Abstract: A dual lollipop holder and storage device which has a lollipop compartment at both ends. Lollipop sticks are removably attached to retractable securing attachments which extend the lollipops from opposite ends of the holder. End caps allow the lollipops to be sealed within the lollipop holder when the lollipops are in the retracted position. The retractable securing attachments can optionally be spring loaded to extend the lollipop automatically. An optional integral lighting mechanism illuminates the lollipop holder for the user's amusement. The lighting mechanism can be implemented by conventional battery operated lamps such as LEDs or by electroluminescent (EL) lamps. EL lamps can be used to form a substantial part of the outer shell to maximize the illumination effect.

Abstract: A suture applier instrument for tying suture and loop ligatures in laparoscopic excisional procedures such as LAVH, tubal ligation, salpingectomy, cophorectomy and appendectomy; in the repair of the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries; and in retropubic colposuspension using locking slip knots; and an efficient extracorporeal method to effectively lock them. The slip knot is held at the tip of the suture applier instrument and is kept in position on the target tissues while its two suture strands are operated extracorporeally, tying the loop ligature with one of the strands and locking or tightening the knot itself with the other. Additional hitch knots may be introduced and tied after the slip knot has been applied, using the same instrument. New knots, spool for pretied knot sutures and knot tying techniques for use with the suture applier are presented.

Abstract: A submersible aquatic sled capable of towing a diver both on the water's surface and below the water's surface. The sled has a tow line attachment at the distal end to attach the sled to a tow line which is pulled by a boat. The sled has steering handles which allow the sled to be steered above and below the surface by changing the orientation of the plane of the sled. The sled submerges when the distal end of the sled is pointed downward and rises to the surface when the distal end of the sled is pointed upward. The distal edge of the sled is rounded to reduce turbulence and drag resistance. Optional hand shields, mounted to the surface of the sled, protect the hands of the diver.

Abstract: A retractable dual solar screen which is supported by adjustable poles above the tanner or sun bather and selectively screens out harmful UV radiation and/or provides shade without UV screening. The first screen filters UV radiation and the second screen filters a broad spectrum of sunlight. In addition, an adjustable mechanism allows the planes of the screens to direct the flow of air currents such that a wind acceleration effect is achieved which causes accelerated airflow over the user, thereby cooling the body temperature of the user. The height of the device is adjustable.

Abstract: A touchless switch using a single detector to measure ambient energy and reflected energy. The detector can detect objects in both the normal unsaturated ambient energy state or when ambient energy is saturating the detector. Discrimination between toggle motion and motion which is not intended to indicate a switch toggle operation is also provided. The detector and the emitter are mounted to a circuit board which is then mounted within a housing which has a window that allows passage of ambient energy and reflected energy. A barrier between the detector and the emitter blocks energy from being directly transmitted from the emitter to the detector. The barrier may be inserted into a groove in the window to prevent energy from the emitter from being reflected off of the inner surface of the window to the detector. Accidental triggering by ambient energy is prevented by requiring that the reflected energy be detected for a minimum amount of time.

Abstract: A suture applier instrument for tying suture and loop ligatures in laparoscopic excisional procedures such as LAVH, tubal ligation, salpingectomy, cophorectomy and appendectomy; in the repair of the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries; and in retropubic colposuspension using locking slip knots; and an efficient extracorporeal method to effectively lock them. The slip knot is held at the tip of the suture applier instrument and is kept in position on the target tissues while its two suture strands are operated extracorporeally, tying the loop ligature with one of the strands and locking or tightening the knot itself with the other. Additional hitch knots may be introduced and tied after the slip knot has been applied, using the same instrument. New knots, spool for pretied knot sutures and knot tying techniques for use with the suture applier are presented.

Abstract: A personal response system which provides speakerphone mode and emergency audio mode by controlling microphone sensitivity when audio signals fall below an acceptable level. Adjustable microphone sensitivity which can be controlled by the response center and/or by the help console itself. Emergency audio mode allows low level voices from outside the room the help console is in to be heard by allowing the response center to control the gradual raising or lowering the microphone sensitivity to vary the listening range of the microphone. A simultaneous increase in speaker volume allows response center personnel to converse with a disabled individual who cannot come to the help console. A second microphone and speaker in the personal transmitter permits two-way voice communication even when the individual is disabled outside of the dwelling and the help console is no longer effective.

Abstract: A personal response system which automates self testing of help consoles and personal transmitters. Testing is automatically performed at predetermined time intervals by the help console and problems are reported to the response center on a periodic basis. Both the personal transmitter and its battery are tested on a periodic basis and error signals are forwarded to the response center after a predetermined time period. The help console contacts the response center at predetermined time intervals and the failure to contact the response center generates an exception report at the response center.

Abstract: A portable container beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispenser uses the original beverage container which is inverted and loaded into a sleeve inside the beverage dispensing system. A conduit is attached to the beverage container which is in turn attached to a spigot which is accessible from the outside of the portable container. The beverage is gravity fed to the spigot. The beverage container is insulated from external temperature problems, and is held in close proximity to thermal control devices to provide more efficient beverage temperature control. The sleeve may alternatively be used as a reservoir, for an optional cup dispenser is provided, or for an optional storage container. An optional pump is provided to maintain pressure inside the reservoir for adequate beverage flow rate.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight foldable ski equipment and accessory carrier made from a soft flexible panel. In the carrying position, the panel folds to form two opposing walls which define a central storage area for skis and poles. Resealable straps are provided in the central storage area that hold the skis and poles in place with hook and loop material. The outside of the device has an additional set of boot retaining straps which hold ski boots securely. The boot retaining straps also use hook and loop material to secure the boots to the carrier. Integral resealable pockets are provided on the outer surface of the carrier to hold other items such as ski clothing, sunglasses, wallets, etc. A handle strap is provided to allow convenient carrying of the carrier device. In the closed position, the carrier walls fold such that the straps are enclosed within the carrier and the carrier forms a flat package for storage which is held in the closed position by hook and loop material.

Abstract: A mobile cargo discharge device which moves across the floor of a container, pulling cargo under vacuum pressure into a discharge opening in the front of the device and outputting cargo into a conventional discharge conduit such as a pneumatic or screw conveying device. The device may also have a fluidizing mechanism on the forward wall which disturbs the cargo and enhances cargo flow through the discharge opening. The fluidizing mechanism is implemented through vibration or through jet streams of air emitted from the forward wall of the device. The device can be used in containers with or without liners.

Abstract: A plier-like tool for joining flexible hosing with hose connection nipples and hose compression rings. The tool has cutouts in the jaws which allow the flexible hose to pass through. The portion of the jaws adjacent to the cutouts form a pocket structure which surrounds the compression rings on the flexible hose. When the jaws are closed, the compression rings are held in place by the pocket structure while they are pressed onto the sections of flexible hose which are joined by a hose connection nipple. The tool has an optional hose cutter for trimming the hose and optional nipple pushers for insertion of the nipples into the flexible hose.

Abstract: A premixed ultra-light sandless mortar for use with clay and concrete tiles. The mortar uses vermiculite or perlite aggregate in place of heavy aggregates such as sand. The mortar cement is made from portland cement, lime, air entraining agents, and water repelling agents. The resulting compound retains large amounts of moisture which increases hydration time resulting in improved bonding strength, and increased tile uplift strength. The light weight of the mortar also allows a full bed of mortar to be laid on the roof with the resulting benefit of an addition insulating layer for the building. The mortar is suitable for roofing or floor tile applications.

Abstract: A suture applier instrument for tying suture and loop ligatures in laparoscopic excisional procedures such as LAVH, tubal ligation, salpingectomy, cophorectomy and appendectomy; in the repair of the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries; and in retropubic colposuspension using locking slip knots; and an efficient extracorporeal method to effectively lock them. The slip knot is held at the tip of the suture applier instrument and is kept in position on the target tissues while its two suture strands are operated extracorporeally, tying the loop ligature with one of the strands and locking or tightening the knot itself with the other. Additional hitch knots may be introduced and tied after the slip knot has been applied, using the same instrument. New knots, spool for pretied knot sutures and knot tying techniques for use with the suture applier are presented.

Abstract: An active bulkhead corner unit with a support surface that faces the cargo and inflatable bags located underneath the support surface. The inflatable bags occupy the space between the support surface, the floor of the container, and the adjacent walls of the container. A vibrating mechanism such as a flutter valve is attached to the pressure pump to create rapid variations in pressure which in turn cause the inflatable bag and the support surface to vibrate against the cargo, disturbing the cargo and enhancing discharge flow. The bulkhead corner can be an independent unit or integrated with a liner.

Abstract: A humidity control system for cargo containers. The humidity is controlled by one or more panels having a supply of desiccant or moisture absorbing material which can be initially installed in the dry state to reduce humidity. The panels can be installed on the ceiling, floor and/or walls of the container. For particular types of cargo which require higher humidity, the panel can be saturated with water prior to transporting the cargo. The saturated panel will release water vapor gradually to maintain a higher humidity. The panel can be a single panel or be made from several smaller panels. The panel can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be installed as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit which can optionally hold the liner in place for loading and unloading.

Abstract: A bulk liquid container constructed of semi-rigid material which has an integral outer wall to limit leakage. A single endless inner seal and an optional dual outer seal reduces the risk of leakage. The container is constructed with a single layer of material and is suitable for a wide variety of uses including food transport. Stability of the container is enhanced by a self forming convex upper layer designed to reduce surging of the liquid when the container is transported. The container can be completely filled under pressure by venting air from a vent near the apex of the convex upper layer. The semi-rigid nature of the material further acts to reduce the surging motion of the liquid when the vehicle containing the bulk liquid container is in motion. The use of retaining straps is not required. An optional bulkhead designed for rapid installation and removal, as well as remote vent, fill and empty lines for ease of use and worker safety are also provided.

Abstract: A container liner constructed of flexible material which has sleeves at the front end of the liner. Brace bars are inserted through the sleeves and attached on or near the front wall of the container. The brace bars allow the liner to be quickly secured to the container without damage caused by nailing etc. The rear end of the liner is folded and sealed to form an integral discharge funnel at the rear door of the container. The length of the liner is smaller than the length of the container, such that the funnel extends out from the liner and is supported by the floor of the container when the liner is filled. A discharge sleeve is attached to the discharge funnel to facilitate unloading. The discharge sleeve may be tied off or sealed by any suitable means while the liner is filled. The shorter length of the liner eliminates the need for a bulkhead, and the integral discharge funnel eliminates the need for corner bevel units.

Abstract: A lighting kit that provides indirect lighting for roller skates or skateboards by mounting a lighting assembly under the shoe section of the skate or underside of the skateboard and providing a light directed down from the bottom of the shoe section of the skate or underside of the skateboard to the floor under the user. The color of the lighting system can be altered by placing a color filter in front of the lamp. In an alternative embodiment the conventional lamps used in the first embodiment are replaced by electroluminescent (EL) lamps. The EL lamps provide a flat structure which is relatively unnoticeable to observers when the skate is in use and the lamps turned off because they are positioned flat against the bottom of the skate or skateboard. When the lamps are activated, they illuminate the floor beneath the skate but are not directly seen.

Abstract: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit.