Abstract: A pool net mounting device is disclosed. The mounting device includes a pool net holding portion having a hollow cylindrical tube adapted to receive and secure a pool net in a plurality of angular orientations. The pool net mounting device also includes a mounting portion adapted to be removably attached to a cylindrical object such as a pool ladder rail. The net holding portion and the mounting portion are removably attached to each other in a variety of angular positions so that a wide range of configurations is achieved for orienting a pool debris net at a desired angular orientation and height. The net holding portion includes a number of apertures and slots therein for receiving a spring loaded pin, a common feature of pool nets. Alternative pool net attachment features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A guitar or musical instrument harness is disclosed that includes a waist belt and a shoulder strap. A circular or oval loop is attached to the waist belt. The belt is worn by the user so that the loop is situated over the spine of the user. The shoulder strap is disposed through the loop and the distal ends extend upward along the back and over the shoulders of the user. The strap includes attachment holes or apertures at the distal ends thereof to receive guitar strap buttons mounted on a guitar. The strap also includes typical length adjustment features. An alternate embodiment includes an additional mounting ring clip through which the strap is inserted. The mounting ring clip is removably attachable to the loop portion of the waist belt.

Abstract: A stringed instrument tuning device is disclosed that is enhanced over the prior art by an included mechanism that enables the tuning knob to be positioned freely in any rotational position after a string has been tensioned or tuned. A worm gear drive tuning assembly typical of prior art tuning devices is employed. In one approach, the tuning device includes a common ratchet mechanism that enables free rotation of the tuning knob with respect to the tuning mechanism. In other embodiments disclosed, a spline shaft engagement mechanism is employed with a shuttle that releasably engages the tuning knob to the worm gear drive tuning assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator and intermittent flow device are disclosed. Vacuum regulation is achieved via spring forces acting on a movable piston-tube assembly disposed within a regulator body having a cylindrical hollow interior. Vacuum is supplied to an input port and regulated vacuum is provided at an output port. Vacuum at the output is cut off when fluid flow is sufficiently restricted and the piston-tube assembly is urged in contact against a fluid flow aperture within the regulator body thereby blocking fluid flow. Multiple modes of operation are provided in the regulator by way of a three position mode knob that enables regulated vacuum, unregulated vacuum and an “off” mode of operation. The disclosed intermittent vacuum flow device is attached to the output of the vacuum regulator and enables timed cyclical on and off operation of vacuum regulation.

Abstract: A dental measurement device is disclosed that includes a mouthpiece having a bracket attached thereto and extending outward therefrom. A bite registration compound is applied to the mouthpiece and the mouthpiece is positioned in a patient's oral cavity. The bracket extends outward in front of the patient's face. The bracket includes a vertically oriented planar attachment surface to which measurement devices such as planar rulers are readily attached using adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The rulers include reference markings. The rulers are positioned prior to attachment such that the reference markings align with the anterior midline and incisal edge locations of the patient. Such reference positions are then available for later use in fabricating dental restorations. Alternatively, anterior midline and incisal edge locations are identified by application of permanent markings to the rulers.

Abstract: A portable pressurized gas delivery system with impact protection includes a pressure regulator device comprised of a shut-off valve/refill portion, a pressure regulation portion and a flow control portion. The pressure regulator device is attached via a mating machine threaded portion to a high pressure gas vessel or tank. An adapter or flange washer is situated between the regulator device and tank. A u-shaped handle is attached to the flange washer and extends along side and beyond the height of the gas pressure regulator. A circular ring is transversely attached to the u-shaped handle and situated to surround the regulator device thereby providing impact protection from all directions for the gas pressure regulator device. The pressure regulator device and flange washer include mechanical alignment mechanisms so that angular alignment of the devices is established.

Abstract: An elongated flexible dental matrix strip is disclosed. The strip includes a raised portion extending outward from the surface of the strip. The raised portion tapers towards the distal end of the strip in one embodiment and tapers toward both ends of the strip in another embodiment. The raised portion is sized so that when the strip is inserted between adjacent teeth an interference fit occurs. A light force is used to slide the strip into position between adjacent teeth in such a fashion as to anchor the strip in position. The strip serves to contain filling material in a tooth cavity while the filling material or resin hardens. Another embodiment includes a curved surface along one edge of the strip wherein the raised tapered portion is disposed. Yet another embodiment includes two raised tapered portions in parallel with one another.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing and measuring a plurality of strands from a single spool of stranded material is disclosed. The device is comprised of a mobile portion on which a plurality of pulleys is mounted. The mobile portion includes a frame mounted on an axle to which tires are attached so that the mobile portion may be wheeled about readily. A stationary portion includes a plurality of pulleys and a supply spool of wire. Stranded material from the supply spool is routed back and forth between the mobile portion and the stationary portion, over the pulleys attached to each, until the number of strands between the mobile portion and the stationary portion corresponds with the desired number. Next the mobile portion is displaced away from the stationary portion a distance equal to the length of strands desired. A distance measurement device is mounted on the mobile portion to aid the user in ascertaining the distance that the mobile portion has moved, thereby indicating the wire length.

Abstract: An air blast tool having an air nozzle and integrated air powered electrical generator with electric lamp is disclosed. Compressed air supplied to the air blast tool is also supplied to the air powered generator within the tool to produce electricity. Light produced by the electric lamp is directed in the same direction as the air blast nozzle to enable the user to readily see machined surfaces and the like.

Abstract: A steering wheel movement detection device has a magnetic flux source and a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor is mounted on the steering column and the magnetic flux source is attached to the steering shaft or steering wheel and moves in accordance therewith. The magnetic flux source has lines or bands of varying magnetic flux. The magnetic sensing device is mounted adjacent and opposing the magnetic flux source so that when the steering wheel moves varying magnetic flux impinges upon the magnetic sensing device. The magnetic sensing device forms the inductive component of a resonant LC tank circuit and the frequency of that circuit varies in accordance with the flux impinging on the sensing device. A microcontroller integrates or averages the varying frequency signal over brief periods of time and when the average frequency does not have sufficient deviations an alarm signal is produced. A speaker is driven by the alarm signal to signal the driver to a state of alertness.

Abstract: A compressed gas regulator for use in the medical, emergency and home health care fields is disclosed. The regulator includes a body having a rectangular aperture for receiving an industry standard post valve typically found on a high pressure gas tank. The regulator includes a mechanical attachment device for securing the regulator to the post valve. The mechanical attachment device, or knob, is cylindrical in cross-section and is hollow so that it may receive a portion of the regulator therein. The outer periphery of the knob includes a knurl pattern to aid in gripping the knob. The knob includes a threaded rod extending axially along the hollow interior of the knob. The threaded rod engages mating threads in a threaded aperture of the regulator body. Rotating the fastener urges the regulator into contact with the post valve, and a valve seat on the regulator provide a gas seal between the regulator and the post valve.

Abstract: A compressed gas regulator with integral flow meter is disclosed. The regulator includes pressure reducing section and a flow control section as well as, a Bourdon tube gauge disposed within the protective surround of the regulator body to prevent physical damage to the gauge. The Bourdon tube is mounted on a gauge adapter that provides for rotation of the tube within the regulator body, yet maintaining a gas seal with the high pressure gas supply. The gauge adapter provides a means for fluidly communicating the high pressure level to the Bouldon tube, yet allowing rotation of the Bourdon tube for zeroing and calibration purposes. An indicator ring, also disposed within the regulator body, is mounted on the Bourdon tube so that the pressure level is readily ascertained by viewing the indicator ring through an aperture in the regulator body.

Abstract: A wind driven generator with counter-rotating armature and rotor is disclosed. In a first embodiment a rotor having magnets mounted thereon and an armature having windings disposed thereon are both coaxially mounted about a hollow pole. The hollow pole provides the structural support for maintaining the generator in a vertical attitude. Bearings are situated between the armature and pole, and between the rotor and the pole. A commutator and brushes is employed to conduct the power signal generated in the windings to electrical device. In a second embodiment, a rotor and armature are disposed about and rotatably mounted on a hollow pole as in the first embodiment with the hollow pole coaxially situated over a second vertical pole. The hollow pole is sized for sufficient clearance to allow the hollow pole to slide vertically on the second pole.

Abstract: A steering wheel movement detection device has a magnetic flux source and a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor is mounted on the steering column and the magnetic flux source is attached to the steering shaft or steering wheel and moves in accordance therewith. The magnetic flux source has lines or bands of varying magnetic flux. The magnetic sensing device is mounted adjacent and opposing the magnetic flux source so that when the steering wheel moves varying magnetic flux impinges upon the magnetic sensing device. The magnetic sensing device forms the inductive component of a resonant LC tank circuit and the frequency of that circuit varies in accordance with the flux impinging on the sensing device. A microcontroller integrates or averages the varying frequency signal over brief periods of time and when the average frequency does not have sufficient deviations an alarm signal is produced. A speaker is driven by the alarm signal to signal the driver to a state of alertness.

Abstract: A post valve for use with a source of high pressure gas is disclosed. The post valve includes a body having an inlet aperture extending therethrough. The body further includes an outlet aperture in fluid communication with the inlet aperture. A stem having external threads is rotatably inserted into the body aperture and engages mating threads within the body. A fluid seal disposed about the stem prevents fluid flow past the stem. A threaded bonnet is disposed over the stem and mates with another threaded portion within the body. The threads of the stem are of different pitch than the bonnet. The fluid seal is situated so that fluid flowing into the inlet aperture and out the outlet aperture does not contact the threaded portions of the stem or body.

Abstract: A device for displaying advertising in association with a drinking fountain or water fountain is disclosed. A first embodiment of the invention comprises forming a clear plastic panel or laminate to conform with the splash guard and basin portions of a drinking fountain. The plastic panel or laminate includes advertising information attached to the plastic or disposed between lamination layers of the plastic. Alternatively, a slot for receiving advertising may be formed in the plastic so that the advertising may be periodically replaced. The formed plastic is then situated over the existing combination splash guard/basin of a corresponding water fountain. Advertising is viewable in the vertical splash guard area as well as the basin area. In a second embodiment, a plastic member is molded or formed in the shape of a water fountain splash guard/basin and the plastic member replaces the original stainless steel splash guard/basin of the water fountain.

Abstract: A portable storm shelter is disclosed. The shelter includes a thin plastic tank surrounded by a horizontal frame that includes anchor legs. The shell and frame are covered with a protective layer such as fiber-filled concrete. Two ventilation conduits extend through the protective layer and into the tank. A window is attached over apertures in the protective layer and the tank. A door is attached to the protective layer and situated over an aperture in the tank and in the concrete layer. A battery provides power to a fan disposed in fluid communication with one of the ventilation conduits. A solar cell is attached to the outer surface of the concrete layer and provides a charging signal to the battery. A fluid basin attached to a fluid drain conduit is also provided. The fluid drain conduit extends through the tank and concrete layer. In a second embodiment, a tank is surrounded by a horizontal rectangular frame. Attached to the frame are a plurality of vertical rods having lifting eyes.