Abstract: Improvements in a compliant upright drink insulator attachment device that is works with a standard drink insulator. The attachment device uses two parts where one part mates with the second part to slip through a standard insulated drink holder. These insulated drink holders are commonly called coolies or koozies and are manufactured with a central hole to allow for draining. A clip connects a compliant cord to one or both of the two parts. The compliant cord is configured as a coiled cord. A weight is connected to the free end of the compliant cord to keep the insulated drink holder in an upright orientation in the water. The compliant cord allows the weight to move semi independent from the insulated drink holder, and further allows the weight to be stored within the insulated drink holder for storage when it is not being used.

Abstract: A combination low voltage light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a yard wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. Outdoor lighting and sound is produced with low voltage lighting that is wired or solar powered for operation. The fixture may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in near or around the fixture. The fixture may include a feedback system that allow the fixture to self modify its frequency response. The signal to the fixture is provided by wired or wireless interface. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity or color.

Abstract: A solar powered air vehicle that can stay aloft for indefinite periods of time. The vehicle employs photovoltaic solar cells for primary power and high speed counter-rotating flywheels for energy storage and steering of the vehicle. The flywheels are placed in the wing to reduce airfoil drag. A control law provides three-axis stabilized control of the vehicle by controlling propeller pitch to vary the speeds of the flywheels.

Abstract: Improvements in an emergency switch for an end cap flashlight that allows conducting power to the light source by applying side or rotational force on the end caps of the flashlight. The cap is designed to give faster and more convenient access to light in an emergency, or when needed. The end cap connects to the inner conductor with a castled shape that allows the conductors to be moved in or out alignment to allow or prevent contact. The gasket or washer provides insulation and spacing of the conductors. Side forces on the end cap overcome the spacing of the washer to make electrical contact. The end cap may also support a glass breaking device. The glass breaker is a hardened tip on the end of the cap.

Abstract: Improvements in a window screen are disclosed. The improvements include the use of a woven pattered window screen. The window screen design includes a woven non-geometric pattern to create a more visually appealing image when looking at and through the window screen. The woven screen material is held onto a base frame with an elastomeric bead. The screen can also be retained in a retractable roll where it can be withdrawn to cover a door, or as an awning. The woven image can include a variety of patterns and pattern variations including flowers, leaves, pictures, images and seasonal patterns.

Abstract: Improvements in a smoke alarm are presented. The multifunction smoke alarm unit includes separate sensors within a single enclosure for detecting smoke and occupancy, sounding a distinctive audible alarm when combustion is detected or the presence of a person within the area of the sensor. The multifunction smoke alarm can replace an existing single function smoke alarm. Multiple multifunction smoke alarms are networkable together for various purposes. Additional features include intruder alarm, visitor annunciator, integrated illumination source, external lighting control, HVAC system control, ceiling fan control, ventilation control, and/or fire safety system control. The proposed multifunction smoke alarm provides much-needed improvements for security, energy saving, safety, and user convenience without the need for completely separate systems for each purpose.

Abstract: The present invention is a system which improves the airflow in a disc braking system by using impellers which are powered by a drive shaft that is rotated via a roller that is contacted with the brake rotor. A housing is provided that fits on a brake disc which holds the impellers, drive shaft, and filters. In an alternative embodiment, twin impellers could be used on either side of the rotor to maximize the air flow through the impellers. It is another object of the present invention to provide an impeller shroud housing that has an inlet to allow air to enter the shrouding. There is a mesh filter on the inlet which can capture particles as air is forced into the shrouding. Another filter on the shroud housing outlet to capture the remaining particles as air is forced out of the shroud housing and onto the rotor to aid in cooling of the braking system.

Abstract: A 4 wheeled cart for transporting and storing a barrel including a handle permanently attached to the side of the cart. Raising the handle simultaneously raises the wheels off the ground to prevent cart movement. The barrel can be restrained to the cart by locking the handle which extends up and over the cart. The cart can also tilt the barrel off center axis to provide more efficient extraction of liquids with a suction device.

Abstract: Improvements in a drum is disclosed. The improvements include the ability for a single drum center hoop to accommodate different end hoops to replicate the acoustical properties of the 39 snare drums that are commonly used. The drum hoops are each constructed with a key that allows mating pieces to connect in only one specific location or orientation. The keying ensures that the snare bed is properly oriented for optimal tone and function of the drum snare. Each side is individually changeable, nestable and stackable to make larger drums or drums with different cosmetic features. The materials and material thicknesses are also alterable to change the resulting tonal characteristics of the drum. The membrane edge support is alterable of changeable without requiring the entire drum to be replaced.

Abstract: The present invention is for an apparatus for use on a personal water craft having a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a hood movably connected to the forward portion of the deck, an engine position within the hull, a seat mounted atop the deck for accommodating at least one rider and comprising: at least one multi-purpose rack is clamped to the personal water craft; wherein at least a portion of the multi-purpose rack is disposed forward of the seat; wherein at least a portion of the multi-purpose rack extends outwardly from the hood to a peripheral edge of the water craft; and wherein the multi-purpose rack has a surface for carrying one or more items. Wherein the multipurpose rack can hold and store items such as fishing equipment, camping equipment, water skies, wake boards, scuba diving equipment, and inner-tubes on the personal water craft.

Abstract: The Sliding Safety Hinge Assembly (SSHA) minimizes the degree of personal injury or discomfort that could result from accidental closure of the lid of a box, i.e. “toy box”, by pinching a finger between the lid and box, particularly as the obstruction approaches the side or rear of the box near the hinge. A traditional hinge attached to the lid and rear of box carcass provides a fixed pivot point such that a severe pinch point exists due to the leverage of the lid. The SSHA reduces this potential by a sliding design such that the hinge element normally fastened to the rear of the box is rather installed on a slide assembly allowing free sliding motion in the vertical plane at the rear of the box. The SSHA assembly would include a slide, pivot and counter weight device to reduce the weight of the lid.

Abstract: Novel hardware is disclosed for supporting drums. The hardware is of a hinged construction and has one part of the hinge connectable to an external support, e.g., J-rods on a fixed pedestal support or a marching drum carrier, and another part of the hinge connectable to the shell of a drum or to the tension rods on a drum or to other supporting hardware installed on the drum.