Abstract: The current invention provides a remote caregiver support system which allows caregivers to provide informal care to care receivers. The systems of the current invention comprise a caregiver system and a care receiver system operating on personal computers. Each system is linked by a communications network. Preferably, the communications network is a high speed internet connection. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for delivering informal care to a care receiver remotely located from the caregiver. In the methods of the current invention, the caregiver accesses a remote caregiver support system and interacts with the care receiver providing text reminders and other informal care necessary to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of the care receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting round hay bales disposed on a bale support ground surface. The apparatus has a frame, a frame support assembly, a first and a second rail. The frame has a first and a second portion. The first portion is connectable to a towing vehicle and the second portion is pivotally movable relative to the first portion to cooperate with the first portion to move the frame between a transporting position and a loading position. The first and second rails are movable between first, second, and third positions. In the first position, the first and second rails are lowered to capture the round hay bale. In the second position, the first and second rails are raised and aligned for transporting the round hay bale. In the third position, the first and second rails are positioned generally downwardly and outwardly for unloading the round hay bale.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device including a shutter assembly, a light sensing circuit, a control circuit and a power source. The shutter assembly is adjustable to a plurality of shade levels. The phototransistor of the light sensing circuit senses light from a welding arc and provides an output of the light sensing circuit indicative of the shade level at which the shutter assembly should be operated. The phototransistor is configured for surface mount and has an external base connection connected to the base of the phototransistor. The control circuit is configured to receive the output from the light sensing circuit and provide a drive signal to the shutter assembly responsive to said output, drives the shutter assembly to one of said plurality of shade levels.

Abstract: A system and method for affecting the function of a mammalian ear. The system and method uses an oscillating magnetic field to move nanospheres comprised of single-domain nanoparticles. In a preferred embodiment a receiving assembly detects sound waves and transmits the sound waves to a processor. The processor drives an electromagnetic coil in response to the detected sound waves. The electromagnetic coil transmits a signal that causes vibration of the nanoparticles and the tissues within which the nanoparticles are implanted.

Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart support members projecting therefrom. The support members have at least one fluid flow opening formed through a sidewall so as to intersect a lower end of the support members at two rounded corners. The support members are spaced so that the support members are nestable between the support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are arranged in an inverted relationship with respect to one another. The drain structure panel may be placed on an impermeable liner having an upper surface with a plurality of ridges defining troughs therebetween.

Abstract: A method for releasing a drill string stuck against a wall of a well bore due to pressure differential between the hydrostatic pressure of a fluid in the well bore and the pressure of a formation at the point where the drill string is stuck. The method includes injecting a first fluid into the annulus via the drill string and simultaneously injecting a second fluid into the annulus at an upper end of the annulus. The first fluid and the second fluid are injected into the annulus at a volume and rate sufficient to cause at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid to penetrate the formation and increase the pressure of the formation adjacent the well bore so that the pressure of the formation adjacent the well bore is substantially equalized with the pressure of the well bore. A jarring force is simultaneously exerted to the drill string to cause the drill string to release.

Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface is disclosed. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart tubular support members projecting therefrom. The tubular support members have at least one fluid flow opening formed through a sidewall so as to intersect a second end of the tubular support members at two rounded corners. The tubular support members are tapered so that the tubular support members are nestable with the tubular support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are stacked.

Abstract: A composition having sustained pain-relieving properties such that the composition may be administered to a subject to alleviate chronic pain. The composition includes an effective amount of at least one glutaminase inhibitor. A method for alleviating chronic pain in a subject for an extended period of time is also disclosed, in which the compound is administered to a subject suffering from chronic pain at a site of inflammation such that the administration of the compound results in a reduction in at least one of thermal and mechanical pain responses at the site of inflammation for a period of at least two days without any resulting acute pain behavior. The composition may further include an effective amount of at least one compound having analgesic effects such that the composition also alleviates acute pain.

Abstract: The mounting assembly for securing an accessory to a firearm. The accessory has a body with an undercarriage portion which is shaped to matingly receive at least a portion of the undercarriage of the firearm, a trigger guard portion shaped to engage at least a portion of the trigger guard firearm and a firearm connector portion which is constructed of a resilient deformable material which forms a snap-fit with a portion of the firearm in order to secure the body to the firearm. The body also has an accessory connector portion shaped to secure an accessory to the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting spent water-based drilling mud into fertile indigenous top soil at a well site or location. The fertile indigenous top soil is produced by the steps of: admixing, at a well site, effective amounts of spent water-based drilling mud, mature compost, organic fertilizer, and top soil from the well site to provide a mixture containing spent water-based drilling mud, from about 30 to about 150 volume percent mature compost, from about 5 to 20 volume percent organic fertilizer, and from about 5 to 20 volume percent top soil from the well site wherein each of the volume percents is based on the volume of the spent water-based drilling mud present in the mixture; stirring the mixture for a period of time effective to form a substantially homogenous mixture; and drying the substantially homogenous mixture so as to provide fertile indigenous top soil possessing similar microbial and enzyme characteristics as the top soil at the well site.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ gasification of coal wherein a network of fractures is formed by providing a substantially vertically disposed borehole and a plurality of substantially horizontally disposed boreholes in fluid communication with the substantially vertically disposed borehole, at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being a fracturing borehole, at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being an injection borehole and at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being an injection borehole. An initial quantity of liquified gas is introduced into the at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole whereby the liquified gas vaporizes forms fractures in the formation.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination squeegee (i.e., a scraper) and hand trowel tool. The tool can be conveniently used to first remove a material from a can, bucket or other material container and then used to spread the material evenly on a surface or substrate. The tool has a blade having a curved edge portion for removing material from cans or buckets and a separate notched edge portion (preferably with indentations or serrations) for evenly spreading the material on a surface. The invention further contemplates a method of using the tool to remove material from a can, bucket or container and applying the material to a surface.

Abstract: A spray nozzle that includes a nozzle body defining a first surface, a cap defining a second surface able to define an annular nozzle opening therebetween, and a turbine having a plurality of radially extending fins circumferentially positioned about the nozzle opening for directing the flow of fluid exiting the nozzle opening. The turbine is rotatably connected to the cap such that the nozzle opening is free of any portion of the turbine. The spray nozzle further includes a grinding member.

Abstract: A child restraint apparatus having a base connectable to a vehicle. The base has a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion. /A U-shaped guard is pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child. A seat member of appropriate size is detachably connected to the seat portion of the chassis. A harness assembly is connected to the seat member. The harness assembly comprises a retractor assembly connected to the seat member and a torso strap having a lower end fixed to the retractor and a pair of upper ends connectable to a helmet via a latch assembly connected to the helmet. The helmet is adjustably connected to the chassis and has a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective cover having a first panel superimposed over and connected to a second panel. The first panel is connected to the second panel such that the first panel is slidably moveable relative to the second panel so that the first panel will be sheared relative to the second panel upon the first panel being impacted by a force having a component which is non-perpendicular to the first panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel has a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet to form an air chamber. A valve is disposed through the panels and manually operable between an open condition and a closed condition to allow air to be selectively removed from and drawn into the air chamber of the first panel. The air chamber is provided with a resilient, open-celled, foam panel to cause air to be drawn into the air chamber upon expansion of the foam panel from a collapsed condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleaning system and methods for cleaning tissue embedding molds. The cleaning system includes a cleaning vessel that holds a cleaning solution. The tissue processing molds are supported by a basket receptacle which is placed inside the cleaning vessel. Cleaning solution is supplied to the cleaning vessel through a supply line. Additional fluids are stored in a reservoir and may be mixed with the cleaning solution in the supply line. Cleaning solution drains from the cleaning vessel through a drain line. A controller controls the opening and closing of valves and the activation or deactivation of a heat source to operate a wash cycle, a rinse cycle, and a dry cycle.

Abstract: A top entry check valve including a valve body with an access port. A compressible hanger body engages a portion of the valve body and is positioned in alignment with the access port of the valve body. A clapper is connected to the hanger body so that the clapper is movable between a closed position wherein the clapper engages a valve seat to occlude the passage of fluid through the fluid flow passage and an open position wherein the clapper is moved away from the valve seat to permit passage of fluid through the fluid flow passage. A closure member is connected to the valve body to close the access port of the valve body. The closure member has an abutment surface engaging the hanger body so that the hanger body is compressed between the closure member and the valve body.

Abstract: A collapsible water treatment digester includes a flexible bladder, a frame, and a plurality of filter plates. The flexible bladder is movable from a collapsed position wherein the bladder is folded into a substantially flattened state to an expanded position wherein the bladder forms a water treatment chamber. The frame is connected to the bladder so as to support the bladder in the expanded position. The filter plates are disposed within the water treatment chamber of the bladder so as to cause a substantial portion of the solids from a wastewater stream introduced into the water treatment chamber to produce a reconditioned water stream dischargeable from the bladder.

Abstract: A glove for protecting an individual's hand is provided. The glove includes a palm covering shaped to substantially correspond to the shape of at least a portion of the palmar side of the individual's hand, and a back covering shaped to substantially correspond to the shape of at least a portion of the dorsal side of the individual's hand. The back covering is secured to the palm covering so as to form a hand receiving opening, a thumb stall, and a plurality of finger stalls. The glove further includes a palm padding secured to selected areas of the palm covering so as to provide cushioning for the palmar side of the individual's hand, and a slip resistant material provided on selected areas of the palm covering to facilitate the gripping of an object by the individual's hand.