Abstract: An illumination device utilizes a profiled rod or material having waveguide that preferentially scatters light entering a light receiving surface so as to along the length of the rod. A light source is positioned adjacent the light receiving surface with a reflecting member or coating juxtaposed against that surface for reflecting light into the light receiving surface.

Abstract: An audio mixing console having a panning circuit in which panning is controlled by an automated motorized panning joystick. According to the invention, the panning moves can be more easily made with the joystick; stored and played back by using automation and more easily changed and viewed by using a motor to position the joystick. A joystick system panel includes switches and displays to vary the operational mode of the panning system. A touch sensitive joystick provides for instantaneous control of the control functions of the console.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that has a torque wheel mounted for rotation within the central cavity defined by the housing and driving a crankshaft. The torque wheel has a plurality of arms in a spaced arrangement about the center of the torque wheel, thereby defining a plurality of corresponding volumes between the respective arms. A plurality of substantially identical combustion gates are positioned within these corresponding volumes, each combustion gate being mounted for rotation within a respective volume about a pivot pin. Rotation of the combustion gates about the respective pivot pins and resultant inward and outward movement of the combustion gates relative to the center of the torque wheel achieves a four-stroke combustion cycle.

Abstract: A portable thermal imager has a shock-absorbing lens mount that minimizes the transfer of the impact forces to the fragile lens. The lens of the portable thermal imager is encased within a circumferential grommet and then received in a cavity defined by the housing such that the lens is essentially suspended within the cavity. Since the lens is essentially suspended, little or no force is translated to the lens if the thermal imager is dropped or otherwise impacted.

Abstract: A decentralized method and system for vehicle emissions testing preferably uses the OBD unit of the vehicle to be tested. A preferred implementation of the method and system includes a remote overview or supervisory location in communication with a plurality of decentralized inspection stations or test locations. Supervisory personnel at the remote overview location are in video and data communication with the inspection location and thus are able to monitor and audit all aspects of the OBD testing process, including a review of the actual test data.

Abstract: A combination ring and object holder with an integral spring is designed to secure and retain an object, such as a lollipop. The combination ring and object holder includes a ring, preferably fabricated from plastic, with a substantially flat upper surface to which a spring is secured, and further includes a coupling member secured to the opposite end of the spring which preferably defines a central opening in the upper surface thereof for receiving and retaining an object.

Abstract: A waterproof illumination device for simulating the lighting effect of neon lighting with the additional feature of being unaffected by water submersion. The device comprises a plurality of space point light sources secured within a waveguide that is waterproofed by sealing.

Abstract: A beverage brewer with two modes of operation, an automatic mode in which water automatically flows into a reservoir for heating the water and is dispensed over beverage concentrate during a brewing cycle and a manual mode in which water is manually added to the brewer and dispensed over the beverage concentrate during the brewing cycle. The beverage brewer has a water level sensor system signaling the water level for auto-fill from an external water supply or fill by manual pour-over operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a frozen alcoholic beverage in which an alcoholic beverage component is mixed with at least one other liquid component prior to freezing and dispensing as a frozen beverage product. The individual beverage components flow through the dispensing apparatus from separate containers through separate pressure-controlled component feed systems, exiting into a common mixing area where they form a single beverage product. This resulting product then enters the freezing and dispensing system where it is maintained at a pressure of about 20-27 psi while being processed into a frozen alcoholic beverage product until it is dispensed.

Abstract: A corner scaffold structure is comprised of three vertical legs. These three legs are connected to one another at their upper distal ends by three horizontal legs which generally form a right isosceles triangle. Similarly, there are three horizontal legs connected to and joining the vertical legs near the lower distal ends thereof. Because of the three-dimensional geometry of the corner scaffold structure, multiple hop irons can be secured to each side of the structure to provide additional support to scaffold planks, increasing their stability.

Abstract: A method for conducting an election among a plurality of voters includes the steps of: providing each voter with a ballot having at least one unique identifying symbol and a section for authenticating a voting selection; retaining a record of each voting selection; publishing the record of each voting selection; validating the published record of each voting selection; tabulating the voting selections from the validated record; and certifying the tabulated voting selections.

Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring the magnitude and direction of net electrical power and current flow to or from a facility over a prolonged period of time. The method includes detecting and measuring the magnetic field emanating from the monitored line(s), and detecting a signal synchronized to the power system frequency, typically the electric field, emanating from the power lines. The method further includes evaluating, storing, and transmitting the data on the electromagnetic (EM) fields that are recorded.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for displaying informational messages communicated by wireless apparatus to selected ones of a plurality of display devices (16) and displayed in a sequence of such informational messages, having message sources (18, 20, 22) such as news and advertising sources that create a plurality of message records (34) which each have a cap code (36), a pin code (37) which identifies one of a plurality of message memory slots associated with the particular display device (16) to receive the message, a message (38) and at least one display characteristic (40) for the message. The cap code (36) uses conventional messaging apparatus to designate the display devices (16) to receive a particular message record (34).

Abstract: A mobile practice device for practicing the swinging motion of a baseball bat includes a holding apparatus (14) and strike zone restriction apparatus (16), the strike zone restriction apparatus (16) being supported by and maintained at a distance from and underlying ground surface by the holding apparatus (14). The strike zone restriction apparatus (16) includes a vertical side wall that restricts the swing of the baseball bat (12) by a practicing batter (18).

Abstract: A candy dispenser comprises a head end and a tail end linked by a substantially translucent tube, a spring being contained in and visible through the tube and extending from the head end of the candy dispenser to the tail end of the candy dispenser. The spring contained within the tube impedes the free fall of candy pellets and functions as a track upon which some candy pellets can ride from one end of the candy dispenser to the other, while some other candy pellets fall through the center of the spring, the falling action and movement of the candy pellets creating a fun and interesting visual image.

Abstract: An apparatus for the intravascular placement of a vena cava filter includes a flexible deployment sheath and an IVUC with an ultrasonic imaging element. These two components are joined together and oriented in a substantially parallel relationship with one another with the imaging components of the IVUC extending above or in front of the upper opening of the deployment sheath. Once the apparatus is appropriately positioned within the vena cava, as determined through ultrasonic imaging, a filter and its associated delivery system are inserted through the deployment sheath to the appropriate location for deployment.

Abstract: A lawn sweeper generally comprises a tow bar adapted to be connected to a draw bar of a lawn implement, a brush housing containing a plurality of brushes mounted for rotation, and a hamper assembly secured behind the brush housing. A hitch clevis assembly is used to secure the tow bar of the lawn sweeper to the draw bar of a lawn implement and is adjustable in that it allows for attachment at multiple discrete height settings. The preferred lawn sweeper can be easily and rapidly manipulated into an upright storage position, with the hamper assembly having a collapsible frame for storage.

Abstract: A hot tapping tool having a stationary tubular member threadedly engaged to a movable tubular member adapted for rotational and axial movement with respect to the stationary member with said movable tubular member operably connected to a shaft having cutter head and causing said shaft to move axially toward and away from a pipe line to be cut.

Abstract: In a method and system for the dynamic analysis of data represented in distinct matrices, if two data matrices X and Y are present in which corresponding rows of X and Y each refer to the same underlying object, a relationship can developed between the X and Y data matrices, which allows for a prediction of responses in Y on the basis of inputted X-data. And, if a third data matrix Z is present in which corresponding columns of Y and row of Z each refer to the same underlying object, a relationship can developed between the X Y and Z data matrices, which allows for link between X and Z through Y.

Abstract: A method of freezing and dispensing a beer product comprises providing beer in a sealed, refrigerated storage container under pressure; feeding beer from the storage container to a sealed freezing chamber through a sealed delivery system; freezing the beer in the chamber; and dispensing frozen beer from the chamber. The frozen beer product preferably has a slush consistency and a density of about 50% to about 90% of the density of unfrozen beer, a temperature of between about 23° and 27° F. and a volume reduction in a filled 14 fluid ounce plastic cup sitting in 70° F. room for 30 minutes or less than 10%. A refrigerated cabinet for supplying beer comprises an insulated beer storage compartment; a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, a thermal expansion device and an evaporator; a pressurized carbon dioxide tank in a separate, non-refrigerated compartment; and a fan for circulating air within the insulated beer storage compartment.