Abstract: A system for preventing scratches, dents and die marks on sheet metal parts during bending and forming operations. The system holds a supply of protective material, such as plastic film, canvas or sailcloth, on a roll or other convenient form and applies the protective material across the die and/or the punch of a press brake or other sheet metal bending or forming equipment. The system is configurable to cover a die or punch of practically any size from a few inches to several feet. The system is programmable to advance the protective material a preset amount after a given number of cycles of the equipment. Different configurations of the system are described which advance the protective material longitudinally along the punch or die or transversely across the punch or die of the press brake.

Abstract: A close-coupled tandem bicycle is described with a shorter wheelbase than a standard tandem bicycle and with the front and rear riders positioned closer together for easier communication and interaction between them. Two pedal cranks drive the rear wheel through a sprocket-and-chain drive. Both the front and rear passenger can steer the bicycle. A main handlebar with long handgrips extends rearward within easy reach of the rear passenger. A secondary handlebar attaches to the main handlebar and extends in front of it for use by the front passenger. The height and forward extension of the secondary handlebar is adjustable independently of the main handlebar so that both passengers can adjust the seat and the handlebars to their liking. The tiding positions can be adjusted to allow two riders of different sizes, such as a child and an adult, to ride together in comfort.

Abstract: Disclosed are means and method to implement a portable and fully functional audio data recording and processing system. Voice data is received, converted to digital representations, compressed and stored in solid state memories. Predefined and user defined data categories are established to enable the operator to efficiently organize data recording and retrieval actions. Data transmission means are provided, and transcription from spoken word to textual information is supported. The use of the present invention as a documentation instrument is described. The integration of the invention with a Charge Coupled Device for recording visual information is presented.

Abstract: A membrane closure which prevents spillage during installation of a water bottle onto a dispenser. The membrane closure provides a water tight seal which is opened after the water bottle is installed by generating a hydraulic shock wave within the bottle. The first embodiment of the membrane seal is folded multiple times then unfolds when subjected to a hydraulic shock wave. The second embodiment has a frangible membrane seal which bursts when subjected to a hydraulic shock wave. The membrane may be weakened along a desired rupture pattern. The third embodiment has a membrane seal attached to the water bottle with two different adhesives, a releasable adhesive which releases when the shock wave is initiated, and a permanent adhesive that prevents the seal from completely detaching from the water bottle. Three methods are presented for generating the hydraulic shock wave to open the membrane seal. In the first method, the water bottle is positioned just above the water dispenser and lowered rapidly.

Abstract: An improved guide wire for use with cardiovascular catheters, particularly angioplasty or balloon dilatation catheters. The guide wire has a solid core wire which makes up the proximal end of the guide wire. The core wire is tapered toward the distal end to increase flexibility. The tapered distal end of the core wire is surrounded by a coil spring, which may be made completely or partially from a highly radiopaque material. A tapered transition device is attached to the coil spring at a selected distance from the distal end of the guide wire. The transition device is roughly bullet-shaped with a tapered distal edge which provides a smooth transition to aid the dilatation catheter in crossing a stenosis. The tapered transition device also serves to predilate very tight stenoses, making it easier to cross the lesion with an angioplasty balloon or other therapeutic device. The transition device can be made of metal or plastic with a radiopaque filler for easier visualization by x-ray or fluoroscopy.

Abstract: An intrusion detection device that can be used singly or in multiplicity to immediately and silently alert the user of attempts to climb over a security fencing system. The invention consists of a base element which attaches to the security fencing, and an alarming arm. The alarming arm is equipped with barrier material, such as concertina wire or barbed wire. The alarming arm is connected to the base element both at a pivot point and through a tensioning means. Attempts to climb over the barrier material result in additional loading of the alarming arm which rotates transversely about the pivot point, and against the force of the tensioning means. This rotational displacement of the alarming arm enables an electrical sensing device which then signals that an intrusion is in progress.

Abstract: A bottle cap having a valve which provides a water tight seal to prevent spillage when a water bottle is inverted for installation onto a water dispenser, but which can be opened after the water bottle is installed by generating a hydraulic shock wave within the bottle to open the valve. A first embodiment has a triple valve seal with mechanical interference between the valve pieces to create an initially water tight seal. A second embodiment employs a dual valve structure. A third embodiment employs a single valve structure. In the first three embodiments, the valves are pivotally attached to the valve body by flexible living hinges. A fourth embodiment has a single linearly sliding valve. Three methods are presented for generating the hydraulic shock wave to open the valve. In the first method, the water bottle is positioned just above the water dispenser and lowered rapidly.

Abstract: A toilet ventilation system which ventilates the air within the bowl of a water closet, deodorizes it, adds air freshener and returns it to the toilet bowl. The system may also serves as a room air freshener and/or a comfort heater for warming the air within the toilet bowl. The system may be equipped to run on AC, DC, or both. The system has four interconnecting modules: a) a ventilator module located beneath the toilet seat, b) a central module which contains the ductwork to connect all of the other modules and the control panel for operating all of the functions of the system, c) a main blower module which contains the centrifugal fan which recirculates the air and filters which deodorize and add fragrance to the air, and d) a heater module which contains an air heater and a centrifugal fan for warming the air beneath the toilet seat.

Abstract: Upholstered furniture, such as an armchair or couch, that is built on a thermoformed plastic frame that replaces the wooden frame in standard furniture construction. The thermoformed frame has a horizontal base with integrally molded legs which support the chair or couch and a vertical back and sides. A plastic foam insert is generally U-shaped so that it forms the undercushion of the seat, the sides of the chair and the arms of the chair in a single piece which fits into the thermoformed frame. The plastic foam insert is made so that it interlocks with the thermoformed frame without the need for additional fasteners. A fabric slipcover, which has zipper closures for easy installation and removal, covers the frame and the plastic foam insert and holds them together as a unit. A plastic foam seat cushion and a plastic foam back cushion, each with their own fabric covers, complete the chair or couch.