Abstract: An improvement to a writing instrument with stylus, a pocket clip and an integrated letter-opening blade. The improvement consists of locating the letter-opening blade in the pocket clip of the pen. The blade is prevented from cutting the pocket of the user due to a blade protector that is mechanically linked to the mechanism that extends and retracts with the marking or writing tip. In an alternate embodiment, the blade is located on the opposite side of the pocket clip. The extending and retracting mechanism can be a variety of types including twists press, sliding. The stylus provides input to a PDA, touch screen or other tactile input device. Another embodiment includes a letter opener with a stylus.

Abstract: Improvements in present day fire hydrants are presented. The improvement relates to a fire hydrant where the above ground structure is essentially removed and is replaced with an adaptable connection. The connection uses the same mounting hole pattern as used in the above ground hydrant. In operation, the adaptable connection is protected by a hinged cover that is opened to provide access to the adaptable connection. The adaptable connection includes a bayonet type connection where a portable fire hydrant is secured and rotated to start the flow of water. The adapter includes an electronic communication device that transmits real-time information on connection and flow characteristics. The adaptable fire connection eliminates the appearance of the fire hydrant, the potential of a vehicle hitting a fire hydrant and the material cost associated with above ground fire hydrants.

Abstract: A foot rest and foot holding apparatus is disclosed that protects a users foot from ground obstructions. The foot holding apparatus has multiple friction points to reduce movement of a foot in the apparatus. The structure includes serrated inserts that grip the bottom of a shoe to maintain the foot in position. The inserts are replaceable or changeable to accommodate foot placement preference. The foot peg inserts have a serrated top structure for gripping the underside of a shoe and have an inner and an outer component that can be used individually or in combination. The nerf structure is a combination fabric and welded metal brush guard where the foot pegs are mounted.

Abstract: An adjustable tripod stand having independently adjustable legs includes an upright member for supporting an object, such as a drum, at its upper end. A pair of independently movable collar members are slidably mounted on the upright member and longitudinally adjustable relative to and past one another and to an upright portion for selective positioning thereon. A releasable fastener on the collars secures them to the upright member at selected positions. Three movable leg members are connected at their upper ends, two to one of the collar members and one to the other collar member. Movement of the collar members permits the stand to be erected in limited or confined areas. The stand preferably includes a leg extender member slidably mounted on the exterior one of the leg members, which is movable a selected distance permitting the stand to be positioned on different levels, such as stairs.

Abstract: A virtual notary Kiosk is disclosed for performing live electronic personal signatory verification, authentication and screening for the purpose of transacting remote electronic notarizations with live notaries. The virtual notary is a process that is compliant with the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act, and Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. The virtual notary incorporates several electronic components, (digital web cam, electronic signature and thumbprint pad, electronic notary seal, electronic notary journal, video/audio transmission software for cellular/PDA or portable pc device, P.O.S. {point of sale} device, and electronic transaction manager {computer}, electronic scanner/printer, electronic remote notary/client software); all of the aforementioned allow both potential signatory and notary to execute electronic notarizations from remote locations.

Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The sound producing elements is an arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers oriented directed to emit sound in a particular direction. 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 lighting fixture where the lighting fixture uses inductive lighting technology or self ballasting lighting elements with one or a plethora of efficient light elements. The lighting fixture is used where high bay or low bay lighting may be used, but incorporates multiple light sources to provide an equivalent light intensity. The multiple light sources can be inductive or multiple fluorescent, LED or other efficient light sources to provide a less expensive cost of operation and installation. The higher efficiency lights could be standard socket type fluorescent or inductive light bulbs that are easily available. The higher efficiency lights will also create less heat that will further reduce the air conditioning or cooling costs for the building. An integrated ballast box with reflector dome retainer is also shown for use with inductive or other lighting that further includes a retaining mechanism for the dome.

Abstract: A drum gauge is disclosed that provides a measurement of the length of the tension rods. In operation the gauge is compressed, placed around each tension rod and released. A display on the gauge provides a numerical value for the relative exposed length of the tension rod(s). The gauge is then moved to each tension rod to determine the length of each rod or the gap or space between the hoops or between the hoop and the lug casings. A nut on the end of each tension rod is adjusted until all the tension rods are adjusted to the same length. The gauge allows the head to be evenly adjusted so the same pitch exists in all locations on the drum head. The gauge has a lip to ensure it is placed consistently on each tension rod and further includes posts to allow the gauge to be used with drums made with different tension rods, counter hoops, claws and lug casings.

Abstract: Improvements in present day fire hydrants are presented. The improvement relates to a fire hydrant where the above ground structure is essentially removed and is replaced with an adaptable connection. The connection uses the same mounting hole pattern as used in the above ground hydrant. In operation, the adaptable connection is protected by a hinged cover that is opened to provide access to the adaptable connection. The adaptable connection includes a bayonet type connection where a portable fire hydrant is secured and rotated to start the flow of water. The adaptable fire connection eliminates the appearance of the fire hydrant, the potential of a vehicle hitting a fire hydrant and the material cost associated with above ground fire hydrants.