Abstract: A sacrificial power connector engages a power receptacle on a laptop computer. The connector includes a first end that mates with the power receptacle and a second end that receives a plug from a power cord. A tab includes adhesive that maintains the connector in engagement with the power receptacle of the laptop computer. In this manner, the sacrificial power connector wears out and prevents damage to the power receptacle on the laptop computer. The sacrificial connector allows a broken path of electrical current to be reestablished.

Abstract: A system for the measurement of a target substance is provided including a detection apparatus and a reading apparatus. The detection apparatus, or “carrier”, includes a pyroelectric film transducer (“pyroelectric film”) and one or more reagent concentrations (“reagent deposits”) deposited on the film. The reagent deposits are adapted to react with, and thus, detect the presence of a target substance present in the local environment. Upon detection of the target substance by the reagent deposit, the reading apparatus and the pyroelectric film may be used to detect the amount of heat that can be absorbed by the reagent in response to illumination. The pyroelectric film then delivers to the reader a signal corresponding to the heat detected and the reader provides a corresponding indication of the concentration of the target substance detected.

Abstract: A disposable plastic covering includes a seal region and an apron region for use in directing fluids away from an interior region of the machine to prevent the fluids from entering a CT machine. The covering includes an inert adhesive material for securing a seal. The adhesive material fastens the seal region of the plastic covering across an opening between an external casing and a window arranged above a moving ring upon which an X-ray emitter and detector are arranged. The apron region of the plastic covering extends from within a central opening of the CT machine to direct fluids from within the machine to an exterior of the machine. A second plastic covering is arranged on an opposite side of the window and seals the second seam. A further embodiment includes a pouch region in the disposable plastic covering for directing fluid therein. An additional covering is provided for controls of the machine.

Abstract: A system for the measurement of a target analyte is provided including a detection apparatus and a reading apparatus. The detection apparatus, or “carrier”, includes a pyroelectric transducer (“pyroelectric film”) and one or more reagent concentrations (“reagent deposit”) deposited on the film. The reagent deposits are adapted to react with, and thus, detect the presence of a target analyte present in the local environment. Upon detection of the target analyte by the reagent deposit, the reading apparatus and the pyroelectric film may be used to detect the amount of heat that can be absorbed by the reagent deposit in response to irradiation. The pyroelectric film then delivers to the reader a signal corresponding to heat detected and the reader provides a corresponding indication of the concentration of the target substance detected.

Abstract: A system for the measurement of a target analyte is provided including a detection apparatus and a reading apparatus. The detection apparatus, or “carrier”, includes a pyroelectric transducer (“pyroelectric film”) and one or more reagent concentrations (“reagent deposit”) deposited on the film. The reagent deposits are adapted to react with, and thus, detect the presence of a target analyte present in the local environment. Upon detection of the target analyte by the reagent deposit, the reading apparatus and the pyroelectric film may be used to detect the amount of heat that can be absorbed by the reagent deposit in response to irradiation. The pyroelectric film then delivers to the reader a signal corresponding to heat detected and the reader provides a corresponding indication of the concentration of the target substance detected.

Abstract: A system for the measurement of a target analyte is provided including a detection apparatus and a reading apparatus. The detection apparatus, or “carrier”, includes a pyroelectric transducer (“pyroelectric film”) and one or more reagent concentrations (“reagent deposit”) deposited on the film. The reagent deposits are adapted to react with, and thus, detect the presence of a target analyte present in the local environment. Upon detection of the target analyte by the reagent deposit, the reading apparatus and the pyroelectric film may be used to detect the amount of heat that can be absorbed by the reagent deposit in response to irradiation. The pyroelectric film then delivers to the reader a signal corresponding to heat detected and the reader provides a corresponding indication of the concentration of the target substance detected.

Abstract: A compact, portable, multi-purpose fishing aid station providing running water and used for cutting bait, cleaning fish and equipment, washing hands, and the like. The station includes a rigid frame having four sides with openings, and a bottom composed of two perforated sections and one solid surface area in the center. The aid station is equipped with an attached filleting knife and scale brush, and a drainage system. The system of larger openings on the four sides and smaller openings on the bottom allows the removal of fish waste, which also acts as chum, and ensures a clean, waste-free workspace. The station includes a pump that includes tube having a submerged hose for drawing water from a source and output it by means of a bendable spout-like tube. The station can be used separately or easily mounted to the side of a boat by its adjustable clamping system. The clamping system includes an inner base, an outer base, and two support arms.

Abstract: A remote operated, underwater non-destructive ordnance recovery system, includes a powered remote controller, a floating remote controlled transceiver wired to a remote disposal unit having a hydraulic grapple, an ordnance recovery basket, and the method in which these devices are used to extract unexploded underwater ordnance. The remote disposal unit includes an electrically driven internal hydraulic pump with bio-degradable hydraulic fluid in a closed loop system. A base includes variable footplates to stabilize the hydraulic grapple by remotely adjustable telescoping legs. A control head that receives signals from control cables and transfers them into hydraulic value actuation, an extendable fully rotating boom, two ballast tubes, a rotating grapple, and lighted underwater cameras on the control box and ballast tubes are also included in remote disposal unit.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of formed handles including openings through which ends of a rope or cord are passed. The rope to one handle is knotted and the rope to the other handle is adjustable but becomes fixed when the rope and the handle are firmly grasped. The base is a platform in which part of the user's body maintains contact with during an exercise. The base includes a channel through which the rope passes. Pulleys are positioned on either side of the platform at either end of the channel.

Abstract: A shield for a fry pot includes a sheet of rectangular, pliable metal that may be formed in a cylindrical shaping to overlap edges of the shield to create an outer diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of the fry pot. A series of holes in the metal are provided for inserting at least one pair of supports therethrough. At least one of the supports extends through overlapping holes in the shield to secure it in place against an upper edge of a sidewall of the fry pot.

Abstract: A cold smoke generating device includes an air source that may include a hollow flexible collapsible container having an expandable and compressible cavity for accepting air and air-borne reagent therein. The collapsible container is fluidly connected with a narrow flexible extension that includes an elongated cavity or chamber. Isolated and/or free reagents are disposed within the chamber of the narrow flexible extension. These reagents are capable of reacting with each other, with atmospheric air, or with other gases and fluids to generate a visible aerosol when expelled into the surrounding air.

Abstract: A fuel impurity separation device includes a cylindrical body extending into a fuel can. The separation device includes a screen and a filter. The screen is located at one end of the cylindrical body that extends into a fuel storage cavity defined by sidewalls of the fuel can to prevent large impurities from contacting the filter and slowing down fuel flow as it is poured from the fuel can. The filter prevents smaller impurities from entering into a engine fuel system. The unique size and shape of the body of the separator also removes water and condensation from the fuel as it is poured from the fuel can to assure that only clean fuel is passed from the fuel can into a fuel system.

Abstract: A method of sizing, resizing or reshaping the interior of a prosthetic device includes placing a lightweight moldable or shape assuming, pliable material that adheres and hardens on the interior sides of a socket of a prosthetic device. An end of a residual limb is placed into the socket causing the moldable material to conform to the shape of the residual limb. The limb is maintained in position for a few minutes in the socket until the moldable material has sufficiently hardened. After hardening, the molded material is dressed down, sanded or feathered to remove any burrs or sharp edges. Low spots or holes may be filled in with more moldable material and the fitting process repeated.

Abstract: The present invention is a game and table for playing table tennis with six players simultaneously. Each side of the table includes a pair of lobes formed by angled edges, having arcuate edges and being arranged on either side of a central region that defines a playing surface upon which a central player or center plays. Wingmen stand behind the arcuate edges and play on either side of the center.

Abstract: A protective bed includes a shield comprising bullet-proof and impact resistance material that surrounds a metal frame. The shield operably separates to provide access to an interior sleeping area. Quick access doors are located on either side of the bed. A ventilation system provides for climate control as well as filtering harmful substances from the air. A rebreather scrubs carbon dioxide from air within the unit to allow a user to close the unit to outside air.

Abstract: An abrasive pad having dots of abrasive material disposed thereon includes a central alignment hole. The abrasive pad is formed by slipping a backing pad having a central alignment hole onto an alignment stud that extends from a support surface through the central alignment hole. A mold having a plurality of fill holes and an alignment hole is then placed against the backing pad such that a portion of the alignment stud extends into the mold alignment hole. A mixture of abrasive material is deposited into the fill holes. Heat is applied and the mold is removed. The abrasive material is allowed to cure to create an abrasive pad having abrasive dots.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing boats and other watercraft that is generally blade-shaped and attaches to the body or hull of the boat. The stabilizing device projects generally outwardly and downwardly from the boat and is pivotally connected along the vertical axis at the attachment point to the watercraft. The device dramatically improves the stability of the boat and resists stops unwanted drift either from a stationary position or from a desired heading.