Abstract: An apparatus for managing energy consumption in an unoccupied room having a keycard actuated card and a plurality of appliance control units interposed between electrical appliances and their power sources such that the card reader wirelessly transmits signals to the appliance control units upon insertion and removal of the keycard and the appliance control units energize the appliances only when the keycard is present in the card reader.

Abstract: The golf putting practice apparatus of this invention includes a base having a bias clement attached thereto and a flexible connecting element connected between the bias element and an attachment assembly, which may be releasably attached to a putter. The bias element provides tension to the connecting element in order to maintain the portion of the connecting element extending between attachment assembly and the bias element taut, thereby providing a substantially linear alignment reference along which an individual may traverse the putter.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for moving and thermally conditioning generally cylindrical containers in which the structure provides for movement of the containers about their axes and provides for a predetermined heat flow relative to the containers to change the temperature of the containers by a predetermined amount. The apparatus may be used for cooling of hot containers or for both heating the containers for sterilization and then subsequent cooling, if desired.

Abstract: An extension that is attachable to metered dose inhalers for more effective and efficient delivery of the medication to the lungs of the user. The extension comprises a member having a bore therethrough that is sized and configured at a first end to match the size and shape of the inhaler nozzle, tapers to a reduced cross-section and extends with a generally uniform cross-section for at least one inch to the second end so as to force the user to slowly inhale the medication into the lungs. An adaptor attached to the first end of the member receives the nozzle therein so that the nozzle is in fluid flow communication with the bore of the member. A portion of the member, including the second end, defines a mouthpiece at least one and one half inches long that is receivable in the mouth of a user.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus to which a bicycle may be attached for indoor training of cyclists. The apparatus includes a turntable rotatably mounted to a frame and a bicycle support device slidably connected to the frame for moving a bicycle along two axes in relation to the turntable. When a bicycle is mounted on the apparatus, the cyclist by turning the handlebars to the right or to the left in relation to the handlebars centered position, moves the support device forward or rearward and the contact point of the tire forward or rearward on the turntable. The first support becomes unstable in both the forward and rearward positions, moving the bicycle inwardly or outwardly, respectively, in relation to the turntable, increasing or decreasing, respectively, the moment arm of the force applied by the bicycle tire on the turntable as the bicycle is pedaled.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for positioning a maxillary dental arch model in a dental articulator to simulate the positioning of a maxillary dental arch represented by the arch model. The arch model may be positioned on a plate having a substantially planar surface with a fulcrum point through which three generally mutually perpendicular axes are aligned. In addition, the plate may be movably mounted to an articulator and adjusted with respect to these axes based upon three linear and three angular measurements related to the positioning of a patient's maxillary dental arch in the patient's skull.

Abstract: A reciprocating tool post assembly is disclosed that may provide substantially linear excursions of a cutting tool mounted therein. The apparatus includes a voice coil assembly having a longitudinal axis that provides for the reciprocating movement of the assembly and to which a pair of coil arms is attached. The assembly also includes a pair of lever arms, each being pivotally attached between a respective coil arm and a draw bar, with a pair of fulcrum members attached to a base of the assembly that engage each respective lever arm to provide a fulcrum about which each respective lever arm may pivot. One end of the draw bar is attached to a tool support that is guided in a substantially axial movement by a guide member, such that, when a cutting tool is attached to the tool support and the movement of the voice coil causes the cutting tool to reciprocate substantially axially with respect to the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conduit that is at least partially encased within a containment housing. The containment housing provides structure for containment of fluids from a leaking or totally failed conduit and for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid through the leaking conduit. More particularly, the apparatus comprises at least one conduit that is at least partially received within a containment housing. A valve is attached to the conduit so that it is in fluid flow relationship with the conduit. The valve is biased toward a closed position, but is held in the open position by a block located within the containment chamber defined by the space between the exterior of the conduit and the interior of the containment housing. When a predetermined fluid leaks from the conduit into the containment chamber the fluid structurally alters the block and the valve moves to the closed position blocking the flow of fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: An improved biopsy specimen cutter utilizes a wire loop, attached to a hand-manipulable trigger mechanism, for severing the tissue sample from the host. A removable dilator is insertable into the biopsy specimen cutter for the purpose of positioning the cutter adjacent the tissue to be removed, and after such placement, the dilator is withdrawn, the specimen cutter is advanced into the tissue, the trigger mechanism is retracted causing the loop to sever the tissue, and the specimen cutter and the specimen contained therein are withdrawn.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing from a rigid single-wall tank having spindle members attached to and extending outwardly of each of its end portions a rigid double-wall tank for the storage of liquids. The method includes applying to the exterior surface of the inner tank a spacing material, applying over the inner tank and the spacing material an outer sheath with at least a portion of the outer sheath applied adjacent to each spindle member then removing at least one of the spindle members from the end portions of the inner tank and urging the outer sheath overlying the end portions away from the end portions to form a space between the end portion of the inner tank and the outer sheath, inserting into the spacing material and then sealing the end portion of the inner tank by applying a substantially liquid-tight sheath.

Abstract: A weight training apparatus is particularly designed to exercise the lower limbs, and primarily intended to improve a track athlete's performance from the starting blocks. The apparatus includes independent, adjustable sliding foot supports that are coupled to a resistance mechanism. The athlete faces a shoulder support with his or her shoulders against the support and places his or her feet on the foot supports, such that pushing on each foot mount causes force to be transferred between the shoulder support and the corresponding foot supports.

Abstract: An electrical switch and connector interlock mechanism permits ready reception and removal of a connector portion on a power cable from a connector portion attached to the unit and prevents current flow when the two connector portions are unseated or when a line connector is not received within the unit.

Abstract: A lifting lug is disclosed for securing a hoist to a tank, in which that lifting lug is stored within the tank but may be moved to a position extending through an opening in the sidewall of the tank for attachment to a hoist to provide for lifting of the tank, with subsequent removal back to a stored position inside the tank.

Abstract: Pressurized containers are sorted into a certain repeated alignment and pushed in series through a controlled pressure chamber which is maintained at pressure lower than the pressure within the containers and is sealed against pressure leakage to the exterior as the containers are introduced and moved therethrough. Within the sealed chamber the containers are pierced and heated so that fluids in the pressurized containers exit into the sealed chamber for removal and recovery from the sealed chamber.

Abstract: A portable exercise device that is usable in the home by attachment to supporting structure. The device comprises a pair of bases that are configured for attachment to a support, a member having a peripheral edge being pivotally attached to one of the bases and a bar being pivotally attached to the other base. One end of the bar is attached to the base to which the member is attached by a resistance mechanism. To the other end of the bar is attached a strap that engages a portion of the peripheral edge of the member and extends therefrom for attachment to a grip. This structure reduces the resistance force produced by the resistance mechanism as the exerciser approaches full contraction of the muscle group being exercised to ensure a completely full contraction is made. The device also compensates for the use of a non-linear resistance mechanism. In addition the resistance provided by the device is easily adjustable, providing the appropriate resistance for the particular muscle group being exercised.

Abstract: A device for clearing grilles covering water intake ports on watercraft whereby the grille may be easily cleared while remaining on or in the watercraft. The clearing device comprises at least one scraper that includes a base and a plurality of teeth extending outwardly from the base. A line is attached to the scraper and extends outwardly in opposing directions therefrom. By grasping one end of the line in each hand and looping the clearing device below the hull adjacent the grilles, the user moves the scraper back and forth across the grille so that the teeth grab the grasses and other materials pulling them free.