Abstract: Embodiments of a flowmeter and velocity measurement method are described, which include preferably a dual element thermocouple that is immersed in a flowing fluid and a computer that processes, validates, and calculates data to arrive at a velocity measurement for fluids at low flow rates. A temperature differential is created by the Peltier effect when electric current is applied to one thermocouple pair in the dual element thermocouple, and this temperature differential causes heat transfer to occur between the fluid and the thermocouple. The temperature response of the cooled junction of the thermocouple is preferably measured using the second pair of the dual element thermocouple while the electric current is pulsed on and off.

Abstract: The fly fishing reel of this invention comprises a housing that includes a mounting shoe for attaching the reel to a fishing rod, a hub attached axially to the center of the housing, a spool containing a centrally mounted spindle supported within the hub, and an adjustable, highly effective and efficient drag system coupled between the spool and housing. The drag system is a unidirectional variable friction brake that includes a first and second inner bearing races and first and second outer bearing races. The inner bearing races each have convex hemispherical friction surfaces. The outer bearing races each have concave hemispherical friction surfaces. The outer races are rotationally fixed by interlocking geometry with the hub. The inner races encase a unidirectional roller clutch which receives the spindle attached to the spool. The hemispherical friction surfaces are longitudinally concentric with the rotational axis of the spindle.

Abstract: The chuckwagon camp box of this invention includes a portable kitchen comprised of a top lid, drop down front and rear shelves, each of which is separately hinged to a base unit. The underside of the base unit has provisions to removably attach the support legs or permanently attach folding legs. The underside of the base unit also is provided with a plurality of casters to facilitate transport of the camp box. The base unit also includes an integral cooktop accessible from the front shelf and a plurality of work surfaces, multi-purpose compartments and a utensil drawer. Extendable, multi-purpose racks may be withdrawn from both ends of the base unit to serve as towel racks or shelves with the attachment of the included covering trays. A dishwashing center accessible from the rear shelf is also provided. The front and rear shelves are separated by an upstanding, transverse panel in the box, so that the front cooking area and rear washing areas are functionally isolated, separate work stations.

Abstract: The present invention is a convenient and inexpensive strap for securely and comfortably holding a nasal cannula to the head of a wearer. Typically the strap is made of a soft cloth or foam fabric, about ⅛-¾ inch wide and 6-16 inches long. Preferably the strap has strips of both hook and loop fasteners about ½-3 inches long at each end on one same side of the cloth. To use the strap, one end of it is looped around one of the oxygen tubes and secured to itself. The strap extends behind the ears of the wearer, and rests on the back of the head or the nape of the neck of the wearer. Then, the other end of the strap is looped around the other oxygen tube and secured to itself. The tension in the strap may be adjusted to pull the tubes in slightly towards the middle of the back of the head or neck, which may also pull the tubes off of the back of the ears. This way, the cannula may be conveniently, securely, and comfortably attached to the head of the wearer.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: A filter assembly is described that includes a substantially recyclable filter cartridge inside a pressure vessel. The invented filter cartridge comprises substantially non-pressure bearing walls, except for a pressure-bearing neck that is adapted to withstand high pressures preferably in the range of about 500 psi from the inside. The walls of the filter cartridge that are incapable of withstanding significant internal pressure are surrounded on the outside by a pressure vessel. The invented cartridge need not seal to the pressure vessel, because the cartridge neck protrudes outside of the pressure vessel to seal directly to a filter head. The cartridge preferably includes a quick-disassembly mechanism for allowing quick and non-destructive access to the internal components and media of the cartridge.

Abstract: The invention is a dietary supplement for animals, especially dogs, for treating arthritis and joint discomfort. A biscuit form of the supplement may be in the form of a conventional carrier composition of, for example, typical dog biscuit materials including cereal grains, vegetables or animal meat, fat and by-products. Typically, the biscuit contains about 89-97 weight percent (wt. %) of the conventional carrier composition. Optional vitamins and minerals may also be added to the carrier material, typically in about the 1-5 wt. % range. Importantly, the biscuit of the present invention contains about 3-7 wt. % of an arthritis-treating combination, namely, glucosamine sulfate, vitamin C and an array of intracellular ions namely potassium, sodium and iodine. The glucosamine component is present by weight at approximately the same level as the vitamin C, and at approximately 10 (ten) times the level of the sum of the above-named intracellular ions.

Abstract: The present invention is an indirect evaporative cooling module preferably made from extruded, twin-walled, corrugated, fluted plastic sheeting. Sheets of this corrugated material are cut into plates which are preferably laminated together to form the primary and secondary passages that comprise the heat exchanger core. These passages can be configured any number of ways, from vertical to horizontal to diagonal, and flow through these passages can be cross-flow, counter-flow and even baffle-flow. Increased heat exchange efficiency is achieved through a variety of ways, for example, by including an efficient water distribution means at the top of the heat exchanger, evaporative mesh extending through and below the heat exchanger for water distribution and pre-cooling, the creation of top and bottom heat exchange chambers by channeling water directly to the bottom zone of the heat exchanges passages, and roughening the surface of the sheets to increase heat transfer and to increase surface area.

Abstract: A paint holder is disclosed that has a rectangular container with a top opening for receiving liquids such as paint, laquer, denatured alcohol, and has a handle, a hanging hook, and a splash guard. Inside the container is an elongated ledge to rest a paint roller sleeve or paint brush bristles, while the roller or brush handle rests on the uppermost edge of the holder opposing the elongated ledge. The uppermost edge is also a straight edge that may be used to remove excess paint from the roller or brush. A user may hold the paint holder by the handle or may hang the device from a ladder or scaffolding rung so the user may always maintain one hand upon the support device while applying the liquid.

Abstract: The invention is an extendable police baton, which preferably includes several of the tools often needed by police personnel. In one embodiment, the baton comprises an extendable portion, flashlight, pepper sprayer and glass breaker with an integral, orthogonal handle, wherein the orthogonal handle contains the sprayer. In another embodiment without an orthogonal handle, the baton comprises a pepper sprayer which is located in the same end of the baton as the flashlight. Preferably, more than one handle/sprayer unit can cooperate with the same extendable baton/glass breaker unit, so that the user may select the style particularly advantageous for the user or the service in which it will be used.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination spent shell deflector and catcher, and breech block latch actuator, or receiver closer for semi-automatic firearms. The combination comprises a generally planar frame for attachment in vertical orientation to the side of the gun's receiver, and generally parallel therewith, in the area of the ejector port. The planar frame of the invention has an upper section extending back from the front of the frame which supports a resilient plug near the upper edge of the ejection port. Also, the planar frame has a lower section extending back from the front of the frame supporting a pivotal connection for a breach block latch actuator. The latch actuator is a moveable, generally flat panel which fits within the front part of the lower section of the planar frame. Also, the lower section of the planar frame supports a removable connection for a spent shell catcher.

Abstract: A cone-shaped nozzle for an aerosol spray can is disclosed. The nozzle preferably has a top end, or tip, and an opposing end, or stem, that removably connects to the can. Through the nozzle from the top center of the tip to the bottom center of the preferably cylindrical stem is a central cylindrical passageway. The top end of the passageway is the tip orifice, through which is discharged the contents of the can, and the bottom end of the passageway is the stem orifice, which receives the contents of the can for passage to the tip. The bottom of the stem and the stem orifice cooperate with the top of a release valve in the top of the aerosol can, so that the nozzle is supplied through the stem orifice. The stem is long enough to permit the cone-shaped nozzle to be depressed on its top, and travel downwardly far enough to activate the release valve.

Abstract: The present invention is a CPAP Headgear for assisting in the treatment of sleep apnea. The present invention uses a standard CPAP respiratory mask with air supplied under pressure by an air blower or other source. The present invention generally includes an improved Headgear, preferably having a head cover, a Lip Strap, and Clips and/or Extenders to hold the CPAP respiratory mask in place. The head cover designed with two side portions, each encircling an ear with an open area where the ear will fit and thereby stay a distance from the ear with material that goes upwards toward the top of the head, one side separating into 2 straps that connect across the top of the head to the second side. Another strap comes from the back of the left side that encircles the ear and around the nape of the neck to the right side that encircles the right ear, up and through, and back over toward the left, connecting upon itself, thereby connecting the two headpieces together across the nape of the neck.

Abstract: The present invention is a metal memorial marker and a method of making the same. The invented marker is made of metal, preferably ⅛″ to ½″ thick, preferably with steel-chromium alloys, such as stainless steel, or a non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, brass, bronze, or copper. The present invention is created by taking a plate of the metal and making markings upon one of the surfaces of the plate, said markings denoting a decoration. A computer could be used to guide the cutting equipment by following a preprogrammed template, and as such markings upon one of the surfaces of the plate would not necessarily be necessary. A wateijet, plasma cutting torch, laser torch or other cutting equipment is then used to make cuts along the markings made on the surface of the plate. Cutting the plate in such a manner results in the creation of openings through the plate, said openings when viewed together forming a decorative pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the preparation and use of novel enhanced biological tissue adhesives which rely on combining fibrinogen and thrombin. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a fibrin sealant whereby said sealant is formed by reconstituting the fibrinogen component in the presence of various critical biological and non-biological agents. The invention further relates to a novel method of using said enhanced fibrin sealant whereby the sealant and accompanying agent are delivered directly to a critical site within the body and sealed in place due to the bio-static quality of the sealant resulting in enhanced therapeutic value derived by the prolonged presence, and optionally time-released delivery, of said accompanying agent at the critical site.

Abstract: A safety-enhancing automatic brake control system automatically applies and maintains the brakes in the applied state, when one or more conditions exist at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment that make vehicle movement dangerous. A preferred controller electrically, electronically, or otherwise connects to various sensors at the vehicle stations, validates the signal(s), and then actuates a mechanism that manages the air, brake fluid, mechanical brake linkage/cable, electric, or other mechanism that applies the brakes. In an air brake system, a solenoid valve blocks and vents the air line to release a piston that normally counteracts a spring mechanism. In a hydraulic brake system, a piston or spring, for example, powers a secondary piston rod and piston in a master cylinder to apply the brakes. In the case of a spring-actuated system, a release unit such as a piston may be used to counteract the spring for releasing the brakes.

Abstract: A complete integral pelletized animal feed which is easily and economically prepared with a potato component. This invention combines hay, oats, and potato waste with a vitamin supplement premix. The potato component acts as a binder which makes it possible to pelletize the combined components. The composite animal feed is a complete food requiring no further supplementation. The instant invention provides an economical, one-step, integral, composite animal feed which incorporates potato waste and a vitamin supplement premix forming a complete animal feed. The instant invention is economically produced using potato waste, and economical to use since no further supplementation is necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held tool for embossing a sheet of paper or other media, and a method for performing the embossing. The tool is preferably a two-ended embossing tool, wherein each end has differently-sized roller ball that rotates/rolls in all directions inside a retainer. Each roller ball is biased outward, for example, by a detent-style spring unit. The preferably spring contacts the ball, so that the ball(s) and the spring(s) is/are the only moving parts of the tool. To use the tool, preferably the user applies pressure to the tool over paper or other media on top of a template with open channels in the shape of a desired design. The ball is received in the channel with the paper or other media lying between the exposed ball surface and the template. A guide surface extends out from the ball to be generally parallel to the surface of the paper beside the channel area.