Abstract: A compact single or multiple band antenna assembly for wireless communications devices. One multi-band embodiment includes a high frequency portion and a low frequency portion, both fed at a common point by a single feed line. Both portions may be formed as a single stamped metal part or metallized plastic part. The overall size is suitable for integration within a wireless device such as a cell phone. The low frequency portion consists of two resonant sections which are stagger tuned to achieve a wide resonant bandwidth, thus allowing greater tolerance for manufacturing variations and temperature than a single resonant section, and is useful for single band antennas as well as multi-band antennas where it may be used to enhance bandwidth for both sections of a dual band antenna as well. The resonant sections for single or multi-band antennas operate in conjunction with a second planar conductor, which may be provided by the ground trace portion of the printed wiring board of a wireless communications device.

Abstract: A vacuum trash collection vehicle includes a debris container and a source of vacuum on the vehicle. There is a hose connected at one end to the debris container and has the source of vacuum applied thereto. The hose is open at its other end to form a debris collection nozzle. There is a boom for supporting the hose during use as a debris collection device. A vacuum pickup head is carried by the vehicle and there are operator controls for raising and lowering the pickup head. The pickup head has an opening of a size and shape to be connected to the hose nozzle. There is a driver accessible control for moving the hose and boom to utilize the hose nozzle as a debris collection device. The hose may be connected to the pickup head opening and thereby provide vacuum to the pickup head so that it functions as a debris collection device.

Abstract: An improved system for changing the fluid of vehicular automatic transmissions and the like, which has the capability to provide a complete fluid exchange faster and with less usage of fresh fluid in a manner that is easier to operate. This is accomplished by the system's unique capability to extract used fluid and replace it with fresh fluid at a faster, balanced rate than before possible in prior art. This is accomplished by decreasing or removing restriction from the exhausting of the used fluid and introducing fresh fluid at more than one locus. The unique, novel capability of the invention to use a dual use pan access tube to combine a static change with a dynamic change, and to introduce fresh fluid into the transmission from two different loci instead of one as in all prior art, allows the fluid exchange to be completed in a shorter time with less use of fluid.

Abstract: A device for exercising a user's upper body, including a waist mountable assembly secured about the waist of the user, a frame member extending from the belt and including a proximal and a pair of distal ends, wherein the distal ends are located to the rear of the user and below a transverse plane of the user generally including the belt. A flexible cord member is associated with each distal end and coupled to a pair of hand attachment elements. A resistance force is transferred by the cord member for providing a force opposing exercise movement of each hand attachment means during use, the force generally directed to the associated distal end of an extending portion of the frame member during use.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh hydraulic fluid in an accessed hydraulic fluid system. The system including a fluid exchange assembly having a fluid receptacle and an interior fluid separation member, which may be a distendable diaphragm member. The exchange system further includes features of automatic fluid flow alignment, an exchange mode indicating system, and a bypass system for removing at least a portion of the exchange system during a bypass mode of operation. The invention particularly relates to an automatic flow alignment structure for use in association with a fluid exchange apparatus for extracting and exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating an infection or sterilization including applying a dye such as methylene blue, toluidene blue, polymyxin B, or combinations thereof to the area of infection or area to be sterilized and exposing the area of infection or area of sterilization with a light having a light wavelength and light dosage and a light dosage rate. The dye may have a concentration ranging from about 10 &mgr;g/ml to about 500 &mgr;g/ml. The wavelength may range from about 610 nm to about 670 nm. The light dosage may range from about 0 J/cm2 to about 200 J/cm2. The light dosage rate may range from about 0 mw/cm2 to about 150 mw/cm2. The treatable infections include staphylococcus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, enterococcus, streptococcus, Pseudomanus aeruginosa, Hemophilus influenzae, or E-coli. The invention also relates to an infection treatment kit.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for transmitting a radio signal from a radio signal transmitting-device includes an antenna unit comprised of a dipole driven antenna member for transmitting a radio signal from the radio signal transmitting device. A radiation shielding member shields a user from a portion of the radio signal transmitted by the driven antenna member. The antenna unit may be pivotally mounted so that it is disposable at selectable positions relative to the shielding member. The dipole driven antenna member may include a first and a second segment made from a metal foil. The radiation reflector directs a portion of the radio signal away from the user toward an open transmission area, so as to extend a transmission range of the antenna assembly. At least some of the RF signal that is emitted from the driven antenna member toward the user is blocked by the radiation shielding member.

Abstract: An integrated water distribution network supplies the requirements of both domestic and fire sprinkler water fixtures in a dwelling structure. The network includes a plurality of multiport fittings which are interconnected together with flexible conduits. A conventional fire sprinkler is also coupled to the multiport fittings. The network is supplied water by a plurality of water supply lines which originate at a manifold. Individual water fixtures are connected to the distribution system through flexible lines. During use of an water fixture, water flow through at least a portion of the system, including at least one fire sprinkler coupling, is established. The distribution system can thus characterized as a “nonstagnant” water network for supplying both domestic and fire sprinkler requirements of a structure.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid system for exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh hydraulic fluid in an accessed hydraulic circuit. One particular application provides an exchange apparatus for exchanging fluids of the type found in motor vehicle hydraulic circuits. The exchange apparatus may utilize pressurized spent fluid flow as a fluid power medium to activate the auto-replenishing fluid exchanger system to replace the spent fluid with fresh fluid at equalized flow rates. Alternatively, the exchange apparatus may utilize pressurize fresh fluid as a fluid power medium to activate the exchange system. Additional power may be supplied by an external boost pump to supplement the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A method of use and apparatus for estimating repair cost, particularly applicable to cost estimation of interspaced defect damaged vehicle surfaces. The method of use of the present invention provides that a defect count be made for a predetermined representative area; that a determination of relative severity be made with respect to at least one defect within the representative area; and that the repair estimate is then based upon the defect count information and defect severity. A set of physical templates may be provided, with a first template allowing the calculation of the number of dents per surface area, and a second template for grading, comparing, or otherwise determining the size or severity of the individual dents. Additionally, the defect count data and defect severity data may be determined with an electronic scanning means. Various formulae may be employed (manually or electronically) for calculating the cost estimate to repair the damaged surface.

Abstract: An antenna assembly achieving improved directionality and signal strength using a configured conductive radiator disposed in relationship with the ground plane element of a wireless communication device. The configured conductive radiator includes an elongate slot aperture and surfaces directed toward the ground plane element. The antenna assembly further includes a dielectric element for communicatively coupling the conductive radiator and the ground plane member. Preferably, the dielectric element may be disposed between a portion of the radiator element and the ground plane member, thus forming a compact, directional antenna system.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for a hand-held radio transceiver, examples of which include a cellular telephone and PCS device. A multiple element antenna assembly is utilized to provide improved performance characteristics. The antenna assembly may include a conductive radiation director element and a support member for maintaining the director element in deployed and undeployed orientations. The antenna assembly may be selectively attached to a base portion of an active antenna element of a transceiver or may be pivotally secured to the transceiver.

Abstract: A multi-element radio antenna assembly is described. The antenna assembly includes a ground plane element having an array of conductor elements disposed thereon. A pair of LC trap structures provide dual band resonance for cellular telephone and PCS device bandwidth ranges. Additional performance may be achieved with parasitic reflector and director elements. The multi-element directional antenna finds particular applicability for in-vehicle use.

Abstract: For a wireless telecommunication device, such as a cellular telephone or PCS device, a combined battery pack assembly and antenna assembly for selective detachment therewith. The combined assembly is removably attached to the phoneset member of the wireless communication device. The combined assembly is intended to be selectively removed and subsequently re-attached to the phoneset member. The antenna assembly may be positioned on the removable assembly near the upper portion thereof, and away from user contact during intended operation.

Abstract: A spinner spreader machine has a product conveyor assembly that efficiently and accurately spreads either lime or fertilizer products, or combinations thereof. The versatility of the machine is enhanced with a plurality of conveyor belt assemblies configured to overcome the self-cohesive characteristics of certain products such as lime. The versatility of the machine is further enhanced when the conveyor apparatus provides a substantially constant volumetric distribution of product to the spinner mechanism.

Abstract: A leveling device for assisting in properly orienting picture frames and other hanging articles on a vertical wall surface. Preferably, the device includes a planar body having a bubble level and a suction cup for temporarily affixing the device to a smooth surface of the frame, i.e. a glass pane. A foot surface and planar hooking structure provide alternative affixing structure such that the device can be used on a wide variety of frames and the like.

Abstract: A rotary turf mower (32) suitable for mowing irregular turf areas including a cutting system (60) which includes a plurality of cutting units (102) which are movable over the ground and each carrying at least one cutting blade (114), and a coupler (140) including a span member (144) and a pair of hinges means (150) for interconnecting adjacent cutting units (102), wherein each hinges (150) permits relative pivotal movement about a hinge axis (160), and wherein the hinge axes (160) associated with adjacent cutting units (102) are non-parallel, whereby each cutting unit may display a range of independent motion relative to an adjacent cutting unit. One embodiment of the present invention provides that the hinge axes associated with each span member are substantially directed to a virtual pivot point (184), whereby the motion of adjacent cutting units (102) relative to the virtual pivot point (184) is generally rotational.