Abstract: A compact, lightweight and small removable device enhances the operation and utility of a tape measure when measuring metallic or nonmetallic structures. The device comprises a flat base, a small, powerful rare earth magnet secured to one side of the base, and a spring clip that extends from a bottom edge of the base and up its other side and includes a curved surface normally contacting the base to provide a pocket having an entrance slot for insertion of the zero hook. The zero hook is clamped between the base and the spring clip when inserted through the entry slot into the pocket. The small powerful magnet enables use with metallic surfaces behind wallboard, and above, below and beside the zero hook. A plurality of friction enhancing tangs extend from the spring clip in a direction opposite the magnet for gripping nonmetallic surfaces. The device can also be used to retrieve remote metal tools and other objects.

Abstract: A high frequency, low loss, power, composite magnetic material includes alternating magnetic plates of low hysteresis loss material and electrically insulating films. The multi-layer structure allows for independently and simultaneously controlling and reducing hysteresis loss and eddy current loss, and maintaining a high resistivity, while operating at high frequencies and at high flux density levels, resulting in extremely low net loss density for the composite material. Methods of making this material include co-firing of the magnetic plates and thin insulating films, making the magnetic plates (of low hysteresis material, such as a ferrite) and insulating films separately, and using heat and/or pressure and/or adhesive or making a stack of magnetic plates with spacers in between them and dipping in a molten or liquid insulating material.

Abstract: A flexible tack strip (30, 30′) is provided for mounting the rear hem (28) of a convertible top cover (22) to a vehicle body (12). The tack strip (30, 30′) is preferably glass-filled plastic material (30′) and is sufficiently flexible to enable deformation and insertion through the top storage compartment opening (16) when the topstack (18) is being installed on the vehicle body (12). The tack strip (30, 30′) has at least one stop member (38) which engages a stop clip (42) mounted on the body to limit the upward and forward movement of the tack strip (30, 30′) to secure the cover hem (28) and tension the cover (22) when the top is raised. An optional spring latch (46) can be included adjacent each stop clip to trap the tack strip when installed.

Abstract: An appliance for assisting in the shoeing of horses and other animals is made of malleable galvanized sheet metal. It is formed of a pair of wings which extend outwardly from a center axis and extend upwardly from a line perpendicular to the axis at an angle of approximately 25°-40° to accommodate various hoof trim angles. The wings are wrapped about an animal's hoof and are trimmed, if necessary, to lie flush with the hoof edge. The wings each have a plurality of apertures for receiving the ends of shoeing nails that are clinched to the outer surface of the appliance. The appliance extends the life of a shoeing, prevents loose and thrown shoes and is useful in repairing cracked hooves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the saturated, surface dry (SSD) condition point of aggregates includes warm air-drying of a water saturated aggregate sample of known initial weight. The sample is rotated in an open mesh screened drum, and heated ambient air is passed radially through the drum and the sample to remove water. Initially surface water is removed, followed by pore water. The loss in water weight and the exit air relative humidity (EAH) is tracked by sensors and recorded. The EAH values change significantly at the SSD point. Following SSD point determination, the test procedure continues until all free water is removed from the sample to determine total moisture content of the sample.

Abstract: A plug ejector for ejecting an electrical plug from an electrical power supply socket comprises an electronic device having a controller that monitors and senses electrical power supply characteristics and a solenoid, which operates an ejector member to separate the plug from the socket when predetermined sequence in rapid changes in electrical power supply characteristics are sensed. The plug ejector can be incorporated into an electrical appliance or extension power cord electrical plug, which plugs into and is ejected from a conventional power supply socket. It can also be mounted in an adaptor, which receives an appliance or extension cord plug and ejects the adapter from a conventional power supply socket. It can also be incorporated into a module, which is semi-permanently plugged into a conventional power supply socket or incorporated into a wall or other power supply socket.

Abstract: An all-weather watch to be worn on the outside of one of the heavy-duty gloves of a glove wearer, such as a skier, snow boarder, hunter or motorcyclist, in cold and/or inclement weather. A length-adjustable elastic strap comprises a front strap portion which extends from the watch case and stretches to loop about at least one glove finger. A rear strap portion extends from the case and stretches outwardly to loop about the glove wrist to position the watch on the back of the glove. The rear strap portion is maintained in position by the stretching of the elastic strap, the friction between the strap and the glove and by the cinching action of the loop around the glove wrist, thus not requiring the use of a clasp or other fastener. This enables the watch to be readily removable from the glove by grasping the rear loop and stretching it to move over the glove body and thumb. Putting on and removing the watch can easily be performed by the wearer's other gloved hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for biometric recognition of an individual living organism uses electric and/or magnetic or acoustic energy. A biometric recognition system measures at least one bio-electrical and/or biomagnetic property to recognize of an individual living organism's identity. In one embodiment, an individual's hand is tested to provide a ratio of internal electric and/or magnetic properties of the fingers. This provides a biometric signature that is placed in memory for later comparison with a measured ratio of a presented hand to validate the individual's identity. The method and apparatus can be used to enable operation of a computer, or provide secure communication between an individual at a first location and a second location.

Abstract: A ball cap comprising a plurality of gores forming a body, a sweat band having an elastic sweat portion, and an elastic gore that is stretchable to provide a ball cap that is stretchable to assume a variety of stretched conditions to accommodate a variety of head sizes, comprising a stiffener assembly that continuously supports the elastic gore in all stretched conditions, said stiffener assembly comprising a main body portion sized to underlie the elastic gore in its unstretched condition, a transverse channel housing the sweat band elastic portion, and a pair of folded side wings attached to the side edges of the elastic gore which unfold as the ball cap stretches to its stretched conditions to continuously support the elastic gore and the elastic sweat band portion.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling patrons at large-scale spectator events at confined venues having identifiable seats utilizes conventional or special hand-held, wireless communication devices to self-order food, drink and souvenir items from remote order fulfillment locations within the venue for delivery to identified seats. Hierarchical menus are provided for display of items for purchase on the devices. A seat identification code is associated with the order when transmitted via the existing telecommunications and Internet infrastructure. Receipt of the order is acknowledged, and a confirmation code is sent upon receipt of order delivery. There is automatic electronic payment for the order charged to a patron account that is established by prearranged means.

Abstract: A preferably unitary plastic hose guide for guiding a hose is mounted on a building above the ground so that a hose is lifted high enough to avoid contact with obstacles located on the ground adjacent a building while being deployed and used. In one embodiment, an elongated guide member has a J-shaped curved trough for retaining a hose placed in it. The trough has downwardly curved entrance and exit lips to facilitate hose movement into and out of the trough. The lip of the J-shape retains the hose in the trough by preventing the weight of the hose from dragging the hose outwardly and downwardly out of the trough, while readily permitting lifting of the hose out of the trough when desired. A mounting bracket spaces the guide member from the building where it is removably secured by headed fasteners. In another embodiment, the unitary plastic guide has a semi-circular trough with a generally C-shaped cross section to direct the hose around a corner of the building.

Abstract: A beach mat for maintaining a beach towel in a flat deployed position provides a barrier to the movement of sand onto the towel surface and comprises spaced side members interconnected at their ends by spaced end members and having an inner periphery defining a generally rectangular central opening. In one embodiment, the frame is filled with self-inflating resilient foam and has an air valve for allowing expulsion of air during compaction of the frame and maintenance of the frame in compacted condition for transportation and storage. In another embodiment the foam frame is folded for transportation and storage. Handles and a cup holder are provided. The frame provides a large upper surface for placement of advertising or other indicia for display.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a retractable top (3) of a motor vehicle, in particular for at least 4-seat convertibles (1), comprising: an upper, substantially rigid roof section (5) which forms an upper roof portion and which can be connected to the upper edge portion (19) of the windshield (17), a rear, substantially rigid roof section (7) which is connected to the upper roof section (5) and extends behind the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle (1), a rear window (9) arranged at the rear roof section (7), wherein the upper and the rear roof section (5, 7) are arranged pivotal into and out of an accommodation chamber (13) in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A worker's glove comprises a glove body having fingers, a palm and a back. A hook-and-loop fastening system mounts a worker's aid device on the glove back. The device is one or more devices selected from the group consisting of a magnetic container, a flashlight, a tape measure, a plumb bob, and a note pad. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic container is a cylindrical cup having a magnet for securing screws, nut, bolts and other magnetizable fasteners within the cup for ready access by the worker. Several different devices can be stacked on the glove back. The devices can also be mounted on the butt end of a drill handle.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a retractable hard top (3) for motor vehicles (1), comprising: a first upper substantially rigid roof section which forms a substantially horizontal upper roof section, a second substantially rigid rear roof section (5), which is hingedly connected to the first roof section (5) via a first rod assembly (31, 33) and to the motor vehicle, and which forms a substantially vertically or obliquely extending rear roof section, and a rigid rear window (9) which is pivotally arranged at the second roof section (7) and which is commonly movable therewith, wherein when pivoting the second roof section (7) into a retractable position in the motor vehicle, the rear window (9) is pivoted into the interior of the second roof section (7).

Abstract: A skin healing ointment comprises wax, petrolatum, antibiotic, zinc oxide and an anti-itch ingredient in the following proportions: Wax—0.5-5.0 parts Petrolatum—4.0-10.0 parts Antibiotic—0.25-5.0 parts Zinc oxide—up to 8.0 parts Anti-itch—up to 0.28 parts. In its preferred form, the ointment comprises, approximately: Wax—2.0 parts Petrolatum—7.0 parts Antibiotic—0.817 parts Zinc oxide—0.4 parts Anti-itch—0.05 parts. Effective treatment of psoriasis, Fifth disease, chafing, burns, chapped skin and rashes comprises application of the ointment three times daily until symptoms disappear, then once daily to keep the skin supple and prevent reoccurrence.

Abstract: Collision avoidance apparatus (28, 30) is mounted on a host vehicle (20) to detect the presence of an adjacent vehicle (22) within a monitored zone (24, 26). A sensor module (30) includes a plurality of discrete sensor systems for monitoring unique portions of the monitored zone (24, 26), each of which comprises an emitter (52) emitting a fixed frequency modulated beam (58) of light energy (54) with a predetermined burst length into its unique portion of the monitored zone (24, 26), and a receiver (68) having a field of view (62), substantially aligned with emitted beam (58) to produce a fixed optical overlap area (A), and for sensing light energy (66) and generating a received signal. A frequency generator (48) produces two or more predetermined different fixed frequencies for use by the emitter (52) to emit beams (58) at each frequency. A phase shifter (70) produces a phase shifted reference signal with a different predetermined phase delay relationship to each fixed frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for shooting. The apparatus includes a gun. The apparatus includes a controller connected to the gun which controls whether the gun can fire. The apparatus includes a mechanism for determining a present biometric signature of a shooter who desires to fire the gun. The determining mechanism is in communication with the controller. The controller only allows the gun to fire if the present biometric signature of the shooter is recognized by the controller. A method for firing a gun. The method includes the steps of gripping a handle of a gun by a shooter. Then there is the step of recognizing a present biometric signature of the shooter. Next there is the step of releasing a trigger of the gun so the gun can fire as long as the biometric signature of the shooter is recognized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus use induced currents to determine an individual's bone integrity. The apparatus induces a current into an individual's bone then detects resultant electromagnetic signals using a galvanometer or other sensing mechanism. Circuits within the apparatus store and modify these signals to obtain a unique characteristic profile. To determine if the individual has bone defects, this profile is compared with stored profiles normally associated with bone fractures, breaks, and other defects.

Abstract: A method of connecting the free end of an elastomeric cord to the hook of a connector, that is attached to a loop on the other end of the cord, to form an endless drive belt to connect a pair of rotary drive members, which utilizes a novel tool. The tool has a retainer segment and a contact segment comprising a pair of curved contact arms flanking a finger and forming an opening, and a handle. The tool contact segments are placed on one of the rollers with the finger in the roller drive groove and the handle resting on an adjacent roller. The connector and attached cord end loop are placed in a retainer pocket on the finger. The cord free end is then grasped and pulled around both rollers, which clamps the tool to the roller, and onto the hook to form the endless belt. The handle is grasped to raise the tool, pivot it around the roller to unclamp the tool, and slide the tool to disengage it from the drive belt.