Abstract: A portable door lock with a strike plate, a bolt, and a magnet is disclosed. The strike plate has a boss that fits into the recess of a door frame, and has at least one aperture for accommodating the bolt. The strike plate may also have a handle for gripping by the user when inserting the strike plate into the recess of a door frame. Once the strike plate is fitted into the recess of a door frame, a bolt is inserted through the aperture or apertures, and the magnet is placed in the area between the door, the strike plate, and the bolt. The door is thereby secured, without the need for any tools.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated flow controller for compressed air systems is disclosed. The flow controller includes a control panel, a transducer for sampling downstream air pressure, an electrical actuator with an electric motor, and a valve driven by the motor. The flow controller also optionally includes a bypass assembly and battery backup system. The transducer measures downstream pressure, and an electrical actuator incrementally positions the valve to maintain set point pressure between the flow controller and the point of use. By using an electrical actuator rather than the traditional pneumatic actuator, the present invention avoids the contamination and response time problems that have plagued earlier flow controllers.

Abstract: A method for a modified “Washers” tossing game are revealed. The method includes using modular panels with slots, colored washers, and stakes. Using the kit, a simple or complex course consisting of different target areas can be constructed. Sample rules for the new game are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable dynamometer station with a vehicle mounted lifting assembly is disclosed. It comprises (a) a vehicle, such as a bus, for transporting the dynamometer, (b) a dynamometer with associated monitoring equipment, and (c) a lifting assembly mounted in the vehicle, for transporting the dynamometer from the vehicle to the ground. The lifting assembly includes (i) an upper support beam, (ii) a lower support beam, (iii) a moving trolley on the lower support beam, (iv) a first hydraulic cylinder for moving the lower support beam and the trolley relative to the upper support beam, (v) a second hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the dynamometer or other load from the moving trolley, and (vi) a series of pulleys and cables for movement of the lower support beam, the moving trolley, and the dynamometer or other load.

Abstract: A lighter fluid composition usable for starting barbecues and the like that comprises naturally occurring combustible materials, which is clean burning and results in low volatile organic compound (VOC) emission during combustion, which is biodegradable and easily disposable, and which burns with a pleasant aroma and does not impart any unpleasant hydrocarbon odor or flavor to food cooked on a barbecue. The composition preferably comprises between approximately 0.5 weight percent and approximately 90 weight percent of a terpene or terpenoid oil, and between approximately 0.5 weight percent and approximately 98.5 weight percent of short chain alcohol, between approximately 0.5 weight percent and approximately 60 weight percent of water, between approximately 0.1 weight percent and approximately 10 weight percent of surfactant, and between approximately 0.5 weight percent and approximately 10 weight percent of thickening agent.

Abstract: A one-piece, transparent flexible ear coupler for use with hearing evaluation is disclosed. It includes an annular side wall and a bottom wall forming an acoustic chamber. A flexible adhesive-backed flange is disposed on the periphery of the ear coupler. The flange attaches to the subject's head, firmly holding the ear coupler in place over the ear. The annular side wall has a port for the placement of a transducer assembly, and also has ribs to help lock the transducer assembly in place. The transducer assembly can be placed in an up or down position, and can be switched between positions while the coupler is attached to the subject's head. The ear coupler advantageously conforms to the subject's head, thereby minimizing the likelihood that the ear coupler will become detached during testing. The coupler can be inexpensively manufactured, since its one-piece design allows the use of relatively low-cost processes such as injection molding and thermoforming.

Abstract: A trimmer head for use with rotary vegetation cutting devices is disclosed. The head has a wear guide that indicates when the body of the trimmer head is worn down and needs replacement. In an embodiment of the invention, the body comprises two plates that are molded to fit together. The plates have bores for holding connecting pins. The connecting pins not only hold the plates together, but also pivotably support cutting blades, by fitting into openings in the blades.

Abstract: This invention provides arrays of independently acting compliant electrical contacts within a fuel cell. These contacts maintain electrical contact between a plate and the adjacent membrane electrode assembly, and provide substantially uniform internal pressure distribution and substantially uniform electrical contact. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts are springs, which can take a variety of forms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluation of hearing loss is disclosed. The apparatus and method use evoked Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) to determine if the subject is able to hear repeatedly administered click stimuli. In order to optimize evaluation, the present invention uses normative data to accurately weight the auditory responses, so that evaluation will be possible in different or changing noise conditions.

Abstract: A noninvasive apparatus and method for measuring a subject's end tidal carbon monoxide concentration is disclosed, featuring the ability to (i) determine carbon monoxide concentration on a breath-by-breath basis, (ii) determine mean carbon monoxide concentration by averaging local carbon monoxide values, (iii) avoid the premature determination that an end tidal phase is over, and (iv) determine when breath variability or system variability will likely preclude accurate testing. The disclosed device and method allow for more robust determination of end tidal carbon monoxide concentration in subjects with turbulent or irregular breath patterns.