Abstract: An illumination device utilizes a profiled rod or material having waveguide that preferentially scatters light entering a light receiving surface so as to along the length of the rod. A light source is positioned adjacent the light receiving surface with a reflecting member or coating juxtaposed against that surface for reflecting light into the light receiving surface.

Abstract: A waterproof illumination device for simulating the lighting effect of neon lighting with the additional feature of being unaffected by water submersion. The device comprises a plurality of space point light sources secured within a waveguide that is waterproofed by sealing.

Abstract: A hot tapping tool having a stationary tubular member threadedly engaged to a movable tubular member adapted for rotational and axial movement with respect to the stationary member with said movable tubular member operably connected to a shaft having cutter head and causing said shaft to move axially toward and away from a pipe line to be cut.

Abstract: A method and system for producing false three-dimensional images for amusement may be used in haunted houses, fun houses, or similar attractions found at fairs, amusement parks, and/or tourist areas. The method includes forming specific color and geometric patterns on a substantially black background illuminated by ultraviolet light and then viewing the resultant images through the preferred stereoscopic lenses.

Abstract: An illumination device for simulating neon lighting comprising a plurality of space point light sources positioned adjacent a lateral light receiving surface of a substantially rod-like waveguide. The waveguide is made of a material that preferentially scatters light entering the light receiving surface such that the light intensity pattern exiting a lateral light emitting surface of the waveguide has a substantially uniform light intensity pattern.

Abstract: A portable illuminated outdoor advertising display comprises a plurality of modules, a portion of which are removably secured to said frame structure, collectively forming a matrix of modules when juxtaposed adjacent one another in predetermined positions on a surface of the frame structure. An illumination device is secured to at least one of the modules such that the surface of the matrix together with said illumination device forms a visually apparent indicia or a design when the modules are in said predetermined positions.

Abstract: An illuminating device comprising an optical waveguide having at least one set of LEDs positioned adjacent one end surface and having a portion of the surface area treated so as to cause a portion of the light directed along the length of the waveguide to be reflected out of the waveguide through a second surface area located intermediate the length of the waveguide. Indicia may be located within the treated portion of the surface area so as to be illuminated and made visible to a viewer through the second surface area.

Abstract: A system including a central data receiving and processing station and one or more dispensing stations for the preparation and dispensing of documents such as gift certificates in which the individual documents can be customized with both messages and value. The system further provides for the automatic closing of transactions at each of the dispensing stations and a polling of the dispensing stations during which information concerning the transactions are communicated to the central station.

Abstract: A sensing and notification system helps prevent vehicle rollover accidents, and/or, in the event of such an accident, notifies emergency rescue and/or medical personnel of the same. Vehicle sensors and an associated microprocessor and central controller cooperate to determine whether a potential or immediate rollover condition exists, and then appropriately communicate the existence of such condition to the vehicle operator or other vehicle occupants through local alarms and/or a remote call center through radio transmission of emergency signals. Should a potential rollover condition exists, the system provides local notification to the vehicle operator or occupants through an audible alarm and/or a visible alarm, and further provides a recommended steering correction.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser having a downwardly projecting dispensing spout spaced outwardly from the housing of the dispenser and a rib component secured into a position between the housing and the spout to prevent insertion of oversized cups beneath the spout.

Abstract: A jig facilitates the construction of joints in a working piece, and, more particularly, secures the working piece to be cut and allows it to be passed over a fixed router without sacrificing any of the ease of use or quality associated with prior art jigs and templates. The jig also can be secured to a work surface and used with a hand-held router.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical vibrating drive system for supplying a consistent, elliptical driving force to a conveyor trough. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating conveyor has a set of vertical leaf springs connecting the conveyor trough to a vibratory frame, and a set of horizontal leaf springs connecting the vibratory frame to a stationary frame. The leaf springs amplify the motion initiated by a reversible motor, and the net result is a force output from the drive module that produces a uniform elliptical vibratory motion throughout the length of the conveyor trough. By reversing the motor, a symmetric elliptical motion for moving product in the opposite direction is generated without any further adjustments to the leaf springs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical vibrating drive system for supplying a consistent, elliptical driving force to a conveyor trough. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating conveyor has three parallel shafts, the intermediate shaft being located at the center of gravity for the vibrating conveyor, and the shafts are driven such that the outer shafts rotate in one direction while the intermediate shaft rotates in the opposite direction from the outer shafts. Each of the shafts bears essentially equal weight. The net result is a force output from the drive module that produces a uniform elliptical vibratory motion throughout the length of the conveyor trough. By reversing the motor, a symmetric elliptical motion for moving product in the opposite direction is generated without any further adjustments to the weights or shafts.

Abstract: A dynamic reaction reducer operably connected between spring isolated vibrating equipment and stationary support structure where the reducer permits the equipment to be operated within a range of operating frequencies with inducing excessive vibration to the support structure.

Abstract: A holder for a hunting rifle or other weapon is comprised of a pair of identical assemblies, each of which is adapted to be secured to an individual's thigh. Secured to an individual's thighs, these two assemblies provide a convenient holder for supporting a rifle or other weapon in a position across the individual's lap, thereby freeing the individual's hands to perform other tasks. The weapon, however, is still advantageously positioned so that the individual has ready access to the weapon should game suddenly appear.

Abstract: The present invention is a biopsy specimen collection device having chambers, for receiving tissue samples of differing sizes from various locations within a particular anatomical organ or system, consolidated on a base or tray. The site-specific chambers of the collection device are mounted over a schematic diagram of the anatomical organ or organ system from which the specimens are being collected, and an identification panel, having a key for each chamber, allows commentary to be added regarding the particular samples. One or more non-site-specific chambers are also provided to allow the physician maximum collection flexibility, without the need for additional, separate containers. The chambers are filled with a tissue preservative to preserve the specimens for laboratory testing or histological examination.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus with a brew basket for holding ingredients in particulate form that contain soluble flavorants delivers a predetermined amount of hot water to a spray head positioned above said brew basket. The spray head has a multiplicity of openings positioned and configured in such a manner that the hot water is sprayed uniformly over the entire surface of the ingredients at a predetermined rate thereby wetting substantially all of the particles of the ingredients and uniformly extracting said solubles.

Abstract: The invention pertains to protective helmet that has an inflatable liner that is constructed with a multiplicity of cells each separated by constrictions of a narrower cross-section. The liner has a central ring and a plurality of loops extending therefrom adapted to protect various portions of the wearer's skull. The structure of the liner permits the liner to be molded using various molding techniques.

Abstract: The pre-mix beverage dispensing apparatus (10) includes an ice bank assembly (12) connected to a remote system of potable water at line pressure for the chilling of the potable water. The chilled water is carried at a regulated line pressure from the ice bank assembly (12) to a mixing valve/dispensing assembly (18) where the chilled water is metered into a prescribed amount and mixed with a proportionate amount of syrup metered from a syrup holding tank (64). The syrup tank (64) is provided with an agitating element (66) that periodicially agitates the syrup to prevent syrup constituents from precipitating out of solution or stratification of the syrup into various concentration levels. In one embodiment, the apparatus is provided with a hopper assembly (14) that stores and meters a powder flavorant to the syrup tank and components that deliver chilled water to the tank proportional to the powder flavorant metered into the tank (64).