Abstract: A window shutter having a blade assembly which has a non-metallic blade section and an extruded metal mounting section. The metal mounting section is pivotally mounted to the frame and is preferably aluminum or other light materials. In a preferred embodiment, the relative position of the blades to each other and the frame so zero clearance is achieved and in a closed position the blade assemblies overlap to block light. The blade assemblies may be incorporated into a rectangular frame or other style such as a sunburst configuration.
Abstract: An attachment to footwear, particularly boots, to assist in their removal from the foot of the wearer. The attachment comprises a strap hinged to the heel of the footwear. Fasteners secure the strap against the heel extending generally vertically upward in a stored position. In use, the strap is loosened and placed on the surface so the wearer may place weight on the strap to anchor the footwear so the wearer's foot may be withdrawn. The strap may have decorative features and define an opening to accommodate a spur. In another embodiment, the attachment comprises a spring steel wire bail to which the strap is hinged. The bail may be detachably secured to the footwear in the welt in the heel area by an elastic band.
Abstract: A parts cleaner for removing oil, grease and contaminants from parts or items. The cleaner has a sink supported on a base. A modular housing containing a reservoir is removably positioned below the sink and includes a pump and electrical components. The pump is connected to a dispensing apparatus at the sink for delivery of cleaning solution. The sink drain communicates with the reservoir via a flexible line. The modular housing may be removed for servicing and servicing may be accomplished by replacing the removed modular housing with another previously serviced unit so the removed unit may be conveniently and environmentally safely serviced at a remote central servicing location.
Abstract: An organizer for maintaining items such as mail in a convenient, readily accessible generally stacked condition. The organizer has a receptacle tray with a retainer which is angularly disposed within the tray and longitudinally slidable therein along a track. A foot on the retainer is held in frictional engagement with the track or bottom of the organizer by the contents held between the retainer and an end of the tray. The user may easily disengage the retainer and move it in either direction by manually applying a counter force to the upper edge of the retainer. In the preferred embodiment, the tray is a standard postal tray of light weight material. In an alternate embodiment, an optional return spring may be provided to urge the retainer into engagement with the retained contents of the tray.
Abstract: A reloader for a magazine having a generally L-shaped grip with a plurality of pairs of bores in the opposite end walls. The pairs of bores are selectively spaced so as to removably receive the pins on a plunger assembly. The magazine to be reloaded is held against the interior of the grip and the plunger may be manually depressed to depress the follower in the magazine allowing the user to insert cartridges with his or her free hand.
Abstract: An Endotracheal tube guide introducer having a rigid tube with a lumen. A handle is attached to one end and the distal end of the tube is curved. The tube includes visualization means such as a fiberoptic tube. An aperture in the handle intercepts the lumen to facilitate insertion of a flexible guide tube. A port for attachment of a light may be provided on the handle. A guide line is inserted into the larynx by use of the introducer. The introducer is removed and an endotracheal tube (ET) may then be advanced into the trachea along the guide line until properly positioned.
Abstract: A multiple use trailer system for hauling conventional and long loads. The front and rear end gates are closed for normal loads and open to accommodate long loads such as rebar and lengths of pipe. The rear gate has an aerodynamic air wing that holds it in the open position. A dumping mechanism has a platform which is tiltable to dump the trailer and in one embodiment is mounted on a fulcrum which both pivots and moves laterally to maintain a constant dump line.
Abstract: A roof vent system having side walls which are secured in spaced-apart relationship by flashing sections to the roof ridge. Spacers are provided at spaced-apart locations. The spacers may be extruded square tubular sections, Z-sections or other configurations. A screen extends between the side walls. A roof cap has a web which is held in place between the fasteners. The roof cap has flanges at its upper end which support a roof member such as a tile in an elevated position above the ridge to provide sufficient venting.
Abstract: A portable foot support for supporting the foot and leg of a person to accommodate shaving and other personal grooming activities in a bathing enclosure or other location. The support has a base and a top with a convex foot pad extending from the top to the front side. One or more receptacles for grooming articles are provided. The base has a hanger which facilitates storage of the foot support on the edge of a bath tub. The hanger may be a recess in the side wall to accommodate placement over tub walls of different thicknesses or may be a slidable hanger engageable over the top of the tub wall. Preferably the support is one-piece, molded from plastic and is sanitary, durable, light weight and resistive to corrosion.
Abstract: The system is a rebate program for the benefit of participating individuals such as wage earners. Participating individuals apply and are approved and are issued a card with an identifiable account number using credit approval systems. The card may include debit, smart card, customer loyalty and security features. The rebate is calculated and transferred to the participant's account in a trust fund. The card may also be used to engage in other financial transactions. The system may include a wide range of retail merchants as well as professional services available to the participant. Funds are disbursed to the participant upon the occurrence of certain specified events.
Abstract: A support device for imparting repetitive motion to items such as a computer monitor. The device has a support base connected to drive means which impart either a reciprocal, an up-and-down or both motions to the support to induce relief and therapy to those who are required to focus on the device for extended periods of time.
Abstract: A golf instructional apparatus designed to teach a golfer to hit the ball straight and to correct a golfer's hook or slice. The apparatus is also capable of teaching a golfer how to hit a hook or slice. A golf mat is located in a designated ball hitting area having a reference line. A flexible cylinder is located forwardly and outside the ball striking area, which the golfer may hit on the through swing if the club is incorrectly swung. A flexible panel is suspended facing the golfer and will be struck by an incorrect over-the-top swing. The flexible panel allows the golfer to practice at full speed as there are no obstructions in the ball hitting area. The apparatus can be used with or without a ball as immediate feedback is provided. The panel has an indicator mark placed on it forward of the golfer which the golfer attempts to hit when learning draws, hooks or to help change the golfer's slice pattern. A sensor is positioned forward and rearward the hitting area.
Abstract: A trailer with a frame having a center load receiving channel for a motorcycle or for a similar load. A pair of oppositely extending wheel supporting axles are pivotally mounted near the center channel.Bladder-type air cylinders extend between the frame and axles near the outer end of the axles. An air suspension system automatically controls the inflation of the air cylinder during transit and allows the user to selectively deflate the air springs to lower the trailer to a position close to the ground so a load such as a motorcycle can be rolled into the trailer. The user can then operate the system to inflate the air cylinder. Level control valves maintain the air cylinders at the proper position. A fail safe system maintains the trailer in an elevated position in the event of air system failure.
Abstract: A portable modular cooler system for beverages which includes one or more bottles containing a freezable coolant refrigerant. The bottles define recesses for receiving the housed beverage containers. An insulated casing extends about the bottle to maintain and contain containers in a cooled condition for an extended period of time. The bottles and casing are inserted into a carrying case for convenience of the user. The case may have exterior pockets specially configured and located for specific sport and recreational activities. The carrying case, bottles and insulative casing may be configured so that the cooler may be comfortably carried by the user in a manner similar to a "fanny pack". In other embodiments, the bottles containing the refrigerant are identical one to the other and are positioned in face-to-face relationship to form a plurality of cooling chambers. The cooler may also be placed in another article for transportation such as within the large side pocket of a golf bag.
Abstract: A medical model for teaching and demonstrating invasive medical procedures such as angioplasty. The model is a plastic, transparent three-dimensional, anatomically correct representation of at least a portion of the vascular system and in a preferred embodiment would include the aorta, coronary artery, subclavian arteries, pulmonary artery and renal arteries each defining a passageway or lumen. An access port is provided so that actual medical devices, such as a guide and catheter may be inserted to the location simulated blockage. Fluid may also be introduced to realistically simulate in vivo conditions. Simulated heart chambers of similar construction may also be attached to the aortic valve to further enhance the representation of invasive procedures.