Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed wherein one or more steroid hormones are combined in a mixture with a sulfur-containing compound. The sulfur-containing compound increases the absorption of the steroid hormone through a mucosal surface, such as skin, oral mucosa, and mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: An engine spark ignition device for internal combustion engines having electrical coupling of the firing spark plug wire to the non-firing spark plug wires. The device is for use with an engine having a plurality of spark plug wires connected between a distributor and a spark plug disposed in the engine cylinder and comprises identical elongated electrically conductive semi-circular plates which enclose identical elongated electrically conductive planar plates having apertures therein that intersect to form spaces for receiving the spark plug wires. The interaction between firing spark plug wires and non-firing spark plug wires results in more efficient and cleaner combustion in the combustion chambers.

Abstract: An anti-theft shield that protects the latching apparatus on the large rear doors of cargo trucks and truck trailers is provided, the shield including an elongated sheath-like member for sliding over and enclosing the cargo door latch handle, and a connected panel member for extending over and protecting the cargo door latch mechanism and the associated padlock for locking the latch handle to the latch mechanism. At a first end of the sheath-like member on the rear side thereof is a planar guide member for insertion behind the latch handle and pivot pin locking hook. The shield is secured in position over the latch mechanism by means of the guide member in combination with a shield locking bracket having an opening for accepting the padlock bight during the locking procedure.

Abstract: A vertical axis omni-wind turbine having a wind sail centrally mounted to a rotor, the wind sail consisting of two vanes one on each side of the rotor in generally planar arrangement. The vanes are substantially identical with each having a generally concave surface with an opposite or reverse face that is generally convex. As assembled and mounted to the rotor, one vane presents the concave face to the wind while the vane 180 degrees away presents the convex face. The concave face operates to capture the wind to force rotation of the rotor while the convex face offers minimal resistance to rotor rotation. With continued rotation the reverse, or backside, of the convex surface, which is a concave face, is then presented to the wind, thus to provide continued rotation.

Abstract: A child carrier to be worn by a user for supporting and transporting a child including a child seating portion, a buttress support portion depending downwardly from the front end of the seating portion for abutting the body of the user supporting the child, and first and second sides downwardly depending from the seating portion to connect and brace the seating portion and the buttress support portion. The seating portion is configured for receiving a child in the user facing position, is laterally contoured generally convexly, and extends backwardly and upwardly in a generally concave manner from said buttress support portion. The carrier has slits appropriately positioned for attachment of adjustable shoulder and waist straps.

Abstract: The invention includes a flexible, removable and reusable adhesive backed tape constructed in the conventional form of a flat elongate strip having measurement indicia printed on the opposite non-adhesive surface. The indicia include selected measurement markings divided into prescribed segments that are replicated sequentially along the length of the tape. The tape further includes a straight level indicator line and spaces for erasable writings.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a simple and convenient way to ascend and descend a rope without using a belayer. Embodiments of the invention can smoothly transition from a rope clamping position to a rope unclamping position, conveniently providing an effective rope control device.

Abstract: A piston type internal combustion engine having a fixed position stub shaft mounted on a base. The piston, piston pin and piston rod rotate about this fixed position shaft. The piston assembly does not reciprocate. The cylinder block assembly is mounted to an output shaft whose center line does not coincide with the center line of the axis of the fixed position shaft such that it is offset from the fixed position shaft. The block assembly consists of cylinders, end cap, air intake shroud and exhaust collecting hood. The cycle of combustion is two, three or four cycle regulated by the fuel injection and/or spark plug firing sequence. Air is drawn through a filter into a turbo charge type air intake shroud. Air is accelerated through openings in the cylinders and pistons. Fuel is pumped through the output shaft and to the fuel injectors. Exhaust is dispatched to a rotating collector having a labyrinth type seal, then to a non-rotating hood attached to the base and through an exhaust port.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improved seal for providing protection against water, water vapor, and other vapors from entering into and permeating through a concrete slab. The seal includes three primary functional edges extending from a common junction, a first edge positioned substantially horizontally to be moisture proof fastened to a geo-membrane liner over which a slab is to be poured, a second edge extending downwardly to the first edge to be embedded into a foundation, and a third edge extending upwardly from the first edge to be embedded into the slab. The invention applies to both monolithic and non-monolithic pours.

Abstract: A bicycle brake shoe assembly including multiple brake pads of different braking compounds replaceably inserted sequentially into a truncated pad holder. The pads have an overlap at one end and an under-lap at the other end such that upon assembly within the holder an overlap portion is mated over an under-lap portion. The pads are captured and retained in place in the truncated holder by a removable end cap. The overlap/under-lap pad mating cooperates with the pad holder and end cap to prevent pad pull out because of wheel rim movement forces on the pads. The brake shoe assembly has a transverse curvature substantially in conformance with the radius of curvature of the bicycle wheel rim, thereby improving pad contact with the wheel rim.