Abstract: A battery cover which is detachably attachable to a battery, the battery comprising a top portion, a side wall portion, a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The battery cover comprises a positive and a negative terminal connector, a positive wire connector which is connected to the positive terminal connector by a first segment of electrically conductive material, a negative wire connector which is connected to the negative terminal connector by a second segment of electrically conductive material, a resilient top portion to which the terminal connectors are attached, and a resilient side portion to which the wire connectors are attached. The top portion is sized and configured to substantially cover the top portion of the battery when the cover is installed on the battery.

Abstract: A unitary hollow device adapted for covering a source of lightwave energy, apparatus comprising the combination of such device and such energy source, and a system comprised of a combination of the apparatus and a portable directional receiver. The energy source can be as simple as one or more light bulbs. However preferably the combination involves use of an array of light emitting diodes for transmitting infrared signals from fixed installations to be picked up by print-disabled persons with hand-held receivers which convert the signals to intelligible communication to enable the persons to be guided to desired locations. The device protects the energy source from accumulation of dust and other debris yet is configured to provide little, if any, interference with the transmission of the emitted signals. The device also conceals the energy source to thereby diminish theft and vandalism.

Abstract: A device for adapting a liquid container to enable separation and selective dispensation of two or more immiscible liquids of different densities from the container.

Abstract: Described are novel passenger conveyance vehicles and passenger transit systems which are configured to transmit signals which, when properly received and converted, provide intelligible non-visual communication to current and/or prospective passengers.

Abstract: A portable directional multi-channel receiver comprises a non-visual communicator, a self-contained source of electrical energy, a detector for receiving an amplitude modulated lightwave signal with at least two different frequency modulated subcarrier frequencies, and electronics converting the received signals into intelligible non-visual communication emanating from the communicator both in the presence and in the absence of an ambient background of light energy, such as sunlight. The device is adapted for use by the visually impaired, as well as those who are not fluent in the relevant printed language, in finding desired locations from which suitable modulated infrared signals are emitted.

Abstract: Process technology is described making possible substantial improvements in the separation and recovery of highly pure vinyl aromatic monomers, notably styrene. A number of design, construction and operational features are made available for selection and use both for new plant facilities and for upgrading existing plant facilities. One major aspect of the invention is reduction in retention or residence times in the distillation towers.

Abstract: A dispenser which comprises (a) a first housing portion which is formed from at least one wall, the first housing portion wall defining a first housing portion interior and a first housing portion opening which exposes the interior of the first housing portion interior to the exterior of the first housing portion; and (b) a second housing portion formed from at least one wall; wherein one side of the second housing portion wall is configured to receive at least one end of a shaft upon which dispensable material may be placed, the shaft when present being disposed relative to the second housing portion wall so that the longitudinal axis of the shaft is offset from a plane occupied by at least a portion of the second housing portion, and wherein the second housing portion is rotatably attached to the first housing portion so that the second housing portion may be rotated about a second housing portion rotational axis, whereby upon rotation of the second housing portion the shaft when present may be revealed and

Abstract: A device for detachably securing a generally cylindrical member, e.g., a catheter tube, to a body part or other object, the device being easy to use and manufacture, and is disposable. The device comprises: (a) a primary strap, (b) a secondary strap comprising a connecting end portion and a free end portion, (c) fastening means for adjustably fastening the primary strap around the body part or other object, and (d) connecting means for connecting the connecting end portion to the primary strap, the secondary strap further comprising an adhesive backing which (1) extends over at least a portion of one side of the secondary strap, and (2) when a portion thereof is placed in contact with the member, holds the member in place relative to the secondary strap.

Abstract: Described is novel apparatus for rendering a watercraft propulsion system universal. One embodiment of the invention comprises a rotary shaft; a propeller detachably attached to one end of the rotary shaft, the other end of the rotary shaft being configured for detachable and either direct or indirect connection to, and rotational relationship with, a drive shaft of the engine; a plate which is directly or indirectly pivotally attached to a stern portion of the watercraft and which, during normal operation, is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane above the propeller, the plane of the plate traversing the rotary shaft; and a hollow heat-conductive loop integral with or connected to the apparatus and connected to the cooling system for circulating a flow of the fluid from the cooling system through the loop and thence back to the cooling system, the loop being adapted to be disposed in thermally-conductive heat exchange contact with the water when the watercraft is being propelled by the engine.

Abstract: Apparatus for clamping a wheel of a wheeled vehicle to prevent or deter theft of the vehicle comprises (a) a first arm and a second arm, each of the arms having a middle portion, a clamping end portion and a locking end portion, the arms being rotatably connected to each other at their respective middle portions; (b) a cross bar having a free end portion and a connecting end portion, the connecting end portion being rotatably connected to the locking end portion of the first arm; (c) a first flange member extending from the locking end portion of the second arm and defining and including a first notch for receiving the free end portion of the cross bar; and (d) a second flange member detachably attachable to the free end portion of the cross bar. The clamping end portions are brought into proximity with one another when the locking end portions are brought into proximity with one another to thereby enable clamping of the wheel.

Abstract: Split mechanical seal assemblies which include a pressurized fluid barrier and multiple concentric and axially aligned stationary seal rings. The stationary seal rings are in sealing relation with a rotary seal ring at their respective seal faces, and with the gland of the mechanical seal assembly, thereby forming an annular cavity for pressurized fluid to create a positive fluid pressure barrier across the seal faces when in sealing contact with each other. The axially and concentrically aligned stationary seal rings comprise an inner stationary seal ring and an outer stationary seal ring, and the area of the axially extending portion of the outer surface of the outer seal ring partially defining the annular cavity is greater than the area of the axially extending portion of the inner surface of the outer seal ring partially defining the annular cavity. The split configuration of the seal assembly facilitates quick installation, removal and maintenance of the seal assembly and its component parts.

Abstract: Described are a device and methods for drying hosiery and other articles of clothing in a way which is aesthetically pleasing and efficient. In one embodiment, the invention provides an enclosure comprising a bottom portion; suspending means disposed above the bottom portion for hanging the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing within the enclosure; absorption means which, during normal use, is disposed above the bottom portion and below the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing when hung within the enclosure, for absorbing liquid which may drop from the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing when wet; and attachment means for attaching the enclosure to a substantially vertical surface; whereby the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing may be stored to dry while remaining substantially concealed within the enclosure.

Abstract: Described are novel containers adapted to separate and dispense two or more fluids of different densities, and novel methods of selectively separating and dispensing two or more fluids of different densities.

Abstract: A game structure for use on a horizontal or substantially horizontal surface, the structure comprising a shaft one or more loop members, the shaft including two support members extending from each end of the shaft for supporting the shaft in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position above the surface; and each loop member occupying a respective plane and being rotatably connected or connectable to the shaft at the loop periphery so that when the loop member is disposed below the shaft and in contact with or in close proximity to said surface, the loop member may rotate about a vertical or substantially vertical axis which extends through the respective plane. Game structure including different combinations of additional components, and games playable on a horizontal or substantially horizontal surface comprised of game structure of this invention in combination with other game components to permit ball rolling games, ring toss games, games which require a suspended net, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Described are apparatus for transmitting light wave signals, the apparatus being capable of adjusting their signal strength to automatically adapt to changes in the ambient light conditions of their surrounding environment. In one embodiment, the apparatus for transmitting lightwave signals comprises (a) an emitter for sending a frequency modulated lightwave signal of variable intensity, (b) a light energy receiver for detecting a change in the level of surrounding ambient light energy and for producing a response to such change in proportion to the change detected, and (c) a controller for adjusting, directly or indirectly, the frequency modulated lightwave signal in response to the light energy receiver response to the change detected. Audio transmission systems employing apparatus of this invention are also described.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods for cooling a watercraft internal combustion engine which supplies rotational force to a drive unit attached to the watercraft are described. The apparatus comprises a heat exchanger connected to or integral with the drive unit, the heat exchanger having therein a hollow loop connected to the engine cooling system for circulating a flow of fluid from the cooling system through the loop and thence back to the cooling system. The heat exchanger is adapted to be disposed in thermally-conductive heat exchange contact with water when the watercraft is being propelled by the drive unit. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger extends from the watercraft in a substantially horizontal plane which is no lower than the bottom of the watercraft, is disposed above a propeller connected to the drive unit, and is sized and configured to deter cavitation around the propeller.

Abstract: Described is a device for monitoring bearing performance in apparatus having an aperture sized and configured to receive a grease fitting. The device includes a temperature sensing component or a vibration sensing components, or both, to enable detection of impending bearing failure, and is adapted to either replace or supplement conventional grease fittings.

Abstract: A device is described for adjusting the position of a trolling motor relative to a boat. The device has an arm, preferably L-shaped, with one end connected to the steering column of the trolling motor. The other end is higher than the first end and rotatably connected to an end of a handle bar, which is adapted, upon application of force thereto, to cause the arm to rotate with the steering column on the axis of the steering column up to and through at least 180.degree., and preferably through 360.degree.. The device enables the position the trolling motor to be readily adjusted simply by pushing the handle bar away from, or pulling the handle bar toward, the operator. The device is less complicated and more durable than previously known devices, and allows for steering through the full range of steering column rotation while the operator remains fully within the perimeter of the boat. Thus, the device provides both a safe and convenient method of steering the boat while propelled by a trolling motor.

Abstract: "Smart" enclosure units which not only isolate electronic printers from the surrounding atmosphere but prevent explosion hazardous conditions from arising when retrieving output from the printers are described. The units comprise a first pressurizable chamber for housing an electronic printer which transforms received input electronic signals into printout copy which emerges from the printer; and a second pressurizable chamber contiguous with the first chamber for receiving, through a portal located between the chambers, printout copy from the printer as the printout copy emerges from the printer. The second chamber has a door enabling an operator to periodically remove printout copy from the second chamber. A closure for the portal when open permits printout copy to pass from the printer into the second chamber. When closed, this closure seals off the first chamber from the second chamber.