Abstract: A spring-biased pivoting squeegee 10 provides a head 12 pivotally attached to a handle 16. The head 12 is movable between a rest position, in which the head 12 is angularly displaced from the handle 16, and a biased position in which the head 12, handle 16, and wiping blade 14 are in linear relation. In the biased position, the wiping blade is maintained at an optimum angle for cleaning a glass surface even with the handle 16 held generally perpendicular to the glass. A spring 60 is fully contained in the head 12 and biases the head toward the rest position. A tension adjustment knob 80 in the head 12 permits adjustment of the spring 60 to a tension level according to the ergonomic requirements of a user. In a second embodiment of the invention an improved locking mechanism comprises a pivoting lock lever 260 held against the top wall 262 of a recess 264 in the head 202 of the squeegee by a retainer 278. The lock 260 is movable between locked and released positions.

Abstract: A two stroke steam-to-vacuum engine comprises a first cylinder (12) having a first piston (16), a first piston rod (18), and a first steam chamber (24), and a second cylinder (14) having a second piston (30), a second piston rod (32), and a second steam chamber (38). Each piston is reciprocally moveable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. Admission of steam at atmospheric pressure into the steam chambers (24, 38) is controlled by steam valves (52, 54) and exposure of the steam chambers (24, 38) to a vacuum is controlled by vacuum valves (56, 58). The piston rods (18, 32) are fixed for simultaneous reciprocation such that a power stroke in one cylinder produces a steam intake stroke in the other cylinder. Steam to the steam chambers (24, 38) is supplied through a steam reservoir (42) and a solar power source (44), from a boiler, a fuel of choice, or a variety of alternate sources of heat.

Abstract: A spring-biased pivoting squeegee 10 provides a head 12 pivotally attached to a handle 16. The head 12 is movable between a rest position, in which the head 12 is angularly displaced from the handle 16, and a biased position in which the head 12, handle 16, and wiping blade 14 are in linear relation. In the biased position, the wiping blade is maintained at an optimum angle for cleaning a glass surface even with the handle 16 held generally perpendicular to the glass. A spring 60 is fully contained in the head 12 and biases the head toward the rest position. A tension adjustment knob 80 in the head 12 permits adjustment of the spring 60 to a tension level according to the ergonomic requirements of a user.

Abstract: A treatment for conditions in human beings associated with either or both reactive arthritis or bursitis comprising a combination of acyclovir, minocycline hydrochloride, and metronidazole. An alternate treatment comprises the combination of valacyclovir hydrochloride, minocycline hydrochloride, and metronidazole.

Abstract: A chest-mounted paint carrier and method for painting comprises a low profile paint receptacle depending from a mounting plate positioned at a painter's chest level, the paint receptacle hinged and pivoted from the mounting plate such that it is maintained in an upright position at all times, the receptacle having a lower dimension extending not below the painter's waist for ergonomic and efficient placement of the paint receptacle and improved access to the paint. A new method of painting using a chest-mounted paint carrier increases freedom of movement and frees both hands of the painter for other uses.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for detecting the presence of a fish on a fishing line, comprising a sensor for measuring tension on the fishing line and generating an electronic signal related thereto. The signal is processed by a filter circuit which removes signal components caused by environmental conditions such as winds, wave and current action, boat drift or snags. The filter circuit produces a signal output only if the tension reading is characteristic of a fish bite on the line. The preferred form of the invention includes two parts: a detecting and transmitting device for attachment to a fishing rod, and a receiving device which also functions as a storage box. A rotatable control is provided for adjusting the sensitivity of the device. The filter output is encoded by the transmitting device, and transmitted as radio waves. The radio waves are received by the receiving device, converted back into an electric signal and decoded.

Abstract: Pants convertible into a hammock comprise a pair of pant legs separable by unfastening front and back fasteners extending from the waist to crotch of the pant legs, each pant leg openable to a flat formation by unfastening an inseam fastener, the opened pant legs convertible into a hammock configuration by abutting and fastening together bottom edges of the pant legs, wherein the hammock pants may be suspended from an adjacent structure by inserting a pair of rigid rods into sleeves provided at the waist portion of the pant legs in the hammock configuration, and by unfolding a plurality of straps attached to the inside surfaces of the pant legs and extending the straps from the ends of the rigid rods to anchor points on the adjacent structure.

Abstract: An improved meal delivery system and a method for delivery of pre-cooked, chilled meals from a central distribution station to a plurality of remote locations in cooperation with an Automatic Guided Vehicle system, and in particular a one-piece, molded, insulated meal-delivery cart for transportation of chilled meals.

Abstract: A surgical retractor comprises a pair of arms having a common pivotal connection and a pair of retractor blades, each blade detachably connected to an arm by a rotating knee joint which allows the retractor blade to rotate about an axis parallel to the arm and also about an axis perpendicular to the arm. A detent locking mechanism allows any selected pair of a plurality of pairs of retractor blades to be detachably attached to the arms. The knee joint comprises an open sleeve for easy sanitizing. The arms are opened and closed using handles having a locking ratchet mechanism and pawl allowing the arms to be locked in any open position.

Abstract: A swaddling blanket (10) including a right-hand folding section (28) with a right side edge (22) having an angular extent (40) and a left-hand folding section (30) with a left side edge (26). Fold lines (42, 44) define the folds for right- and left-hand fold sections and in particular, right-hand fold line (42) positions right side edge (22) parallel with left-hand fold line (44) when right-hand fold section (28) is in its first fold position. This parallel arrangement prompts folding left-hand fold section (30) about fold line (44) at a slightly upward angle over right-hand fold section (28) and around to the back of an infant swaddled in the blanket, forming the blanket snugly around the infant with a minimum of unsecured excess material.

Abstract: A mechanical walker comprises six legs extending from a sphere, the legs organized in a X-Y-Z axial configuration. The sphere and legs support a bearing member. A shell holds the sphere and legs to the bearing member. Movement is accomplished by applying downward force to one of three high legs to walk it over two anchor legs moving the device in the horizontal inclination of the selected high leg. The invention is capable of horizontal movement in six directions offset from each other by sixty degrees. Preferably downward force is applied to the selected high leg using a retractable actuating rod. Slots in the shell, and a groove and prominences in a bottom portion of the actuating rod, prevent the high leg from drifting horizontally. At least three mechanical walkers can support a platform or other conveyance means.

Abstract: An improved method for treatment of conditions in human beings associated with either or both reactive arthritis or bursitis comprising administration of a combination of L-lysine, minocycline hydrochloride, metronidazole, and valacyclovir hydrochloride. A first alternate method comprises administration of L-lysine, minocycline hydrochloride, and metronidazole. A second alternate method comprises administration of L-lysine, minocycline hydrochloride, metronidazole, and isonicotinic acid hydrazide.

Abstract: A pressure-assisted liquid delivery system comprises a flexible reservoir having an exit port and demand valve, a pair of substantially rigid plates for sandwiching the reservoir, and a plurality of loops of elastic rope for compressing the plates around and pressurizing the reservoir such that liquid contents thereof are expelled through the valve when it is opened without application of a suction force.

Abstract: An animated waterfowl decoy apparatus includes a decoy housing, a pair of decoy wing members rotatably connected to the decoy housing, and an elongated stand supporting the housing to position the decoy housing over the surface of a body of water. The apparatus may be readily converted between wind-powered operation and motor-powered operation.

Abstract: A leak-proof fold-top closure and bag comprise front and back sheets of flexible material joined together at lateral sides, but open on top, and a semi-rigid splint attached to the back sheet, wherein a closed configuration includes a first fold formed by folding an upper section of the sheets over the splint and a second fold formed by folding the splint and both sheets forward again to define a reverse fold of the upper section trapped between the splint and bag material, the splint and folded sheets held in place by securing means.