Abstract: A system for protecting a window or other opening to a building against hurricane-force winds, including: (a) four or more bolts, screws or rods; (b) four or more wedge brackets, each wedge bracket having a longitudinal slot along its centerline, and an aperture at the base of and continuous with the slot, the aperture having a diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt head, sloped sides along the slot, the slope along the sides decreasing from the top of the slot to the aperture at the bottom of the slot; and (c) one or two rectangular-shaped protective panels, each panel being of slightly larger length and width than the opening to be covered, each panel having an aperture in each corner area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically gauging container and syrup requirements for beverage production includes: (a) an enclosed syrup recovery tank, (b) an inlet port leading into the syrup recovery tank; (c) an outlet port, syrup being transportable into and out of the syrup recovery tank through inlet and outlet distribution lines; (d) a pump connected to the outlet distribution lines for pumping syrup from the syrup recovery tank; (e) a microprocessor; (f) a level transmitter for measuring syrup levels within the syrup recovery tank and transmitting information concerning syrup levels to the microprocessor; (g) a level control valve on the inlet distribution line for controlling the flow of syrup to the syrup recovery tank; and (h) a control mechanism connected to the microprocessor for a user to input to, and receive information from, the microprocessor. This apparatus and method allow conservation of syrup and containers at the end of a production run.

Abstract: A multipurpose, adjustable hand-held shower apparatus, including a pivotable shower head with an inner chamber through which water flows from an inlet to an outlet, handle-mounted controls for selecting the flow pattern and adjusting the flow rate of water to the shower head, and, if desired, an in-line temperature indicator for measuring the water temperature. The shower head pivots through a full circle (360°), allowing the user to adjust the direction of water flow to any desired angle; the controls are ergonomically positioned so that the user can quickly and easily adjust the flow pattern and intensity with one hand (the same hand with which he or she holds the apparatus).

Abstract: A pre-programmed device and method for forming and displaying images includes: electrically powered light emitters in one or more rows that can be moved in a path generally perpendicular with the row of lights; a microprocessor(s) controlling the lights; motion or speed sensors which enable the display device; and a source of electrical power within, on, or connected to the display device is provided. The microprocessor turns the individual electrically powered light emitters on and off in a time-controlled manner to display graphics, words or messages when the display device is moved at or above a rate of speed required to be seen by humans.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, portable carrying device for easing the manual carrying of containers with handles, such as full, plastic, grocery bags, is provided. The device comprises: (a) an upper grip portion comprising a grip which is adapted to be gripped in a person's hand, and a central, downwardly extending stub rod; and (b) a lower handle engagement portion comprising an upright central rod stem, and between one and ten hooks. The hooks depend from the upright central rod stem and are adapted to engage the handles of the portable containers. The upper grip portion is secured to the lower handle engagement portion by means of a joint such that the lower handle engagement portion can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise while the upper grip portion remains stationary.

Abstract: A consumer-friendly system for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business is provided. The system comprises: (a) a measuring transmitting unit, which comprises: (1) at least two current transformers; (2) means for connecting the measuring transmitting unit to a circuit breaker panel; (3) means for converting AC analog signals to DC analog signals; (4) a microcontroller; (5) a power line carrier transmission interface controller; and (6) a power supply; and (b) a programmable receiving display unit, which comprises: (1) a power supply; (2) a power plug; (3) a power line carrier transmission interface controller; (4) a data decoder and encoder; (5) a microcontroller; (6) memory; (7) a LCD display; and (8) one or more input or mode buttons. The measuring transmitting unit is capable of translating current flowing in main service power circuit conductors to digitally encoded signals, and transmitting the digitally encoded signals over power circuits in the residence or small business.

Abstract: A scabbard for mounting a long gun, includes: a one-piece, rigid cover having an enclosed bottom end, an open top end, and two generally parallel sides separated by a back; a padded, protective lining attached to the rigid cover; an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the scabbard; a detachable strap attached to a top open end of the device for closely holding the gun barrel, and a barrier across an open front of the scabbard for holding in the gun butt. The scabbard preferably has a padlock for locking down the gun barrel. The scabbard may have a locking hinged lid mechanism instead of a strap and barrier. The scabbard can be mounted vertically, horizontally or diagonally, preferably in or on a vehicle. A method for making the scabbard is also included.

Abstract: An adjustable, storable holder for supporting a book or other article to be read or viewed in an open position is provided. The holder comprises: (a) a generally rectangular shaped base member with an upper surface having a series of peg holes in sets of two; (b) from about two to 20 pegs of at least two lengths, with at least two pegs of each length; (c) a viewing member which is hinged to the upper surface of the base member, and which has a central transparent panel; and (d) a compartment in the base member for storage of the pegs. The holder has an open position in which at least two matched pegs project from the upper surface, and support the reading article. The viewing member rests relatively flat against the pages of the reading article and at an angle to the upper surface when the holder is in use. The holder has a closed position for storage of the holder, in which the viewing member lies flat against the upper surface of the base member.

Abstract: A carry bag comprises: a) a three dimensional, generally rectangular-shaped, closable pouch; b) a closure means in the top of the pouch; c) at least two magnetic fasteners, preferably two magnetic snaps; and d) a detachable, carrying strap. Portions of magnetic fasteners on the ends of the carrying strap correspond to magnetic fastener portions on the pouch, so that a user can quickly and easily attach the carrying strap to the pouch, or detach it from the pouch. Alternatively, the carry bag comprises the pouch and one or more interchangeable covers. The cover comprises an open, three dimensional, generally rectangular-shaped, cover compartment, which is of sufficient size to snugly accommodate the pouch.

Abstract: A system of adjustable interlockable panels for assembling a modular unit is provided, which comprises a plurality of rectangular, adjustable interlockable panels. Each panel has four edges: a first edge comprises a male sliding interlock, and a third, opposite edge comprises a female sliding interlock; a second edge comprises one or more adjustment slots; and an opposite, fourth edge, is a straight edge. The adjustment slots in the second edge are: parallel to the first and third edges; of a sufficient width to tightly accommodate any of the other panels in the system; and each slot extends between about ¼ and ¾ of the way into the panel. The male sliding interlock on a first panel is complementary to the female sliding interlock on a second panel in the system.

Abstract: A boot or shoe for protecting the wearer from injury from a chain saw, is provided. The invention comprises a boot or shoe, extending to or above the ankle of the wearer; and a flexible, lightweight, chain saw protective liner disposed within the boot or shoe. The liner comprises a plurality of layers of chain saw protective material, which preferably includes polyester and polypropylene fibers. The liner is attached to the inside of the boot or shoe only at the top ankle portion and bottom sole portion of the liner, so that the liner hangs relatively loosely inside the boot or shoe and easily breaks away when struck by a moving chain saw. A removable bootie which is similar to the liner is also included.

Abstract: A nail removal tool for pulling an elongated object that is embedded in a body having a surface through the surface is provided. The nail removal tool comprises: a) an elongated shaft portion having a handle portion at an upper end and a pivot mechanism at a lower end of the shaft portion; b) a movable head portion moveably connected through the pivot mechanism to the lower end of the shaft portion, the head portion comprising a first jaw member, which is fixed to the head portion, and a jaw bedway; and c) a second jaw member parallel to the first jaw member and attached to a movable bedway plate, the bedway plate being inserted in the jaw bedway and also being moveably connected to the lower end of the shaft portion; and wherein the tool has a jaws-closed position and an opposite, jaws-open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling and draining media from a vessel or reactor is described. The apparatus comprises: (a) a valve body with a generally longitudinal axis extending therethrough; (b) a moveable disc assembly positioned within a central channel of the valve body; (c) a valve operating rod extending within the valve body along its longitudinal axis; (d) a piston actuator assembly for positioning the disc assembly along the central channel; and (e) a sampling port extending away from the valve body. The valve body comprises the central channel, which has an upper end communicable with a port in the wall of the vessel or reactor and a side outlet which extends away from the longitudinal axis of the valve body. The valve operating rod has an upper end which is communicable with the disc assembly. The piston actuator assembly is communicable with an opposite, lower end of the valve operating rod.