Abstract: A system that allows the teammates of an individual (such as a quarterback on a football team) to hear signals being called by that individual during the course of a sports competition, despite noise generated by an audience. The system includes a microphone positioned within the helmet of the signal caller connected to an audio amplification device, either positioned in the helmet or in some other part of the clothing or equipment worn by the signal caller. The amplified signal is then directed to one or more loudspeakers, again positioned either on the helmet of the signal caller or on the clothing or equipment worn by the signal caller. The loudspeakers are directed to the signal caller's teammates, positioned typically along a line of scrimmage. The system may be time-limited in operation in that the signal caller must specifically activate the system which thereafter remains activated only for a pre-set period of time before automatically shutting off.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously imaging the corona and inner heliosphere of the Sun from a space borne platform. The system includes, a wide-field annular coronagraph (WAC) having annular, aspheric reflecting optics centered on an axis coinciding with the azimuthal orientation of the imaging system towards the Sun. The WAC incorporates an occulting cone having an axis of symmetry coinciding with that of the reflecting optic system and a baffle system for reducing stray light at angles far from the Sun. The system includes a solar coronal imager (SCI) positioned within the occulting cone of the WAC. The SCI includes axially aligned refracting optics centered on an axis coinciding with the azimuthal orientation of the imaging system and includes at least one occulting disk. The WAC and SCI each utilize digital electronic imaging and associated image processing instrumentation. The occulting cone of the WAC also functions as a radiative cooler.

Abstract: A dryer exhaust duct alarm detects the presence of lint or other obstructions in an exhaust duct or vent. A thin lever is suspended within the duct and is slightly cupped in shape to more effectively capture air flow. In the presence of uninhibited air flow, the lever is substantially displaced from its initial substantially-vertical position toward a substantially horizontal position. But when airflow is inhibited, the lever is not sufficiently displaced. A detector detects operation of the dryer. If the dryer operates for a determined period of time but the lever is not sufficiently displaced, the user is alerted of the problem. Other data may also be presented to the user, including real-time data over a communication medium.

Abstract: A method for facilitating donations to a charitable organization in which a first financial transaction involving property is linked to a second financial transaction involving a charitable donation. A fundraising program facilitates the transactions which directly contribute to affiliated charitable organizations. A property seller aligns with the fundraising program to list their property and selects a charitable organization to receive the donation. The fundraising program affiliates agent/brokers to sell the listed property. All fees and transactions are regulated through a title company at closing. The title company funds a commission to the agent/broker, a referral fee to the fundraising program, a nominal administrative fee to the fundraising program, and a percentage of the property's sale price to the charitable organization.

Abstract: Precision lid retracting eyedropper device with a hollow, rigid housing having an upper aperture that allows a push button topped piston to enter the housing where the piston can impinge on a resilient tubular member that is part of a pump assembly. The housing also includes a solution storing chamber that feeds solution to the pump assembly. A solution exit tube attached to the outgoing portion of the pump assembly emanates from the bottom part of the housing and can be directed towards the user's eye. Integral downwardly facing resilient legs are placed just above and below the user's orbital ridge so that when the legs are squeezed and released, the user's eye lids are forced open allowing the user to dispense a precise amount of solution into his or her eye.

Abstract: A structure and system are described which include the use of a combination container for sequentially dispensing multiple fluids onto a removable applicator device. A preferred application of the invention is with the sequential dispensing of a quantity of disinfecting solution over a toothbrush, followed by the dispensing of a measured quantity of toothpaste onto the toothbrush. The device is constructed in a double walled cylindrical (circular or non-circular) configuration with a hollow plunger component coaxially positioned within the cylindrical walls. Beneath the plunger component is contained a quantity of disinfectant solution such that when the plunger is directed downward the disinfectant solution is forced upward between the walls of the double walled container and through dispensing ports directed into the interior where the applicator is positioned.

Abstract: A multi-layered, multi-purpose belt pack, wherein each layer performs particular storage functions and acts in complementary fashion to provide a particularly effective belt pack. The multi-layered main member is secured about the waist of the user by a belt member to provide multi-functional storage utility. This unitary belt pack provides compact, organized, and efficient personal storage of essential items in an easily accessible manner.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include an impact-receiving member to receive an impact force imparted by a mass exerted by an exercise device user during a physical exercise workout session, a shock-absorbing mechanism to dissipate energy transferred from the mass exerted by the exercise device user, and a platform assembly to support the impact-receiving member and the shock-absorbing mechanism in a spatial orientation consistent with objectives of the physical exercise workout session.

Abstract: An economical, flexible, magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) probe assembly for use on longitudinal cylindrical structures, for guided-wave, volumetric inspection of the structures is described. The paired flexible plate MsS probes each include a flexible strip of magnetostrictive material that is positioned and/or adhered to the base of a generally flat, flexible, conductor coil assembly, preferably with an elastomeric adhesive. The conductor coil assembly has a core composed of a thin flexible layer of metal and a thin bendable permanent magnet circuit. The flexible core is surrounded by a flat flexible cable (FFC) that is folded and looped over the layers of the core. The exposed conductors at the ends of the FFC are shifted from each other by one conductor spacing and joined together so that the parallel conductors in the FFC form a flat, flexible, continuous coil.

Abstract: A collapsible, foldable transport surface capable of supporting an individual when carried by one or more assisting personnel utilizing hand hold components. The transport surface includes a primary body support surface and a secondary leg extension support surface that are connected together. The primary body support surface incorporates an array of straps extending across the back side thereof to form loop based hand holds positioned on the side edges of the transport surface. A set of longitudinally oriented straps are positioned on the support surface and extend from a top edge to form two loop based hand holds which further together terminate into a single loop hand hold at the opposite edge. The secondary leg extension support surface includes a smaller array of straps that extend across the extension support surface forming additional hand holds on either side. The secondary leg extension surface may be retained against the primary support surface when not in use.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the differential wear mapping of the surface of an object are described. The process involves establishing a radioactive wearing surface on the object through surface layer activation (SLA) and/or radioactive ion implantation (RII) and imaging the wearing surface with conformal photographic or x-ray film to produce a first autoradiograph providing a baseline profile of the wearing surface. After subjecting the object to wear during testing the wearing surface is again imaged with conformal photographic or x-ray film to produce a second autoradiograph providing a worn profile. The first and second autoradiographs of the wearing surface are digitized and compared to produce a differential wear map of the surface of the object.

Abstract: A packaged combination includes a fluid container having walls that are dimensioned to receive a solid object, for example, an edible item. The fluid container may be a single portion with areas cut out to receive an edible item or the fluid container may have two separate portions capable of holding the same or different fluids, which two separate portions each have walls cut out that, when acting together, may at least partially enclose an edible object.

Abstract: A bow sight that utilizes fiber optic wave guides as a basis for collecting ambient light and providing multiple sighting spots within the archer's field of view. The terminal ends of the fiber optic wave guides are positioned so as to have images thereof reflected on a moveable reflective plane (objective optic) within the bow sight. The multiple aiming spots thus reflected in the bow sight provide the archer with sighting spots for targets over a range of distances. A fixed angular reference indicator facilitates side to side (rotational) alignment. Each of the individual fiber optic wave guides collects ambient light and terminates in a terminal block that may be varied in its position so as to individually adjust the reflected image of the aiming spot. Various mechanisms within the fiber optic terminal block for adjusting the position of the ambient light wave guide are also described.

Abstract: An improved rail car door closer system is provided wherein the movement of a number of appropriately positioned closer wing plates into contact with a number of open rail car hopper doors, is accomplished with hydraulic cylinders and motors. The system incorporates components that direct both the rotation of the wing closers (around a cylindrical frame so as to position the wing closers in and out of position for door closure), and the translation of the wing closers (along the longitudinal cylindrical frame so as to effect the actual closing of the hopper doors). The system is arranged to close more than one door at a time and in the preferred embodiment includes three simultaneously operated door closer wing structures. The heavy duty cylindrical frame incorporates a number of cylindrical outer segments sized to fit around and on the inner cylindrical frame. The segments are directed to rotate and translate on the inner cylindrical frame.

Abstract: A removable headrest cover for a seat is described having improved features for securing and attaching the cover to a headrest. The improved features include integrated elastic elements that serve to secure the cover to a headrest, eliminating the need for engaging receptacles on the seat. The positioning and placement of attachment points for the elastic provide versatility to the headrest cover that allows it to be used with many different seat configurations. Methods for efficiently manufacturing and packaging the cover are also described.

Abstract: A number of improved interlock structures on a quick disconnect hermaphroditic electrical connector that specifically improve the keyed alignment of the two connector ends when joined together as well as the security of the connection. The combination of a “top closed” interlock insert depression and a pair of interlock disc projections provides for better keyed alignment and a more secure connection. The use of sharp angle interlock side hooks further provides for a more secure connection.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor element for use with a patient monitoring system and a method for manufacturing and dispensing such sensor elements for use. The sensor elements include a flat, flexible, substrate layer that is manufactured into a roll that also includes at least two longitudinal conductive elements printed or layered onto one side of the substrate layer material. Individual capacitive sensor elements comprising a section of the substrate material with corresponding sections of the conductive elements may be separated from the manufactured roll by tearing along perforations across the width of the substrate layer material. Once an individual capacitive sensor element has been separated from the roll for use, one end of the element is folded over to align pairs of connector apertures positioned through the conductive elements and the associated substrate layer.

Abstract: An economical, flexible, magnetostrictive sensor for use on planar and/or curved structural surfaces, for guided-wave volumetric inspection of the structure. The flexible plate MsS probe includes a flexible strip of magnetostrictive material that is adhered to the base of a flat, flexible, conductor coil assembly. The conductor coil assembly has a core that is composed of a thin flexible strip of metal, a layer of an elastomeric material, and a thin permanent magnet circuit. The flexible core is surrounded by a flat flexible cable (FFC) that is folded and looped over the layers of the core. The exposed conductors at the ends of the FFC are shifted from each other by one conductor and joined so that the parallel conductors in the FFC form a flat, flexible, continuous coil. The entire probe assembly may be bent to match the curved contours of the surface of the structure under investigation.

Abstract: A device for skimming the surface of the water in a swimming pool or the like, in a single, generally sweeping motion and thereby collecting most all of the debris floating on or near the surface of the pool into one spot where it may be lifted and removed from the pool. The system incorporates a long rectangular section of netting that is wound onto a cylindrical reel and contained on a vertically oriented cylindrical axel. The cylindrical axel and reel are mounted by brackets or weights to the side of the pool. The cylindrically wound netting may be drawn out from the fixed cylinder mounted on the side of the pool through a slot in a pivoting debris deflector positioned on the same cylindrical axel. One end of the long rectangular section of netting may be fixed to a second smaller cylinder or pipe which serves to keep the net from being drawn completely into the enclosure comprising the cylindrical reel.