Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback control system using at least one operating personnel for controlling a system or a function in a system. The control results from sequential manual interruption by the operator of the fluid flow at the discharge end of a flowing system within a preset time period. As the liquid flow is interrupted, changes in flow characteristics, such as those affecting flow or pressure, for example, are instantly caused within the system. A transducer connected to the system senses these changes in flow characteristic and subsequently transduces them into electrical impulse signals that correspond directly to the sequential interruptions occurring at the discharge end of the system. An electronic circuit counts these electrical impulses, and causes relay switches to change state, causing electromechanical functions in the system to occur.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a pair of smooth linear rods, each of the rods providing a first rod end and a second rod end, the first rod end of each of the rods having a first blind bore therein, and the second rod end of each of the rods having a second blind bore therein. A coiled spring is integrally engaged between the dual linear rods. The coiled spring provides a pair of opposing terminal spring ends, one of each of the terminal spring ends integrally engaged in the first blind bore of each rod. The second blind bore of each of the linear rods is adapted for accepting a wheel lug therein.

Abstract: A fixture for securing a water craft to a dock includes a linear rigid shaft, terminating at one end with a ring. The shaft is integral with an exterior surface of the ring which provides a first internal machine thread. A disk shaped element provides a first external machine thread for threadedly engaging the first machine thread of the ring. The disk shaped element further provides a pair of opposing arms, extending outwardly from its opposing sides. A pair of spaced apart washer disks are threadedly engaged with the shaft such that rotation in a first rotational sense drives the washer disks together for gripping a dock, and rotation in an opposite sense drives the washer disks apart for loosening the invention from its mount.

Abstract: A tire pressure indicator is mounted onto the fill stem of a tire and provides a window for indicating if the tire has adequate pressure or not. The indicator show adequate, marginal and underinflated conditions by color bands opposite the window. The pressure indicator may be permanently mounted onto the tire and used to fill the tire and maintain pressure in the tire. As the tire is filled the indicator moves from one color band to the next until the indicator shows that adequate pressure has been attained whereupon the hose may be disconnected.

Abstract: A wine bottle ring of a continuous unbroken form for accepting a neck of a wine bottle so the ring may be supported on the wine bottle. A plurality of wine glass rings, are formed of spring steel in a loop having a pair of opposing and abutting ends. The loops are of a size for accepting a stem of a wine glass, and further, for being supported on a base of a wine glass. The wine glass rings each provide a distinctive ornamentation so as to distinguish the wine glasses from each other. The method includes serving the wine bottle with the wine glass rings attached to the bottle ring so that the decorative elements are immediately visible. When the wine glasses are distributed to guests, each has one of the wine glass rings engaged on its stem so that one glass may be distinguished from the next.

Abstract: An intravenous system for monitoring the flow of IV fluids to a patient is embodied in a wristwatch sized case for placement on the patient. The device includes a switch uses capable of detecting when flow starts or stops. In one embodiment, the range of flow rates which may trigger a signal is increased using a plurality of sensor elements. The flow indicator switch uses a conical fluid conducting means with a movable stem body which reacts to the motion of the IV fluid. A signal-emitter-sensor arrangement provides a means for converting physical displacement into an electrical signal indicating displacement of the movable member thus detecting when flow starts and stops, as well as the rate of flow. Collected information is stored in a data storage means and may be either displayed on a display means housed within the case, or alternately, the collected data may be uploaded to a computer.

Abstract: A combination apparatus comprises a truck bed sidewall providing a horizontally oriented top bed wall portion and an integral downwardly extending inner, outer end portions, and a sidewall cover providing a horizontally oriented top cover portion and integral therewith and extending downwardly therefrom, an inner, outer and end cover portions dimensionally sized to fit over the truck sidewall with the corresponding top, side and end portions in surface to surface contact. The sidewall cover comprises plural sections arranged in linear mutually abutting sequence defining at least one section interface between sections. The interface comprises a pair of complementary mutually interengagable U-shaped edges wherein a first one of the U-shaped edges provides an extending lip and a second one of the U-shaped edges provides a recessed lip, the recessed lip receiving the extending lip in overlapping abutment.

Abstract: A light-concentrating dental tool apparatus for use with a visible light curing lamp. The apparatus is comprised of: an elongate handle, including a medially positioned enlarged portion, approximately spherical, providing both distal and mesial end utility elements, the utility elements being made of a light-transparent and light-transmissive material. The distal and mesial end utility elements include a resting and positioning device for the visible light curing lamp, including convex upward facing distal and mesial end surfaces integral with cone-shaped distal and mesial end bodies, preferably hyperbolically-shaped. The end bodies terminate at distal and mesial end workpieces integral with and depending from the end bodies. The distal and mesial end workpieces provide end light disbursing devices for directing a maximum amount of light outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A plurality of roof panels are used for covering a pitched roof. The roof panels are of a structural sheet metal, positioned and laid over the roof and provide a series of spaced apart longitudinal stiffening steps separated by at least one flat surface portion adapted for abutting the roof for enablement of attachment thereto. The top edge of each panel is convex and coved for use in covering a peak of the roof. A step is provided near the bottom edge of each panel for covering the covered top edge of a further one of the panels laid below it.

Abstract: A hand tool is used for resizing bent, broken, warped or swollen tongue-in-groove panels or planks or boards. The tool has cutting tools mounted on its sides so as to be inserted into a groove for cutting the groove to size or opposing cutting surfaces for sizing a tongue. The tool is fastened by a simple clamp or clamps and has a handle for manipulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for straining fluid flow in a drainpipe, including a cylindrical body having a sidewall terminating with an integral closed end providing a means for engaging a drain plate, and, in opposition, an open end providing an integral uniform peripheral flange extending outwardly. The peripheral flange is adapted for a tight fitting relationship with a drain pipe inside surface; and, further, the side wall provided a plurality of apertures and a further plurality of surface protuberances extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the side wall.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with an interior annular surface. A rotary piston mount rotates within an engine block interior space. Several spherical pistons are urged radially outwardly from the rotary piston mount by an urging means, and move in a radial reciprocating motion within the rotary piston mount. A gas-producing means produces an expanding gas. The gas drives the spherical pistons and the rotary piston mount rotationally along the interior annular surface of the engine block.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a model lighthouse provides a lighting effect similar to that of a commercial lighthouse. In one embodiment a lamp is rotationally driven. In another embodiment a lighting means for extending a stationary lamp is taught so as to accommodate various size lighthouse models. In a still further embodiment, a combination of rotational and extension features are provided including a set of exterior wipers mounted in electrical contact with slip rings onto a rotating boom for delivery of power to a lamp.

Abstract: A photocopying machine provides the typical capabilities of paper storage, transport reproduction and copy outputting. An electrical circuit stores a plurality of English language inventory human voice commands and a plurality of machine voice responses. A microphone receives each action-request human voice command compares each action-request human voice command with each one of the inventory human voice commands in turn until a match is found and then selects each machine voice response, from the plurality of machine voice responses, corresponding to each said match. An audible message is generated corresponding to each selected machine voice response. When a complete command is received the copying machine responds accordingly.

Abstract: A customizable potted plant watering apparatus is made up of a variety of interconnecting parts to form one or more separate elongate trays which are arrange in any fashion but generally one above the next. Each linear or radial tray section is adapted for supporting one or more potted plants. Trays are interconnected by flexible tubes so that when water is introduced into an upper tray it flows downwardly into subsequent lower trays. Trays are inexpensively fabricated by an extrusion process and when attached at both ends to end sections, form a finished shelf into which water may be introduced so as to hydrate and feed the plants by root absorption. The end sections are held in place by a snap on cover which also engages a screen to provide an effective watering tray and a clog free system.

Abstract: A muffler-filter apparatus comprises a filter housing providing a flexible cylindrical wall enclosed at one end by a screen integrally joined peripherally with a distal end rim of the cylindrical wall, and a strap device for tightening a proximal end rim of the cylindrical wall for enabling the proximal end rim of the cylindrical wall to be fixed onto a propeller hub of an outboard motor so as to position the filter housing for receiving exhausts of the outboard motor's engine. A filter media is tight fitting within the cylindrical wall so as to prevent exhaust gas blowby, and is enabled for capturing oil, dust and water from exhaust gases passing therethrough while reducing exhaust noise.

Abstract: A boxing exercise apparatus is mounted onto a stand. A pivoted support arm provides a strike absorbing means. In a first embodiment, the support arm is connected to the stand with a spring joined to a rigid rod. The rigid rod is preferably positioned in a neutral position with an integral positioning means. Displacement of the support arm away from the neutral position toward at a rocked-back position is counteracted by the spring. In a second embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second spring joining the stand and the rigid rod; and a second positioning means for contacting the rigid rod. When the support arm is deflected, alternately the first spring and then the second spring retards the motion of the support arm. In a third embodiment, a pair of strike absorbing means are mounted in such a manner that they move away from a blow and recover a neutral position as described, and also move laterally, and again recover a neutral position.

Abstract: A support provides a window for the display of advertising material. The support has a gripping feature on opposing sides for engaging an airline fold-down tray by its side edges. A bottom flange functions as a position limiting device so that the support is correctly positioned onto the tray. The advertising medium is held within a groove between the window and the under surface of the fold-down tray.