Abstract: A device for single-handed insertion of an intraocular lens into a patient's eye, having a barrel, a finger flange attached to the barrel, a plunger slidingly engaged with the barrel, a ring attached to the plunger, a projection extending from the plunger, along its length, for resisting bending in the plunger and transmission of torsion through the plunger and for assisting in preventing rotation of the plunger relative to the barrel, and a channel formed lengthwise along the interior of the barrel that engages the projection of the plunger. An alternative embodiment of the invention has a walled chamber, for receiving the lens, that forms an aperture to allow a trailing haptic of the lens to temporarily protrude outside the device.

Abstract: Textiles are first manufactured to attain dimensional stability and durability and thereby withstand the rigors of industrial rental and commercial laundering. Then, the garments are dyed in a two-stage process to yield outstanding colorfastness, pilling resistance, dimensional stability and durability. Garments are yielded that, even after extensive use, may be overdyed to custom colors in custom-sized batches to extend the useful life of stained or otherwise discolored garments. By performing the dyeing and/or overdyeing portions of the process at a location near the end user of the textile, transaction costs related to transportation of goods are minimized, technical resources are efficiently utilized, and large inventories of dyed garments need not be maintained, thereby reducing inventory expenses.

Abstract: A transducer has been invented that uses specially-oriented gratings in waveguide a manner that allows the simultaneous measurement of physical phenomena (such as shear force, strain and temperature) in a single sensing element. The invention has a highly sensitive, linear response and also has directional sensitivity with regard to strain. The transducer has a waveguide with a longitudinal axis as well as two Bragg gratings. The transducer has a first Bragg grating associated with the waveguide that has an angular orientation .theta..sub.a relative to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that 0.degree.<.theta..sub.a <.theta..sub.max. The second Bragg grating is associated with the waveguide in such a way that the angular orientation .theta..sub.b of the grating relative to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is (360.degree.-.theta..sub.max)<.theta..sub.b <360.degree.. The first Bragg grating can have a periodicity .LAMBDA..sub.a and the second Bragg grating can have a periodicity .

Abstract: The present invention relates to a harness system for "climbing" tree stands to assist users in climbing, sitting in and descending trees. The invention has a standoff integrated with or attachable to the climbing tree stand for: (a) receiving a tree strap, (b) retaining a tree strap from inadvertent contact with the tree while the user climbs, sits in, and descends the tree, and (c) quickly releasing a tree strap from the climbing tree stand part.The system also has a harness part. The harness part has (a) a thigh strap for bearing a user's weight about the user's thigh; (b) a waist strap for bearing a user's weight about the user's waist (the waist strap is attachable to the thigh strap); and (c) a tree strap for bearing a user's weight. The tree strap has a first end, a middle and a second end. The first end is attachable to the waist strap; the second end is passable around the trunk of the tree and slideably attachable to the middle of the tree strap; the middle is releasably attachable to the standoff.

Abstract: A bag holder for supporting bags and to aid in filling the bags with debris comprises a base, a standard extending from the base, and a Support attachable to the standard. The base, standard and support may be disassembled into a compact form. The support is removable from the standard and includes a handle by which a user may exert control. A bag is supported by the support via frictional engagement therewith. This configuration protects the mouth of the bag from coarse debris entering therein and from lawn and garden implements used to fill the bag. A portion of the support which contacts the ground is structured aid configured to conform to the surface of the ground when downward pressure is exerted against the support. The support comprises a cylindrical peripheral wall which is expandable and contractible to engage and disengage the inner surface of the mouth of a plastic bag.

Abstract: A method has been invented of providing feedback regarding tolerance for a dimension of a concrete block in relation to a datum in a computer-based system with a CPU, an input connected to the CPU, a memory associated with the CPU, a data transmitter connected to the CPU, a controller card connected to the data transmitter, an ultrasound transducer connected to the controller card, a timing device connected to the controller card, a memory means associated with the controller card, a feedback device connected to the controller card, and an environmental adaptator. Also, the invention can be described as an environmentally adaptable computer-based apparatus utilizing ultrasound for providing feedback regarding the dimensional quality of concrete blocks positioned on pallets traveling on a conveyor. The apparatus has a first memory for controlling a CPU, an input, an ultrasound transducer, a timing device, a second memory, a controller card, a data transmitter, a CPU, and a feedback device.

Abstract: A dual-beam photoelectric switch and method adapted for detecting overheight vehicles that emits and detects red light along an optical axis, and emits and detects infrared light along a parallel and oppositely oriented optical axis. A fault detector receives signals from the light detectors, processes the signals in accordance with a predetermined logic and produces a pair of outputs indicating the fault status of the light detectors. An alarm mode component receives the signals of light detectors and the fault status outputs, enables and disables recognition of signals of the light detectors in relation to the fault status outputs, and triggers certain outputs in accordance with a predetermined logic.

Abstract: A tool having a pair of similar devices for the installation, manipulation and removal of crankshafts of internal combustion engines. Each device is made of two major components: a threaded stud having a retaining collar and a handle assembly, which is attachable to the threaded stud. Each of the handle assemblies includes a rod with a certain length, a first end and a second end. The first end of each rod is attached to a handle. The length of each rod is such that, upon assembly of the tool, the first ends of the rods are equidistant from an axis of rotation of the crankshaft within the engine block. The second end of each rod forms a hole capable of receiving a stud threadably engaged in a crankshaft. The tool is designed to be used with each stud threadably engaged with a crankshaft and with each handle assembly placed over its respective stud, up to the collar of the stud, with a retainer threadably engaged with the stud so as to confine the handle assembly to the stud.

Abstract: A mountable, towable water craft has a single-chambered, inflatable body. The inflatable body includes a full and an upper surface attached to the hull. The hull has a bulge for increasing low speed planing. The upper surface has an aft portion that forms two longitudinal and substantially parallel wells. A cowling is attached to the upper of surface of the inflatable body. The cowling includes reinforceably attached handles, and the inflatable body includes reinforceably attached rope connectors. The vehicle also includes an optional tear-resistant fabric shell.

Abstract: The improved watersports board includes an outer shell that is filled with a rigid foam core. The outer shell includes a hull and a deck connected by a lip. The deck includes an integrated passenger contact area which in turn includes a strengthener for resisting bending, shear and fatigue stresses. The strengthener forms contours within the passenger contact area and allows the lip to be of less thickness than the average thickness of the passenger contact area over the hull. In addition to the above features, the device may also include optional flexible foam padding attached to the passenger contact area and an optional kneestrap attached to the shell to provide increased maneuverability and comfort.

Abstract: Hoist-line for lifting rifles and shot guns to elevated positions has a snap hook for attachment to a rifle trigger guard and a fixed barrel engagement loop, each permanently attached to an elongated hoist line near its bottom end. The trigger guard snap hook and barrel engagement loop are advantageously sized and spaced apart to maintain an attached rifle in a vertical orientation when the device is hoisted from above, and accommodate rifles of varying barrel length and bore. Modification of the hoist-line has a bow engaging strap and string engaging strap for temporary attachment of an archery bow adjacent to an attached firearm.