Abstract: An electronic programmable timing instrument for real-time monitoring of an equine athlete's training and conditioning regimen for developing optimum racing potential is provided wherein the instruments aids an operator primarily to set, monitor, and control the equine athlete's distance and speed. Secondarily, the apparatus can monitor and evaluate physiological parameters that are used to assess physical stress on the animal in real time and includes security parameters for protecting proprietary collected data. This instrument makes possible a new method for training equine athletes and for tracking their development and potential problems therewith.

Abstract: A fluid-powered mechanical actuator having a proximal end and a distal end and having a plurality of hollow tubular elements hingedly connected in end-to-end linked relationship to form a variable angle therebetween, each such link having one degree of freedom; provision to bias the elements in a direction to minimize the angle between them; a flexible elongated chamber enclosing a space within it, the chamber situated within the linked elements and within the link therebetween, substantially contained thereby, the chamber having a flexible but non-expansible wall; and apparatus to provide to the space within said chamber a pressurized working fluid; whereby the pressure of the working fluid causes said chamber to straighten within said elements, especially at said links, thereby moving the relative position of the elements in a manner to act against the biasing means, thereby to cause an increase of the angle between them by providing an increase in working fluid pressure.

Abstract: An electrical device such as an outlet receptacle or a signal cable receptacle are mounted in a recessed relationship to a wall to allow a flat cover plate to be removably applied, thereby to create an aesthetic appearance concealing the device and to protect it from abuse when the electrical device is not in use, especially abuse caused by children inserting foreign objects into the device. One result of this invention is added safety from electrical shock hazzard from plugs that are partially inserted into an electrical outlet housed in the apparatus of this invention. Additionally, the concealment and protecting features of the flat cover plate used in this invention can be extended to flush-mounted electrical devices.

Abstract: A flame-sensing element and supporting circuitry is disguised by installing it in an object normally found within the type of room in which it is to monitor. In the best example, a lavatory is monitored by installing a mock fire-safety sprinkler head on the ceiling; the glass-bulb trigger element of a sprinkler head is replaced with a glass bulb flame-sensing element. Alternatively, the glass bulb flame-sensing element and associated electronics may be concealed in a housing designed to house a room deodorant, an air purifier of the ultraviolet or ozone-generating type, a reservoir for a liquid toilet bowl or urinal deodorant, behind the grille of a ventilating air vent, behind the grille of a loudspeaker housing, or within the housing of a smoke detector. The disguise or concealment is meant to hide the apparatus from notice by a surreptitious smoker who would smoke tobacco in an area wherein smoking is prohibited, especially in school lavatories.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically and with precision applying each of a series of individual self-adhesive labels from a continuous liner transporting labels at a first linear speed, each label being applied to one of a series of individual cartons moving at intervals at a second linear speed different from the first linear speed and wherein each label is applied at a selectable and reproducible preset distance from the leading edge of each carton. Each label is advanced to a parked position on a fan box, being partially dispensed thereon and further advanced by the liner to a pinch point for wiping the label onto a passing carton, this second advancing being timed for “just-in-time” delivery of the label to the pinch point to position the label along the length of the carton.

Abstract: A shield is provided for a toilet on which a seat is hinged for rotation between a down position on the rim of the toilet bowl and an up position angularly displaced from the rim of the toilet bowl. A C-shaped flat clip is adapted to grip the rim of the toilet bowl at one side thereof. The top surface of this clip is substantially flat, paralleling the top surface of the toilet rim. At the outboard edge of this clip is a hinge supporting a spring-biased lever that extends inward and downward into the bowl of the toilet, supporting on the distal end thereof a substantially strike pad for absorbing the impact of a urine stream impinging upon it, reducing noise and reducing splatter. The lever is engagable against the underside of the seat for downward displacement of the lever and thus the strike pad in response to force exerted on the lever by the underside of the seat during rotation of the seat into the down position.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool and line accessory for retaining an air line to air tool, and, in the alternative, an air line to an air compressor outlet fitting, and the like, and for securing an air line to a ladder, a scaffold and the like. The system thus provided also prevents accidental injury to workers. “LINE TAMER SYSTEM” is an easy-to-use accessory for air tools, air lines, and the like. “LINE TAMER SYSTEM” takes all tension of an air line off the worker, making the air line manageable and provides a means of securing the air line to a ladder, scaffold, etc.

Abstract: A compact portable vise of the type designed to hold a fishing hook while a fly-like lure is formed, using methods known as "fly-tying," on the hook for use in the sport of fly fishing. The vise is particularly small to be shirt-pocket portable and alternatively may be supported by a clamp directly engaging a support or by a vise clamp that is mounted with screws on a railing, a gunwale, a board, or a tree, either fallen or erect. The vise head is connected to such support by an articulated arm that engages the support. The arm includes at least one pivot link that permits it to be bent about a first axis and a second pivot link connecting the vise head that permits the head to pivot on an axis perpendicular to said first axis and close to and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head. These two pivot links permit easy and flexible manipulation of the vise head for viewing the work piece from a myriad of angles. The articulated arm bends to wrap around the clamp for compact storage.

Abstract: A method of making chemically modified carbon-based materials for engineering purposes from a precursor containing graphite fluoride by using halocarbons or elemental sulfur as chemical agents that diffuse into the lamellar crystal structure of the graphite fluoride and permit defluoridation at a controlled rate upon heating, to produce graphite fluoride-free intermediate carbon material and, upon further heating to form a chemically modified non-graphitized carbon.

Abstract: An ironing table is provided having a pivoting clamp that clamps to a vertical panel and also having a braced leg pivoted at an adjustable angle depending from the underside of the ironing table to provide adjustable support for the table, resulting in a cantilever-type support for the same. The clamp, leg, and brace pivot to closely hug the underside of the table when it is in a storage position. An optional hook pivotably mounted to the table allows for hanging storage as from a closet pole.

Abstract: A disposable bedpan system for use with a patient underlayment that has a cavity in registry with the buttocks of a supine patient lying thereon is provided wherein the disposable bedpan is supported in said cavity by a laterally-collapsible hoop-like support. In the best mode, the hoop-like support has fulcrum extensions to provide support therefor from a horizontal support upon which said underlayment rest and markings on the disposable bedpan provide a tool to measure the volume of waste from the patient. A padded plug that fills the space between the hoop-like support and the top of the underlayment provides comfort for the patient while the bedpan is installed but not in use.

Abstract: A plurality of processes for producing unique end products containing elemental metals or metal oxides on and in a carbon substrate, elemental metals or metal oxides in the absence of such a carbon substrate, mixtures of elemental metals or metal oxides on and in a carbon substrate, or mixtures of elemental metals or metal oxides in the absence of such a carbon substrate, all of which processes involve the preparation of a first-step intermediate product that is a carbonaceous material appearing to be non-graphitic by X-ray diffraction standards and containing metal and halogen, which intermediate product is made from graphite fluoride and an appropriate metal halide. Among the end products are aluminum oxide fibers, elemental iron fibers, magnetic carbon fibers containing either iron or an iron-nickel alloy, and carbon containing various metals in the form of elemental metal or oxides.

Abstract: A method for treating victims of cerebral edema is presented that includes the intravenous injection of a carbonic anhydrase enzyme inhibitor that passes through the blood-brain barrier, such as acetazolamide (A.K.A., DIAMOX.RTM.), which is a readily-available and often-prescribed diuretic. Such edema, or brain swelling may be caused as a result of ischemic strokes especially, but also swelling due to tumors, surgeries, or cerebral trauma. It is preferred to combine the a carbonic anhydrase enzyme inhibitor therapy with hyperventilation of the lungs, even including the use of supplemental oxygen, thereby to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood and hence in the brain.

Abstract: A reusable sign/banner system which includes flexible static cling vinyl indicia and a sheet of flexible, smooth, non-porous, flaccid plastic material. The indicia are electrostatically adhered to the plastic sheet. The indicia are cut in a plurality of shapes and forms as to form letters, numbers and symbols for the purpose of creating signs and banners to communicate words, numerical expressions and directions. In use, the indicia are peeled from a plasticized paper backing sheet and applied to the flexible, smooth, non-porous plastic material in a variety of configurations. The banner material can be hung by grommets installed in the sheet of flexible, smooth, non-porous plastic material or displayed against any irregular or curved surface or hung across open spaces. Both the static cling vinyl and the flexible, smooth, non-porous plastic material can be provided in a variety of colors to facilitate visibility.

Abstract: A plurality of processes for producing unique end products containing elemental metals or metal oxides on and in a carbon substrate, elemental metals or metal oxides in the absence of such a carbon substrate, mixtures of elemental metals or metal oxides on and in a carbon substrate, or mixtures of elemental metals or metal oxides in the absence of such a carbon substrate, all of which processes involve the preparation of a first-step intermediate product that is a carbonaceous material appearing to be non-graphitic by X-ray diffraction standards and containing metal and halogen, which intermediate product is made from graphite fluoride and an appropriate metal halide. Among the end products are aluminum oxide fibers, elemental iron fibers, magnetic carbon fibers containing either iron or an iron-nickel alloy, and carbon containing various metals in the form of elemental metal or oxides.

Abstract: A tool for removing an oil filter cartridge cap threadably attached to an engine has pins for engaging oil passage holes in the cartridge cap after the filter cartridge housing is partly removed to remove the filter cartridge, thereby exposing the cartridge cap. The tool includes a drive disk adapted to be engaged by a wrench and an interchangeable base disk to be engaged by the drive disk and having the aforesaid pins for engaging the oil passage holes. Plural base disks are provided to match filters having different hole patterns. A central hole in each disk provides clearance for the threaded nipple by which the oil filter cartridge cap is threadably attached to the engine.

Abstract: A method of making chemically modified carbon-based composite materials for engineering purposes from a precursor containing graphite fluoride by using halocarbons or elemental sulfur as chemical agents that diffuse into the lamellar crystal structure of the graphite fluoride and permit defluoridation at a controlled rate upon heating, to produce a graphite fluoride-free intermediate carbon material and, upon further heating to form a chemically modified carbon that is further heated in the presence of a specified one of several chemical elements to form a composite including a coating of the specified element.

Abstract: A method for treating victims of cerebral edema is presented that includes the intravenous injection of acetazolamide (A.K.A., DIAMOX.RTM.), which is a readily-available and often-prescribed diuretic. Such edema, or brain swelling may be caused as a result of ischemic strokes especially, but also swelling due to tumors, surgeries, or cerebral trauma. It is preferred to combine the acetazolamide therapy with hyperventilation of the lungs, even including the use of supplemental oxygen, thereby to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood and hence in the brain.

Abstract: A labeling system and kit therefor that includes a writing surface for dry-erase markers wherein the writing surface has a transparent protective covering to prevent inadvertent erasure of indicia applied thereto using such a dry-erase marker and wherein the protective covering may be lifted to erase or apply indicia to the writing surface. Alternative embodiments include self-adhesive labels and magnetic labels as well as a kit that includes an erasing tool and/or dry-erase marker. The self-adhesive labels find their use in labeling packages containing reusable magnetic media such as video tape cassettes and computer floppy disks, folders and stationery, storage shelves and bins, and the like. The magnetic labels might find application as labels on metal shelves, bins, equipment and the like.