Abstract: An apparatus for permitting the periodic introduction of a fluid into a marine plumbing system for zebra mussel control and winterization purposes, comprising:a) a "T" shaped member having first second and third external apertures and a continuous interior passage which is communicatively connected to each aperture, the first and a second aperture further being permanently communicatively coextensive with flexible conduit members of the marine plumbing system;b) a valve, connected to a third aperture, for controlling the ingress of zebra mussel killing fluids and antifreeze fluids, through the third aperture, into the marine plumbing system, the valve having a first end connected to the third aperture of the branched member and a second end which is connectable to an external fluid source, the valve further having a closure member and a control arm connected to the closure member;c) a cap for connection to the valve second end; andd) clamps for connecting flexible conduit members of the marine plumbing system

Abstract: A method for halting the function of a high speed packaging machine of the type having a conveyor based article infeed line conveying articles to a flight bar based selection line. The method is useful for performing a clean out procedure used during maintenance, and product or packaging change over. The method comprises the steps of terminating the operation of the infeed line conveyor at a predetermined position; placing an article follower behind a terminal article in each input lane; activating the operation of the infeed line conveyor whereby the articles in each input lane are conveyed to the selection line; and halting the conveyance of the article follower in the input lane prior to the selection line. An article follower and follower system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An organizer for securing a plurality of insulated electrical conductors such as PC interconnect and power cables. The organizer comprises a body constructed of a single piece of thin, flat, flexible fabric having a rectangular configuration with first and second end edges and first and second side edges. A fastening mechanism is attached to the side edges to bring them together as the body is wrapped around the cables. The fastening mechanism is preferably a zipper, straps or a hook and loop type fastener. One of more access apertures may be disposed in the body.

Abstract: A continuous flow, rotary processing apparatus for horizontal transport of material at a predetermined rate. Material from an infeed conveyor enters a continuous system including at least one rotary drum operating about a horizontal axis. Each drum has a perforated circumferential wall with lateral lifters to induce flow and tumbling motion to the enclosed material. A flow control mechanism at the discharge end of each drum controls residence time of the material being processed. Material is fed and discharges from each drum through axial openings in which the flow control devices are mounted.

Abstract: A fishing tackle storage and carrying apparatus, comprising a unitary, rectilinear body having a bottom wall and a plurality of interconnected side walls connected to and extending vertically from the bottom. The sides defining an interior reservoir bounded by the bottom and the sides. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of compartments disposed outside the body. The compartments are formed by an outer wall disposed a predetermined distance from at least one side wall and a plurality of divider walls connected to and extending between at least one side wall and the outer wall. The side walls are spaced parallel a predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: A simulated wood burning sound system, including an electronic circuit that provides the "crackle" sound of a combustible wood fire. The system includes a programmed electronic sound chip that stores a recorded memory of wood burning sound. A volume control potentiometer adjusts the audio volume of the sound being transmitted through a speaker and is adjustable to simulate a range of sound effects from a quite fire to a roaring fire. A temperature sensitive sensor for detecting heat or a light sensitive sensor controls automatic startup and shutdown. In addition, a power switch has a permanent "on" position for testing the unit and for applications, such as a simulated fire, where a sensor is not applicable. A plastic housing protects the circuitry and provides a mounting base.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrier for storing and transporting luggage, gear, equipment and the like on the exterior of a vehicle. The carrier is attached to a common trailer hitch and is particularly well suited for use with a mini-van or sport utility vehicle which has a rear opening door or hatch. The carrier is slideably moveable, permitting outward extension, while still being connected to the vehicle, to provide easy access to and unobstructed opening of the vehicle rear door or hatch, and to provide unobstructed access to the vehicle's existing interior cargo area. Subsequently, the carrier is inwardly slidably retracted so that it is firmly disposed in an aerodynamically favorable position proximate the rear of the vehicle. The carrier comprises a connection member which interfaces with the hitch, a frame member which interfaces with the connection member, and a storage box or container member which is connected to the frame member.

Abstract: An electrical method and apparatus for stimulating cardiac cells causing contraction to force hemodynamic output during fibrillation, hemodynamically compromising tachycardia, or asystole. High level electrical fields are applied to the heart to give cardiac output on an emergency basis until the arrhythmia ceases or other intervention takes place. The device is used as a stand alone external or internal device, or as a backup to an ICD, atrial defibrillator, or an anti-tachycardia pacemaker. The method and apparatus maintain some cardiac output and not necessarily defibrillation.

Abstract: An article clip packaging machine for applying carton members to the article rims of preselected article groups. The machine has a conveyor with an infeed end for receiving preselected article groups. At least two carton member feeding structures are synchronized with the conveyor for placing carton base and carton top members, respectively, on the preselected article groups. A securing assembly attaches the carton base and top members to the rims of the article groups to provide article group carriers.

Abstract: A medical vascular introducer of the type having an elongated hollow shaft, a distal portion of which is insertable into the body of a patient, wherein the improvement comprises a pair of radiopaque markers disposed at two longitudinally distinct positions on the exterior of the shaft, the markers being separated a predetermined longitudinal distance. Also disclosed is a marker design which is circumferentially discontinuous and consists of at least one marker segment and at least one void area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus continuously, automatically, and adaptively facilitate the electrical activity of a patient's heart by pulsing the heart with current. The method and apparatus further continuously, automatically, and adaptively monitor the resulting electrical activity of the patient's heart to assess the patient's likelihood for myocardial electrical instability. The method comprises the steps of injecting current across the patient's heart, monitoring the patient's electrocardiogram for the effects of these current pulses, and adapting the current pulses continuously and automatically to maximize the effects, thereby assessing a patient's likelihood of sudden cardiac death.

Abstract: A variety of dark red kidney beans, having the characteristics of an upright plant structure of at least 55 cm tall; a medium to large bean seed size, a bean seed total yield weight per plant of at least 45 grams; resistance to root rot disease; strong tolerance to angular leaf spot disease; superior pod suture strength; and superior canning quality.

Abstract: A hitch for securing a snowmobile to a trailer. The hitch comprises a base for connection to the trailer, which includes a flat, horizontal plate which is connectable to the trailer floor, and a vertical post extending upwardly from the plate. An actuator is supported in a fixed position by the base for releasable latching of the snowmobile. The actuator has a vertical oriented shaft assembly, a contact member pivotally connected to the shaft assembly, the contact member movably contacting and enclosing a connection member on the snowmobile, and a latch member for holding the contact member in a predetermined latched position. The hitch further comprises a pair of arms, each being attached at one end proximate a top end of the post and extending forwardly and downwardly. At least one arm further extends outwardly with respect to the other arm to form a predetermined angle. The arms stabilize the post and guide the snowmobile connection member toward the actuator.

Abstract: A paint formulation is disclosed which will paint snow without harming either animal or plant life. The paint may be pre-formulated in a powdered form as is prepared for use by merely adding water. A process of allowing one to paint or draw on snow whereby a coloring agent, such as food coloring, is mixed with a gelling agent, such as household gelatin, and applied with a spray or squirt gun. When the gel solution contacts the cold snow, the gel solution quickly sets up and is prevented from dissipating as snow undergoes partial melting. When snow melts, the gel liquefies and disappears with runoff water.

Abstract: A die space access system for tie bar style die casting machines. The system provides improved access to the die space of tie bar style die casting machines for installation and removal of dies by permitting a tie bar to be withdrawn horizontally with respect to the machine, thus creating an unobstructed access window to the die space. The system comprises a vertically movable spit clamp with an interiorly grooved circular bore. The bore mates with the grooves on the exterior of the tie bar. The system further comprises a frame fastened to the outside surface of the shot platen of the die casting machine. The frame has pairs of first and second hydraulic cylinders which control the split clamp.

Abstract: A rewinder for use in unwinding flexible tape-like material from a detective roll and winding it on to a new, properly formed roll. The rewinder includes an unwind station and a wind station. Each station comprises a spool holder and several rollers, including air powered rollers that reduce friction between the guide and the through-put material. A tension arm assembly, in cooperation with a control panel and a DC drive motor, regulates through-put speed. Control and adjustment mechanisms are disclosed.