Abstract: A warning system for notifying another person when a child is left in a child safety seat. The system recognizes a child in a child safety seat by either a pressure pad or a secured child seat lap belt. The system is activated by the release of the driver's seat belt. Should a child remain in the seat when the driver's seat belt is disengaged, the system alarms notifying the driver of such. The alarm would include a calm audio output such as a lullaby, a song, or a story. The system can be integrated into the OEM features to provide an alert escalation process using a local alert, a vehicle alert, a wireless alert and ultimately a 911 alert.

Abstract: A lubricant reclamation system having a reclamation device (100) is sectioned into three processing sections: a centralized core section (150), a peripheral filtering section (170), and a base filtering section (190). A series of peripheral conduits (172, 182) are disposed within the peripheral filtering section (170) having an entrance port (174) in communication with an inlet manifold (105) and discharging via an exit port (176) in communication with the base filter (190), a peripheral filtering material (178), or the core filtering section (150). The peripheral conduits (172, 182) can be linear, multi-directional, tapering, and spiraling. The filter is in fluid communication with a series of stacked reclamation members (130, 140). The stacked reclamation members (130, 140) provide processing and/or monitoring of the lubricant via electrical or pneumatic interface.

Abstract: The present invention describes a restroom attendant system. The restroom attendant system utilizes a notification device placed in a restroom. A patron would select a request for service button when the patron recognizes that the restroom needs servicing. The notification device can include a cancel feature as well as indicators to indicate when a request for service is in process and if the restroom is considered cleaned. The notification device would communicate with either a main terminal or a service person. The main terminal can further monitor the time between cleanings and request that a restroom be serviced should the time since the previous servicing exceeds an acceptable time-span. The information can be stored, printed, and uploaded to a central receiving station.

Abstract: An elastic resistance band that is fabricated by placing two end couplers on each end of a section of elastic resistance material. A pre-tensioned force is applied by incorporating a rigid tensioning member between the two end couplers of the resistance band. The resistance material is stretched during the assembly process, placing the material in a pre-tensioned state. By pre-tensioning the material, the resistance band then provides a more linear force to the end user.

Abstract: A repair process for a puncture through a plumbing pipe, the process initiates with a step of machining a puncture hole to a uniformly shaped hole having a diameter for receiving a repair rivet. The process continues by inserting and securing a blind rivet through the hole. The rivet can be sealed via any of a variety of methods, including using a solderable rivet and soldering the rivet to the pipe, utilizing a sealed blind rivet, combined with a gasket assembled between a rivet flange and the pipe surface. For two punctures, a section of coupling material can be utilized, sized to cover both punctures. The section is assembled to the pipe by inserting the rivet through both the section and the pipe, securing the rivet, then soldering the coupling to the pipe.

Abstract: An object securing apparatus utilizing a hook and loop material attached to one of two faces of a binder clip and projecting downward there from. The hook and loop material can be single or double sided. A magnetic material can be disposed upon the hook and loop material. The hook and loop material can be cut forming a clearance for rotation of a cantilevered handle of the binder clip. The hook and loop material secures the binder clip to a first object and a binder clip gripping section is used to grip a second object.

Abstract: A vehicle powered by an operator's arms and/or legs utilizes a pivot column for propulsion. An upper propulsion member (handlebar) is provided on the upper end of the pivot column. A lower propulsion member (foot bar) is provided on the lower end of the pivot column. A drive propulsion system is provided between the pivot column bottom and a rotational drive gear set. The drive propulsion system engaged with said at least one rotational drive gear, the propulsion system engages with and provides propulsion to an upper portion of the rotational drive gear during a counterclockwise motion of the pivot column and engages with and provides propulsion to a lower portion of the rotational drive gear during a clockwise motion of the pivot column. The rotational drive gear spins freely when subjected to the reverse motion. Incorporating two gears with opposing propulsion drives provides forward motion throughout the entire reciprocating stroke of the pivot column.

Abstract: A safety light system is incorporated into the tailgate of a pickup truck. The safety light is incorporated into the tailgate and is illuminated when the tailgate is in a lowered or horizontal position and when either the ignition switch is in the on position, the parking lights are turned on, or both. The safety light can be positioned either on the top edge-rail of the tailgate, as a slide-out unit placed in a pocket with the top edge-rail of the tailgate, or as a rotating assembly incorporated into the outer sheet metal of the tailgate. Additional safety lights can be incorporated into the sides of the tailgate assembly. An optional feature includes the ability to pull the safety light out from the tailgate and secure the safety light to an object that extends beyond the length of the pickup bed. Alternatively, the safety lights can be installed in or on a bed extension apparatus.

Abstract: A fluid quality monitoring apparatus (100) comprising a fluid flow channel (120) having a photo sensing material (104) disposed upon a first surface and a light source emitting light (132) through an opposing light transitive surface (106). The condition of the fluid affects the absorption and reflection of the light. The penetrating light is received by the photo sensing material (104), which provides an output that can be utilized to analyze the condition of the fluid. The light can be provided via a plurality of LEDS, the incorporation of a radially distributed series of fiber optic strands, or any other light source. The sensing material can include defraction gratings, improving the monitoring process. The sensing material can be incorporated in a variety of configurations. The apparatus is preferably designed to be integrated between a fluid filter and the respective filter mounting bracket.

Abstract: A fluid quality monitoring apparatus (100) comprising a fluid flow channel (120) having a photo sensing material (104) disposed upon a first surface and a light source emitting light (132) through an opposing light transitive surface (106). The condition of the fluid affects the absorption and reflection of the light. The penetrating light is received by the photo sensing material (104), which provides an output that can be utilized to analyze the condition of the fluid. The light can be provided via a plurality of LEDS, the incorporation of a radially distributed series of fiber optic strands, or any other light source. The sensing material can include defraction gratings, improving the monitoring process. The sensing material can be incorporated in a variety of configurations. The apparatus is preferably designed to be integrated between a fluid filter and the respective filter mounting bracket.

Abstract: An in-ground sprinkler serviceability apparatus that provides a debris free environment for ease of replacement of an in-ground sprinkler head. The sprinkler serviceability apparatus couples to the threads of a sprinkler pipe, expands to provide a sprinkler head receiving section, a seal against the underside of the sprinkler head, and a tapered upper surface. Any debris would be washed away from the sprinkler head serviceability apparatus tapered upper surface when the sprinklers are on, rain, etc. The seal would ensure against any debris falling into the sprinkler head receiving section. Weep holes can optionally be incorporated into the sides or base of the apparatus. The top can be a single section, fabricated in two sections, or be designed to receive a common clay sprinkler donut.

Abstract: A warning system for notifying another person when a child is left in a child safety seat. The system recognizes a child in a child safety seat by either a pressure pad or a secured child seat lap belt. The system is activated by the release of the driver's seat belt. Should a child remain in the seat when the driver's seat belt is disengaged, the system alarms notifying the driver of such. The alarm would include a calm audio output such as a lullaby, a song, or a story. The system can be integrated into the OEM features to provide an alert escalation process using a local alert, a vehicle alert, a wireless alert and ultimately a 911 alert.

Abstract: An elastic resistance band that is fabricated by placing two end couplers on each end of a section of elastic resistance material. A pre-tensioned force is applied by incorporating a rigid tensioning member between the two end couplers of the resistance band. The resistance material is stretched during the assembly process, placing the material in a pre-tensioned state. By pre-tensioning the material, the resistance band then provides a more linear force to the end user.

Abstract: A foldable flip flop which incorporates a flexible hinge within a sole of the footwear. The flexible hinge consists of a molded flexible hinge section 40, a molded hinge aperture 38, a hinge top recess 34 and a hinge limitation contact section 42. The molded flexible hinge section 40 and molded hinge aperture 38 provides a flexible and reliable member allowing the sole to be folded. The sole can comprise a hinge section along a transverse orientation or a longitudinal orientation about the center of the sole. The hinge limitation contact section 42 ensures that a heel section of the sole remains in a wearable configuration during use.

Abstract: A positive locking machine screw mechanism comprises a screw having a head and a body wherein the body includes male threads formed thereon wherein the threaded body has at least one longitudinal segment devoid of threads. A work piece defines a hole having female threads formed therein for receiving the screw and further defines in a portion of the hole, at least one longitudinally extending segment devoid of female threads. The longitudinal screw segment devoid of male threads and the longitudinal hole segment devoid of female threads are arranged such that the screw body is longitudinally received in the hole without engagement of the male screw threads with the female work piece threads.

Abstract: A garbage container incorporates an access located along one side of the container. The access port can be enclosed by a door. An access section bag holding structure can be incorporated across the top edge of the access. The side access garbage container allows the user to remove the garbage bag without lifting it from the container, but simply by sliding the filled bag out from the access section. The access can be incorporated into a stand alone container or one placed within a cabinet.

Abstract: A low profile pointing device for personal computers includes a thin elongate case for insertion in a PC Card slot and defining a cavity therein. A frame forms one surface of the case and defines an opening therethrough. A slidable plate is disposed within the cavity and is translatably supported in a plane parallel to the frame. A portion of the slidable plate is accessible through said frame opening. At least one motion sensor is mounted within the case and is coupled with the slidable plate for sensing movement of the plate and converting the sensed movements into electrical data signals. A communication interface transmits data signals between the motion sensor and the computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed using the internet (or similar) to provide, publish and maintain a database for stolen items. The method and apparatus further disclose the utilization of this database as a backbone for an internet portal, providing for automated contact of interested parties, automated e-commerce for replacement of assets, and immediate distribution of published information. The preferred embodiment would provide a means for extracting the information from entered police reports to create an all encompassing database. The present invention provides a new mechanism for deterring the selling of stolen items, increasing the potential of recovering stolen or missing items, and simplifying the claim processing process.

Abstract: A multi-functional exercise bench having a storage section that can store exercise equipment such as weights, jump ropes, water bottles, yoga mats, decorative hand weights, yoga mats, resistance bands, etc. The bench includes a riser platform that provides an angled surface that the user can lay on while exercising. The riser platform is hinged at one end of the bench. Additionally, a storage cover can be included, being hinged at the rear of the bench. The multi-functional exercise bench can include weight support members as well as leg exercise devices. These weight holding exercise members can be collapsible and capable of being stored inside the storage section. The bench is covered in aesthetically pleasing materials to match the décor of the room.