Abstract: A collapsible, cargo carrier designed to be attached to the rack on the roof or truck lid on a vehicle. The carrier includes an enclosure made of durable, water-proof, coated vinyl material with a closeable inner lid. An outer lid is disposed over the inner lid and the enclosure to provide two wind and water-proof barriers over the cargo. The outer lid is attached along one edge to the front panel of the enclosure via a flexible, water-proof hinge also made of coated vinyl material. The enclosure and inner and outer lids are made of coated vinyl material which enables them to be sewn or heat welded together during manufacturing. A plurality of adjustable anchor straps are disposed longitudinally over the cargo carrier which are used to selectively attach it to the rack. A plurality of compression straps are disposed transversely over the cargo carrier which are used to adjust the shape of the carrier to the shape of the cargo items carried therein and to make the cargo carrier more aerodynamic.

Abstract: An improved method for processing multiple small batches of waste material from different collection sites is provided. The method uses an apparatus designed to process small batches of waste material from a collection site, such as a septic tank, into waste water and sludge material. Using the apparatus, the waste material first undergoes oxidation with an oxidizing agent and separation with a flocculating agent. After the oxidizing and separating steps are completed, the waste water is then drained from the apparatus and returned to the collection site. The sludge material produced is then transported to a second collection site. The waste material from the second collection site is then added and mixed with the sludge material produced from the first small batch of waste material. The new waste material is then oxidized and separated into waste water and sludge material. The waste water is then drained from the apparatus and deposited into the collection site.

Abstract: A water ski handle system designed to partially absorb and evenly distribute forces generated on the handle component and tow line while skiing. The handle system includes a handle component with two L-shaped corner struts attached to its opposite, opened ends. Each corner strut includes a rigid bushing member which mechanically connects to an end on the handle component, and a perpendicularly aligned long leg member which projects in a forward direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main tow line. A continuous, L-shaped inner passageway is formed inside each corner strut through which the end of the tow line passes to connect to the handle component. The corner radius of the inner passageway is relatively large so that point loading on the tow line is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lift gate cargo cart made of strong, lightweight material, which includes a pallet structure designed to transport cargo that can be selectively attached to the hydraulic lift gate on a delivery truck. When attached to the lift gate, the lift gate cargo cart can be lifted to the level of the bed of the truck for loading and unloading cargo therefrom. The pallet structure includes a rigid frame with a plurality of wheel assemblies mounted on the bottom surface thereof which enables the cargo cart to be manually moved across a horizontal surface. Attached to the top surface of the rigid frame are two roller assemblies aligned in a parallel manner which enable cargo to be manually pushed or pulled over the cargo cart during use. Attached to the front surface of pallet structure is a connection bar which together with a plurality of bolts and washer plates, are used to engage the lift gate on a delivery truck.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having at least one volume adjustable cylinder which automatically adjusts its compression ratio during operation. The volume adjustable cylinder includes a movable head insert placed inside the insert space formed on the engine head directly over the piston. An adjustable lock nut is used to attach the head insert to the engine head and to initially set the position of the head insert in the insert space to establish the initial volume of the combustion chamber of the cylinder. An O-ring made of elastomeric material is disposed between the head insert and the inside surface of the engine head which resists movment of the head insert in the insert space. When the engine operates at higher RPMs, the compression pressure increases inside the cylinder which forces the head insert into the insert space to expand the volume of the combustion chamber which, in turn, reduces the combustion pressure of the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus which uses friction to generate heat for heating liquids. The apparatus includes a cylindrical rotor disk housed inside a close-fitting housing structure. The rotor disk is connected to the shaft of a motor which turns the rotor disk at high revolutions inside the rotor chamber of the housing structure. The rotor disk has a plurality of curved, outward radiating, closed-end passageways formed therein. During operation, liquid flows into the housing structure via an inlet port which fills the rotor chamber of the housing structure and the curved passageways in the rotor disk. When the rotor disk is rotated at high speeds, the liquid located inside the curved passageways is pulled outward by centrifugal forces which creates a vacuum therein. When the vacuum becomes sufficient, the liquid "cracks" or boils at a low temperature. The resulting vapor formed inside the curved passageway suddenly forces the liquid remaining inside the curved passageway outward and exit at relatively high speed.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus and system for treating small batches of waste material from a septic tank or holding tank of a portable restroom service truck. The apparatus includes at least one processing tank capable of holding a small batch of waste material. The processing tank is designed to function as a processing tank in which oxidation of the waste material occurs and as a separation tank in which the oxidized waste material is separated into sludge and waste water. The processing tank has an upper section and a lower hopper section with a discharge pipe attached to the hopper section. Viewing ports are manufactured on the front surface of the processing tank which enables the operator to determine the amount of waste material placed inside the processing tank and to view the oxidation and separation processes occurring therein during treatment. A mixer is also provided which is used to mix the waste material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved golf club having an improved one-way hinge which is more durable than hinges used on typical hinged golf clubs. The hinged golf club includes a tubular shaft divided into an upper and lower sections with the improved hinge disposed therebetween. The hinge includes a pair of female and male hinge members pivotally connected together with a transversely aligned pin. Attached over the hinge members is an outer sleeve with acts to keep the hinge members in continuous alignment. The outer sleeve also has a stop surface prevents movement of lower section of the shaft in one direction beyond the longitudinally aligned position. The hinge also includes an optional pair of spring washers disposed on the pin and between the adjacent surfaces of the female and male hinge members which act to provide resistance to pivoting movement.

Abstract: The adjustable leg supported mouse pad designed to enable a user to use a mouse input device directly over his or her upper leg or thigh while sitting. The leg supported mouse pad includes a saddle structure capable of engaging the user's thigh and horizontally aligning a planar mouse pad attached thereto over the user's thigh. The saddle structure includes a rectangular shaped flexible panel with two five-sided support members attached to the top surface thereon on opposite sides of the flexible panel's transverse axis. When the flexible panel is disposed transversely over the user's upper leg while sitting, the support members are repositioned so that their medial planar surfaces are oriented in a substantially horizontal position. The support members are spaced apart on the flexible panel so that a mouse pad maybe supported on two support member's medial planar surfaces.

Abstract: A combined water purification and power generating plant is disclosed having special features designed to maximize the cycle thermal efficiency and salt recovery, with little or no concentrated brine produced therefrom. Using the plant, a volume of salt water is delivered to a plurality of indirect and direct contact feed heaters. Within the direct contact heaters, the salt water is heated and diluted by condensation therein by super-heated steam delivered thereto. Any alkaline salts having reverse solubility characteristics particulate and are filtered therefrom. From the last direct contact feed heater, the diluted salt water is delivered to a plurality of high pressure, high temperature evaporators arranged in a series which are used to further heat, evaporate and filter the salt water in multiple stages thereby improving the plant's efficiency. A steam heater is used to super-heat a steam which delivered to various areas of the plant to heat and evaporate the salt water.

Abstract: A wrist watch wallet is disclosed having a main band with a watch attached to the outer surface thereof. The main band is designed to conveniently store in a concealed manner such items as currency, keys, and event tickets. The main band is made of thin, flexible, fashionable material and has sufficient length so that it may be wrapped in an overlapping manner around the user's wrist. Attached to the opposite ends of the main band are complimentary primary hook and loop connector pads which are interconnected to hold the main band in place around the user's wrist. During manufacturing, a longitudinally aligned full length opening is formed on the rear surface of the main band which allows access to the full length, longitudinally aligned main pocket formed therein. One end of the main band is closed while the opposite end is opened thereby providing a transversely aligned opening into the main pocket.

Abstract: Color transforming art medium compositions are disclosed herein useful in both the fine and industrial art fields. Spectrally transforming ink and paint compositions comprising one or more spectral elements mixed in a 3% to 50% ratio by volume with a pigmented ink or paint art vehicle. The spectral elements comprising various types of ceramic colorant agents. The art medium composition produced is then applied to the surface of a suitable substrate, such as metal, glass or paper. The substrate and composition is then heated or fired at a relatively high temperature during which the substrate and ink or paint composition undergo partial or complete oxidation.

Abstract: A page number indicating bookmarker capable of being selectively attached to a planar surface in a book which enables a reader to record a desired page number. The page number indicating bookmarker includes plurality of digit indicators which may be selectively attached in a side-by-side manner to any planar surface in the book. Each digit indicator is manipulated to record one digit of the desired page number. Each digit indicator includes an elongated body with a set of digits 0 to 9 aligned longitudinally on the top surface thereof. A collar with a central cutout is attached to the elongated body which slides over the elongated body. The central cutout enables the user to view a digit printed on the top surfaced of the elongated body disposed directly below the collar. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of digit indicators are used in combination with one topic indicator which enables a user to record the page number of important topics or subjects found in the book.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bicycle seat assembly designed for optimal comfort and riding efficiency. The assembly includes a forward, upward extending, rigid support member adjustably attached to the seat tube on a bicycle. In one embodiment, the support member has an adjustable collar assembly which enables the support member to be attached to a standard seat post which is inserted into the seat tube. A v-shaped, extension arm is pivotally attached to the support member. The extension arm may be rotated between a rearward extending position and a forward extending position. The standard bicycle seat, called a primary seat structure herein, is attached to the top surface of one leg segment of the extension arm with a secondary seat structure is attached to the rear surface. When the extension arm is disposed in the rearward extending position, the primary seat structure may be used for normal riding.

Abstract: A method and device is described for recording and storing handwritten telephone messages. The device comprises a box structure which houses a roll of duplicating recording paper having a top sheet and a continuous bottom sheet. The roll of paper is unrolled in the box structure and across a writing surface visible through the window area on a front cover plate attached over the front portion of the box structure. The user records the message on one of a plurality of message outlines on the top sheet in the window area. The leading edge of the bottom sheet is attached to a sleeve member also housed inside the box structure. A handle is attached to the sleeve member which is used to selectively rotate the sleeve member to collect the bottom sheet thereon forming a collection spool which may be removed from the box structure and stored in a convenient location.