Abstract: An instrumented therapy cord including a load cell transducer, a resistive stretch cord and a microprocessor control module having internal memory capacity and programming means for assessing, monitoring and controlling rehabilitation treatment programs. Operably attached to a handle member and preferably incorporated within a housing unit, the microprocessor control module interfaces with the load cell transducer. A first end of the resistive therapy stretch cord is operably coupled to the load cell transducer by a permanent or quick-release coupling means. A second end of the resistive therapy cord is removably connected to a second handle or stationary body.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier is attachable to a hitch receiver secured to the rear end of a vehicle. A trunnion insertable into the receiver may extend rearwardly (with respect to the vehicle) to support an upright connected at a lower end to the trunnion. A lower arm may extend from the trunnion to be substantially parallel thereto, or even co-linearly therewith to support a tray positioned to extend substantially horizontally and laterally (substantially at a right angle to the lower arm). The upright, may support a top arm extending rearwardly away from the vehicle from a top end of the upright. A fork mount may be attached to extend laterally on each side of the top arm to extend away from the top arm in the same direction as the tray extends from the lower arm. A bicycle may be supported on a rear wheel in the tray, secured by the tines of a front fork to the fork mount, after removal of the front wheel. A second bicycle may be mounted in mirror-image fashion opposite the first bicycle.

Abstract: In the preferred mode, an apparatus is disclosed to carry out a vehicular humidification process which includes the steps of bubbling pressurized hot air (17)(e.g., trim air) upwardly through a plurality of tubes (34) submerged in a body of water, evaporatively combining the inlet air (17) and water (8) in a venturi (34b) which has its divergent walls at a predetermined angle (8) and its exit above the water level (16), mechanically separating the excess droplets in a baffle (60), in-line filtering (26) the humid air (17b) and discharging the filtered air into a duct leading to a compartment (22) to be conditioned (e.g., the flight deck of an aircraft).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cooling plastic profiles, comprising: a trough for receiving a cooling medium through which the profile can be guided; at least one inflow opening for delivering cooling water into said trough; at least one outflow opening for leeding cooling water out of said trough; a device arranged as a self-sucking water pump for producing a pressure below atmospheric in said trough whose suction nozzle is in connection with the outflow opening for cooling water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cooling plastic profiles, comprising: a trough for receiving a cooling medium through which the profile can be guided; at least one inflow opening for delivering cooling water into said trough; at least one outflow opening for leading cooling water out of said trough; several guiding means arranged in said trough as separating walls which subdivide the trough into several sections in the longitudinal direction of the profile with first openings for calibrating the profile, and with further openings for producing a turbulent flow of the cooling water circulating between said inflow opening and said outflow opening.

Abstract: A heat conducting apparatus for wiper blades including a wiper arm assembly and a wiper blade which can be removably attached to the wiper arm assembly by means of a mounting member operably interacting with a plurality of blade retaining members. Integrally formed within the body of the wiper blade is an internal conduit substantially extending the linear length of the wiper blade from a first end to a second end thereof. Housed within the internal periphery of the internal conduit and extending therethrough is an electrical resistant heating element. Preferably, the heating element is rotatably wound in a plurality of cylindrical coils to provide sufficient electrical resistance without requiring heavy insulation or resistors to monitor the heat output temperature of the heating element.

Abstract: A tank for liquidous material is disclosed having a single aperture for accessing an interior volume. A collar formed as a truncated cone circumscribes the aperture to provide sealing with a cap having a mating conical band. A band surface and a collar surface form the only contact between the cap and the collar. A drain fitting may be secured to the collar upon removal of the cap, after which the tank is upended for draining through the drain fitting. A wash fitting attached to the drain fitting sprays the interior of the tank for cleaning. No recesses (grooves) or `O` ring seals, and no protruding, resilient, normal, face seals are used which might trap debris and inhibit complete cleaning. The tapered collar and band create contact forces for sealing that are much greater than the load securing the cap to the collar. The tank, collar and cap may be rotomolded of a single material in a single mold, the cap being severed and trimmed after molding.

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding the keel and/or bow of a watercraft is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment comprising a protective cover member having an elongated body substantially tapered in cross-sectional thickness from a midsection to at least two opposing sides. Protective cover member is preferably configured having one or more elongated channels formed therein. Preferably, the elongated channels are integrally formed in an exterior surface of the protective cover member and longitudinally disposed substantially parallel to the linear length of the protective cover member from a first end to a second end thereof. The protective cover member is preferably formed having an opposing contacting surface comprising a fastening means preferably disposed thereover for securing the protective cover member over the keel and/or bow of the watercraft.

Abstract: A programmable controller apparatus and method for irrigation systems including at least one removable control module interfacing with internal circuitry of the programmable controller for activating and operating a plurality of watering valves. A housing unit is provided for the control module and the internal control circuitry of the programmable controller to prevent water contamination and unauthorized tampering. The removable control module interfaces with the internal circuitry of the controller to provide variations in programmable watering sequences for individual watering stations. The control module, in addition, comprises multiple programming keys and switches that provide interaction between the electronic programming and manual programming features which function in combination to provide easier programming options for the irrigation controller.

Abstract: A ski security system includes a moveable rack for supporting pairs of skis when not it use. The rack is formed of two tubular members of galvanized steel tubing each bent in a single piece to form a leg portion at each end with an intermediate transverse portion therebetween. In service, each transverse portion extends between the tops of the two respective leg portions, which are themselves attached to the opposite two legs of the other tubular member. The transverse members are spaced apart from one another to form a yoke for carrying. The racks are stackable for storage, and light enough to be moved to an inside storage location daily. Each leg portion is bent to form a knee portion located proximate the top thereof and near the transverse portion. The two tubular members are joined at each end, being connected at the respective knee portion of each, the legs extending away therefrom upward and downward as well as outward.

Abstract: A hair retainer 10 holds a ponytail of a user while selectively covering any desired portion of the ponytail. The preferred embodiment is a sleeve 12 having a top loop 14, which may include a tie 100, proximate one end near the head of a user to gather the hair and secure the ponytail. A bottom loop 16, secured to gather the opposite end of the sleeve, restrains the hair of the ponytail. The bottom loop 16 also grips the hair to position the bottom loop 16 and set the effective length 28 of the sleeve 12 relative to the ponytail. The tie 100 may comprise an elastic material. A plurality of gathers 18, 20, 34 may be distributed along the sleeve 12 around the circumference of the sleeve 12, positioning and blousing the sleeve 12 between gathers 18, 20, 34, and between the top and bottom loops 14, 16. The sleeve may assist in isolating the hair from contamination and damage in medical and industrial environments, and from interference with work by hair falling into a user's face.

Abstract: A template apparatus and method for manufacturing replacement windshields for automobiles. The template apparatus comprises a rigid frame, a plurality of support bars extending from the rigid frame, an epoxy splash, means for joining the rigid frame to the epoxy splash, means for maintaining the rigid frame to the epoxy splash, means for introducing the epoxy splash into the window well of the automobile and means for simulating the thickness of a glass sealant for introduction into the window well of the automobile before the final replacement windshield is inserted therein. The rigid frame engages the epoxy splash by a support means attached to the frame comprising adjustable fasteners that are rigidly affixed to the body of the epoxy splash. The epoxy splash is introduced into the window well of the automobile. Once positioned therein, a cementing means is applied to the adjustable fasteners to provide a fixation of the template apparatus.

Abstract: A satellite dish cleaning apparatus and method is disclosed in one preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a handle member removably disposed within an elongated opening integrally formed at a first end of an intermediate member. The intermediate member is preferably formed having a substantially curvilinear neck portion extending substantially at an angle between approximately 10.degree. to 170.degree. from the first end to a second end of the intermediate member. Preferably, formed at the second end of the intermediate member is a retaining assembly for removably retaining a first end of a satellite dish engaging member. In addition, formed at a second end of the satellite dish engaging member is a contacting surface having a configuration substantially conforming with the concave facing surface of a satellite dish.

Abstract: A plastic spool for receiving, storing and dispensing wire and cable is formed of multiple pieces. A preferred design is assembled in two halves, each having a tube portion and a flange portion. The tube portions have stepped, mating diameters. The tube portion of one half is stepped on the inside diameter and the tube portion of the other half is stepped on the outside diameter to match. Preferably two stepped diameters are used, besides the principal inside and outside diameters which are virtually identical for each tube portion. The spool includes ribbed flanges for strength and minimum resin use. For toughness, an olefinic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene is used for molding. The spool may be assembled in three pieces, a tube and a pair of flanges. In any embodiment, the halves or pieces are bonded together, preferably by spin welding, hot plate welding, ultrasonic welding or induction welding. In some embodiments, the pieces may be fastened mechanically.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method for providing therapeutic treatment to tissues using multiple, user-selectable frequencies generated from a single applicator sound head. The multi-frequency ultrasound therapy system and method includes a generator/control unit having a microprocessor for controlling and monitoring the generation and output of ultrasonic energy. A precision oscillator is connected to the microprocessor, and wave shaping circuitry is also provided to generate a wave-form for amplification by an output amplifier. The amplified high frequency wave-form is supplied to and drives an applicator sound head at an appropriate frequency for producing the desired therapeutic ultrasonic waves for treatment. Bonded to a cup member and positioned within the applicator sound head is a transducer crystal which converts high frequency wave-forms into mechanical (acoustic) vibrations, thus producing thermal energy in the form of heat for penetration into tissues under treatment.

Abstract: A convertible bench/table apparatus in one embodiment of the present invention as including a seat member, a means for supporting the seat member, and a backrest/tabletop member. Connected to the means for supporting the seat member is an armrest assembly that provides structural support to the backrest/tabletop when the convertible bench/table is pivoted from the bench position into the picnic table position. A hinge means accommodates for the pivotal movement of the convertible bench/table into either the first or second position, and is rigidly attached to the armrest assembly and the seat member providing a point of rotation thereon.