Abstract: A spherical world globe with geographic features imprinted on its surface rotates on and axis through the poles. The sphere is not large enough to carry legible details of all areas. Greater details are stored in a memory such as a compact disc. An indicator on the sphere slides north and south. A sensor senses the north south position of the indicator and sends a signal to a selection circuit connected to the memory. Another sensor connected to the rotation of the sphere sends an east/west signal to the memory. Using the two signals, the circuit find the area corresponding to the area selected on the sphere and displays it on a display in greater detail than is visible on the sphere.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a surfboard enables the board to be tethered to a non-portable object with a lockable cable. The cable passes through a transverse hole in one of the fins. To prevent the fin from being removed from the by a thief, a rigid sleeve is provided that slides over the fin. It is provided with a transverse hole in registry with the hole in the fin, so that the cable will pass through the sleeve and the fin. This renders the two inseparable. A flange affixed to the base of the sleeve covers the fasteners that fasten the fin to the board. This prevents the thief from removing the fin from the board.

Abstract: A plurality of light emitting diodes are mounted on a base that encircles or surrounds a primary vehicle light source such as a headlight, a taillight, a turn signal light or the like. A control circuit senses when the primary light source fails to provide the requisite light, and applies power to the light emitting diodes so that the vehicle can continue safely without loss of the function served by the primary light source. Additional diodes may be provided on the base to serve an ornamental function.

Abstract: An exercise device is held in first one hand and then in the other hand, while the second hand is exercised by screwing nuts in on threaded rods against a spring resistance. Both right hand and left hand threads are provided so that exercise of clockwise and counterclockwise motions are required. The nuts have different outside diameters so that the gripping of the nuts will be at different positions to enhance the experience. Also provided are springs of different tensions to adjust the resistance to rotation.

Abstract: A smoke generator has an air pump with control valve to supply a continuous controllable air supply to a smoking fuel on a grid in a fire box. Smoke is directed to the food processor from a smoke output within the fire box and above the grid. A chimney extends from the top of the fire box. It is filled with fuel. This fuel is fuel is not in the air stream, so it does not burn. As fuel on the grid is consumed, fuel from the chimney drops onto the grid. This provides a continuous feed of fresh so that the device can generate a uniform controllable stream of smoke over a long period of time unattended. A disposable fuel cartridge is also provided for ease of use.

Abstract: A refrigeration system provides one or more compressors, a condenser, and a plurality of evaporator coils fed with the liquid refrigerant from the condenser. Each coil is disposed in a chamber to be held at a particular low temperature by blowing air over the coil as liquid refrigerant in the coil evaporates to gas, with the absorption of heat. Each coil returns gas refrigerant back to the compressor(s) through an individual gas return line. A temperature sensor in each chamber provides an output signal related to the temperature provided by the coil. A controller receives each output signal. An on/off valve in each gas return line is controlled by the controller in response to the sensor signal to stop refrigerant flow through its respective coil when the temperature goes below a preset level and allows refrigerant flow when temperature is above a preset value. The on/off valve may be part of a conventional evaporator pressure regulator in which the regulator is adjusted wide open.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fastening a denture plate with many artificial teeth to a plurality of implants screwed into the bone is disclosed that may be completed on the same day as surgical implantation of the implants. The denture plate is prepared before surgery. A rigid metal bar is prepared that is fitted to register with the implants after the implants have been implanted. The rigid metal bar is affixed to the denture plate. Screws through the bar are received into the top of each implant to thereby secure the bar and the attached denture plate to the implants. This distributes the tooth forces among the implants for enhanced function. The bar is composed of a metal attachment for each implant. A pair of wings extends out from each attachment. The attachments are temporarily mounted on the implants so that wings from adjacent attachments overlap. The attachments and wings are temporarily joined with cement.

Abstract: A support system is provided for mounting on a wall at an opening for a window or glass door. The support system is designed to support horizontal blinds or shades with the brackets that are ordinarily used to mount the blinds directly to a wall. The support system has control mechanism to move the blind or blinds laterally away from the window or door to allow access to the window or door. This is easier than raising the blind high enough to allow access. The support slides laterally behind another shade. In another embodiment the support is hinged in the middle and folds together like a bi-fold door to open.

Abstract: A method and controlled release oral unit dosage form of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) delays the release of the drug until a predetermined time interval after ingestion. This enables the drug to reach optimal therapeutic blood levels at a time in the early morning when the events leading up to a vascular obstruction culminating in a heart attack or stroke are most commonly occurring after the drug is taken in the evening. The convenience of taking the drug every evening should enhance compliance. By arranging for the optimal blood level to coincide with the peak incidence of strokes, a much smaller total dose of the drug may be used than is normally prescribed. This may reduce the incidence of side effects that are dose related. This will make the prophylactic use of aspirin available to more of the population.

Abstract: An insulated cooler having a narrower upper portion and a wider lower portion with a ledge therebetween is transformed into an elegant food dispensing station. A shelf that surrounds the cooler at its upper portion is formed from a horizontal panel with an aperture great enough to pass the upper portion of the cooler and rest on the ledge. The shelf may be provided with features for holding items on its surface such as glasses. It may have features for mounting a skirt that conceals the lower portion of the cooler. The assembly may include a rolling cart that is also concealed by the skirt to provide a complete self-contained dispensing station for parties.

Abstract: Light apparatus for removably mounting on a person or an item to be illuminated. The apparatus has its own battery power supply mounted on a web of material. When the web is of pliant material, two opposed sides are provided with fasteners so that the web may be wrapped around an item or a person and the opposed sides then joined together to hold the apparatus in place. The battery is rechargeable, and a built-in battery charger is incorporated into the apparatus. Light emitters are powered by the battery and positioned to emit light that is readily seen. The lights may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), electroluminescent strips (EL), or incandescent bulbs. The lights may be flashing and/or sequencing for safety and/or decoration. Prongs are provided on the web for directly inserting into an electrical outlet to recharge the battery and support the apparatus on the outlet.

Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid from a squeeze bottle to various parts of the body that may be difficult to reach includes two rigid arms connected by an adjustable angle joint. One end of the first arm screws onto the bottle. The other end of the second arm ends in a tubular connector such as a grease gun fitting. A flexible tube provides a fluid passage between the bottle and the tubular connector. A variety of terminals for different purposes can sealingly snap onto the tubular connector. The terminals preferably have a grease fitting for easy connection. The terminals may include an enema tip, a douche tip, a bidet tip and a suntan lotion spreader. The arms may retract telescopically for compact transport and storage.

Abstract: A high pressure cleaning apparatus provides a complete assembly mounted on a unitary base for applying high pressure water to two cleaning wands through two separate flexible hoses. A single engine drives two high pressure pumps through bypass mechanisms. A large water tank feeds the pumps. Each hose is mounted on its own reel. The water may be heated by water heaters also mounted on the base. Tanks for holding various cleaning agents are also provided, as well as receptacles for holding dispensing cans of the cleaning agents. The base is provided with features for lifting the entire assembly onto conveyances or work areas.

Abstract: A skid resistant cover assembly includes a rigid top plate provided with skid resistant top surface. A support plate below the top plate is clamped to the pedal of a vehicle by a strap clamp that passes over the support plate and past both sides of the pedal. The strap clamp is drawn tightly together under the pedal by mechanisms well known in the art. The top plate is then secured to the support plate by screw fasteners.

Abstract: A light assembly for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle such as a taillight, a stop light, or a turn signal is provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's). These have distinct advantages over incandescent bulbs for longer life and reduced power. They have the disadvantage that they are so energy efficient that they do not heat up the external lens enough to melt snow and ice thereon. The invention overcomes this problem by providing an electrical heater in the assembly that is actuated by a thermal switch that is closed only when the temperature is below a preset value.

Abstract: Vehicle light apparatus for removably mounting on an elongate member of a vehicle such as a stroller or bicycle has its own battery power supply mounted on a rectangular web of pliant material that has opposed long sides. The long sides are provided with fasteners so that the web may be wrapped around an elongate member of a vehicle and the two long sides then joined together to hold the apparatus in place. The battery may be rechargeable, and a built-in battery charger may be incorporated into the apparatus. Light emitters are powered by the battery and positioned to emit light from opposed sides of the member. The lights may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), electroluminescent strips (EL), or incandescent bulbs. The lights may be flashing sequencing for safety and decoration.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp for attachment and for electrical connection to a motor vehicle includes a housing enclosing an array of light emitting diodes. The housing has a light transmitting cover for sealing and protecting the diodes. The diodes emit light of at least two colors. The colors may be selected by a control that may be a remote control. One of the colors may be that associated with fog lights. An array of emitters is disposed to spell out a word such as alarm or help. The device may include an array of sockets adapted to receive plug-in diodes so that the consumer may spell out a particular word such as a name to personalize the light. The emitters may be strobed for emphasis. One or more emitters may be wired to emit light only when the running lights are on and the vehicle battery voltage is below a preset value.

Abstract: A hand held device extends across a line of text on a page to enlarge the image and illuminate it as well. The device includes an elongate cylindrical lens that extends across the page. Elongate supports straddle the line and support the lens at a fixed distance above the line to bring the line into focus for the reader. At least one of the supports has a light source at one end that emits light into the transparent support that acts as a light pipe. A roughened surface on the support causes the light to be distributed and emitted onto the line being read. By directing the light only onto the line, less extraneous light reaches the eye for enhanced viewing by a person with cataracts.

Abstract: A license plate holder for use on a vehicle has a frame that holds and displays a vehicle license plate on the vehicle. A plurality of red light emitting diodes (LEDs) is mounted around the perimeter of the frame. They are connected to the brake light circuit of the vehicle to light up when the brakes are applied. A lesser number of non-red LEDs are also disposed around the perimeter of the frame. These are connected to the running light circuit of the vehicle. They may be multi-colored or of a single color such as blue or green.

Abstract: A hand held, battery powered vacuum cleaner has a sealed light compartment over the vacuum opening with a lens that directs a light beam onto the plane of the surface being cleaned at least as close to the nozzle as one inch. The light chamber is smoothly integrated into the top of the nozzle so that the nozzle may illuminate and clean in spaces having low vertical clearance.