Abstract: An apparatus for treating patients using electrical interferential therapy is disclosed. The apparatus uses multiple electrodes to define multiple treatment channels, with each channel having a discrete frequency and an adjustable beat frequency between all or selected channel pairs. This adjustment can be done between treatment sessions or can be done during the treatment session by the technician or by the apparatus as programmed. The multiple treatment channels can be used on the same patient, or can be used by the same or a different technician to treat additional patient(s).

Abstract: Hardware that improves safety and minimizes the risk involved in installing, maintaining, and operating sectional doors that use springs to facilitate door movement. A lock-on side bearing bracket bears up a spring on a garage door. This side-bearing bracket includes a hook and a perpendicular tab to prevent the spring from dangerously releasing its energy when parts supporting the spring are removed or fail. A lock-on bottom roller bracket having a bottom bearing plate and a safety hook similarly prevents a potential release of energy when the garage door lift cable is tensed. A curled portion at the bottom of the lift cable prevents the cable from coming off the drum. A safety latch with a latch bar and a latch cover acts as a lock for the garage door.

Abstract: A washing system for high temperature cleaning applications, such as carpet-cleaning, is disclosed that provides a consistent cleaning fluid temperature. The washing system utilizes multiple heat exchangers and multiple heat paths. The heating and power source is provided by a medium duty, diesel cycle engine. Multi-stage heating involves heat transfer from the engine's coolant to the cleaning fluid and heat transfer from the exhaust of the engine to the cleaning fluid via an intermediate medium. The system also includes a fluid clutch used to engage a power takeoff from the engine to operate the pump and blower of the washing plant. A failsafe source cutoff diverts the exhaust flow from thermal contact with an intermediate heat transfer oil.

Abstract: A coating apparatus and method are disclosed that applies a coating to a product in a uniform and controlled manner. The coating apparatus comprises a feeding stage, an optional pre-treatment stage, at least one coating stage and a finishing stage. The coating stage(s) comprise a coating material feeder and a coating device. The coating device includes an aperture conforming to the perimeter of a substrate to be coated in a first and second dimension. As the substrate passes through the aperture, coating material is applied in a uniform and consistent layer ranging from 0.001″ to 0.250″. The coating material also back fills minor surface imperfections and blemishes on the substrate to achieve a consistent finish across the whole area where coating material is applied. The coating device includes first and second shell portions. The first shell portion has a concave surface surrounding the aperture portion.

Abstract: A method and system for performing abrasion on a surface, such as on the skin of a patient, is disclosed. The dermabrasion apparatus includes apparatus for delivering and retrieving material to and from a selected site to be abraded, a delivery and retrieval hand piece, an abrasive handling device, and a waste retrieval holding device. The hand piece is coupled to the abrasive handling device as well as the waste retrieval holding device, which is further coupled to the delivery and retrieval apparatus. The abrasive handling device further includes an abrasive supply device, a receiving channel, a feeding chamber, and a delivery channel. The abrasive supply device typically is a canister fitted with a funnel-shaped spout that is inverted into the receiving channel. The receiving channel feeds abrasive to the feeding chamber.

Abstract: A sectional door (2) is disclosed that includes a safety system. The safety system includes a shield apparatus (12), an improved support track (6), reverse angle track shields (80), and hemmed roller track edges (38) to prevent injury or harm to body parts errantly placed within or around the support track (6) during the opening or closing of the sectional door (2). The sectional door (2) includes a plurality of door sections (8) hingedly joined in an edge-to-edge relationship to form the completed sectional door (2). The sectional door (2) further includes support rollers (10) attached to the door sections (8), and a pair of support tracks (6), in which the support rollers (10) are confined.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus and method of use are disclosed that secure a tendon or ligament within an interior opening of a bone structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a securing device, a retention device, and an anchoring device. The securing device has an elongated body with an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the tendon or ligament fits between the interior of the open bone structure and the outer surface of the securing device. The retention device has an elongated body and a retention head, wherein the retention device securely fits within the interior surface of the securing device. The anchoring or holding device connects to the retention head of the retention device and extends outside the interior opening of the bone structure to engage the outer surface of the bone structure to hold the retention device and securing device in a fixed position inside the bone structure.

Abstract: A portable landing aid apparatus is disclosed along with a method for operation in aiding a pilot of a helicopter to land the helicopter in adverse conditions, such as at night or in inclement weather, at a non-traditional landing site. The landing aid apparatus comprises a plurality of light units that are powered by a portable power supply, such as a battery or an emergency vehicle at the site. Each light unit further includes a white strobe light, a steady burn amber lamp, and a green strobe light. The white strobe light is utilized as a day locator, while the green strobe light is utilized as a night locator. The steady burn amber light is used as a landing locator. The white strobe light is utilized during the day as it is highly visible from long distances and does not interfere with the pilot's vision. The green strobe light is used at night as it is highly visible at night and does not interfere with the pilot's night vision.

Abstract: Hardware designed to improve safety and minimize the risk involved in installing, maintaining, and operating sectional doors that use spring mechanisms to facilitate door movement. A lock-on side bearing bracket bears up a spring mechanism on a garage door. This side bearing bracket includes a hook and a perpendicular tab to prevent the spring mechanism from dangerously releasing its energy when parts supporting the spring mechanism are removed or fail. A lock-on bottom roller bracket having a bottom bearing plate and a safety hook similarly prevents a potential, dangerous release of energy when the garage door lift cable is in tension. A safety latch with a latch bar and a latch cover acts as a lock for the garage door. The use of multiple safety features makes the garage door systems of the present invention particularly safe to operate and maintain.

Abstract: An endosteal anchoring device for urging a ligament graft against a bone surface comprising an anchoring body, a means for resisting slippage of the anchoring body into the periphery of a bone tunnel under ligament tension, a means for avoiding puncturing, piercing or tearing of cross-fibers of the ligament graft and a means for urging the ligament graft flush against the inner surface of the bone tunnel for accelerated healing.

Abstract: A support frame for use in a convertible bench/table apparatus. In one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support frame includes an upper portion movably mounted to a lower portion. In such preferred embodiment, the lower portion includes a first leg, a second leg, and a seat mount, where the seat mount is comprised of an upper surface and a lower surface defining a space therebetween which is capable of receiving one or more seat members to form a seat. Further in such embodiment, the upper portion preferably has a backrest mount which includes a first surface and a second surface that define a space therebetween which is capable of receiving one or more backrest members to form a backrest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of cactus fruit extract which are dried to a powder form for use in food products and nutritional supplements. The novel powders of the present invention may be used in food products and drinks as well as capsules or tablets.

Abstract: A sectional door is disclosed that includes a safety system. The safety system includes a shield apparatus, an improved support track, reverse angle track shields, and hemmed roller track edges to prevent injury or harm to body parts errantly placed within or around the support track during the opening or closing of the sectional door. The sectional door includes a plurality of door sections hingedly joined in an edge-to-edge relationship to form the completed sectional door. The sectional door further include support rollers attached to the door sections, and a pair of support tracks, in which the support rollers are confined. Each support roller further includes a circular or rectangular roller shield that is mounted to the axle of the support roller outside of the support track where it is proximate the support track in such a manner as to limit or prevent any fingers from engaging within the support track with the support rollers.

Abstract: An assembly for removably attaching an ornament to a sock. The assembly includes a first means for attaching, the first attaching means being affixed to the sock, an ornament, and second means for attaching the ornament to the sock. The second attaching means is affixed to the ornament, and the second attaching means is configured so as to cooperate with and removably attach to the first attaching means to removably attach the ornament to the sock. As broadly described herein, the first and second attaching means may include a variety of attaching means including, for example, snap fasteners, buttons and corresponding buttonholes, hook and loop fasteners, hook-and-eye fasteners, and clasps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of freeze-dried ginseng berry and other natural health promoting ingredients in a mixture suitable for making tea. The compositions and methods of preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a natural vitamin containing composition for making a tea beverage which can be consumed hot or cold and which provides the consumer with a refreshing, delicious, stimulating and healthful experience.

Abstract: A flexible sheet protector is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment as including first and second transparent sheets having at least one receiving pocket formed therebetween. Formed in spaced-apart relation to the retaining pocket of the flexible sheet protector is a securement portion comprising at least one through-bore having an internal periphery being dimensionally sufficient for engaging one or more retaining members of a loose-leaf binder. Operably disposed between the retaining pocket and the securement portion of the flexible sheet protector is a flexible pocket. Structurally, the flexible pocket preferably comprises an elongated body having at least two opposing sealed sides, an opening formed adjacent an opening of the receiving pocket, and a sealed end disposed contiguous the closed end of the flexible sheet protector.

Abstract: A piston for use with an internal combustion engine is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a crown having an exhaust valve area, an intake valve area, and means for moving exhaust toward the exhaust valve area. The exhaust moving means includes means for homogenizing the air/fuel mixture. The homogenizing means may also include means for creating eddies within the air/fuel mixture. In addition, the piston may include means for concentrating the air/fuel mixture toward the area of ignition. In one presently preferred embodiment, the structure used to accomplish the invention includes a raised portion formed on the crown of the piston. The raised portion increases in height from the center of the crown toward the perimeter of the crown. Moreover, the raised portion also has an arcuate shape declining in height along the arcuate shape. The presently preferred raised portion includes a plurality of dimples formed therein for creating eddies within the air/fuel mixture.