Abstract: A portable exercise device that uses a single centrally located bungee to provide equal tension on both sides of a user's back. A seat attachment strap secures the device to a seat back. In one embodiment, an optional pad worn by the user is secured to a tension strap which is attached at its ends to the bungee. The tension strap is held in place on the seat attachment strap by retaining straps mounted on the seat attachment strap. To exercise the abdominal muscles, the user leans forward causing the single tension cord to exert equal pressure on the side straps thereby exercising the abdominal muscles. By reversing position, the user may exercise back muscles by leaning backward, or exercise chest and arm muscles by pushing against the seat back with the user's arms. An alternative embodiment uses a chest strap that is centrally attached to the tension strap by a centrally located attachment strap. Another alternative embodiment attaches the tension strap directly to the chest strap.

Abstract: A cigar draw tool that holds a cigar in alignment with a needle-like punch. The punch is pushed through the length of the longitudinal axis of the cigar to create an open air channel that increases the capacity of the cigar to draw. Multiple alignment apertures are provided to allow the punch to create multiple parallel air channels in the cigar such that the user can increase the drawing capacity as desired. In addition, the multiple alignment apertures are arranged to accommodate cigars of varying sizes such that cigars of any width can be punched in the central portion of the cigar by moving the punch to an alternate alignment aperture. A removable lid is used to hold the cigar in alignment with the punch during the punch operation. An alternate embodiment uses an automatically retracting lid that is spring loaded hold the cigar in alignment. Another alternative embodiment uses a hinged lid that flips open to allow a cigar to be inserted or removed.

Abstract: A portable feed carrier with a central feed chamber for roughage and an integral hanger attachment for attaching a pail for holding grain. The central feed chamber is formed by a flexible panel. The hanger attachment detachably attaches to a feed pail. The hanger attachment uses the weight of the pail to secure the central feed chamber in the closed position such that the roughage is not visible to the livestock. Shoulder straps are attached to the proximal and distal ends to allow a user to carry the device hands-free. Removable support rods are inserted into sleeves at the proximal and distal ends of the carrier to hold the ends of the flexible panel in alignment, and retain the shape of the carrier. The hanger strap can optionally go over or through the flexible panel, and be attached to the flexible panel, the support rods, or the shoulder strap. Optionally, a single shoulder strap can be used in place of the dual straps. The shoulder straps can be permanently attached or detachable.

Abstract: A vivarium with a raised side access panel which allows reptiles to be approached laterally rather than from above. A lower panel below the side access panel permits the vivarium to hold water for amphibians while permitting side access to the reptiles inside. The lower panel is an integral part of the lower segment of the vivarium. The lower panel in combination with the side panel and the floor provide a frameless, waterproof lower segment. A frame structure can be added for aesthetic reasons. The upper frame segments allow the top lid to be permanently mounted such that a variety of equipment can be placed on the top cover of the vivarium without being disturbed when the vivarium is accessed through the side access panel. The shape of the frame segments form recessed bottom which can hold an optional heating element to control temperature in the vivarium from below.

Abstract: A charcoal igniter which has a thermal barrier attached to the top of the charcoal ignition chamber. The thermal barrier restricts airflow though the charcoal chamber and retains heat within the chamber to accelerate the burning process. The thermal barrier is perforated to allow air to flow through at a reduced rate to retain hot gas from ignition within the charcoal chamber. The thermal barrier may contain thermally resistive material, such as granulated or crushed lava roc which both retains heat to accelerate the ignition and improves safety by filtering exhaust gases to prevent ash and sparks from escaping. The thermally resistive material also acts to re-radiate heat back into the charcoal chamber to further accelerate the ignition of the charcoal. The charcoal igniter has a central charcoal chamber to hold charcoal and a top mounted thermal barrier to prevent heat from escaping.

Abstract: A speaker independent, continuous speech, word spotting voice recognition system and method. The edges of phonemes in an utterance are quickly and accurately isolated. The utterance is broken into wave segments based upon the edges of the phonemes. A voice recognition engine is consulted multiple times for several wave segments and the results are analyzed to correctly identify the words in the utterance.

Abstract: A combined entertainment and communications system includes a passive communications subsystem such as an AM/FM radio receiver, an active communications subsystem such as a cellular telephone transmitter/receiver or a CB radio transmitter/receiver, and a shared I/O subsystem. The subsystems are integrated into a single portable package and are controlled by a control mechanism capable of automatically or semi-automatically switching control of the shared I/O subsystem between the active and passive communications subsystems. Size and weight of the device are reduced by sharing common input/output (I/O) and control components. Optional voice recognition equipment can be used to control the active or passive communications subsystems.

Abstract: A voice recognition system which controls industrial equipment or machinery. A proximity detector is attached to automatically adjust microphone sensitivity and to control automatic shutdown when the machine operator is not present. An enhanced barge-in feature uses a data switch that includes an input audio delay storage. The delay storage prevents loss of initial input data by delaying the input until the data switch switches from output to input modes. A variety of audio/video responses are provided to vary output and enhance attention span. Rules based input data handling provides a flexible response to user input.

Abstract: A customizable data acquisition device (DA) and a data collection system (DCS). The DA is remotely located for attachment to a variety of I/O devices, and uses an RF transceiver with a primary cache. A centrally located or mobile DCS with a secondary cache communicates with one or more DA's and stores DA data in the secondary cache. The DA has a programmable controller and an I/O interface capable of attaching to a variety of I/O devices. The DA primary cache holds data for bulk transfers to the DCS to minimize DA/DCS data transmission traffic. The DCS secondary cache accumulates data from the DA and allows data queries by multiple independent application programs (which may be located on the DCS, other DCSs, or remote host systems) without requiring retransmission of data from the DA for each query. Applications can query cached data in the secondary cache, and optionally query the primary cache or query the I/O device via the DA.

Abstract: A system for use with a database selects keywords from a restricted keyword list for both updating and searching (i.e. bi-directional keyword translation). A keyword translator accepts a user entered keyword and selects a restricted keyword for use (e.g., entry or search) with a database. The keyword entered may be chosen by the user based on the user's preference. The system compares the user-entered keyword with a list of restricted keywords to determine whether there exists in the list of restricted keywords a matching restricted keyword corresponding to the user-entered keyword. If there is a restricted keyword in the list of restricted keywords that corresponds to the user-entered keyword, the system selects the matching restricted keyword for use with the database.

Abstract: A multiple media storage device for attachment to a conventional book leaf. The device includes a two dimensional storage compartment and/or a three dimensional storage compartment which has an optional data entry area associated with the storage compartments. The data entry area is a writing area provided for entry of printed information on the device. The device is attached to a conventional book leaf via a substrate that holds the integral storage compartments and data entry areas and adheres to the surface of the book leaf. An alternative embodiment integrates the device into a book leaf structure. The book leaf structure may have multiple devices on a single page, each of which may hold two and/or three dimensional items in combination with data entry areas for printed information related to objects in the storage compartments. The storage compartments may be transparent to allow viewing of the contents without opening the storage compartment.

Abstract: A wing structure for hang gliders, ultralites, gliders, heavy aircraft, ornithopters and sailsoaring flying boats which has a first wing set that pivots on two axis, and a second wing set that remains substantially immobile relative to the fuselage or keel. The wing pivots on the lateral axis of the fuselage or keel by moving along a slider assembly that allows it to move from a swept position to a more perpendicular position relative to the keel to control the amount of lift. The wing also pivots on the longitudinal axis of the fuselage or keel to control banking. On hang glider versions of the device, optional ducted fan, propeller, or jet propulsion units provide power to maintain flight. An optional bungee launch assembly assists takeoff from relatively flat surfaces. An optional "telepresence" wing controller allows the pilot to control wing motion with minimal physical exertion.

Abstract: A very light weight high pressure coiled retractable hose kit for marine vehicles and outdoor use which uses a helical structure to automatically retract when not used. The helical structure allows the hose to extend substantially the length of a typical fishing boat. A UV and thermal resistant material is used to withstand damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat or cold. The material is also corrosion resistant to withstand damage from salt water. A high pressure rating allows a narrow diameter hose which occupies a small storage area to be attached to a conventional spigot and provide an increase in water velocity when the nozzle is activated. Input and output fittings and a nozzle retention bracket hold the hose structure in a tight helical spring configuration for storage. The light weight allows easy manipulation of the hose kit and provides improved safety by enhancing the ability to move the hose kit from underfoot during periods of intense activity such as when gaffing fish onboard a boat.

Abstract: A multiple door bulkhead which can be partially opened to accommodate a small discharge or completely opened to accommodate a wide discharge port. In addition, a single standard liner provides multiple discharge ports which can be selectively opened at the user's discretion. Alternative embodiments provide a single standard liner to which multiple liner discharge can be attached. A discharge port is also shown which can be attached directly to the bulkhead. Optional quick attachment methods are provided in which reusable discharge ports can be attached to the standard liner or the multiple door bulkhead. The end of the liner is opened for unloading by cutting the section of the end wall which is encircled by the desired port. The liner and ports are optionally provided in kit form with pre-attached tape on the liner and ports. The ports do not have to be attached to the liner until required.