Abstract: A boot for Alpine skiing has a shell and sole. The heel has a cavity, including a seat for the insertion of a removable metal insert for engagement by the heel fixing unit of a standardized “Dynafit” binding. However, when the boot is prepared for use with newer, different bindings, the metal insert is replaced by a plastic insert that fits over the cavity and forms a continuous, unbroken rim on the heel of the ski boot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. The device includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when matter is sensed.

Abstract: A bicycle attachment comprises a pair of spaced rotatable wheels for engaging with a support surface, a connecting portion extending between and secured to the wheels, and a securing portion hinged relative to the connecting portion such that the securing portion is able to pivot relative to the connecting portion. The securing portion is adapted to be secured relative to a fork of a bicycle such that swiveling the fork relative to a frame of the bicycle also swivels the wheels and the connecting portion relative to the frame, and such that pivoting the securing portion relative to the connecting portion also pivots the fork relative to the connecting portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an underground as well as above ground system and method of determining the intrusion into a security zone. One or more transceivers would transmit a unique electromagnetic signal which would power a response from one or more RFID transponders. Each of the transponders would transmit a unique code to the transceiver indicating that there has been no intrusion in the vicinity of that transponder. Failure of a transponder to receive a signal produced by a transponder, would indicate the existence of an intrusion. The transponders as well as the transceivers can be provided in a PVC pipe buried in the ground, or provided in or on a structure located on or above the ground.

Abstract: An electrical generator utilizes power produced by falling weights. Falling weights are connected to long arms which turn a shaft. The shaft, through a series of gears, provides power to the generator.

Abstract: A panel edge joint formed on opposing edges of a first panel (12) and second panel (22) for use in refrigeration units. The panel edge joint comprises a male part (10) extending along at least one edge of the first panel (12) and a corresponding female part (20) extending along at least one edge of second panel (22) wherein male part (10) comprises a deformable sleeve (30) forming an outer covering of male part (10). Engagement of male part (10) with female part (20) forms a seal between the first panel (12) and second panel (22).

Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus comprises a main pump for pumping hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic load, a charge pump for continuously pumping pressurized hydraulic fluid to the main pump, and a hydraulic fluid cooler. At least a portion to the hydraulic fluid pumped through the hydraulic load is returned under pressure to the charge pump and the charge pump pumps the pressurized hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic fluid cooler to the main pump.

Abstract: A hydraulic or other type of high-pressure hose fitting can be temporarily sealed using a special type of plug. The plug is made of a rubber like material and can be used both as a male plug or a female plug. The plug contains a plug body with a tapered end portion that can be pushed into and seal against the tapered seat of a female hydraulic fitting. The plug also contains an internal open ended bore that can be pushed over a male fitting with the threads of the male fitting tightly pressing into the rubber material to form a seal and minimize the plug being blown off the fitting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an ultrasonic unit f an ultrasonic cleaning system with at least one control unit, one generator unit and one hand-held unit containing the ultrasonic unit and one switching module provided for starting the ultrasonic unit, wherein mechanical oscillations can be generated via the ultrasonic unit and transmitted to an instrument that is mechanically connected to the ultrasonic unit. In a preferred embodiment, the resonant frequency required for operation of the ultrasonic unit in resonance is determined by a control routine executed in the control unit, and a control signal (ss) based on the determined resonant frequency is generated in the generator unit and is sent to the ultrasonic unit for operation of the ultrasonic unit in resonance.

Abstract: A light emitting device with an integrated measuring module for determining at least one measured value for calculating the power consumption of the lamp, the luminosity emitted by the lamp and/or the operating time of the lamp. The measuring module is integrated in the lamp and is used in the light emitting device considerably simplifies the measuring of the energy operating characteristics of the lamp.

Abstract: A housing has a passageway containing a valve seat. A valve element seals against the valve seat to maintain the valve in the closed position. A release rod extends from the valve body and a shell surrounds the release rod, preventing its movement. The shell is formed in several sections, maintained together by a wire. The wire is connected to a frangible initiator which, upon failure, releases the wire from the shell, allowing these sections to move away from one another. When this occurs, the release rod and valve body are able to move, opening the valve, allowing fluid flow between the inlet and outlet of the valve.

Abstract: An implant system including a transurethral prostatic implant positioned in a prostate and including a lumen with an inner perimeter that surrounds an outer perimeter of a urethra at the prostate. The implant system may include a delivery tool including a shaft having a distal portion and an implant-holding portion proximal to the distal portion, the distal portion being sized for entry into a urethra, and the implant-holding portion being thicker than the distal portion, and an implant positioned on the implant-holding portion.

Abstract: A hoisting, retention and removal apparatus for banners or signs, having two upper embodiments to be securely fastened to any vertical surface. They are designed to be mounted level with and opposite each other placed at a distance apart based on the need at a distance larger than the maximum length of sign or banner for which it will accommodate. Two lower embodiments are mounted directly below each upper embodiment within reach of the operator when standing on the ground or platform below the banner or sign display area. Four fiber ropes, each terminating with a safety snap device, are connected each to one corner of a sign or banner, routed through sheaves in the upper frame and are held taut by means of locking cleat in each of the lower enclosures. Position and tautness are achieved by adjustment of the fiber ropes in the lower enclosures.

Abstract: A dryer uses conduits to carry a heating medium, such as steam, to heat the outer surface of the dryer. The volume of steam is successfully reduced to non-explosive levels and the shell need not be designed to prevent an explosion. Conduits may be formed through the shell itself or grooves may be formed on the inner surface of the shell, with the conduits retained within the grooves. Also, the conduits can be placed against the inside surface of the dryer and a material, such as zinc, can be filled in about the conduits. The material serves to both retain the conduits in place and thermally couple the conduits to the dryer to assure efficient heat transfer between the conduits and dryer. These modifications relieve the dryer from the Unfired Pressure Vessel classification to the classification of a piping assembly under ASA code regulations. This results in savings in operation safety, installation cost and operating costs due to the absence of costly inspections.

Abstract: A machine for balancing vehicle wheels, such wheels including a rim with a pair of axially spaced, ring-shaped or annular, flanges, and a tire seated up on the rim. The machine includes a frame with motor driven devices for gripping the vehicle wheel to be balanced and rotating same about a horizontal axis. A mechanical feeler, or probe, determines the position of the first of the pair of , flanges on the rim. A contact-less, or remotely spaced, sensor, such as a laser, ascertains the profile of the tire by taking a series of discrete measurements without touching the tire. The mechanical feeler, or probe, and the contact-less sensor, are connected to a control unit in the machine. The control unit interpolates the values provided by the mechanical feeler and the contact-less sensor, and determines the location of the second flange on the wheel rim.