Abstract: A martial arts training device (20) for a punching bag (500) having an outer surface (502) includes a covering (22) which is attachable to a portion of the outer surface of the punching bag. The covering is fixedly attached to the punching bag by one or more connectors (24). One or more arms (32) are connected to the covering in a rigid fashion, so that when a martial arts blow is delivered to the arm, the arm does not move with respect to the punching bag. Rather, the force of the blow is transferred from the arm to the punching bag causing the punching bag to move, as would a martial arts opponent. In a preferred embodiment, the arm has a flange (36) which is captively held between the covering and the punching bag.

Abstract: A system for automatically cleaning swimming pools includes a unitary body having a level control subsystem for selectively moving the body to a position either proximate to the surface of the water pool or proximate to the interior surface of the containment wall, a propulsion subsystem operable to selectively propel the body in either a forward or rearward direction, and a cleaning subsystem operable in either a water surface cleaning mode for skimming or scooping or a wall surface cleaning mode for vacuuming or sweeping. The subsystems are powered by an electric source such as solar cells and/or rechargeable batteries and/or a wire extending to the unitary body from an external power source. The batteries can be charged from solar cells carried by the unitary body or via electric terminals in an appropriately configured docking station.

Abstract: A magnetic clamp (20) for welding a magnetic object (504), includes a first magnetic member (22) and a second magnetic member (24). A hinge (26) connects magnetic members (22) and (24) so that an angle formed by magnetic members (22) and (24) may be changed. A spring loaded terminal (500) having a contact end (502) is disposed between first magnetic member (22) and second magnetic member (24). Magnetic clamp (20) may be attached to magnetic object (504) so that first magnetic member (22), second magnetic member (24), and contact end (502) all abut magnetic object (504). In a preferred embodiment, a removal tab (36) is connected to magnetic clamp (20) to assist in removing magnetic clamp (20) from magnetic object (504).

Abstract: A lithium battery made with a bipolar polyimide membrane with metal layers on each side, including one embodiment where the polyimide has a gold layer on each side. Different formulations for the positive electrode active material are used. The positive electrode active materials are essentially three substances: first, a lithium compound selected from the group consisting of LiCoO2, LiNiO2, and LiMn2O4; second, a powder selected from the group consisting of AB (acetylene black powder) and graphite; and third, PVDF (polyvinyldifluoride). The negative electrode active material consists essentially of two substances: the first is graphite powder; the second is PVDF (polyvinyldifluoride). The positive electrode metals include gold and aluminum. The negative electrode materials include gold, copper, nickel, titanium and iron. A separator layer of polyethylene is used so the battery layers can be wound. Because of the strength of the polyimide, the battery can be tightly wound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus powered from the suction side of a pump for cleaning the interior surface of a pool containment wall and the upper surface of a water pool contained therein. The apparatus includes an essentially unitary cleaner body and a controller for selectively causing the body to move either in a forward direction or a non-forward direction. The controller includes (1) a periodic control device for alternately defining forward and non-forward states and (2) a motion responsive control device defining a first condition when the forward motion of the body exceeds a certain threshold and a second condition when the forward motion of said body is less than said threshold.

Abstract: Cargo carry apparatus (20) for a tractor (500) for a semitrailer truck includes a rotatable deck (22) mounted between the fifth wheel (502) and the cab which pivots from a vertical position to a horizontal position until the deck rests upon the fifth wheel. With the deck in the horizontal position, the tractor may be utilized to transport cargo to sites which are inaccessible to the semitrailer truck. A variable length controller (32) such as a hydraulic cylinder is used to rotate the deck. The deck has slots (40) which accept stakes (42) to enclose the deck.

Abstract: A bird cage (20) includes a centrally disposed bird receiving structure (30) and inwardly sloping sides (28) which in combination cause birds to face inward and thereby defecate away from the bird receiving structure. These features make the cleaning of the bird cage easier. In a preferred embodiment, the bird cage also includes a removable top portion (24) which is selectively connected to a bottom portion (22). Since the top portion can be removed from the bottom portion, cleaning of the bird cage is simplified. In a preferred embodiment, the bird cage does not include a conventional door.

Abstract: A gas tank door (20) for a motor vehicle (502) includes a frame (22) and an outwardly moveable cover (24). Cover (24) moves outwardly a predetermined distance (D), and then may be rotated out of the way to permit access to gas tank filler cap (500). In a preferred embodiment, an actuator (30) effects the outward movement of cover (24).

Abstract: A pet carrier (20) includes a cage like enclosure (22) having a top (24), a bottom (26), a front end (28), and an opposite rear end (30). Two spaced wheels (32) are connected to the cage like enclosure at the bottom rear end so that when the front end is lifted off of a support surface (500), the pet carrier can be rolled. A handle (34) is pivotally connected to the cage like enclosure at the top near the front end. The handle is selectively lockable in a plurality of angular positions allowing the height of the handle to be adjusted to accommodate users of different heights.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or affecting parameters of a patient's body and more particularly to such a system comprised of a system control unit (SCU) and one or more other devices, preferably battery-powered, implanted in the patient's body, i.e., within the envelope defined by the patient's skin. Each such implanted device is configured to be monitored and/or controlled by the SCU via a wireless communication channel. In accordance with the invention, the SCU comprises a programmable unit capable of (1) transmitting commands to at least some of a plurality of implanted devices and (2) receiving data signal from at least some of those implanted devices. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the system operates in closed loop fashion whereby the commands transmitted by the SCU are dependent, in part, on the content of the data signals received by the SCU.

Abstract: A hot air popcorn machine including a programmable control system for precisely controlling various operating parameters including air flow and air temperature to enable the machine to consistently produce high quality popcorn in a low maintenance environment, e.g., a free-standing vending machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating skin disorders includes a case, an electrode structure having a metal ball tip electrode for contacting the skin, and a metal electrode mounted on a handle portion of the electrode structure. The electrode structure can be conveniently grasped with one hand.

Abstract: A device configured for implanting beneath a patient's skin for the purpose of tissue, e.g., nerve or muscle, stimulation and/or parameter monitoring and/or data communication. Devices in accordance with the invention are comprised of a sealed housing, typically having an axial dimension of less than 60 mm and a lateral dimension of less than 6 mm, containing a power source for powering electronic circuitry within including a controller, an address storage means, a data signal receiver and an input/output transducer. When used as a stimulator, such a device is useful in a wide variety of applications to stimulate nerves and associated neural pathways, e.g., to decrease or relieve pain, stimulate specific muscles or organs to better carry out a body function (e.g., to exercise weak or unconditioned muscles or to control urinary incontinence), and the like.

Abstract: A method and system (30, 50) for predicting the immediate success of a defibrillatory shock during cardiac arrest are shown. The sequencing of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is determined by an electronic computer (80) based on the probability of success as determined by a comparison of the amplitude spectrum area or the power spectrum area of an electrocardiogram sample and to empirical data. When the probability of successful resuscitation is 80% or greater, immediate defibrillation is implemented. When the probability of success is 20% or less, advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation is implemented. When the probability of success remains greater than 20% but less than 80% for a period of four minutes, the patient is also defibrillated.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or affecting parameters of a patient's body and more particularly to such a system comprised of a system control unit (SCU) and one or more other devices, preferably battery-powered, implanted in the patient's body, i.e., within the envelope defined by the patient's skin. Each such implanted device is configured to be monitored and/or controlled by the SCU via a wireless communication channel. In accordance with the invention, the SCU comprises a programmable unit capable of (1) transmitting commands to at least some of a plurality of implanted devices and (2) receiving data signal from at least some of those implanted devices. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the system operates in closed loop fashion whereby the commands transmitted by the SCU are dependent, in part, on the content of the data signals received by the SCU.