Abstract: A tank or vessel volume measurement apparatus that includes multiple buoyancy elements. The buoyancy elements can be placed within a perforated tube to reduce any effects from turbulent flow within the tank. The multiple buoyancy load sensors are each made of different density or cross sections to cancel out any accumulation of contamination that may collect on the buoyancy elements placed within the fluid and to determine the density or specific gravity of the fluid within the tank. The buoyancy elements are attached to a load sensor or strain gauge that measures the weight or load from the buoyancy element. Temperature of other sensors can be placed on the buoyancy elements or within the tank to collect other readings or to adjust for temperature variations. The buoyancy elements can be fabricated in pieces and assembled on site or within the tank to accommodate taller tanks or height restrictions.

Abstract: A method and device for enclosing a portion of hair such that it is not mussed or damaged, yet is aesthetically pleasing. A flexible and elastic elongated material having a cavity therein receives the hair, and the device is unfurled to a desired length.

Abstract: Improvements in a vertical recreational vehicle ramp and lift that allows a recreational vehicle to be stored and transported in a vertical orientation. A cable from the lift mechanism connects to a recreational vehicle. The cable in then retracted to lift the recreational vehicle into a vertical orientation. This method of storage reduces the amount of space that is required to store a recreational vehicle. The storage method can be used in a garage, on the back or within a mobile transportation vehicle. The lifting device can be a powered or manual crank device that lifts the recreational vehicle. The ramp can be used to transport other vehicles into the truck and also provides protection of the wheels of the recreational vehicle against here the vehicle is stored.

Abstract: A hybrid turbo transmission for reduced energy consumption is disclosed. A hybrid turbo transmission configured as a multi-purpose unit (MPU). The MPU recovers energy from the cooling system, exhaust system, ram pressure and the breaking system. The MPU unit is an automatic transmission, supercharger, air compressor for other uses, and starter for the engine using a multi-purpose unit that will eliminate the need for a torque converter or clutch, flywheel, catalytic converter, starter and supercharger. The MPU reduces pollution to near zero and reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient on the vehicle. The MPU uses two or more in-line compressors to transfer power from the power source, such as an internal combustion engine (ICE) to a turbine or multi-stage turbine that acts as an automatic transmission. The hybrid turbo transmission system uses plug-in power as a second source of power.

Abstract: A detection and paramedic measuring system using a transponder composed of passive components and pulse inductive interrogation is disclosed. A methodology based on measuring the quality factor of the transponder is employed to detect a specific species of transponder or measure a parameter that alters the transponders quality factor.

Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the corner when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.

Abstract: Improvements in a microphone system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A horizontal tracking system bridges across the vertical supports of a marimba in a horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positionally secured on the horizontal tracking system. Both the microphones and the horizontal tracking system provide vibration isolation to all of the microphones. A cable management system is also disclosed to reduce mechanical vibration and eliminate transmission of undesirable sounds.

Abstract: A flexible, plastic thin film food package is provided having an elongate opening check valve with an air removal port that allows repeated opening and resealing of the package followed by removal of air and moisture by vacuuming. The top open edge of the food package is bonded to a flexible but rigid frame that fits a lid with the air removal port flat valve. The flat valve is a compressed foam sponge and a thin film housed in a rigid case that is bonded to the lid. Air is removed with a spatula attachment of the vacuum pump that is inserted into the space between the lid and the flat check valve. Once vacuum is induced in the interior of the food package, the film covering the frame is sucked against the lid thereby shutting off influx of air into the package.

Abstract: Drum hardware and drum secured thereon are preferably supported on a vest type carrier or a T-bar carrier having a plurality of separate parts removable from each other and formed of a rigid light material such as plastic or a light metal such as magnesium, aluminum or titanium. The carrier has a vest or belly plate, shoulder supports, and back bar and the shoulder supports are removable and/or adjustable. The supporting elements are of rod or tubular construction. Special padding may be included on the shoulder supports, belly plate portion and other parts where cushioning is needed. The hardware may be universally adjustable.

Abstract: Improvements in a mount for attaching a television of projector to an overhead or ground structure is disclosed. The mount allows for spin, side to side and front to back angle adjustment. The adjustment components are formed from the present projector mount uses metal component having a rack comprising a plurality of formed teeth that are engageable in the recessed side of a crosshead screwdriver that is trademarked as a Phillips screwdriver. The recesses of the crosshead screwdriver act as a pinion gear in the rack to adjust the mounted angle of a projector on the projector mount. This configuration reduces parts count, size and cost without compromising functionality. The axis of rotation of both the side-to-side and front-to-back pass through the projector mount.