Abstract: An improved club swing training device is provided for assisting persons, such as golfers to improve their golf swing. The training aid includes a power source, a light source such as a laser beam, a light deflector such as a mirror and a motor for rotating the light deflector. The light source, light deflector and motor are affixed to the proximal end of a club shaft. In operation, the light source strikes the light deflector which is rotated by the motor. The light deflector is angled relative to the axis of the light source's emitted beam so that upon the beam striking the light deflector, it is redirected in a second direction so as to form a fan of light as the motor rotates the light deflector. The swing training aid includes a scabbard for affixing the motor, light deflector and light source to the proximal end of a club and for positioning these components so as to position the fan of light so as to assist a person in seeing their club swing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable and replaceable flooring matrix capable of providing various environmental cues for the safety of disabled persons. The flooring matrix may be installed and de-installed in sections, called sectionals, that are securely attached to the ground or an anchor box by two-part fasteners. In operation, one part of the two-part fastener, or ground anchor, engages an anchor box or the ground, while the other part of the two-part fastener, or matrix anchor, engages the flooring matrix sectional. Sectionals are interchangeable in part due to beveled edges, which create discernible pathways at the perimeter of each sectional for providing a pathway for the wheels of wheelchairs and the like. Flooring matrix sectionals may display a variety of detectable warnings or other environmental cues to alert disabled persons of conditions or hazards, or assist in their transgress.

Abstract: The ring seal and retainer assembly includes an annularly shaped ring seal defining a radial inner surface, a radial outer surface, first and second axial end surfaces and a central bore for fluid or gas passage. A retainer is provided for affixing and positioning a ring seal in a sealing assembly. The retainer includes a circular sidewall sized and positioned to engage and cover the ring seal's radial outer surface. The retainer further includes a means for affixing the circular sidewall to the ring seal. In a first embodiment, the retainer includes an inwardly projecting ridge for projecting into a groove formed on the ring seal's radial outer surface. In an additional embodiment, the retainer includes a plurality of ridge segments which project into the ring seal's groove. In still an additional embodiment, the circular sidewall includes upper and lower inwardly projecting edges forming a “C” shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The improved ring seal includes an annularly shaped body element having a radial inner surface, a radial outer surface, a first axial end surface and a second axial end surface. The ring seal also includes a plurality of bores which project radially inward from the radial outer surface toward the radial inner surface. The projection of the bores through the ring seal form sidewalls which project between the axial end surfaces and radially from the ring seal's radial outer surface towards the ring seal's radial inner surface. The addition of the bores to the ring seal increases the ring seal's deformation during sealing compression, while the sidewalls provide elastic recovery of the ring seal during repeated cycles of compression and decompression. The ring seal also includes a circular ridge axially projecting from both axial end surfaces. The axial ridges separate the end surfaces into inner axial end surfaces and outer axial end surfaces.

Abstract: An improved blanket is provided having improved insulation, comfort, care and maintenance characteristics. The blanket is constructed of three layers of hydrophobic material which are secured together. Preferably, the layers of fabric are comprised of 100% polyester fleece fabric. The fixed proximity of three layers of polyester fleece fabric in a single blanket optimizes the extraordinary range of insulation capabilities of this unique, ultralight hydrophobic material.

Abstract: An improved manually operated plant watering device is provided for watering plants in hard to reach places. The plant watering device includes an elongate hollow tube, flexible hose, and nozzle. Located within the hollow tube is a piston manually controlled by a handle for drawing water to within the elongate hollow tube or for projecting water from the elongate hollow tube through the flexible hose and nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the plant watering device includes an extension pipe for extending the overall length of the plant watering device. Furthermore, preferably the plant watering device includes an impedance valve for impeding unwanted flow of water from the plant watering device.

Abstract: A tree trimming apparatus is provided for preparing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, for attachment to a tree stand. The tree trimming apparatus includes a raised platform supported by a plurality of legs. The platform also includes an opening for receiving the trunk of a tree. Below the platform is positioned a jaws assembly for affixing the tree in place. Meanwhile, the tree trimming apparatus includes a saw assembly for severing the base of the tree, and a drill assembly for drilling a recess into the bottom of the tree for receipt of the spike of a tree stand.

Abstract: The calibration of an imaging system having a camera (20) for capturing colour data for a target object (carcass 10) includes a primary calibration to obtain a primary transform for RGB data to enable compensation for variations in the camera operation or characteristics, and a secondary calibration obtain a secondary transform to enable compensation for local lighting conditions during capture and processing of colour data for captured images to be analysed. The calculated primary transform relates the actual measured colour data to known standard colour data for the particular standard colour specimens (31). The standard colour specimens (31) are presented in an enclosure or hood (30) to the camera under controlled illumination and with extrancous or external light being excluded from illuminating the specimens. A preliminary calibration includes calibrating the primary calibration standard colour specimens and associated controlled light source against centralised laboratory standard colours.

Abstract: The invention relates to disposing of unwanted waste waters produced from purifying water. The methods of the present invention include applying waste water containing 0.15% by weight of the salts of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cl, SO4, and CO3 and mixtures thereof to soil to control dust, effect soil stabilization, seal ponds, inhibit root rot, and irrigate soil. The invention also relates to the utilization of waste waters within cooling towers and for laundry applications.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for detecting cancerous epithelial cells by selectively marking the mitochondria of the cancer cells, by delivering to the epithelium a cationic supravital mitochondrial marking agent. Selective killing of cancerous epithelial cells in the presence of normal cells is effected by delivering a cationic supravital mitochondrial marking agent to epithelial cancer cells. The killing agent can also comprise the reaction product of the marking agent and a cancer chemotherapeutic drug.

Abstract: A tool for extending the reach of a person is provided. The tool includes an elongate arm having a proximal extremity and a distal extremity. The tool includes a jaws assembly attached to the arm's distal extremity, and a controller assembly attached to the arm's proximal extremity. The jaws assembly includes a plurality of rotating jaws which are capable of being controllably forced inward or outward for grappling and releasing objects. The controller assembly includes a rotating handle having a lever. Rotation of the handle causes the jaws assembly to rotate. Meanwhile, manipulation of the lever causes the jaws to be forced inward or outward.

Abstract: An object imaging system, particularly for slaughtered animal carcases or meat pieces, includes an imaging station to which the object (10) is introduced, a camera (20) at the imaging station, and lighting means (30). The imaging station includes a backing member (15) for providing a background for the object (10), and an image capture enclosure (21) which has an open side (22) facing towards the backing member (15), the inside surfaces of the enclosure (21) being non-reflective. The camera (20) is mounted in the enclosure (21) and faces towards the open side (22) and towards the backing member (15).

Abstract: An improved backpack is provided including a frame, pack shell, shoulder straps and waist strap. Connecting the pack shell to the frame of the backpack are one or more vibration dampers. Preferably, the vibration damper includes a cylindrical housing formed with a vertically extending bore aligned with the housing's central axis. A bore is configured for telescopic receipt of the siderails of the backpack frame. Located within the bore of the vibration damper is a spring which attenuates movement between the vibration damper's housing and a collar which radially projects from a portion of the frame's siderails. Preferably, the vibration damper includes an adjustable air valve for selectively controlling air to enter into and out of the chamber formed within the center of the vibration damper.

Abstract: An improved power source is provided incorporating a main battery pack and reserve battery pack. Both the main battery pack and reserve battery pack include rechargeable power sources and electrical power terminals. In addition, the power source includes a first mount for affixing the main battery pack to the reserve battery pack so that the respective power terminals engage and become electrically coupled. Moreover, the reserve battery pack includes an additional second set of power terminals for connection to an electrically powered device, such as a video camera. A second mount is provided for affixing the reserve battery pack to the electrically powered device so that the reserve battery pack's second set of power terminals engage electrical terminals of the electrically powered device. A controller is provided for controlling the electrical connection of the main battery pack and reserve battery pack to the electrically powered device.

Abstract: Detergent compositions containing at least two surfactants, one having a cloud point of less than about 30° C., especially below about 14° C., and another having a cloud point of greater than about 30° C., especially above about 40° C. Methods of cleaning beer and food processing apparatus comprising applying these compositions also containing an alkali or acidic cleaner.

Abstract: A hybrid satellite communications system provides communications, particularly Internet access, to computer users. The hybrid satellite communications system includes a satellite system and a terrestrial communications system. The satellite system includes two transceivers. The first transceiver receives and transmits a first set of signals received from the terrestrial communications system to a plurality of user units. In reverse fashion, the satellite systems second transceiver receives a second set of signals in a second frequency band from the user units and transmits those signals back to the terrestrial communications system. The first set of signals (downlink signals) are of much higher frequency than the second set of signals (uplink signals). Preferably, the first set of signals are relayed by a Direct Broadcast System (DBS) satellite in a frequency band between 12.

Abstract: A backpack is provided including a substantially typical construction including a pack having a back panel, front panel and one or more side panels. The pack includes an interior storage compartment for storing objects. Furthermore, the backpack includes a pair of shoulder straps so as to enable one to wear the backpack on one's back. Located within the pack's storage compartment are first and second sets of pockets. The first set of pockets are attached to the inside surface of the pack's back panel. The first set of pockets include openings which open upwardly when the pack is in a closed condition. Meanwhile, the pack includes a second set of pockets which are attached to the inside surface of the pack's front panel. The second set of pockets include openings at the pocket's lower extremities when the pack is in a closed condition.