Abstract: A T-shaped cushion pod for supporting a camera includes a cushion for supporting the camera. The pod has a fluid material contained within the cushion, and a tongue portion and a base portion of said cushion together forming a substantially "T"-shaped configuration. The pod has a zipper for allowing easy access to the fluid material contained within the cushion, for maintaining the level of fluid material within the cushion at an optimum level significantly below the maximum capacity of the cushion. In this way, the T-shape will act to retard migration of fluid material between the tongue and the base portions of the cushion, thereby causing the pod to hold its shape and provide sustained aiming for a camera resting thereon.

Abstract: A seclusion compartment for a pet has a floor, an upper plate, and a tent pole for separating and attaching the floor and the upper plate. A flexible opaque covering is attached to the floor and the upper plate to form a substantially enclosed compartment for the pet. The compartment may be attached to the inside of a pet cage, as by a nut and bolt. Ideally, the compartment is attached to the ceiling of the pet cage, so that it is suspended therefrom. An elastic band may be used to attach the opaque covering to the floor, and to allow a portion of the covering to be selectively positioned to provide an opening for ingress and egress by the pet. The seclusion compartment thus provides optional privacy for the pet within the confines of the pet's usual cage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing mismatching of blood types between a blood bag and a patient. A first connector has a configuration coding corresponding to the blood type of the blood in the bag, and has means for piercing and providing access to the bag. Blood tubing fluidly connects the blood bag to the patient and has a second connector with configuration coding corresponding to the blood type of the patient. The first and second connection must have matching configurations in order to sealably connect and deliver blood to the patient, thereby preventing mismatches. Optionally, another pair of configuration coded connectors may also be provided to sealably connect the intravenous needle in the arm of the patient. These two pairs of configuration coded connectors may be used separately or together to guard against blood type mismatches.

Abstract: An underwater breathing apparatus is provided for delivering air to a diver submerged to a depth between one and 12 feet. A pump delivers air at low pressure via an expandable air hose to a regulator worn by the diver. The air hose provides a reservoir of air for the supply the diver. Upon inhalation by the diver, the air pressure within the diver's lungs is reduced, thereby causing a tilt valve located within the regulator opens to allow air from the air hose to be supplied to the diver until the air pressure within the diver's lungs is equal to the air pressure generated by the pump in the air hose, which in turn causes the tilt valve to close. An exhalation one-way valve is also provided in the regulator to allow the diver to exhale without forcing the exhaled air back into the air hose.

Abstract: A carpenter's square having a first and second leg at right angles to each other, and a third leg extending between the first and second legs. A magnetic strip on the first leg for attaching the tool to a metallic surface to be plumbed. A first notch in the third leg a first distance from the first leg and a second notch in the third leg a second distance from the first leg so that a plumb string can be threaded through the first and second notches and thereby held in place to support a plumb bob to allow a plumb reading to be taken without the need for manually supporting the plumb bob.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing transaction card fraud. A transaction card has a keypad display, and a microprocessor for receiving and processing numbers and symbols entered through the keypad. A transaction access code and a corresponding transaction approval code are provided by the card issuer to the seller at the time of a transaction. The cardholder entering the transaction access code into the keypad of the card causes an authentically used card to display a symbol identical to the transaction approval code provided by the issuer. Comparison of the symbol and the transaction approval code can thus be used to authenticate a card transaction. The access code and corresponding approval code are changed by the issuer after each transaction to further aid in fraud prevention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bed for persons at risk of falling out of bed, and more particularly to a safety bed with dual purpose side panels which can be used as barriers for physical restraint, or which can alternatively allow the user to roll safely from the bed to the floor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing mismatching of blood types between a blood bag and a patient. A first connector has a configuration coding corresponding to the blood type of the blood in the bag, and has means for piercing and providing access to the bag. Blood tubing fluidly connects the blood bag to the patient and has a second connector with configuration coding corresponding to the blood type of the patient. The first and second connection must have matching configurations in order to sealably connect and deliver blood to the patient, thereby preventing mismatches. Optionally, another pair of configuration coded connectors may also be provided to sealably connect the intravenous needle in the arm of the patient. These two pairs of configuration coded connectors may be used separately or together to guard against blood type mismatches.

Abstract: A ball valve operator for a ball valve mounted in a pipe and having a control handle with a first position corresponding to the valve's normal position and a second position corresponding to the valve's actuated position. The ball valve operator includes a pneumatic cylinder mountable on the pipe, for driving a piston having a proximal and distal end. An adaptor plate is provided for attachment to the control handle by fastening means with the piston being rotatably fastened to the plate. An adjustment slot in the adaptor plate movably receives the fastening means and allows the fastening means to be selectively locked in place, so that the operator may be adjusted to move the handle through approximately its full range of motion without exceeding that range.

Abstract: A smoker's box for reducing pollution caused by smoking a cigarette. A housing has a first and second portion, the first portion defining a cavity, and the second portion defining a fan chamber. A venting channel allows gases to pass between the first and second housing portions. A lighter is provided to light a cigarette within the cavity. A mouthpiece and a cigarette sleeve for holding a cigarette define an inhalation channel open to the surrounding atmosphere. A replaceable cartridge includes a burn chamber in which the cigarette burns, a smoke treatment chamber adjacent to the burn chamber, a particulate filter between the burn chamber and the smoke treatment chamber, and smoke treatment means within the smoke treatment chamber for absorbing exhaled smoke passing within the smoke treatment chamber to produce a decontaminated gaseous mixture.

Abstract: An appliance and method for correcting ingrown toenails. A thin, flat resilient strip is conformed to the shape of the toenail and adhesively attached to the toenail with a suitable adhesive. The strip extends to within one-eighth inch of either opposite side of the toenail, and when so applied, tends to bend resiliently bend back to its original flat shape. The corresponding torque effect created on the toenail is sufficient to cause the affected ingrown toenail to grow out into a naturally correct position. The strip may be of a heat-sensitive material which is more pliable when heat is applied, and which resumes a greater degree of rigidity when the heat is dissipated. Bevelling of the edges around the outer perimeter of the strip smooths the transition of the strip into the surface of the toenail for aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: An arm and leg powered cycle using a linear reciprocating motion of arm and leg drive members to provide power. An elongated bicycle chassis has a forward and a rear wheel, a seat with a back rest for the operator, and lower and central support members. The arm drive member includes a rotatably mounted housing in which a plunger linearly reciprocates when an operator "rows" the plunger, using handlebars attached thereto. Pulling on the arm plunger tightens a cable attached at one end to the plunger and at the other end to a chain engaging sprocket, the sprocket being constrained to rotation in one direction by a one-way dog. The chain engaging sprocket engages a drive chain on the pulling or "drive" stroke, thereby pulling the chain through the stroke. This motion is transferred to drive the rear wheel through a series of gears and a transmission chain. Pushing on the leg drive member creates a drive stroke of the same type, also providing power to the drive chain.

Abstract: A two pronged apparatus for baiting a fishing hook without contact between the bait and the fisherman's hands. Two resiliently opposed base portions are joined at a common end and have arms extending therefrom. Each arm culuminates in a gripping portion defining a slot which is open at one end. The apparatus is operated by gripping with the hand with the index finger extending along one arm and the thumb extending along the opposite arm. By alternately squeezing the thumb and forefinger together, bait may be picked up between the gripping portions. While the bait is held by the gripping portions, a fishing hook is inserted through one slot, piercing the bait and exiting through the opposite slot. In this fashion, a fishing hook may be baited without the bait being touched by human hands. In one example a roughened inner surface is provided on each gripping portion to provide improved traction for gripping the bait.

Abstract: A cord reel device for automatically winding a decoy cord. In one example, a reel having a hollow center and a bore extending from the surface of the reel to the hollow center thereof is located within a housing which is attachable to a decoy. A rubber band extends through the reel's hollow center and is attached at either end to the housing. The decoy cord passes through the bore and is tied around the rubber band and a tab inserted into the midportion of the rubber band. When the cord is pulled, the reel unwinds to release the cord, thereby twisting the rubber band. The twisted rubber band exerts a torsional force on the reel which automatically rewinds the cord when the pulling force on the cord is sufficiently diminished.