Abstract: A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

Abstract: A cleaning device, or projectile, cleans the inside surface of a tube as it is propelled by a liquid through the tube by mechanically scraping and cleaning soft and hard deposits, such as sludge and manganese, from the inner surface of the tube, such as those found in condensers and heat exchangers. The tube cleaning device, or projectile, is propelled forward by a high-pressure fluid spray injected into a tube. This high-pressured fluid injection is sufficient to advance the device through the tube, allowing the device to scrape or otherwise dislodge incrustations or other accumulations from the interior wall of the tube. The tool cleans the inside surface of a tube as the tool travels through the tube and includes a compressible bushing and a series of cutters secured to a split support that defines a cavity for receiving the bushing, the support being adapted to be opened and closed to receive and contain the bushing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tape dispenser including a housing configured to support a roll of tape, such that the tape is dispensable from the roll. A tape cutter is engageable with the tape. The tape cutter includes a heating element. A power source, such as batteries, is in electrical communication with the heating element. When a flow of electricity passes from the power source to the heating element, a temperature of the heating element increases to sever the tape. Buttons and/or switches are preferably included and designed as a safety feature. The buttons and switches are to be operated in a certain manner in order to prevent unwanted heating of the heating element.

Abstract: A restraint system includes a wrist restraint system and an ankle restraint system that allow the limbs of a detainee to be restrained. The lockable wrist restraint system includes a waist belt and wrist restraints that are rotatably mounted to the waist belt. The wrist restraints can be positioned anywhere around the waist belt. The lockable ankle restraint system includes a strap and two buckles that form the strap into two loops. Each loop is used to restrain a leg of the detainee. A lockable buckle includes a housing that creates a tortuous path that traps a strap to which the buckle is mounted and prevents the strap from being adjusted or removed from the detainee.

Abstract: An improved pilot guard for controlling the flow of gaseous fuel to both a pilot burner and a main burner, the pilot valve comprising a housing having an inlet port, a pilot port and a main burner port; a bore extending through the housing between the pilot port and main burner port; a stop shuttle normally biased to a seated position in which it blocks communication between the inlet port and the bore; a reset shuttle positioned in the bore for lifting the stop shuttle from its seated position, the reset shuttle supporting a sealing member for sealing the inlet port from the main burner port but permitting communication between the inlet port and the pilot port when the reset shuttle lifts the stop shuttle from its seated position; a thermocouple capable of generating a current from the heat of the pilot burner; an electromagnet connected to the thermocouple and capable, when fully energized, of holding the stop shuttle from moving to its seated position; wherein the reset shuttle is movable by the force of

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing a deodorizing, disinfecting or freshening substance is mounted in the heating and air conditioning ductwork of a vehicle, and includes an electronic controller that controls the operation of the system. The substance dispensed by the system is spread through the ductwork throughout the interior of the vehicle by the heating and air conditioning system of the vehicle. The system is operated during a cycle that includes an ON time, during which the substance is dispensed, and an OFF time, during which the substance is not dispensed. The system is configured to cycle only when the vehicle ignition is on. The system can also be configured to cycle only when the parking brake is released, or when the vehicle transmission is in gear.

Abstract: A clamping washer and washer assembly that are used to mount bracing rods or cables to the web of metal building frame columns includes a load distributing washer and a clamping washer that are fastened together on the rod or cable. The washers define matching curved, toothed bearing surfaces or seats. When the washers are clamped together, the teeth on the bearing surfaces mesh with each other to lock the clamping washer in place on the load distributing washer. The load distributing washer defines an elongated opening through which the rod or cable projects, which opening allows positioning of the rod or cable at a variety of angles with respect to the load distributing washer.

Abstract: A railway panel transport apparatus for moving prefabricated railway panels to installation sites includes a plurality of ties, a first rail, and a second rail. The ties are positioned in spaced parallel relation to support the first and second rails, which extend substantially the length of the railway panel. At least two truck assemblies are connected to the railway panel. The truck assemblies include a pair of travel wheels mounted thereon for engaging and traveling upon existing railway sections. Following transport to the installation site, the truck assemblies are removed and the railway panel is installed in a proper location.

Abstract: An animated display mechanism provides two components of motion to an object. The mechanism includes a mechanism base, a slide plate to which both a motor and the object are mounted, and a cam that is mounted to and rotated by the motor shaft. An animated golfer display employs the display mechanism, and repeatedly executes an animation cycle, during which a golfer advances toward a golf ball on a putting green, stops, takes two practice puts, approaches the golf ball, and putts the ball into the cup. The ball is returned to the green by the display mechanism as the golfer retreats to a position in which the animation cycle can repeat.

Abstract: A tag feed system is used to feed tags through a marking machine, such as a tag printer or a laser marking machine, that marks information on the tags. A laser-marking system is used to mark and label information on metal tags, and a tag feed system for the laser-marking system that drives the tag material through the laser-marking system for marking. The laser marking system can include a housing, a laser for marking tag material, a tag unwind system for holding and supporting unlabeled tag material before it is marked and a tag retainer system for holding and supporting labeled tag material after it is marked. The tag feed system for feeding tag material through the laser marking system includes a housing unit that contains a first aperture through which tag material enters the housing unit for marking, a second aperture through which marked tag material exits the housing unit, and a lasing window through which a laser beam from the laser passes to mark tag material.

Abstract: A dispenser or shaker is used to store and dispense powdery or granular substances, and a sealing device for the shaker forms a seal against the escape of the substance between the lid and the shaker body. The lid can be placed around the mouth of the shaker body, and they can be rotated relative to one another to "lock" the lid onto the shaker body. The lid contains a number of dispensing holes through which the powdery or granular substance contained within the container body may be dispensed. The sealing device is located within the sealing lid, and provides a seal between the lid and the container body to prevent the powdery or granular substance from being ejected from the space between the sealing lid and the container body. The sealing device includes an inner and an outer ring made of materials that allow effective mounting of the device within the lid and formation of an effective seal, yet that provide for easy removal of the sealing device for cleaning.

Abstract: A rack for drying or curing items can be disassembled for storage or transportation. The rack includes a pair of rack units, each rack unit including a base, an upright and a series of elongated members, or poles, on which the items can be supported above the generally flat surface on which the unit rests. The base includes three legs that engage the flat surface. The series of poles is supported by the upright. The upright is hollow and can be used to store the poles and base legs. A cap is provided to close the upright to keep out moisture and dirt when the rack is in use, and to ensure that the poles and base legs remain in the upright, and are protected, during transportation or storage of the unit.

Abstract: A device for supporting a hunting rifle, pistol or other firearm that permits the rifle to rotate to allow a full range of targeting while providing stable support in a confined area. The supporting device includes a base to support the device on a surface, a vertical supporting leg and a rest to support a rifle. One end of the supporting device is secured to the base via a swivel and the other end of the supporting device is secured to the rest via a swivel. The swivels provide rotational movement of the supporting leg relative to the base, and rotational movement of the rest, and consequently of the rifle, relative to the supporting leg. The swivels can be set at varying tensions or stiffness. The rifle can be attached to the rest. To aid in the transportation of the rifle and support device, the supporting leg can be folded and clamped onto a clamp of the rest, so that the supporting leg and base are parallel to the rifle.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system providing management and control of the disposition of personal financial resources, taking into account the effects of inflation and deflation. The method is used to project target gross income, income taxes, after-tax income, living costs and savings over a period of time. The compounding effect of inflation (deflation) is applied to actual amounts for gross income, income taxes, after-tax income, living costs and savings to project targets for these amounts through the projected period by applying to the actual amounts the estimated rate of inflation or deflation and rates that are related to these rates. Actual inflation and deflation rates are used to determine and recalculate the inflation and deflation rates, and the rates that are related to those rates, and the recalculated rates are applied to the actual amounts to recalculate the targeted amounts.

Abstract: A continuous molding machine molds heat sensitive thermoplastic material into a finished product. The material is fed into a mold from a source through a mold inlet that is defined by the mold. The cross-sectional shape of the mold is chosen to conform to the desired cross-sectional shape of the product that is being molded. An endless conveyor and a pusher force the material through the mold. Heating apparatus heats the material as it passes through the mold. As it is heated, it conforms to the shape of the mold and, therefore, to the desired shape of the product. Cooling apparatus cools the mass after it is heated and formed to ensure that the mass remains dimensionally stable as it exits the mold. The finished, molded product exits the mold through the mold outlet that is defined by the mold.

Abstract: Fluid propelled tube cleaning tool for removal of deposits from the interior wall of a tube as a substantially cylindrical body, with a tail portion at one end, with a plurality of spaced cutters, with each cutter having a plurality of cutting blades extending radially from the cutters and with flexible bushings for each cutter which permit the force exerted by the cutter blades against the interior wall of the tube to be adjusted by axially compressing the flexible bushings.

Abstract: A trap system includes a housing in which a conventional spring-loaded trap is mounted. The housing defines a rodent access through which the rodent enters the housing. Rodent bait secured to the trigger of the trap entices the rodent to travel to and activate the trap. Upon activation, the trapping bar of the trap pulls the activation indicator into the housing to indicate that trap activation has occurred. The trap system includes an obstructor that hinders inadvertent activation of the trap during shipping.

Abstract: Apparatus for disengaging items from storage compartments and distributing them to the proper delivery locations. An associated system serves to control the storage and dispensing apparatus and, additionally, provides data relative to the operation of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus which monitors the extent to which a mechanical valve (2) is opened which employs a rotary position transducer (5). The rotary position transducer (4) provides a signal representative of valve (2) position to a signal processor (10, 140 for analysis. The signal processor (10, 14), in turn, activates various announciator lights (122, 124) which provide a visual indication of valve (2) position and sends signals to other apparatus (21) associated with the valve (2). Also provided is a mounting (30, 32, 44, 102, 104) for apparatus which monitors the extent to which a mechanical valve (2) is opened.

Abstract: Restriction enzymes are used to remove from DNA a complete and undamaged structural gene coding region for the expression of DNA polymerase I (polA) without the gene's natural promoter or with only a significantly damaged portion of the gene's natural promoter. Also by the use of restriction enzymes, a segment from a plasmid cloning vector is excised at a position adjacent to a promoter which is conditionally controllable and may be more powerful than the damaged or removed promoter. The gene for DNA polymerase I is enzymatically cloned into said vector at the position of said removed segment and adjacent to said conditionally controllable promoter. Multicopies of the cloned vector are introduced into a host baterial strain (E. coli). The host strain is then cultured so that the cell colony grows and replicates new generations containing replicated foreign plasmid. During such said replication the activity of said controllable promoter is repressed.