Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that assists a student with learning how to solve word problems, including cash flow type problems, by using the sense of touch to establish a greater pattern of formula recognition and usage. The word problems include a finite set of constant values for a predetermined number of variables. The apparatus includes a preliminary equation that is presolved for a particular set of values. A final equation is also presolved for the particular set of values. The preliminary equation and final equation are movably placed onto a work area which preferably includes a measurement line.

Abstract: There is provided a telescoping boom system for an excavating apparatus which includes a linkage member having a pivot segment and lever segment pivoted about a rotating fixed boom. A first hydraulic cylinder is coupled from the fixed boom to the pivot segment. A second hydraulic cylinder is coupled from the lever segment to a retractable outer boom. The first hydraulic cylinder extends to rotate the pivot segment away from a proximate end of the fixed boom, thus forcing the lever segment to rotate towards the proximate end of the fixed boom. The second hydraulic cylinder retracts and combines with the extension force of the first hydraulic cylinder across the linkage member to provide a retraction force to the outer boom.

Abstract: There is provided a portable fiber optic cable based intrusion detection system in which support posts are driven into the earth to define a perimeter. A portably mountable fiber optic cable attenuator is installed to each support post. The fiber optic cable is wrapped around a first compressible member of the attenuator and then looped through a second compressible member. A retractable rod having a cross arm there through is elevated through the second compressible member to form an upper loop in fiber optic cable. The retractable rod is then retracted leaving the remaining upper loop. An external force on the fiber optic cable diminishes the upper loop about the cross arm thereby creating a microbend in the fiber optic cable. A light detector senses a reduced light intensity, caused by the microbend, at the end of the fiber optic cable which triggers an alarm.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for transferring digital image files to a digital video disc. The files in the digital video disc, or digital photos, are representative of a plurality of still pictures and are user controllable interactively played on either a personal computer or through a standard digital video disc playback device, such as a digital video disc player or a video compact disc player. The user has control of manipulating and sequencing the digital photos. During playback, the user has control of sequence during playback on either the personal computer or the television. A custom software package allows for the user controlled playback of the digital photos with most standard playback devices.

Abstract: There is provided a chain storage apparatus for storing a chain, wherein the chain includes a plurality of chain links. Each of the chain links has a link diameter, a latitudinal axis and a link width. Each of the chain links is interconnected with at least one other chain link and includes an inner and outer surface. The chain storage apparatus includes a chain link engagement means that engages at least one chain link. A first stopping means prevents the engaged chain link disengaging with the engagement means. A locking means includes a lock and unlock position, such that in the unlock position the locking means allows the chain ingress and egress to the engagement means, and in the lock position the engaged chain link is prevented from disengaging with said engagement means. A slotted channel has a pair of inwardly opposed bottom members, wherein the inwardly opposed bottom members engage the outer surface of the engaged link.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus that monitors and records the status and cargo inventory of a shipping container. The shipping container includes a container control unit that records and monitors the status and inventory particular to that container. Sensors are provided within the container to determine the container status. A piezoceramic actuator provides power to rechargeable batteries in the container control unit. Thus the container includes a self contained power source. A bridge control unit monitors and records the status and inventory of every container on a vessel. A remote control unit monitors and records the status and inventory of every container worldwide.

Abstract: There is provided an adapter that fits most standardized fiber optic cable connectors to allow quick field installations. The adapter includes a split diameter. The smaller diameter fits within a rear back shell of the connector and receives a fiber stub from the connector. The larger diameter abuts the rear of the rear back shell and receives an optical fiber. The adapter includes a pair of mated resilient members that forms a fiber guide within the adapter. The fiber stub and a bare optical fiber of the optical fiber are optically spliced within the fiber guide formed within the resilient members.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic security system for a perimeter structure that incorporates a fiber optic cable secured to the perimeter structure. Typically the perimeter structure is a fence. A light pulse is transmitted down the fiber optic cable. Mechanical attenuation devices disposed at various locations along the fiber optic cable are responsive to intrusion attempts. The mechanical attenuation devices produce measurable attenuations to the light pulse. Using backscattering light detection technology an intrusion attempt and the location of an intrusion is detected.

Abstract: There is provide an adjustable roofing bracket having a base, a platform support and a rotating brace. The base includes a frontal portion and a rear portion. Opposing sidewalls extend upwardly from the rear portion of the base. A plurality of angular channels are disposed in the sidewalls. The platform support is rotationally mounted to the opposing sidewalls. The rotating brace is rotationally mounted at its top to the platform support. Near its bottom the rotating brace is adapted to cooperate with angular channels. Therefore, to adust the angle of the platform support with respect to the base, the roofer merely chooses which angular channels in which to set the rotating brace. A strike plate contiguous with a backwall of the base provide a surface which a roofer strikes to remove the bracket after use. A gusset disposed between the inner surface of the backwall and the rear portion of the base absorbs and transfers the force away from critical areas of the roofing bracket.

Abstract: A roofing bracket for use with a platform for working on a roof. The roofing bracket includes a base having a proximal and distal end. At least one nail slot is disposed through the base near its distal end. A platform support arm disposed along the base includes a bottom lip, a platform support and a guardrail. A backside support extends from the proximal end of the base. The backside support includes an angled lip that is attached with a rear portion of the platform support. A heel extends from the backside support. Finally, at least one brace is disposed between the backside support and the platform support. The heel and brace cooperate to provide a roofer with easy means in which to remove the bracket after use, such that the bracket nor roofing shingles are destroyed.

Abstract: There is described an interlocking puzzle which can be separated into various sections according to backside marking pattern prior to solving. After separating the pieces into various sections each section is then individually solveable. In one embodiment the backsides of the individual interlocking pieces include a color or other pattern to identify each piece with a particular section. Each section can then be solved individually.

Abstract: There is shown a see through side shield for use in a hospital bed which prevents a patient from becoming entrapped between a bed rail and a mattress. The see through side shield includes a hand that snugly fits over a lateral rail of the bed rail, typically the top lateral rail. The see through side shield further includes a partition that extends to cover a vertical opening between a top lateral side edge of the mattress and the bottom lateral rail of the bed rail. The partition is mounted to at least one lateral rail of the bed rail using a tightly fitting clamp. To permanently mount the partition, the clamp is riveted to the bed rail. Typically, the see through side shield is transparent being made of a polycarbonate material.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus and method for removing a drive coupling component from an oil burner unit housing. A drive coupling comprises a first drive coupling end fitting disposed on an oil pump shaft, a second drive coupling end fitting disposed on a motor shaft and a drive coupling connector which connects the first and second drive coupling end fittings. The apparatus comprises a handle having a proximal and a distal end, a front wall contiguous with the distal end of said handle and including a proximal exterior surface and a distal interior surface. A receiver for receiving at least one drive coupling component is contiguous with the interior surface of the front wall. An engagement member, which engages a distal end of a second drive coupling end fitting, is contiguous with the distal end of the receiver.