Abstract: A trainman's lantern having a reflector that produces both a main beam and secondary illumination for signaling purposes. The reflector includes inner and outer reflective surfaces. An incandescent bulb mounted centrally within the reflector produces the concentrated main beam. A plurality of LEDs mounted around the exterior of the reflector form beams that are reflected outwardly by the outer reflective surface to produce the secondary illumination. Ports in the reflector allow light from the primary bulb to pass outwardly therethrough in a lateral direction so as to augment the light of the LEDs. A transparent housing is mounted around the reflector and LEDs. The housing and reflector are mounted to the lower end of a battery case having a bail for holding the lantern in horizontal or vertical orientations. The combination of the LEDs and incandescent main bulb reduces draw on the battery.

Abstract: A one-piece molded orthotic insert having a shape for controlling and directing the motions of the foot. The insert has a unitary body that is formed of a rigid, resiliently flexible, substantially noncompressible material, so that the insert will flex with the shoe but will not compress or deform, so that a correct shape is maintained through the gait cycle. The insert includes a raised arch portion that is supported by a plurality of underlying, vertical ribs. The ribs are spaced apart and free from connection with one another, so that the lower edges of the ribs are able to spread as the insert flexes along its lengthwise axis, so that the insert flexes generally uniformly when walking and without distortion of its shape. The layer of material overlying the ribs has a thickness generally similar to that in the reset of the body, and the ribs also have a generally similar thickness, facilitating manufacture by injection molding.

Abstract: A dietetic scale and method for calculating and tracking nutritional content information. The scale includes a bar code reader for identifying a food product from its package, with food content data per unit weight of the product being retrieved from a database. The database is a compilation of standardized nutrition facts promulgated by the FDA or other authority for the food products, with the bar code being correlated with the food products by means of their individual UPC numbers. The scale cumulatively sends the nutritional content data for servings of food products consumed over a predetermined interval of time, and then compares the summed values with a predetermined goal that includes minimums and maximums for selected contents. The information may be outputted to a digital flashcard or other electronic storage media for subsequent retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: A wand mixer having a wand assembly that is detachable from the motor assembly as a single unit. The wand assembly includes a drive shaft that is enclosed within a tubular housing having a seal at the lower end for preventing entry of fluids and debris. First and second bearings at the ends of the tubular housing support both ends of the shaft so as to prevent deformation and damage of the seal when the wand assembly is removed from the motor assembly for cleaning. The wand assembly mounts to the motor assembly using a bayonet-type connection, and the motor and drive shafts are interconnected by an externally splined member that is received axially in an internally splined sleeve. The wand assembly can therefore be removed or mounted to the motor assembly by a convenient, manual turning and axial movement of the components.

Abstract: A penetrating antibiotic gel for treating pain, inflammation and other pathological conditions affecting musculoskeletal tissues and other soft tissues of the body. The composition includes an antibiotic compound and a mobilizing agent in an amount sufficient to enable the antimicrobial compound to penetrate into the sub-dermal soft tissues. The antimicrobial compound may be a macrolide antibiotic compound such as azithromycin, erythromycin or roxithromycin, for example, and the mobilizing agent may be an organogel compound, such as pluronic lecithin liposomal organogel (PLO). The composition may further include a penetration enhancing adjuvant, such as d-limonene, for example. The composition may be applied topically so as to penetrate into the sub-dermal soft tissues, or may injected so as to be absorbed into the soft tissues locally.

Abstract: A system for skirting manufactured homes or similar buildings with modular concrete panels. The concrete panels are placed in edge-to-edge relationship about the perimeter of the building, and are secured to the rim joist by metal keys that interfit with adjoining edges of the panels. The lower edges of the panels are secure to the ground by cast-in tie-down straps through which stakes or other fasteners are driven. Each panel includes a wire rod reinforcement frame embedded in the concrete, and recessed areas for reducing weight. The panels may also include vent grills, flood vents and other openings. The panels are cast in pairs using a mold assembly having a stationary inner bulkhead and hinged outer bulkheads that pivot outwardly to release the panels when the concrete is set.

Abstract: A stackable dominoes game having stepped, tile-shaped playing pieces. The playing pieces have upper and lower levels and at least three segments. The segments are marked with first and second indicia and the pieces are played by stacking them atop one another so that only segments having matching indicia are in vertical contact. The indicia may be patterns of dots, such as a one-dot pattern and a four-dot pattern. A game board is provided having a grid for aligning the playing pieces thereon. Fence pieces are provided for defining a confined area of the grid for playing the pieces therein, depending on the desired degree of difficulty. Additional pieces are provided for other aspects of play.

Abstract: A method for grouting a decommissioned nuclear reactor containing residual water. A first, water-absorbent grout is used to grout the bottom portion of the reactor vessel. The water-absorbent grout is formed of cement and a water-absorbent particulate material, such as expanded perlite, exfoliated vermiculite or granulated bentonite. Excess water is absorbed by the particulate material, so that the residual water is incorporated in the fill material when it sets. A set retarder may be included to extend the time for uptake of residual water by the particulate material. Foam may also be included to reduce density and increase pumpability. The remaining, upper portion of the reactor vessel is grouted using lightweight cellular cement grout, lacking the water-absorbent particulate material, so that total weight of the fill remains low enough that the grouted vessel can be removed using the facility's installed crane system.

Abstract: A guard assembly that is mountable to a bicycle so as to maintain a dog in position alongside the bicycle when riding it. A U-shaped, rearwardly opening enclosure is defined by a lateral support extending from the bicycle frame and a plurality of rearwardly extending bars mounted to the outer end of the lateral support. An attachment for a short leash is provided on a middle portion of the lateral support, so that the dog will remain within the enclosure while walking or running alongside the bicycle. The rearwardly extending bars are spaced apart vertically so as to extend longitudinally past different parts of the dog's body. The upper and lower bars are spaced inwardly so as to be relatively close to the dog and therefore confine it against outward movement, while the middle bar is offset outwardly to accommodate motions of the dog's shoulders and hips.

Abstract: A rigid hull inflatable style boat constructed of rigid-shell modules. Modular gunwale sections are mounted to the trailing ends of a modular bow section to form the a flotation collar. Boats having greater/shorter lengths can be constructed by increasing or decreasing the number of gunwale modules. The bow and gunwale modules may be formed of molded polyethylene filled with hydrophobic foam material. The floor/hull module can be mounted at varying heights within the flotation collar to alter the performance characteristics of the craft. The hull module may have a V-shaped hydrodynamic contour, so that when the hull module is mounted relatively high within the collar the boat has a sponson-type hull form, and when the hull module is mounted relatively low within the flotation collar the boat has a V-type hull configuration.

Abstract: Spacer frame tubing for being mounted between first and second panes in an insulated window assembly, the tubing being configured to flex inwardly and outwardly in response to inwardly and outwardly directed pressures exerted by the glass panes so as to minimize the tendency of the panes to pivot against the sidewalls of the tubing. The reduction in pivoting action reduces the tendency of the edges of the panes to alternately pull away from and press against the sealing strip around the perimeter of the window assembly as the panes bow in response to changes in atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing the tendency of the edges of the panes to separate from or fracture against the sealing strip. The tubing has first and second side walls for engaging the inside surfaces of the glass panes, and a transverse wall interconnecting the sidewall portions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a gas discharge lamp, and in particular for dimming fluorescent lamps or tubes. An electronic circuit for controlling a gas discharge lamp is connected to an electrical power source and generates a high frequency pulse train that is applied to the electrodes of the lamp to light the lamp. A choke limits the current drawn by the lamp. A first series of pulses is produced and independent from this a second series of pulses is produced independently from the first, the first and second series of pulses being combined additively to produce the high frequency pulse train.

Abstract: A collision avoidance sense and avoid capability for an aircraft or other vehicle that monitors a sphere or other safety zone/cocoon about the vehicle. A light-detecting camera or other sensor receives a signal return if any object enters the safety cocoon. Once an object is detected in the cocoon, a signal is sent to the onboard sense and avoid computer and corrective action is taken. The system is capable of autonomous operation, and is self-contained and does not require additional hardware installations on target vehicles. The size and shape of the safety cocoon monitored by the sensors adjusts according to the speed and motion vectors of the aircraft or other vehicle, so as to maximize efficient use of sensor capabilities and minimize the size, cost and power requirements of the system.

Abstract: An orthotic insert having an angled lateral surface that engages the insole so as to pivot the insert in a lateral direction and invert the rearfoot at heel strike, and a medial bottom surface that freely interfits within the heel counter and insole of the shoe so as to avoid limiting pivoting motion in the medial direction as the weight on the foot shifts forwardly and medially. Pivoting motion in the medial direction is arrested by engagement between a distal medial portion of the rigid plate member and the insole along the transverse plane of the shoe. The distal medial portion of the plate member is located generally proximal and beneath the first metatarsal head of the foot. The upwardly angled medial surface of the post permits the post to fit optimally within the heel area of the shoe and also avoids interference between the heel counter/insole and the post that would impair proper operation of the insert.

Abstract: A removable orthotic insert for improving the gait of a person suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other condition that impairs proper transfer of weight to the forefoot. There is a rigid cap member having a downwardly extending, transverse ridge located proximate the junction between the arch and forefoot portions of the insert, behind the metatarsal head area of the foot. The ridge engages the underlying insole of the shoe to form a pivot point that enables the insert to rock forwardly and rearwardly in the shoe. As the person's foot moves through the gait cycle, the transfer of weight towards the forward end of the foot causes the rigid cap member to tilt forwardly in the shoe, enhancing the angular orientation of the foot as the toe-off position is reached.

Abstract: A method for filling a void using an aggregate material, such as mine tailings, the fill material being pumped from a site which is located remote from the void. A fluid, aerated material is formed by mixing the particulate solid material with finished foam. The aerated material may also include cement or another binder for applications requiring structural strength. The bubble structure which results from incorporating the foam constituent in the fill material renders this much more fluid and pumpable, thereby allowing the use of much higher solids-to-water ratios than would otherwise be possible while still being able to pump the material over significant distances. This reduces the possibly of fluidic collapse of the material in the void, and produces other advantages as well.

Abstract: A step assembly for a pickup truck or other vehicle having a hitch receiver and a tailgate. The assembly includes a stationary upper support that is inserted in the receiver and a sliding lower support having a step mounted to its rearward end. The lower support is extensible from a retracted position in which the step member is positioned proximate the hitch receiver, to an extended position in which the step member is positioned rearwardly of the receiver by a distance sufficient that the step member may be stood upon when the tailgate of the vehicle is an open, lowered position. The step member pivots from a horizontal orientation in the deployed position to a vertical orientation when installed.