Abstract: A portable seat belt assembly for school buses and the like which includes a belly pack with a seat belt secured thereto. A student wearing the belly pack approaching a school bus seat opens the belly pack, unwinds the seat belt wrapping it around the back of the seat, turns around, sits down and closes the seat belt buckle assembly. When leaving the bus, the student unbuckles the buckle assembly releasing the belt from the seat, folds the belt back into the belly pack and closes the belly pack. Another embodiment includes a seat belt arrangement carried in the belly pack including a pair of straps each having large hooks with spring clasps for attachment to the seat frame. The student must attach these hooks to the seat frame then sit down and close the buckle assembly. Other embodiments include retractors on the seat belt to assist the student in retrieving the belt after use and a camera case for housing the seat belt.

Abstract: A process for laying small decorative tiles on a surface includes the use of a lightweight plastic matrix having ridges of a desired pattern which are used to locate and space the tiles of different shapes in the desired locations. Tiles of the desired color and shape are placed face down on the matrix. A perforated paper matrix having an adhesive layer is then placed over the exposed back sides of the tiles to maintain their relative positions. The surface to be tiled is then coated with thinset adhesive and the tile strip with the matrix is removed and placed against the surface. Several such tile strips may be placed side-by-side or in a desired arrangement on the surface after which grout is applied between the tiles in a well known manner. The process for producing the paper matrix is also described.

Abstract: A switch housing assembly which uses an internal pressure bracket to simultaneously provide pressure against multiple switches located in multiple locations within the switch housing assembly. The pressure bracket creates a fluid seal between the flexible switch buttons and the switch housing by pressing the switches against the switch buttons which in turn are pressed directly against the inner surface of the switch body. Multiple switches are simultaneously secured to the switch housing by an internal bracket which simultaneously provides pressure against the backs of multiple switches. An optional pressure ring focuses pressure from the periphery of the switch assembly to the outer peripheral ring of the flexible switch button. The bracket assembly is preferably secured to the switch housing by a single removable screw to allow disassembly when needed.

Abstract: Flashing footwear includes at least one light source located within and/or on footwear so as to be visible directly or indirectly with the light pipe such as heel of the footwear or garment. A power source, such as a battery, provides sufficient power to light the light source. An inertia responsive spring mass electrical switch develops pulses that are directly related to the amount of force to cause illumination flashes in direct response to the force applied to the spring mass switch. The switch is actuated by the condition of motion of the footwear or garment so as to change between open and closed positions and count the number of times the switch is actuated and further to display that count as a set of either a division, multiple, addition, and/or subtraction of the number of times the spring mass makes electrical contacts and to further flash illuminate any number of lights in sequence based on a set count of spring mass electrical contacts.

Abstract: An optical waveguide system includes a generally planar waveguide 1 arranged so that light can be injected by a projector 2 into one edge at a range of out-of-plane angles. The waveguide 1 is tapered so that different out-of-plane angles, after being totally internally reflected for a certain distance, leave the waveguide at different respective points along the waveguide. This expands the image in the direction of propagation along the waveguide. Meanwhile the image is expanded transversely by a parallel-sided input waveguide 3. A large-area flat-panel display is thus created, or the planar waveguide can be used as a planar collimating light source or, using layers of controllable optical index, an optical switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved carbon black for tire tread rubber. More particularly, the invention relates to a carbon black which imparts upon tire tread rubber improved treadwear, lower rolling resistance, lower heat buildup and improved tear resistance. The improved carbon black is in the N100 series and, when in rubber, combines the long tread wear and low heat buildup advantages N121 carbon black with the high tear resistance properties of N115 or N110. The improved carbon black has particular application to truck and bus steel cord radial tire treads, especially for use in on/off highway conditions, and for high performance passenger car tires.

Abstract: An improved waste treatment chamber which comprises a first substantially, cylindrically shaped chamber portion, a first tapered end portion and a second tapered end portion, the cylindrical body and first and second end portions further comprising a plurality of components which may be transported individually and assembled to one another via bolting or the like so as to define an enclosed treatment chamber therewith, the assembled chamber mountable on bearings for rotation during the treatment process. Further, there is provided an improved container opening for placing waste therein or removing waste therefrom, which further comprises a rotatable locking system so that when the lid is in the open position, the lid is rotated and locked in place along the wall of the chamber to provide the necessary opening to avoid the lid from being loosely connected to the chamber during disposal of the waste therefrom.

Abstract: An adjustable framing system for three-dimensional objects which has a three-dimensional shimming system and an access door in the rear. The access door allows objects to be easily inserted, and then temporarily removed for examination, and subsequently easily replaced. The framing system has a deep compartment for holding publications having a variety of sizes. The framing system is designed to accommodate varying sized publications by using matting in the front of the event programs, and a three-dimensional shimming system which includes vertical and horizontal shimming on the sides of the event program, and thickness shimming on the rear of the event program. An internal wall provides depth for an internal cavity which provides room for publications or other objects that vary in thickness. Separate display compartments may be provided for displaying tickets or descriptive labels for the objects in the frame.

Abstract: A ladder for people with limited mobility comprising a first frame member defining a first sidewall; a second frame member defining a second sidewall; a plurality of steps spanning between the first and second sidewalls, from a first level above the surface to the upper level substantially to the height of a wheelchair seat; handles positioned above each of the steps, so that a person is able to place one's hands on the handles and lift oneself up the first step, and grasp the next highest handles and lift to the next highest step until the person is able to move from the highest step onto the wheelchair seat. There is further provided a mechanism for allowing each of the steps to fold upwardly along their midpoint to move the apparatus into a folded storage position when not in use.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus have been developed which inserts and withdraws tubing from pipes without bending or kinking the tubing. Beneficially, the new method and apparatus may be employed to insert and withdraw tubing to depths greater than ever possible before. The method involves using a thruster pig to provide force to inject the tubing, and skate apparatuses to reduce coiling and friction of the tube. Advantageously, the apparatus is portable, easily handled, and adaptable to handle tubing of differing diameters.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use with a tractor-trailer includes a receptacle having a generally cylindrical outer body and a molded inner body encapsulating a plurality of conductors secured to connector pins. To provide additional current carrying capacity to accommodate an automatic braking system (ABS) one of the conductors designated as a ground conductor is larger than all of the other conductors. A conductor carrying ABS current is larger than all conductors except the ground conductor. The inner and outer bodies are fastened together by means of a bayonet connection. An additional securing device includes a projection on the inner body which is held in position by means of a bail attached to the outer body. To reduce resistance at the contacts, all contacts are soldered or crimped to their respective conductors and molded within the inner body to protect all wires and connections to the connector pins from environmentally caused corrosion or damage.

Abstract: An intelligent cork screw device which determines the temperature of the bottle and informs the consumer as to what type of wine is suitable for that temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the cork screw provides a temperature readout. Alternative embodiments include temperature gauges which are marked to indicate the wines which are appropriate for that temperature. Other alternative embodiments provide entertainment features such as voice or other audio indications related to the temperature. Still other embodiments include visual indication such as lamps which indicate what type of wine would be proper for the temperature of the bottle being measured. The cork screw can use thermal measurement of the exterior of the wine bottle, or alternatively, the actual screw which penetrates the wine cork can be used as a temperature probe.

Abstract: A golf club includes a clubhead having a striking face, a threaded cylindrical chamber behind and generally parallel to the face, and a threaded cylindrical weight member in the chamber. A hosel is attached to the cylindrical weight member and has a shaft receiving socket with a non-circular portion and a threaded portion, the shaft having a hosel engaging end with a mating non-circular cross section and a ferrule having threads engagable with the threaded portion of the socket. A second embodiment includes a clubhead which is symmetrical so that the hosel may be attached at either end to make the club ambidextrous. Some different structures for attaching the hosel to the cylindrical weight member provide for variations in the loft of the club. Another embodiment includes an asymmetric movable weight member which engages the head within a cavity therein and is adjustable both longitudinally and by changing the location of its center of gravity.

Abstract: A communications and entertainment device in which a cellular telephone is unfolded to form a headset which allows the user to wear the headset in a manner similar to conventional telephone headsets. The device includes an AM/FM radio receiver. The subsystems are prioritized such that one system is automatically interrupted based on higher priority activity. A display unit allows the user to display graphic information such as facsimile data or other graphic information such as that obtained from computer networks. A speaker phone function allows the user to hear audio output while the user has the device folded into the portable telephone configuration and hand-held. An integrated camera allows the device to be used for video phone telephone calls. An integral GPS receiver is built into the device to allow the location of the device to be automatically determined.

Abstract: A fishing lure is formed of three principal parts, including a bullet-shaped nose section having a reduced diameter part toward the rear including an axial bore, a rear or plug section having a reduced diameter forward section which is a press fit into the axial bore, and a centrally positioned spinner consisting of an annular member surrounding said reduced diameter part and having highly reflective fins secured to its exterior surface. Grooves formed in the ends of the spinner serve as bearing races and bearings are located in the grooves to aid in causing the spinner to rotate freely when the lure is pulled through the water causing the fins to spin and flash in the light. The plug section has a collar of approximately the same diameter as the exterior surface of the spinner and a slightly reduced diameter toward the rear to accommodate a plastic streamer. The collar prevents direct impingement of the water against the forward edge of the streamer.

Abstract: A compact reusable bait station that can be used for either solid or liquid bait. The bait station has an outer wall that defines an inner bait chamber. The chamber, when sealed, prevents liquid bait inside the chamber from flowing out. The chamber has limited access from the outside to reduce evaporation, drying, and contamination of the liquid bait by preventing unnecessary exposure to the environment. Access to the outside is limited to access ports that are sized to allow access by an insect, but nothing larger. The access port is positioned above the level of the liquid bait to prevent leakage. The bait station is fabricated from reusable material, such as plastic, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. and may be opened for cleaning and storage. Different configurations, such as triangular, rectangular, or tubular chambers may be used. Alternative embodiments provide ground attachment spikes which may be an integral part of the bait station or a removable attachment.

Abstract: A hand-held laser device that stimulates hair growth. The device provides distributed laser light to the scalp while simultaneously parting the user's hair to ensure that the laser light contacts the user's scalp. A unique beam splitting reflector splits a single laser beam to ensure that energy from the laser beam is evenly distributed. The reflector is mechanically aligned with the laser source and has a zigzag structure which mechanically deflects portions of the beam as it passes over the peaks of the reflector. The portions of the laser beam form a line of laser beams that project toward the user's scalp. Parallel rows of teeth are aligned with a central row of individual laser beams and part the user's hair to form furrows in the user's hair as the device is combed through the user's hair. The furrows create an unobstructed path for the laser beam to reach the scalp of the user.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris flowing in an artery downstream from a percutaneous coronary intervention includes a hollow guidewire, a double walled balloon connected to the guidewire, and a filter secured to the balloon and to the guidewire, all of which are inserted into the artery downstream of the intervention. Prior to the intervention, the double walled balloon is inflated to occlude the blood vessel except for the open area of the filter. Any debris flowing downstream from the intervention is caught in the filter. When the intervention is completed, the balloon is deflated causing it to collapse away from the vessel wall, permitting blood flow past itself and trapping any debris caught by the filter between itself and the guidewire. Multiple inflation and deflation cycles may be performed if multiple interventions are required upstream. The entire device can then be removed from the artery.