Abstract: An inclined sleeper assembly for an infant to reduce the risk of gastric and breathing complications during nursing and sleep. The assembly provides a non-slip surface whose angle of inclination can be varied from horizontal up to 30° or more. A rigid platform is pivotally attached to a base frame and may move from a position generally parallel with the base frame to a position of maximum inclination or any intermediate position. Supporting the inclined platform are a pair of slide rods pivotally connected to the base frame at one end and slidingly engaging two releasable clamps on an opposite end. The releasable clamp structure comprises a spring preferenced plate between the sliding clamp enclosures surrounding each of the two slide rods. This permits the user to adjust the inclination of the sleep surface with little disturbance to the infant.

Abstract: An alterable frequency coherent light generator for the generation of highly energy efficient coherent light, by means of a power supply connected to a four-lead capacitor, which is connected to a variable resistive device in series with a vacuumed bulb. The direct current being conducted through the circuit is formed into a transverse wave of electrons or electric pulses within the vacuumed bulb by means of four-lead capacitor, variable resistive device, vacuumed bulb, and electric current interaction. The anode of the vacuumed bulb is thoroughly connected to the corners of a thin, square metal plate which has a relief conductive wire connecting from an edge of the thin, square metal plate to the four-lead capacitor. The electric pulses emanating from the vacuumed bulb, resonate the electrons within the thin, square metal plate at a frequency determined by four-lead capacitor, variable resistive device, vacuumed bulb, and electric current interaction. The resonating electrons generate coherent light.

Abstract: An easy to use, inexpensive jack plate stop device for insertion into the guide slot of a jack plate to immobilize an outboard motor in raised position is disclosed. An outboard motor is fully raised using the jack plate by way of a hydraulic cylinder; the jack plate stop device is then inserted into the open portion of the guide slot so as to rest on the guide bolt at the bottom of the guide slot. The motor component of the jack plate is lowered slightly in order to fully engage the stop device in the guide slot, thus preventing the motor from dropping further if hydraulic pressure is released. The device may include a handle for ease of insertion and removal from the guide slot. The device may be made of any rigid material having a load-bearing capacity adequate to support the weight of an outboard motor.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the elimination of bedwetting behavior utilizing a number of RF transceivers which include a base unit, an alarm unit, and a remote keypad unit. The method works through programmed sleep interruption based upon a user's previously established sleep and bedwetting pattern.

Abstract: A track mounted system for closing rail car doors that enables the simultaneous closing of multiple car doors. After hopper car contents such as aggregate or coal are unloaded, the doors are closed in pairs by semi-automated door closing arms that are positioned on the track and are operated by hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or electric motors. The closing arms are configured in specific shapes to adapt to a variety of hopper door configurations. The closing arms may be added in pairs depending on the number of doors. The door closer can be sequenced to accommodate frontward or rearward facing doors. Hydraulic cylinders with a differential bell crank can be used to activate the closer arm assemblies. Closer arms can be mounted side by side on the inside or outside of the track or separately inside and outside of the track.

Abstract: A device and method for the non-contact measurement of dynamic torsion in a rotating shaft using magnetostrictive sensors (MsS). The monitoring and detection system have specially configured magnetostrictive signal detectors that include inductive pickup coils, in which signals corresponding to localized shaft torques are induced. The non-contact method for measuring dynamic torques includes fixing a ferromagnetic strip to a ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic shaft and inducing a circumferential residual magnetization therein. An MsS in the form of either an encircling coil positioned around the shaft on a cylindrical substrate, or a partially encircling coil positioned on a flexible substrate and wrapped partially about the shaft.

Abstract: A versatile modular device for organizing, shortening, and securing a plurality of cords such as cables, ropes, strings, lines, tubes and wires, having a simple design which permits easy removal or addition of cords and a straightforward method for wrapping and securing an individual cord to a desired length. The device utilizes a rectangular box design having slotted side panels. The side panel slots are slanted and sized such that a plurality of modular reel bars may be inserted therein, will not slip out accidentally, and may be removed or added without disturbing the other modules. Each reel bar is designed with a plurality of apertures for securing a cord at varying lengths, leaving only the desired amount of cord loose. The device includes an electrical power strip for streamlined electrical power access and may be secured to a desk or table by appropriate attachment means.

Abstract: An illuminated ball cover generally comprising an inner layer, a concealing layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has a contact side placed over the ball and an upper side. A network of wiring and associated lights are positioned between the inner layer and the concealing layer, wherein the network of wiring is connected to a power source. An outer layer is positioned over the concealing layer and has at least one fastener thereon to allow said cover to surround and be removably fastened to said ball.

Abstract: An online system and method for allowing a prospective buyer to complete an electronic RFP document and to have the RFP document transmitted to one or more appropriate prospective sellers of goods and services. The system and method provide the prospective buyer with the option of automatically identifying potentially appropriate sellers by means of key word searches in a compiled database of vendor information and product and services descriptions. The prospective buyer may also elect to review the database contents “manually” by means of selecting specific subject matter areas or incrementally reviewing a list of database vendors one at a time. The system directs the buyer's RFP to the selected vendors for review and consideration. This transmission is made electronically, typically by email protocols, for review by appropriate personnel at the selected vendor's business.

Abstract: A system and method for the removal, handling, and inspection of honey frames from beehive boxes. The system includes a handle bar positioned on the top plate of an improved frame structure. The handle bar retains two threaded T-bolts that are aligned with threaded aperture inserts that have been positioned in the top plate to form the improved honey frame. The threaded bolts are secured within the threaded aperture inserts to a spaced attachment to the frame. Once positioned, excess top wax is scraped away and the frame lifted from the hive by the handle bar. The tubular handle bar is appropriately configured to be inserted into a circular clamp that may be positioned on a table or other structure. The circular clamp grips and retains the handle bar and the attached frame in a position appropriate for inspection.

Abstract: An image locking jewelry device designed to hide a customized image from view until the wearer reveals the image. The image unlocking jewelry device includes a lens mated to a casing and housing a liquid crystal display; a light emitting diode; circuitry placed inside the casing and capable of sending signals to the liquid crystal display and the light emitting diode; and an image positioned between the lens and the circuitry. Voltage is sent from the circuitry to the liquid crystal display and the light emitting diode in order to reveal the image held underneath the lens.

Abstract: A system for attachment to a child's crib combining a side rail and a ramp structure that serve to prevent the child from rolling out during sleep, and at the same time provide a means for the child to climb or crawl into or out from the crib. Components include a side rail fixed to the crib at each end by removable straps or the like, and rigidly connected to a pair of legs that slide between the mattress and box spring of the crib. A generally larger ramp component extends pivotally outward and downward from the side rail component to a point in contact with the floor. Embodiments include multiple hinged components within the ramp system to allow alternate positioning of the ramp (in whole or in parts) in an extended or a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A tool for the removal and replacement of valve springs on the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine while the cylinder head is either mounted to the engine block within the vehicle or is positioned on a work bench apart from the engine. The tool comprises a bracket component that is mounted by a number of bolts to the cylinder head to be worked on. The bracket includes a number of upright threaded bolts each associated with an adjacent upright guide. A pressure plate is progressively positioned on each set of the upright bolts and upright guides. Beneath the pressure plate are positioned two (or more) valve guides that engage the outer upper perimeter of two or more valve springs. A nut is threaded on to the upright bolt in a manner that forces the pressure plate and the valve guides downward onto the valve springs. Compression of the springs releases the split rings or collars that hold the valve springs to the valve stems.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the effectiveness of a coating on a substrate surface and indicating the failure of the coating to adequately protect the surface from corrosion, degradation, and the like. The system includes a sensor array positioned in contact with the coating utilizing a number of sensor electrodes connected to a single integrated circuit or a number of separate individual sensor circuits. The electrodes of the sensor array make measurements of the electrochemical impedance characteristics of the coating and provide such data by way of telemetry to a data interrogation device that is periodically be placed in proximity to the sensor array. The interrogation device may serve to both power the sensor array and trigger it to acquire data.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a downhole method and apparatus for simultaneously determining the horizontal resistivity, vertical resistivity, and relative dip angle for anisotropic earth formations. The present invention accomplishes this objective by using an antenna configuration in which a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna are oriented in non-parallel planes such that the vertical resistivity and the relative dip angle are decoupled. Preferably, either the transmitter or the receiver is mounted in a conventional orientation in a first plane that is normal to the tool axis, and the other antenna is mounted in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane. This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for steering a downhole tool during a drilling operation in order to maintain the borehole within a desired earth formation.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method are disclosed for eliminating a noise signal from at least one source during an acoustic measurement of a subsurface geological formation or borehole. The apparatus (10) includes a longitudinal body for positioning in the borehole and a transmitter (22) supported by the body for transmitting acoustic signals into the formation and borehole. A sensor (23), substantially isolated within the body, is used to detect one or more noise signals and a receiver (24) is carried by the body for receiving acoustic signals traversing the formation and borehole, and for receiving one or more noise signals.

Abstract: A method of delivering oxygen to a biological entity comprising of dissolving oxygen into a perfusate and forcing the perfusate through the biological entity whereby substantially high levels of oxygen are available to satisfy the biological demand of the biological entity. An apparatus for supplying oxygen to a biological entity whereby substantially high levels of oxygen are available to satisfy the metabolic demand of said biological entity. An apparatus for supplying metabolic supplements to a biological entity whereby the effect of said metabolic supplement on said biological entity can be monitored. The method and apparatus keeps a biological entity such as an organ viable at a range of temperatures while in an aerobic state. This allows the study of said organ from a physiological or experimental standpoint. It allows said organ to be transplanted with little or no reperfusion injury, thus increased survivability over the prior art.

Abstract: A portable and easy to use tester for validating the accuracy of wiring diagram manuals and for testing modifications and new installations for proper wiring. The invention also provides an easy way to create a wire list describing all the interconnections between attached connectors. The tester can also be used as a troubleshooting tool without having a previously learned cable reference. The invention further tests wiring insulation in a wiring harness and identifies poor wire to wire and wire to ground insulation. Finally the present invention provides a system for generating a wiring diagram based upon the results of a wiring validation series of checks/tests.

Abstract: A device and method for the non-contact measurement of dynamic torsion in a rotating shaft using magnetostrictive sensors (MsS). The monitoring and detection system has specially configured magnetostrictive signal detectors that include inductive pick-up coils, in which signals corresponding to localized shaft torques are induced. The basic system sensor utilizes either a permanent DC bias magnet positioned adjacent the rotating shaft or applies a residual magnetic field to the shaft. The techniques described in conjunction with the system are particularly advantageous for on-line monitoring of loaded rotating shafts that are integral parts of power trains, by providing a low-cost and a long-term sensor for acquiring dynamic data of the shaft portion of the machinery system being monitored and/or controlled.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The monitor/control module generally comprises a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.