passes under a lower surface of the shoe and upwardly through a passage in a projecting toe portion. As the shoe pivots towards the locked position, the lower surface of the shoe moves towards the upper surface of an underlying base plate so as to compress the rope, and the passage in the toe of the shoe moves towards a vertical orientation so as to force the rope into a bend so that the anchor rope is held firmly at a fixed length.

Abstract: A process to regenerate wet flue gas scrubber purge liquid into NaOH caustic suitable for make-up caustic for the scrubber is disclosed. Further, sulfur is removed from waste effluent in the form of gypsum with the process described herein. Lime is added to the spent, sodium sulfate-containing purge liquid to result in the formation of gypsum and sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A clip assembly having first and second pivoting gripping members that are locked in gripping engagement to a tarp or other material and attached to a rope or shock cord. The gripping members include jaws and arms that are joined by a pivot connection so that the jaws are forced into engagement when the arms are pressed together. At least one of the arms is formed of a resiliently flexible material so that the arm bends as the jaws are forced into gripping engagement. There is a hook or other attachment portion on one of the arms that the arms are locked in the compressed position when a portion of the cord is passed therethrough. The hook may include a primary opening for receiving a bight of a rope and a secondary opening for receiving a hook on the end of a shock cord.

Abstract: A method for treatment of neurodegenerative disease conditions stemming from multiple sclerosis, aging, autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia. A compound effective to increase neuronal metabolism of histamine to a histamine H2 agonist is administered in an amount sufficient to stimulate production of cyclic AMP at a level which is sufficient to maintain myelin against undergoing self-degeneration. The compound is selected from the group consisting of histamine M-methyltransferase, monoamineoxidase-A, monoamineoxidase-A agonists and histamine H3 antagonists. The histamine M-methyltransferase may be administered to increase neuronal metabolism of histamine to tele-methylhistamine, whereas the monoamineoxidase-A or monoamineoxidase-A agonist may be administered so as to increase neuronal metabolism of telemethylhistamine to an H2 agonist.

Abstract: A portable mixing apparatus that employs disposable 5-gallon plastic buckets as containers for mixing mortar, grout, plaster and other materials. First and second motor-driven rollers support the buckets at a downwardly sloped angle. A separate mixing basket is placed within the buckets, and includes a plurality of blades that pass through the material as the bucket is rotated by the rollers. The leading roller is positioned lower than the trailing roller so as to engage the flexible wall of the bucket in an area where it is subject to outward pressure from the material during rotation. The rollers are provided with ribbed, non-slip covers having channels that accommodate water and debris on the exteriors of the buckets. The mixing basket is formed of a plurality of coaxial, longitudinally-spaced rings joined at their edges by longitudinal rods.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically watering a plant in a container by regulating a flow of water to the container through flexible tubing. Upper and lower jaw members are interconnected by a horizontal pivot axis so that they develop a scissors action. A jaw area is formed on one side of the pivot axis for receiving the flexible plastic tubing, and a compression spring is mounted on the opposite side to provide resistance to closing of the jaw area. For use with pots and other non-hanging containers, the container is rested atop the upper jaw member on the side towards the jaw area so that the weight of the container acts directly to compress and close the jaw area. Baskets and other hanging containers are suspended from the other ends of the jaw members so that the tension caused by the weight of the container causes the jaw area to pivot closed.

Abstract: A practice putting green that is adjustable to provide a playing surface having a variety of contours. The assembly is formed of a plurality of narrow transverse support members that are arranged as segments in side-to-side relationship to define an elongate playing path. Carpet, artificial turf or other flexible material is placed atop the support members to form the playing surface. Inwardly facing wedges are mounted under the ends of the support members and are slid from side-to-side so as to selectively tilt the members and adjust the contour of the playing surface. The wedges on each segment are joined by a transverse rod so that both will move simultaneously in response to pressure on one of the wedges. The support members have a tray-shaped configuration with upwardly extending end walls, so that in combination they define an elongate channel.

Abstract: An articulated potter's wheel assembly in which the height and angle of the potter's wheel is adjustable relative to the user. A motor-driven wheel is mounted to an upper frame assembly that is adjustable for height, with the wheel being mounted at the front of the frame so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis. The wheel is mounted to a pivotable table assembly that includes the motor and drive mechanism for the wheel. The height of the upper frame assembly is adjusted relative to a second, lower frame assembly by a motor driven jackscrew. A tank is also mounted on the upper frame assembly for dispensing water to aid in working the clay. A strap attaches proximate the pivot points of the table so as to pass across and support the user's back. The assembly may be configured as a free-standing unit or for wall-mount installation. The assembly accommodates wheelchairs, and can be used in standing or sitting positions.

Abstract: A connector assembly that enables a rope or other load to be attached to a tarp or other sheet material. The assembly includes male and female connector members having broad, flat base surfaces for engaging the material of the tarp from opposite sides. The male connector member has a sharply pointed screw portion for penetrating through the material of the tarp, and the female connector member has a threaded socket for receiving the screw portion of the male connector member. At least one of the connector members includes a projecting flange portion having an opening or hook for attachment of the rope or other load. The flange portions are flattened for being gripped between the thumb and forefinger when tightening/loosening the assembly. The grip faces of the connector members include raised protuberances that prevent accidental loosening during use.

Abstract: A mouse pad having a lighted working surface. The surface is illuminated by LEDs, with power being supplied from the USB port of the computer. The LEDs project into a layer of light-transmitting material, such as flexible transparent polyurethane, with the light-transmitting material having a visible upper surface that forms the operating area for the computer mouse. An opaque shield blocks the LEDs from view, so that when energized, only the working area appears illuminated and the LEDs themselves cannot be seen directly. An ornamental design or other article may be mounted or formed in the light-transmitting layer, so that it will be highlighted by the beams of the LEDs and visible through the upper surface of the working area.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying strips of resiliently compressible gasket material to upper edges of beams that are fed therethrough. The apparatus includes a bed having a plurality of rollers that support the beams passing thereover, there being at least one drive roller for frictionally engaging the beams in drive relationship therewith. A guide maintains the beams in a predetermined orientation as they pass through the apparatus. An applicator roller presses against the upper edges of the beams, with the strip of resiliently compressible gasket material being guided under the applicator roller so that an adhesive layer on a lower surface thereof is pressed into adhesive engagement with the upper edges of the beams. An extensible blade actuated by a sensor cuts the strip of gasket material at the end of each beam.

Abstract: The invention describes an article of manufacture that comprises an optimized phosphorescent laminate structure that produces much brighter light than previously disclosed phosphorescent laminates or coatings by enabling and capturing multiple emissions and reflections of light emitted by phosphorescent particles that are distributed through the thickness of a transparent layer. These multiple emissions are enabled by providing a transparent carrier layer that is many times as thick as the phosphorescent powder particle size. That layer is loaded with an amount of phosphorescent powder that is low enough to allow light emitted by the deeper layers of powder to escape, but high enough to provide a very large amount of emitting powder. This structure may be protected by surface films and backed by a reflective layer for efficient unidirectional light absorption and emission.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly having at least one auxiliary suction opening along an edge thereof for picking up dirt and debris as the nozzle is moved along a wall or other obstruction. The auxiliary suction openings may be on both sides of the nozzle assembly, located proximate the ends of the primary intake opening. Auxiliary suction ducts connect the auxiliary intake openings to an internal plenum that also supplies vacuum to the main intake opening. The primary and secondary airflows merge in the plenum for withdrawal and collection. The nozzle assembly may be a power nozzle having a roller brush and a drive motor, or may be an unpowered carpet nozzle.

Abstract: An orthotic insert assembly having a stationary heel post with a guide slot and an unattached rigid plate member with a depending peg that is received in the slot. The peg cooperates with the guide slot to control and direct a medial-to-lateral rocking movement of the plate member as the wearer's foot progresses through the gait cycle. The slot may be angled to impose a predetermined direction on the rocking movement.

Abstract: A wheelchair foot stabilizer assembly attachable to a wheelchair foot plate is constructed having a foot stabilizer, a heel guard and a stabilizer attaching assembly. The foot stabilizer is provided with a covering that extends over the top of the front part of a foot resting on the wheelchair foot plate to secure the front part of the foot on the wheelchair foot plate. The heel guard is provided with an arcuate-shaped plate whose concave side faces and is adjacent the heel of the foot. The stabilizer attaching assembly has a rear bracket member that attaches to the rear edge of the wheelchair foot plate and a front bracket member that attaches to the front edge of the wheelchair foot plate, The stabilizer attaching assembly also is provided with a connector attached to both the rear bracket member and the front bracket member in a manner to permit them to moved toward each other to more firmly secure them to the wheelchair foot plate.