Abstract: A safety release for emergency separation from an animal of an affixed harness includes a structural body having formed integral therewith a mechanism for securing the body to a first portion of a riding harness, such as, for example, a bull rope, and a selectively releasable shackle assembly. The shackle assembly is structurally adapted for affixation to a second portion of the riding harness. The mechanism for securing the body to the riding harness comprises a preferably arcuate channel formed in a first, channel end of the body, the channel end of the body being generally opposite a shackle end. The shackle end is adapted to selective receive and secure the shackle assembly to the body.

Abstract: A protective cover for use in connection with a weight distribution type towing hitch assembly includes means for encasing a weight distribution type towing hitch assembly, having both means for preventing contact injury to passersby and means for containing grease associated with the weight distribution type towing assembly; and means for securing the protective cover to the weight distribution type towing assembly. The cover is formed as a laminate of an outer layer, a grease barrier and a cushion located between the outer layer and the grease barrier. The outer layer forms a number of attachment flaps, which are provided and arranged such that in addition to providing a means for securing the protective cover to the hitch assembly also at least in part provide the means for containing grease.

Abstract: An expandable stabilizing cage includes a body having a fixed cage section, an expandable cage section, formed as a number of elongate blocks, and a relief between the fixed and expandable cage sections. An orifice, which through the expandable cage section decreases in diameter with increased distance along the central axis of the body away from the fixed cage section, is provided through the body. The expandable stabilizing cage also includes a wafer, which, when inserted into the orifice through the body, causes outward flaring of the elongate bars for fixing the expandable stabilizing cage securely in place in the intervertebral disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies. Upper elongate blocks have substantially planar upper surfaces. Lower elongate blocks have substantially planar lower surfaces.

Abstract: A personal safety device for protection from a firearm attack includes a conventional accessory item adapted for use other than as a personal safety device and a bullet resistant panel that is integrated into the conventional accessory item. The conventional accessory item may take the form of a clipboard, a backpack or other item. Integration of the panel with the selected item is conducted in such a manner as to cause the panel to be placed in the path of fire when a person engages in natural defensive posturing. The clipboard is provided with a light, multiple spring clips and a suitably sized handle to encourage proper grasp of the clipboard for the intended purpose.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture based appetite suppression device comprises a headset, having integrated therein a plurality of electrodes, for delivering to the tragus region of a user a mild electrical stimulus generated within a portable controller. The headset is in electrical communication with the controller through a conventional flexible cord provided with a plug. The controller comprises output circuits for delivering a 24 volt output and either a waveform generating circuit or a waveform conditioning circuit or both.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for integration with a vehicle tailgate has a hatch assembly, upon which is mounted a preferably convex mirror, which is dependently secured through a plurality of arms to a rotating shaft mounted within an interior space of the tailgate. An actuator assembly is provided for rotating the shaft, thereby positioning the mirror either in a first position substantially above and outward from the tailgate, when in use, or secure within the tailgate, when in storage.

Abstract: A protocol for body fat management comprises the steps of stimulating the release of free fatty acids into the bloodstream of a person and, within 20 minutes thereafter, ingesting into the person a collagen-based formula. The stimulating step may be conducted by delivering a low voltage alternating current to the person's body, which may be accomplished utilizing an electronic stimulation device to deliver the current to the feet of the person. The device may be provided with the capability for adjustment of both the voltage level and frequency of the current as well as the capability to enable operation of the device only upon payment to a service provider of a fee.

Abstract: A secondary drive system for an air conditioner compressor includes a conventional air conditioning circuit having integrated therewith a secondary compressor drive. The secondary compressor drive includes an air motor for selectively operating the otherwise conventional compressor of the air conditioning circuit and a compressed fluid source for driving the air motor. The compressed fluid source includes a pressure vessel and a collection reservoir. Heat generated in the operation of the air conditioning circuit is utilized to convert a liquid phase of the operating fluid into a highly compressed gas within the pressure vessel whereafter the resulting compressed gas is utilized to drive the air motor. The air motor operates the compressor of the air conditioning circuit. The operating fluid is captured within the collection reservoir as a gaseous or vaporous operating fluid for reuse in the system of the present invention.

Abstract: A gas furnace controller for disrupting the flow of gas to a gas furnace upon detection of excessive levels of carbon monoxide comprises an air sample collector in fluid communication with a carbon monoxide detector, a gas supply shutoff circuit for controlling a valve in a gas supply line to the gas furnace; and a controller in electrical communication with the carbon monoxide detector and the gas supply shutoff circuit. The controller is adapted to actuate the gas supply shutoff circuit and sound an audible alarm in response to detection by the carbon monoxide detector of a predetermined level of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A framing system for dependently supporting an object generally comprises a plurality of frame elements for perimetrically engaging the object to be framed and a plurality of securing members. The frame elements are defined one from another by a plurality of interiorly projecting slots in their outer perimeter. For engaging the frame elements to secure the object to be framed, the securing members each comprise an extended slot. Upon mating of the extended slot of a securing member with a one of the interiorly projecting slots, a distal portion of the securing member projects into the inner perimeter of the frame elements to engage the outer edge of the object to be framed. The frame elements may comprise a single structure or a plurality of structures. In the case of a plurality of structures, the framing system may be formed to have a unitary base and a unitary top. Framing of an object is thus simplified as the object need only be placed into the unitary base, whereafter the unitary top may be affixed.

Abstract: A golf ball retrieval device includes an attachment pin, for mating with the end of a golf club grip, and a holder adapted to be removably dependently attached to the attached pin. The holder is generally formed in the shape of hollow hemisphere and is manufactured from a polycarbonate or like material in order to enable a slight spreading of two wings formed in the holder between two troughs in the sides of the holder. The holder is thus adapted to apply a slight gripping force about a golf ball inserted into the holder.

Abstract: A plant enclosure for protecting outdoor plants from cool weather conditions generally comprises a sheet of thermally insulating material scored to form a plurality of panels. Each panel is substantially identically shaped such that the sheet may be expanded and formed into an approximately conical shape from a folded shape, the folded shape being substantially identical to the shape of each panel. A plurality of fasteners are attached to the panels and adapted to maintain the sheet in either the approximately conical shape or the folded shape. The plant enclosure is also provided with a hood portion affixed about an orifice through the upper portion of the panel structure for enclosing the upper foliage of a protected plant.

Abstract: A mesh spectator safety netting with provision for advertising at a sporting event generally comprises a protective net provided with an applique for the conveyance of a commercial message. In order that the spectators at a sporting venue may be presented with a marketing communication without obstruction of their view of the athletic field, the applique generally comprises a mesh of only slightly less dimension than has the mesh of the protective net. Reflective borders may be added about the applique and or colored fibers may be used in forming the mesh in order to enhance the ability to view the advertising message from the spectator stands.

Abstract: An artificial disc for replacement of a spinal three-joint complex of a mammal includes a generally spinal disc-shaped upper plate having an anterior section and a posterior section and a generally spinal disc-shaped lower plate also having an anterior section and a posterior section. The anterior section of the upper plate is selectively separable from the posterior section of the upper plate and the anterior section of the lower plate is likewise selectively separable from the posterior section of the lower plate. A ball is interposed the lower face of the upper plate and the upper face of the lower plate and a plurality of posts, each projecting from one of the faces toward the other of the faces corresponds to a plurality of detents provided on the one of the faces opposite the face from which the corresponding post projects for engaging the posts.