Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cranial shock absorption system. The method is comprised of forming a first layer of elastomer, positioning a thin layer of material on top surface of elastomer such that the top surface is exposed around the entire exterior of the layer of material, allowing the first layer to partially set, positioning a tubular stem or valve on the first layer adjacent to the layer of material, forming a second layer of elastomer, allowing the first layer and second layer of elastomer to fully set around the thin layer of material, removing the thin layer of material from between the first and second layers of elastomer and then introducing a fluid into the chamber through the tubular stem.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. At the beginning of each test, the test sample is aerated with dry air until saturation. Simultaneously, the test equipment is primed to remove pockets of air there from. After each test, the test equipment is flushed to remove the test sample there from.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Sample flow rate is important in the jet fuel thermal oxidation test. Current practice requires manual drop counting or flow confirmation with the use of volumetric glassware. An apparatus is described to precisely measure the flow rate and automatically perform flow rate check using a drip rate method and/or volumetric method.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of measurements are recorded in a memory device on one end of the heater tube on which the deposits were made.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons, when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein which are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Specifically constructed containers used in a thermal oxidation tester are shown. These containers (1) reduce physical contact to hydrocarbon test fuels, (2) reduce exposure to hydrocarbon fuel vapors, (3) reduce environmental impact by reducing chemical spills, and (4) improve overall work flow of test.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treatment and prevention of severely dehydrated soft tissue is disclosed. The pharmaceutical composition has ingredients that prevent the onset of dehydration and ingredients that increase the healing rate of dehydrated tissue that has become cracked. In particular, the present invention treats and prevents the dry-nose condition caused in oxygen respiratory therapy.

Abstract: An inexpensive bullet-shaped plug is shown for use in a blasting hole containing water in the bottom thereof, which plug permits dry powder to be used above the waterline rather than more expensive wet powder. After the blasting holes are drilled, if water accumulates in the bottom thereof, the bullet-shaped plug with a center weight is dropped into the hole, which bullet-shaped plug floats on the water. Small rocks are dropped on top of the bullet-shaped plug causing upper tentacles to flare out to engage the wall of the blasting hole. Dry powder is then loaded into the blasting hole on top of the bullet-shaped plug. A cap is inserted a distance below the surface of the blasting hole. Thereafter, a series of similar blasting holes are blown at one time to create debris that can be removed or further processed.

Abstract: An air conditioner filter removing system for air filters located in elevated return-air vents, such as return-air vent mounted in a ceiling or upper wall. The device consists of a filter-grabbing mechanism that can be mounted to an extension pole. The filter-grabbing mechanism has teeth protruding from it to grab an air filter and a holding plate where the filter is balanced once engaged by the teeth. In its preferred embodiment, the system has one or more magnets for holding the return-air vent door closed so the filter-grabbing mechanism can easily pull the vent open. Further, the preferred embodiment also has kicker plates that help removal of the teeth out of the grill louvers they are inserted into, on the vent door.

Abstract: A device for correcting the shape of an infant's abnormally-shaped cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. The device applies inwardly-directed external forces only to areas of bony prominence and minimizes (or altogether eliminates) these forces on the areas of the skull that are less prominent (or flattened). Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent (flattened) areas coincident with brain and skull growth. This causes the cranium to return to a normal symmetric cranial shape. The material that contacts the infant's cranium is semi-rigid, relatively non-flexible, and maintains its overall shape under stress. For an infant with an already normally-shaped cranium, the device causes the infant's cranium to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape, and thus prevents abnormal cranial shaping.

Abstract: A pharmacy bottle for prescription medication is shown that conveys information thereon to the patient that is clear and understandable. Colored rings are attachable to the cap of the pharmacy bottle to convey general information. Increased surface area of the pharmacy bottle is provided for more specific information to be conveyed to the patient via the label adhered thereto. Further, more detailed information about the prescription is conveyed to the patient by ancillary information sheet(s) inserted through slot(s) into space formed in walls of the pharmacy bottle. One end of the ancillary information sheet(s) forms a tab extending from the slot(s) that may be pulled by the patient to remove the ancillary information sheet from the space via the slot(s) for review by the patient.

Abstract: A rail car door closer is shown for hopper type rail cars used to carry bulk commodities or materials. Cylinders provide horizontal motion to rotate an axle on which cam closers are attached thereto. The cam closers operate between a relaxed position (down position) and a raised position (up position). During rotation of the cam closers from the relaxed position to the raised position, the cam closers push hopper doors under the rail car up to a latched position. Individual hopper doors can be closed, or multiple doors can be simultaneously closed, depending on the preference of the operator. The cylinders are protected from falling bulk commodities by an elongated tent frame structure.

Abstract: A hand tool for lifting and moving a car stop, the tool having a handle, a rod member with a main section perpendicularly fixed to the handle, and an engagement section angled relative to the main section. A bracing member is fixed to the rod member for prevention of movement of the car stop relative to the rod member. According to one alternative embodiment of the invention, a pointed nosepiece is fixed to the rod member and may be used for clearing the retaining holes of a car stop of debris.

Abstract: A threaded coupling for connecting a threaded first connecting drop pipe to a second connecting drop pipe. The coupling has a first female end having an enlarged exterior diameter and an interior diameter defining a lead in section which provides strength to resist lateral forces exerted on the threaded drop pipe connection. Adjacent the lead in section, internal threads are located in the first female end of the coupling. A second female end having an interior diameter substantially the same size as the lead in section of the first female end is located adjacent the internal threads, opposite the first female end. A male connecting end of a first connecting drop pipe having external threads is inserted into the lead in section and screwed into the coupling. A male connecting end of a second connecting drop pipe is coated with an adhesive and inserted into the second female end.

Abstract: A gutter retaining system incorporating a gutter clip with a gutter and retaining member. Retaining member is placed along the eaves. Various embodiments of retaining member permit its use with metal flashing and allow gutter system to be held against a building with straight fascia, slanted fascia, trim board and which permit free floating attachment of a debris guard. The gutter clip has an arm, a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion includes an upper u-section which is used to slip the gutter clip over the gutter. The arm fits between the gutter and a building wall. In addition, the gutter clip is scored at scoring lines along the arm which allows segments of arm to be removed. The removal of segments permits gutter clip to be modified for placement against buildings incorporating both straight and slanted fascia and trim board.

Abstract: A heat transfer line assembly is disclosed for microwave heated chromatography instruments. Analytical instruments incorporating a microwave oven including the heated transfer lines are also disclosed as well as methods for making and using same.

Abstract: A kit is provided so a person can exercise anywhere the person may be located. Body rockers have a handle to grip, which body rockers alone may be used by a user for many exercises. Elastic cords of varying lengths and strength may be attached to the body rockers with carabiners. By securing a part of the elastic cord to a stationary object, the limbs of the body can be exercised as well as abs and upper body. Door stops may be used to secure the elastic cords between a door and door frame. A rocker cover can be used for back and forth rocking motion of the user. All of these items may be loaded in a workout bag and carried with the user to exercise wherever the user may be located.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed for determining cetane values from constant volume combustion chamber apparatuses capable of producing pressure versus time combustion profiles having a fast combustion region and a slow combustion region, where data from the two regions is used to compute cetane values for middle distillate fluid samples using a series expansion equation.

Abstract: The present invention is a stringed instrument for producing rapid tempo and more precise rhythmic strumming. The shape of the strumming apparatus allows simultaneous contact of two or more strings from a plurality of strings, and thereby allows chords to be more efficiently produced. In combination with the strumming apparatus, the present invention includes an instrument body with recessed components on the front surface of the instrument body. Combining the strumming apparatus and an instrument body as in the present invention allows a user to achieve greater rhythmic precision and a faster tempo vis-à-vis faster paced strumming of the strings.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a radiant energy heated oven is disclosed, where the cooling apparatus cools the oven by directing a flow of coolant through a chamber in thermal communication with the oven resulting in sub-ambient cooling, sub-ambient holds, and in chromatography instruments, higher sample throughput by reducing cycle time or column cool down time.