Abstract: A device and method that converts the high temperature produced by combustion into a fluid volume of high pressure gas without requiring a boiler or heat exchanger. By injecting a fluid directly into a combustion system, heat energy that may otherwise be wasted is converted directly into high pressure gas.

Abstract: A gratuity receptacle that contains a gratuity sensor to detect when gratuity has been inserted into the opening of the gratuity receptacle. When gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle, the gratuity sensor activates a notification means to alert patrons and employees that gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle. The notification may be any combination of a visual, motion, and/or a sound notification. The notification may be related to an advertising campaign.

Abstract: A variable lighting system (“VLS”) for optimizing object visibility at night by setting a base level of lighting, adding a variable light to that base level of lighting, and a synchronizing the timing and sequence of the base level of lighting and the variable lighting. The VLS varies the illumination by intensity, color, direction, or a combination thereof and optionally includes a detector for detecting motion, noise, and other occurrences. The VLS can be implemented as a fixed lighting source, a movable lighting source, or a vehicle mounted lighting source. The VLS improves visibility at night for viewers or motorists thereby reducing accidents and damage costs, saves energy, and improves the environment and enhances quality of life by reducing light pollution and light trespass.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device for a fastener located on an article. The protective device includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface defines an interior space sufficient to surround at least a portion of a fastener. The body also includes an aperture which may be moved to an open position by squeezing or moving a portion of the body, and moved to a closed position by releasing a portion of the body. The device protects the interior walls of a washing or drying machine during washing or drying of the article.

Abstract: A locking conduit lid and method of use that can lock or secure wires inside a conduit such that is would be almost impossible for a would be thief to pull the wires out of the conduit. The locking conduit lid contains a conduit sleeve that is designed to be fixedly attached to the inside of a polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe, rigid metal pipe, or any other existing pipe or conduit that contains electrical wires. The electrical wires are secured to the conduit sleeve such that they cannot be pulled out of the conduit sleeve. A locking conduit lid prevents access to the wires inside the conduit sleeve thereby preventing theft of the wires.

Abstract: A system and method to cut a path in the ground with a path cutter. The path cutter includes a cutting edge to cut a path and loosen earth and a moldboard angled such that any earth loosed by the moldboard and the cutting edge is pushed towards the center of the moldboard. The width of the cut path is adjusted by an adjustment member attached to the cutting edge and the moldboard. A first auger moves the earth, weeds, rocks and other material loosed by the cutting edge and the moldboard to a front conveyor belt. The material on the first conveyor belt is transferred to a second conveyor belt by a second auger. The material on the second conveyor belt is discharged from the path cutter away from the cut path.

Abstract: A system that allows for hot water on demand and once the water is heated, it is delivered to flavor containing solid material in a pressurized pulse. By heating the water on demand, a more uniform temperature can be achieved and by delivering the heated water in a pressurized pulse, the extraction of flavor from the flavor containing solid material is greatly improved. In addition, to determine the volume of water used in the system, the number of pressurized pulses are counted and that gives a more uniform consistent measurement of the volume of water used instead of the timed delivery of water.

Abstract: A device and method that contains an electro-mechanical break away sensor that de-energizes power or stops the flow of electricity to a pole upon a vehicle colliding with the pole or otherwise activation of the sensor. The sensor is omni directional and operates regardless of direction of impact from the vehicle or activation and has the ability to disconnect power when the pole falls due to a shear impact such as when there is a collision or the pole falls due to tension created by wind or weight failure. The sensor may also be activated by an authorized user such as one that is performing maintenance on the pole.

Abstract: The invention includes a central vacuum system for use in a dwelling. The system features a vacuum unit having an exhaust outlet and a vacuum inlet connected to a fixed gooseneck shaped tube, a flexible cloth hose having a first end and a second end, where the first end is operatively connected to the gooseneck shaped tube with clamping means and the second end contains means for connecting a vacuum attachment. The gooseneck tube contains a flange to engage the clamp attached to the hose so that the hose cannot be pulled from the vacuum system during use. The flexible hose is adapted to extend from the vacuum unit within the dwelling and out through a wall orifice provided to access a living space of the dwelling. The hose is manually collapsible over the tube by a user when the system is not in use.

Abstract: A utility ramp having a latching feature to attach the utility ramp to steps mounted on the side of a vehicle. The latching feature provides a means for securing the utility ramp to the steps and allows the utility ramp to be used as a vehicle running board. Further, the utility ramp may include one or more jointed segments to allow the utility ramp to approximate a curved ramp.

Abstract: A hazard warning and traffic control system includes a housing having at least two display faces oriented at an angle relative to one another, and an electronic controller including a timer. Each of the display faces contains multiple fields, and each of the fields includes many illuminating members. Each of the fields can be selectively lit, and can display indicia. The controller selectively illuminates the illuminating members to change the display at timed intervals. Each of the display faces includes a STOP field, a DANGER field, and a go field. The larger STOP field is at the bottom of the display face and has a red background. The DANGER field is located above the STOP field and has a yellow background. The go field is located above the DANGER field and has a green background. Each display face may further include a street name, as well as other optional features that significantly promote intersection safety.

Abstract: A set of eyeglasses wherein the nose rest and/or earpiece changes color when exposed to body heat. The nose rest and/or earpiece may contain a thermochromic material that is brightly colored and/or glow in the dark when not being worn and then when the eyeglasses are being worn, the material changes into a more desirable color for fashion purposes.

Abstract: A pet deterrent device is herein disclosed wherein common household pets may be trained away from the negative habit of chewing on various household items. The pet deterrent device generally comprises an absorbent substrate having a non-toxic, foul tasting substance impregnated therein which is adapted to be easily applied to any household item including electrical power cords, family heirlooms, furniture, and the like. Suitable absorbent substrates include various fabric materials and thermoplastic compositions such as polyurethane. Upon biting a typical household item/pet deterrent device assembly, the pet receives a foul taste thereby providing immediate negative reinforcement and thus training the pet away from the negative chewing behavior.