Abstract: An automatic apparatus for substantially reducing gas levels in a fluid is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) an upper portion comprising a reusable vacuum chamber with a resealable opening thereto; the vacuum chamber being capable of containing a suitable vessel holding a sample of the fluid; and (b) an enclosed lower portion comprising: (1) a magnetic stirrer positioned below the vacuum chamber; (2) mechanism for applying a vacuum in the vacuum chamber; (3) a microprocessor for controlling timing sequences for the magnetic stirrer and the vacuum means; and (4) one or more control switches or dials accessible to the user for selecting the timing sequences. A method for substantially reducing carbon dioxide levels in a pre-measured sample of a carbonated beverage is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable, removable weight assembly for an athletic shoe, each weight assembly comprising: (a) one or two removable, unitary base weight plates, each base weight plate having a pre-determined weight of between about 0.1 and about five pounds, each base weight plate having a top face and a bottom face, a length of between about two and ten inches, and a width of between about one and five inches, each base weight plate comprising at least one attachment for removably attaching each base weight plate to an upper portion of the shoe; (b) up to twenty removable, unitary, stackable intermediate weight plates, each intermediate weight plate having an identical, pre-determined weight of between about 0.

Abstract: This is a device for use in operating a trailer landing gear drive mechanism. The device comprises: an elongated, rigid, cylindrical body having a closed end portion which is coupleable to a rotatable drive shaft of a drive means, and an open end portion which is adapted to releasably grip the end of a crank shaft of a mechanical landing gear drive mechanism. When the drive shaft of the drive means rotates, the device rotates, causing the crank shaft of the mechanical landing gear drive mechanism to rotate, thus effecting the raising or lowering of one or more landing gear legs of a vehicle trailer. The open end of the device comprises at least one slot, which is adapted to releasably grip the end of the crank shaft. There are preferably two identical "T" shaped slots on the open end portion so that the drive speed of the landing gear drive mechanism can be selected. The closed end of the device preferably has a threaded hole which is coupleable to the rotatable drive means.

Abstract: A prefabricated, custom-built shower pan with a drain hole for use in a shower stall is provided. The shower pan comprises: (a) an acrylic-based solid surface upper layer; (b) a polystyrene foam layer; and (c) a planar base layer with raised edges, the base layer being durable, rigid and relatively lightweight. The polystyrene foam layer is framed by the base layer and covered by the acrylic-based solid surface upper layer. Also provided is a shower pan comprising: (a) an acrylic-based solid surface upper layer; (b) a base layer comprising a planar base with raised edges, and a system of stringers; and (c) a waterdam. The stringers are substantially straight, horizontal wooden supports which collectively incline toward the drain hole. They are relatively evenly distributed within and adhered to the rectangular-shaped base. Each stringer has an incline on its upper surface, and one end abutting one edge of the base.

Abstract: A musical jump rope continuously plays a number of pre-programmed songs, and at the same time provides a display with multiple colored or white incandescent lights. At least one of the jump rope handles comprises: (1) a battery power source, (2) a pre-programmed electronic music chip, (3) a speaker driven by the music chip, (4) a plurality of incandescent lights; (5) at least one activator button for activating the music chip and the incandescent lights; (6) a dual timing circuit for driving the music chip and the incandescent lights for a fixed, pre-set period, and (7) a translucent handle covering. The handle covering may further include odorizing or colorizing means.

Abstract: A soft, removable, protective restraint device for the arm or leg of a person, comprising:(a) at least two bands including a wrist band having a circumference slightly greater than that of the person's wrist area, and an upper arm band having a circumference slightly greater than that of the person's upper arm area;(b) a plurality of lock and loop portions for removably fastening one end of each band to an opposite end of the same band;(c) between about one and ten longitudinally oriented bars attached at each end to the bands; each bar being parallel to the other and evenly spaced;(d) an equal number of lightweight stiffening members; each bar comprising an enclosed stiffening member; and(e) a soft, sturdy, washable fabric substantially covering the device is provided.

Abstract: A device for assisting a driver in the parking of a vehicle in a sheltered parking space is provided. The device includes: (a) an upper horizontal bar; (b) two parallel vertical bars, front and rear, which extend down from and are each attached at one end to the upper horizontal bar; and (c) two parallel horizontal bars, front and rear. The rear horizontal bar attaches at approximately a right angle to the rear vertical bar. The device is suspended over and in front of the parking space, such that when a person in the driver's seat of a correctly parked car in the parking space views the device, the front vertical bar is directly in front of the rear vertical bar, and the front horizontal bar is directly in front of the rear horizontal bar.

Abstract: A wall-mounted rack, preferably made of wood, metal or plastic, for supporting golf bags and, optionally, other golf-related equipment is disclosed. The rack is made up of: 1) a backboard; to which is affixed at approximately a right angle, 2) a shelf, the shelf comprising one or more C-shaped cut-outs, each C-shaped cut-out being capable of accommodating a golf bag; and 3) one or more arms extending from the backboard and supporting the shelf. The rack has an optional golf-accessories holder on one end. The support arms on the rack are preferably collapsible, so that the shelf folds down approximately parallel to the backboard when the rack is not in use.

Abstract: A cap capable of being used to close off an unthreaded cylindrical member and capable of being removed after closing off the unthreaded cylindrical member is disclosed. This cap has a one-piece, generally circular, relatively flexible, relatively impervious, self-supporting body. It is made of elastomeric material, preferably rubber, and is shaped so as to include between about 2 and about 12 successive levels, each level having a larger diameter than the level before it. This multi-level cap is useful for capping water or sanitary systems during testing of the systems. The cap preferably has 3 levels which fit three different standard sized pipes, one pipe at a time.

Abstract: A one-piece, protective bumper pad adapted for removable placement on a rail of a bed or the like is described.

Abstract: A candy-tongue depressor for encouraging the cooperation of a child or teenager during an oral examination by a medical practitioner is provided. The device comprises, in combination: (a) a thin, flat, nonedible stick with a longitudinal axis; the nonedible stick having a distal end for grasping by the medical practitioner; and a proximal end for contacting the tongue of a patient; and (b) a thin layer of candy which covers the proximal end, but not the distal end, of the nonedible stick. A combination candy tongue depressor and flexible, reclosable, translucent wrapper is also provided.

Abstract: A two-part stand assembly, preferably for the indoor display of natural Christmas trees or the like, is described. The upper part of the stand, which holds the tree, rotates clockwise and counterclockwise around the stationary lower part of the stand.

Abstract: An adjustable shower track system which allows an user to movably position a shower head at varying locations along a longitudinal slot within a housing front wall is provided. The adjustable shower track system has a hose which has: a hose first connector attached at one distal end and is removably attachable to a standard shower spout; and a hose second connector attached at an opposite distal end. The system further comprises a shower head connector which has a connector handle holder having an internal opening substantially larger than an outer diameter of the hose and hose second connector which is movably positioned therethrough. The connector handle holder functions to removably secure the handle therein and further functions as a guide for the hose which is movably mounted therethrough.

Abstract: A device for rotating a length of pipe to make or break a pipe joint is provided. The device is adapted at its upper end to be connected to a top head drive drilling machine, and at its lower end to be connected to the first threaded pipe in a drill string. The device comprises a central shank, a movable arm and a gripping assembly. The movable arm is hinged to and extends about the central shank, and can move to an open or a closed position with the movement of the device. The gripping assembly is mounted on the movable arm and is adapted to contact the first threaded pipe when the movable arm is in the closed position. The device is rotated by means of the top head drive, causing the pipe joint between the first two threaded pipes in the drill string to be broken. The movable arm then swings open and the first threaded pipe can be disconnected from the device.

Abstract: A surprisingly durable, strong, outdoor window shutter without functional louvers or slats, which is substantially comprised of polyvinyl chloride, is described. The shutter preferably has a center panel onto which is laminated two back vertical members. This is preferably in the shape of a rectangle with two opposite edges into which stepped projections have been cut. The shutter preferably also has two vertical side members, each having a channel containing a strengthening rod. The vertical side members have stepped arms which fit closely over the stepped projections. Mortise and tenon joints are formed at the point of connection between the stepped projections and the stepped arms. The strengthening rods and the mortise and tenon joints serve to strengthen the shutter. Additional strength is provided by horizontal members affixed to the top, middle and bottom of both the front and the back of the shutter. These shutters have excellent structural rigidity and can last for many years.