Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective pet toy reflects incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated, thereby indicating the location of a pet toy and thereby preventing tripping hazards in pet play areas during dusk or nighttime hours. The pet toy is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve that is coated with an abrasion resistant transparent polymeric coating. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of braided narrow width reflective strips. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube, microsphere retroreflectors, or wide-angle exposed retroreflective lenses to a flexible polymeric sheet. The pet toy reflective braid may include knots and/or play balls or photoluminescence, glow-in-the-dark elements to provide an added measure of safety and enhanced play appeal.

Abstract: An anonymous credit card has a unique identification number and a card value, which is exhausted when the cash amount of the card is expended. The card is sold by a first vendor and accepted by a second vendor when presented by the user. It is managed by an issuing institution, which verifies the presence of sufficient funds to cover the cost charged and deducts the charge cost from the card value. The card has a limited monetary value, which is advantageous if it is lost or stolen. No connection exists between the card and its owner. As a result, the owner's credit rating cannot be tarnished by actions of a third party.

Abstract: A temporary cosmetic dental coating has a transparent resin matrix containing embedded glass microspheres. The refractive index of the microspheres is at least 0.03 greater than the refractive index of the transparent resin matrix. Incoming light is reflected back in the same direction as it was emanated, providing a lustrous dental coating that is cosmetically appealing and covers dental defects and discoloration. The transparent resin matrix with glass microspheres is formed by mixing together a methacrylate based liquid monomer of methyl methacrylate or BIS-GMA and glass microspheres coated with activators/catalysts. The user applies the mixed composition to the teeth to form a temporary cosmetic dental coating, which is readily removed using a dental pick. A lac resin dissolved in ethyl alcohol is optionally mixed with glass microspheres and applied to teeth surfaces. The coating is hardened by alcohol evaporation and removed by alcohol dissolution.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective pet leash has handle, central pet leash, and pet collar sections that reflect an incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate illumination of the pet owner's hand, pet leash and the location of the pet during dusk or nighttime hours. This pet leash is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve that is coated with an abrasion resistant transparent polymeric coating. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sewn thereon. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube, microsphere retroreflectors, or wide angle exposed retroreflective lenses to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective jewelry piece has a central cylindrical braided rope core surrounded by a cylindrical reflective braided sleeve comprising three or more narrow width reflective strips that are braided at a shallow cylindrical braid angle that reflect an incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate omnidirectional illumination of the person wearing the reflective jewelry piece during dusk or nighttime hours. This reflective jewelry piece is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sown thereon. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A detachable, heat resistant, flexible button protector protects against button degradation during laundering, dry-cleaning or hot ironing operations. The protector has an enclosure for forming a cavity surrounding at least one button. A slit in the side of the enclosure accommodates insertion of the button into the cavity. Button degradation is prevented by sealing the enclosure to minimize penetration of cleaning fluids during insertion and residence of the button within the cavity. The protector shields the button from corrosive laundering and dry-cleaning chemicals, while allowing entry of chemicals that wash the fabric on which the button is sewn. It is strong enough to withstand compressive force and shock impact produced by laundering machinery. Chipping and chemical degradation of buttons is virtually eliminated. Laundering, dry-cleaning and ironing operations are carried out economically in an efficient, reliable manner.

Abstract: The positions of electrical boxes, switches and outlets are marked and accurately located by use of an integrated measuring apparatus having multiple sets of slots, indicia printed on left and right edges of the front side of the apparatus, and levels for positioning the apparatus vertically. The integrated electrician's measurement apparatus locates the electrical boxes, switches and outlets in horizontal level even when an irregular floor is present. Such electrical devices are positioned at required distances that meet code requirements without need for additional tools. Location and installation of the boxes is facilitated. The boxes are positioned quickly and accurately in compliance with applicable code requirements. Portions of pertinent sections of the code are provided for ready reference on the body of the integrated electrician's measuring apparatus.

Abstract: A roll up ramp system facilitates transition between a first elevation and a second, higher elevation. The roll up ramp system includes a securement device temporarily connecting a roll up ramp to the second, higher elevation. Further included by the roll up ramp system are a plurality of links formed by a set of parallel plates interconnected by a central support rod and a pair of lateral locking rods. Each of the locking rods is provided with a plurality of selvedge linking units having a locking portion and a pivot portion. The links are interconnected by a plurality of linking support rods, which are accommodated by each of the selvedge linking units to form a roll up ramp. A rigid, durable ramp configuration is thereby achieved. The roll up ramp system is lightweight, strong, conveniently stored in a rolled up condition and readily deployed in an unrolled, ramp-like configuration to facilitate loading and unloading of equipment from a hauling vehicle.

Abstract: A roll up ramp system facilitates transition between a first elevation and a second higher elevation. The roll up ramp system includes a plurality of load-bearing links connected to one another having top and bottom faces and being comprised of at least one load-bearing member and a set of side plates. Each side plate has at least two apertures appointed for receiving and housing a pin, or the like, for pivotally connecting the load bearing links to one another. The load-bearing links are adapted to rotate about the pin to form an extended ramp configuration and a roll up configuration when force is applied to the roll up ramp structure. The roll up ramp is adapted to achieve a rigid, durable ramp configuration, which is readily utilized for loading equipment into a hauling device. Advantageously, the roll up configuration achieved by the ramp structure provides for convenient storage thereof.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric, rotating electric machine includes a stator assembly that includes stacked stator coil windings. The machine is preferably a polyphase, axial airgap device. Improved slot filling results from the stacked stator coil configuration. Device performance capability is thereby increased. The stator assembly of the electric device has a magnetic core made from low loss, high frequency material. A high pole count permits the electrical device to operate at high commutating frequencies, with high efficiency, high power density and improved performance characteristics. Low-loss materials incorporated by the device include amorphous metals, nanocrystalline metals, optimized Si—Fe alloys, grain-oriented Fe-based materials or non-grain-oriented Fe-based materials.

Abstract: An integrated, yet divisible shop vacuum and air compressor system is provided with a blower, a wet and dry vacuuming section and a compressor section, each of which is mounted on a easy to relocate trolley. The vacuum system has a separate motor from the compressor and is independently operable with full capacity. A filter in front of the vacuum suction prevents debris and moisture from entering the vacuum-generating unit. The vacuum hose decreases in diameter as a function of distance from the unit to increase airflow velocity. Air pressure within a compressed air storage tank in the compressor section is sensed and controlled. The integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system provides dry vacuuming, wet vacuuming, high pressure air delivery and air blowing capability from a single, mobile unit. The unit is fully integrated into a single, yet divisible platform which may come with or have available via after market purchase, a second set of wheels for total independence.

Abstract: A high intensity lighting system comprises a plurality of high intensity discharge lamps electrically connected to a polyphase alternator and a prime mover mechanically connected to the alternator. An inherent impedance characteristic of the alternator permits the lamps to be reliably started and energized without any separate ballast or comparable impedance element. The alternator comprises a stator having teeth extending from a backiron. The teeth consist of the alternator phases, and the coils encircle the respective teeth of each pair and are wound in opposite sense and connected in series. The machine is preferably an axial airgap device wherein the stator assembly has a magnetic core made from low loss, high frequency material. A high pole count permits the electrical device to operate at high commutating frequencies, with high efficiency, high power density and improved performance characteristics.

Abstract: An asymmetric bandwidth communication system enables wireless communication between interrogators/readers and transponders/tags. A transponder transmits TDCIR (Time Domain Carrierless Impulse Radio) signals in the uplink direction and receives non-TDCIR signals, such as electromagnetic continuous waves, in the downlink direction. The transponder may receive partial or whole power from non-TDCIR signals. The TDCIR utilizes electromagnetic impulses with short duration and ultra wide bandwidth. It offers high data rate reliable communication at low power and design complexity. It also demonstrates resilience against path fading, selective absorption and reflection by physical matters and excellent location determination capabilities.

Abstract: A plurality of canine acetabular cups designed to fit within different sized spherical reamed bone cavities to produce controlled interference without use of cements, screws or nails. Each of the canine acetabular cups, regardless of size, mates with a common femoral head, providing interchangeability. The controlled interference is obtained through use of a multiple curvature Ti—Al—V shell having a porous coating. The interference starts from zero at 50 degrees from the apex of the shell and extends to full interference value at 90 degrees from the apex. The Ti—Al—V shell carries a UHMW polyethylene insert, which is locked by interference, a non-circular post mated with an elongated opening and a circumferential locking groove mated with an interior projection. Initial stability is provided immediately after surgery due to the interference arrangement; long term stability is afforded by bone ingrowth.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine exhaust system comprises a single-piece, seamless metal housing having tubulated gas inlet and outlet ports and a tubulated intermediate section with a catalytic element therein. The intermediate section is connected to the inlet port by an inlet transition section and to the outlet port by an outlet transition section. The inlet and outlet ports and the inlet and outlet transition sections are formed by swaging the ends of a seamless tube used to form the housing. Exhaust gas produced by operation of the engine passes into the converter and through the catalytic element. Noxious substances in the exhaust, including CO, NOx, and incompletely combusted hydrocarbons are converted to more benign substances through the action of the catalytic element, which is preferably a frangible ceramic honeycomb structure having a plurality of internal passages coated with a catalytically active substance.

Abstract: Acute and chronic heart disease is treated using a rational, multi-tier approach. A patient is pretreated with growth factor proteins or gene therapy, followed by the administration of adult stem cells. The progress of treatment is continuously monitored by echo-cardiogram with growth factor treatment and/or stem cell administration adjusted according to the results of the echo-cardiogram or clinical status of the patient. Heart disease is also treated by a method that comprises administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a growth factor protein by oral inhalation therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rational, multi-tier approach to the administration of growth factor proteins in the treatment of heart disease. Also disclosed is a method to evaluate the effectiveness of the administration of growth factor proteins comprising the clinical assay of CPK-MB levels in a patient undergoing treatment with growth factor proteins. In addition, there is disclosed a method for treatment of heart disease comprising administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a growth factor protein by oral inhalation therapy.

Abstract: An energizable magnetic core for use in an inductor or a transformer includes a plurality of legs extending from the back yoke. The back yoke is formed in a loop arranged to provide a magnetic circuit. Each of the plurality of legs have a first end adjacent to the back yoke and a second end extending away from the back yoke. With the legs positioned upon the back yoke, a cover yoke is positioned adjacent to the second end of each of the plurality of legs. The cover yoke is also formed in a loop such that the cover loop is arranged to provide a magnetic circuit. Coils are positioned upon the legs of the energizable magnetic core. In one embodiment, amorphous metal may be used to construct the energizable magnetic core.

Abstract: An automatic razor blade sharpener simultaneously sharpens and sanitizes multiple edges of a spring-loaded disposable razor blade cartridge without edge overheating by lubricated gentle contact of the blade edges with a moving rubber or polymeric compliant belt that is motor driven. The disposable razor blade handle is set in a cradle aperture, which is spring loaded against the moving belt. A sanitizing and lubricating liquid is dispersed from a container between the razor blade edges and the moving belt forms a thin liquid layer on the belt surface. The liquid layer is illuminated by transversely located light illuminator and the reflected light is received by a transversely located sensor. Deep grooves in the blade cutting edge reduce this reflection, indicating an overly worn blade. The absence of reflection actuates an LED, informing the user that the thin liquid film has evaporated or spilled out, or that the container lacks a sufficient quantity of sanitizing and lubricating liquid.

Abstract: An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper System for wine and other liquid-containing bottles is installed during the manufacture of the bottle. The Integrated drip Proof Stopper System contains a shrink-wrap shell disposed about the throat of the bottle. The shrink-wrap shell has an opening strip that separates a shrink-wrap shell extension from a lower portion of the shrink-wrap shell. When pulled, the strip exposes an absorbent pad that is adhesively bonded to the bottom portion of the shrink-wrap shell. The absorbent pad captures drips that occur when wine or liquid is poured from the bottle, preventing damage to tablecloths or tabletops on which the bottle is placed. The upper portion of the absorbent pad has a plurality of slits and teeth forming a teeth-like structure adapted for expansion by the user to increase drip capture efficiency.