Abstract: A polyphasic pressurized homogenizer for removing substances, particularly contaminants from a gas environment, the homogenizer having a pressurized gas stream drawing gas from the gas environment and a pressurized liquid stream from a liquid source with the homogenizer having a mixing chamber for mixing the gas stream and liquid stream and a contact conduit with a venturi passage connected to the mixing chamber for homogenizing the gas and liquid mixture with the contact conduit discharging the homogenized mixture into a receiver where the substance originally in the gas is entrained in the liquid and separated from the gas.
Abstract: A pocket sized plastic restraint, having a rigid edge (1a) and flexible center (1b). In the flexible center (1b) is a flexible gripping strip opening (2d) that gathered excess liner material is inserted through and held tight by. The gripping strip opening (2d) is a serrated opening that bites into the gathered liner like teeth, to hold the bag tight without cutting it. At the base of the garbage bag restraint (2c) is a tucking strip opening (2e) for tucking excess bag material. The garbage bag restraint (2c) holds bags tight around the rim of containers that are smaller than the bag.
Abstract: A spa cover lifting device for lifting a folding spa cover seated on a spa from a seated position to a vertical storage position, the spa cover lifting device having a frame apparatus with a horizontal cross member and a pair of side members with ends having pivot means connectable with the spa, the horizontal cross member engaging the folding spa cover at the fold and transporting the cover when folded over the cross member from the seated position to the storage position when the frame apparatus is pivoted.
Abstract: Improved convoluted flanges including one embodiment having a metal inset in a polymer casing in which the inset has a convoluted configuration similar to the outer convoluted configuration of the casing and another embodiment of a convoluted, slip-on, welding flange for welding to a pipe having a cross sectional, convoluted contour that is configured using stress analysis to shift the effective loading of connecting bolts from the centerline of the bolt holes in the flange to a locus closer to the pipe to which the flange is welded.
Abstract: A dental prosthetic device and method of making and installing the device, the device being a nonmetallic dental post for tooth restoration, the post being fabricated in a mold from a fiber reinforced, ceramic polymer composite, the post having an anchor portion installed in a drilled and reamed post hole with an adhesive and a mounting head portion that is built up with a core material for bonding to a restoration, the post restorative having structural and composition characteristics similar to a natural tooth.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 21, 1997
Date of Patent:
October 12, 1999
Inventors:
Andras A. Hites, George Hites, Chris Pescatore
Abstract: A breakaway unit for a tool mount of a robotic positioner, the breakaway unit having a magnetic coupler mechanism and a mechanical coupler mechanism for omnidirectional collision contacts of the tool and/or tool mount, the magnetic coupler mechanism having an adjustably positioned magnetizable disk in one coupler component and a fixed position magnet member in the other coupler component and the mechanical coupler mechanism having an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the force of release in the +Z direction of contact by the tool.
Abstract: A float module that can be combined with other float modules to form a floating dock apparatus with the float module being constructed with a flat concrete deck bonded with a construction grade adhesive to a closed-cell foam pontoon, the exposed surfaces of the pontoon being covered with a protective coating, particularly one having anti-fouling properties.
Abstract: A toy construction kit for constructing sand cast structures using a set of different casting molds, support posts installed in the molds during filling and compacting the sand, and support plates that encompass the open part of the mold and that include a socket to engage the post, the support plate and post supporting the sand casting when the mold is removed the kit including interconnection clips to interconnect the support plates of multiple casting when constructing a multi-tier structure.
Abstract: A fuel injection system for an engine having a combustion chamber, the fuel injection system in a preferred embodiment having a hydraulic actuator module with a hydraulic actuating fluid for activating a fuel injection piston with fluid in an actuating chamber of an injector defined in part by a large head, amplifying piston connected to the fuel injection piston the actuating fluid communicating with a hydraulic pulse pump driven by the pressure in the combustion chamber, the injector including a sub-module to provide a multi-pulse discharge to fuel and a discharge nozzle having an orifice with a poppet valve having a structure to provide a pulsed, conical, swirling spray of fuel.
Abstract: A lavatory fixture having a combination, urinal and hand wash faucet for public restrooms, particularly in high traffic locations such as airports, the lavatory fixture having a urinal and hand sink combined in a single lavatory unit with a self-activated hand faucet being positioned above a urinal catch basin, the hand faucet having an associated proximity sensor to activate a water flow for washing hands, when a user's hands are placed proximate the faucet, and the urinal having an associated proximity sensor for sensing the presence of a user proximate the urinal to flush the urinal when the user moves away from the urinal, the lavatory fixture having a common drain and an optional hand soap dispenser.
Abstract: A power plant system particularly useful for hybrid vehicles driven by electric motors, the power plant system including a positive displacement engine with a bifurcated exhaust forming first and second exhaust passages for expansion gases, each passage being separately controlled by an independently operated engine exhaust valve, the first exhaust passage supplying expansion gases to a turbine connected to a compressor delivering compressed air to the engine and the second exhaust passage supplying expansion gases to a turbine connected to an electric generator, the power plant system having a system control module independently controlling each exhaust valve for optimum air compression for the load and speed of engine operation.
Abstract: A system for the identification of medications in pill, capsule, tablet, and caplet for the system including the placement of machine scannable bar code symbols on the surface of the medication and the identification of the medication by use of the bar code. The resulting identification information can be analyzed by a computer program, permitting both a drug identification and verification method for use by a doctor, pharmacist, emergency room or other medical staff, paramedics, law enforcement personnel, patient and/or family members, or indeed anyone who may need to know a drug's identity, and a tracking system by inclusion of the identification data into an appropriate information database to monitor an individual's prescription drug consumption and to alert of potential harmful drug interactions.
Abstract: A loudspeaker including a voice coil and a counter coil connected in series to receive speaker signals. The counter coil is wrapped on the pole pieces in an opposite direction to the voice coil such that a first magnetic field generated by the voice coil is reduced by a second magnetic field generated by the counter coil. In addition, a stiffened and/or elongated voice coil support is provided to reduce distortion caused by a bowing effect of the voice coil due to a warped stationary magnetic field located in the air gap. An acoustically-transparent basket is also provided which minimizes reflected sound waves to further reduce distortion.
Abstract: A bird feeder support which is mounted to a surface including a base member. The base member possesses an open channel which is accessible from the outer surface of the base member. An arm having a first end portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion connecting the first and second end portions, extends from the base member. The arm also possesses at least one flange which is capable of fitting within the channel. The arm is mounted to the base member to permit the flange to extend in one direction and to reverse its orientation within the channel to an opposite second direction. A bird feeder is easily fastened to the arm and is, thus, positioned in two orientations when the flange of the arm is rotated within the channel.
Abstract: A medicine bottle with an integral medicine dosage reminder forming a medicine bottle unit, the unit has a medicine bottle with a bottom having a skirt extension with a window for viewing an indicator label on an indicator ring. The indicator ring is inserted in the skirt extension and pivotal therewith to position a selected label marking in the window of the extension skirt. In one embodiment a timer is included to signal the time to take medication by an audible alarm.
Abstract: An improved brake equalizer apparatus for equalizing fluid pressure and damping shock waves or pressure surges in fluid lines of a fluid pressure-actuated system, such as a hydraulic brake system. The apparatus has a shorter reaction time than a conventional brake equalizer, and can be manufactured with smaller overall length and weight. An important feature of the apparatus which results in reduced brake equalizer reaction time is an improved brake equalizer piston. The piston of the invention is shorter than a conventional brake equalizer piston (the ratio of the inventive piston's length to the length of the shock absorber which it abuts is substantially less than 0.5, and is preferably equal to about 0.23). The piston of the invention is also lighter than a conventional brake equalizer piston, and is preferably made of a hard, non-compressible, self-lubricating material.