Abstract: Socket-type wrenches using a magnetic ratchet/clutch-type apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus preferably employs several pawls, as well as a ratchet-type wheel for engaging the pawls. The apparatus also utilizes the wrench's body which defines a chamber in which the wheel is received for rotation relative to the wrench body. The chamber also defines pockets for positioning the pawls adjacent the wheel to facilitate their movement between a drive position and a release position. In the drive position, at least one pawl is sandwiched between the wheel and a wall of the pocket to prevent the wrench body and the wheel from rotating relative to each other which enables a drive stroke to be made with the wrench. In the release position, the pawl is disengaged from the wheel which permits one to make a return stroke with the wrench. The apparatus further includes a ring magnet mounted on at least one side of the wheel for magnetically attracting the pawls to facilitate their movement into the drive position.

Abstract: A rotary hammer mill for breaking, cutting and crushing frangible or fracturable solid materials. The hammer is formed by a shaft rotatable about a horizontal, longitudinal axis. A plurality of swinging hammers are aligned along the shaft and each is positioned in a separate vertical plane for partial swinging movement about its own pivot axis parallel to and spaced from the shaft axis. The hammer mill is adapted for mounting on a self-propelled, dirigible vehicle and is capable of breaking, cutting and crushing a wide variety of materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and adjusting the position of a workpiece in relation to a machine are disclosed. The apparatus includes an edge guide against which an edge of the workpiece is placed; and a swinging support structure for (1) supporting the edge guide for swinging movement in a plane to adjust the edge guide's distance from the machine, and for (2) maintaining the edge guide in a generally parallel orientation relative to the machine as the edge guide is swung to and from the machine. The method includes placing the edge of the workpiece against the edge guide so that the workpiece is in the parallel orientation relative to the machine; and swinging the edge guide to adjust its distance from the machine so that the workpiece will be in a desired position relative to the machine when the workpiece's edge is against the edge guide.

Abstract: Continuous, non-invasive method and apparatus for measuring blood pressure parameters and the like are disclosed. One disclosed apparatus includes an earpiece for sealing an individual's ear canal so that arterial blood pressure changes adjacent the sealed ear canal produce air pressure changes in the sealed ear canal. The apparatus further includes pressure sensing means for measuring the air pressure changes in the sealed ear canal and producing a signal related to the measured air pressure changes. In addition, the apparatus preferably includes processing means for processing the signal to measure blood pressure parameters, as well as means for displaying and/or recording the processed signal. The method may be used to determine heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume, cardiac function, circulatory function, and other parameters. To obtain absolute pressure readings, two sensors, one in each ear, may be used to monitor pulse time transit delay.

Abstract: A storage enclosure ideally suited for use under kitchen cabinets on the kitchen counter top is disclosed. The enclosure has a top, bottom, right and left side, as well as a roll-top lid. The roll-top lid is slidably received in grooves provided in the right and left sides of the enclosure, which enable the lid to be opened and closed in the normal fashion a roll-top lid is used. The enclosure also includes notches located at the ends of the grooves on the backside of the enclosure for enabling the roll-top lid to be easily removed from the enclosure. In addition, the leading edge of the roll-top lid is provided with a cutting blade for cutting sheet material which is dispensed from the enclosure.

Abstract: Socket-type wrenches using a magnetic ratchet/clutch-type apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus preferably employs several pawls, as well as a ratchet-type wheel for engaging the pawls. The apparatus also utilizes the wrench's body which defines a chamber in which the wheel is received for rotation relative to the wrench body. The chamber also defines pockets for positioning the pawls adjacent the wheel to facilitate their movement between a drive position and a release position. In the drive position, at least one pawl is sandwiched between the wheel and a wall of the pocket to prevent the wrench body and the wheel from rotating relative to each other which enables a drive stroke to be made with the wrench. In the release position, the pawl is disengaged from the wheel which permits one to make a return stroke with the wrench. The apparatus further includes a ring magnet mounted on at least one side of the wheel for magnetically attracting the pawls to facilitate their movement into the drive position.

Abstract: A system for supporting and maintaining the upper portion of a building structure in a level condition includes a vertically adjustable load-bearing assembly including a plurality of spaced support jacks supporting the upper portion above a lower portion of the building structure, the support jacks being adjustable vertically in height independent of the other in order to maintain the upper portion in a level condition, and a plurality of level indicators fixed relative to the upper portion that cooperate with each other to indicate whether the upper portion is level.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for body toning which includes the reduction of total body fat content. The method includes squeezing a fatty area of an individual's body with an energized pair of electrodes or probes so as to pass an electrical signal through the fatty area which is sufficient to rupture or break down fat cells in the fatty area. The electrical signal is set so that it has a frequency preferably between 15 and 60 Hz and a current between about 2000 and 3600 micro amperes. The squeezing technique is preferably followed with a technique referred to as gliding. Gliding involves adjusting the energization of the probes so that they preferably generate a signal having a frequency of between about 125 and 600 Hz and a current of between about 1600 and 2400 microamps.

Abstract: Decking systems for recreational vehicles are disclosed as well as methods of assembling the decking systems. One of the disclosed system provides a rectangular deck which contains a plurality of elongated side-by-side disposed boards. The deck has an inner edge for attachment to the exterior of a recreational vehicle. The inner edge is formed by a plurality of the ends of the plurality of side-by-side disposed boards. The system also includes an inner edge support for attachment to the exterior of the motor vehicle which receives the plurality of the board ends to support the deck's inner edge. In addition, the system has a frame for maintaining the plurality of boards in side-by-side disposition, and for cooperating with the inner edge support to secure the deck defined by the boards to the recreational vehicle. The deck is also provided with support legs for supporting the deck so that it is generally level, and at an elevated position relative to the surface supporting the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for improving electrical and light producing efficiency in two terminal, direct current, low voltage incandescent lamp dimming wherein a small inductance in series with the power source, lamp, and two terminal controller boosts the voltage supplied to the timing circuitry. Accordingly, the voltage level of the controlling signal applied to the insulated gate of the field effect transistor is increased as well, improving electrical efficiency and allowing for efficient use with a wide range of supply voltage, from 18 volts or more down to as low as one volt. Also a technique is provided whereby, even though using only two terminals, lamp intensity is regulated over a wide range of supply voltage excursions, improving light producing efficiency in incandescent lamps. Also, this same technique proportionally reduces current demand when the supply voltage exceeds that of the lamp, affording increased energy extraction efficiency from batteries.

Abstract: A system for cleaning fabric-like surfaces, such as carpet, fabric, upholstery, and the like is disclosed. The system includes a Y-type connector for receiving and mixing pressurized air and pressurized cleaning solution to produce a mixture thereof. In addition, the system includes a nozzle in communication with the Y-type connector for atomizing the mixture to produce atomized cleaning solution, which is sprayed onto a fabric-like surface to clean the surface. A supply source for supplying the Y-connector with pressurized cleaning solution is also provided, as well as a pressurized air source for supplying the Y-connector with pressurized air. In addition, the system includes a vacuum generating mechanism for generating suction to remove cleaning solution having been sprayed onto a fabric-like surface.

Abstract: A meltable food product for applying seasonings to food, or serving as a sauce for food, is disclosed. The product is designed to apply seasonings to food when it melts, which occurs as the food is cooked. The product has a gel-like consistency and is comprised of water, a solidifying agent, a food base, and seasonings embedded in the product. Methods for making and using the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing hair on a subject's scalp are disclosed. The method includes pinching an area of a subject's scalp having hair bulbs for at least 2 seconds with a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are energized so that they pass a low voltage, low current and low frequency signal through the pinched area of the subject's scalp. The frequency of the signal is preferably less than about 6 Hz and the current thereof is preferably between about 50 and 800 microamps. The foregoing process is periodically repeated over several weeks, preferably months, to regrow or enhance the growth of hair on the treated area. The frequency and current of the signal are also preferably altered or varied each treatment for optimum results.