Abstract: Disclosed herein is a corner painting tool, typically comprising at least four replaceable rollers pivotally attached to a handle, that provides for the painting of the two adjoining surfaces forming a typical 90° interior corner in an even and efficient manner. Each pair of rollers is detachably attached to one of two axle-bearing elements that are, in turn, rigidly affixed at opposite ends of a connector bar. The fixed relationship between the connector bar and the axle-bearing elements serve to position each pair of rollers at a 90° angle to the other. A handle is pivotally attached at the midpoint of the connector bar. Attachment at the bar's midpoint serves to locate the pivot point as close as possible to the inside corner formed by the rollers, thereby maximizing the stability of the overall assembly during use.

Abstract: A hand held tool for loosening or breaking the beads of tubeless pneumatic tires from wheel rims. When removing a tire from a wheel rim, lateral displacement of the tire bead from the indented rim is required. This lateral displacement of the bead of the tire is known as “breaking the bead”. The present device is a wedge-shaped bead breaking device to be inserted between a tire and wheel rim to break the bead of the tire. The device is molded plastic with a rugged handle joined to a broad wedge-shaped member. The wedge is molded with three or more parallel reinforcing runners with interspacing grooves between. The runners increase the strength of the wedge and reduce friction upon insertion of wedge between wheel rim and tire. The grooves provide an outlet channel for air escaping the tire and reduce the amount of plastic needed for molding the device.

Abstract: A method and system for receiving, logging, answering, controlling, and forwarding calls from radio or other promoter call-in contestants, wherein said method provides an efficient means for controlling call-in contests. Radio call-in contests are the most typical, but the method applies to other types of promotions, such as direct mail, store banners and print ads. The system consists of a voice vendor, web server, database, telecommunications, and application software to control and count the calls and to provide administrative functions. Every caller receives a positive response, acknowledgement and notification of the caller number, and an opportunity to obtain other benefits, such as discounted items. Only the winning caller is forwarded to the radio station. The radio station only needs to answer to the winning caller.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the return of a lost piece of jewelry or diamond. A micro-label bearing a numeric code which identifies the owner of the jewelry and an alphanumeric telephone number (e.g., 1-866-RETURN ME), is affixed to the jewelry. Alternatively, the message may be discreetly micro-engraved or laser inscribed. A database compiled by the service provider cross-links the alpha-numeric code to the personal information of the owner. The message encourages the finder to call the telephone number to access the service provider and report the numeric code. The service provider determines the identity of the owner, and informs the owner that an item of jewelry bearing his or her code has been found. The service provider actively mediates the exchange by arranging a three party call to determine the most suitable method for returning the jewelry to the owner, and by suggesting a reward to encourage the finder to initiate the return process.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment such as for detecting and providing visual confirmation of pressure thereon, e.g. from an impact, which comprises an article having a sandwich construction with a pressure-disclosing layer (3) comprising a liquid crystal, thermochromic material, and a temperature differential layer (5), separated by a layer (4) providing a compressible mechanical shield between the pressure-disclosing layer and the temperature-differential layer. Material according to the invention can be employed to indicate the boundaries of a tennis court, or sports playing areas, or as a golf training aid, among other uses.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for a liquid filling system is herein disclosed incorporating means for generating greater overall production rate efficiencies (i.e. number of filled containers per minute per filling station) for automatic systems utilizing diverter valve and/or walking beam (i.e. continuous-motion) filling technologies with, for example, non-traditional ratios between the number of filling stations and the number of filling nozzles. The methods/apparatus disclosed herein also incorporate means to more efficiently changeover and clean up, in either a clean-in-place (CIP) or clean-out-of-place (COP) configuration, the product contact parts that become “dirty” when used in a production environment. Finally, an improved method and apparatus designed to provide a means for priming and air purging the product contact path of liquid filling machinery, a fill volume calibration procedure, and a fill weight verification cycle is also herein described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable spring force intake valve for use in two- or four-stroke internal combustion engines. The device comprises an intake valve body and a torsion spring attached to a gear and rod assembly. Manipulation, via manual or automated means, of the gear and rod assembly adjusts the tension/torsion force exerted by the torsion spring to preload the intake valve and/or to hold the intake valve in the closed position. Varying the tension/torsion force results in an ability to control the timing and the degree to which the ports of the intake valve are actually opened during the operating cycle of the piston, thereby providing a user with an opportunity to enhance the operation of a two- or four-stroke internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coaxial connector with an RF switch. In particular, a housing 10 covered with an external conductor 17 is composed of upper and lower housings 11 and 12. A fixed terminal 21 connected to an RF circuit is insert molded in the upper housing 11, and a movable terminal 25 that is selectively brought into contact with the fixed terminal 21 is insert molded in the lower housing 12. The movable terminal 25 comprises a fixed portion 26 fixed to the lower housing 12; a waist portion 27 extending upwardly from the fixed portion 26 at a first angle ?1 and molded to the lower housing 12; and an elastic piece 28 bent from the tip end of the waist portion 27 at a second angle ?2, extending into a space 15 of the housing, and being contact with the fixed terminal 21.

Abstract: A method for processing blood samples in order to produce DNA complex patterns for diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-functional apparatus for use during fishing, boating, camping, etc. that typically comprises a flat horizontal surface, two hinged support panels attached to the underside of the horizontal surface, three adjustable-length attachment straps, and one or more rod support tubes. The multi-functional apparatus of the present invention provides a mechanism for detachable attachment to any vertical member such as a pier piling, a bridge structure, or a tree trunk. The present invention is fabricated of strong, lightweight, plastic materials to provide the durability required by the nature of its usage. The present invention's design is simple, scalable, and can be economically manufactured and sold. In use, the present invention is attached to a vertical member conveniently located at the fishing site. Once baited and cast, one or more fishing rods may be supported in an upright orientation, awaiting a strike by a fish, by placing the handle(s) into the support tube(s).

Abstract: A method and system for knowledge assessment and learning that assesses the true knowledge of a human subject. The invention incorporates non-one dimensional testing techniques to obtain the subject's knowledge and associated confidence level. The invention produces an assessment or test profile, including formative and summative evaluation, which is correlated to a database of learning materials and presented to the subject for review and/or reeducation of the substantive response. The invention accommodates various test queries without regard to the specific nature of the queried subject. The present invention is adaptable for use in microprocessor-based stand alone computers, individual use or distributed in a client-server environment of a communication network.

Abstract: An improved intraosseous injection system including an injection needle constructed of high strength metal to resist bending and buckling mounted within a protective and supportive sleeve. The sleeve includes a retractable cannula for additional protection and support of the needle and a measuring gauge for precise sighting alignment to properly locate the site for an effective anesthetic injection. The movement of the retractable cannula is limited by a stop which operates to position the needle at the correct depth of penetration for delivery of anesthetic to the most effective location.

Abstract: An improved floating island planting system comprising a float ring formed as a circular walled member of closed-cell polyethylene foam, and a garden planter formed in a bowl configuration with a collar of greater diameter than the float ring. The bowl of the garden planter is dimensioned for nesting in the float ring, the planter is defined by a plurality of holes through the closed bottom. A fill mix comprising a combination of clay and potting soil resides in the planter. An alternate embodiment is shown in which the planting system is integrally formed from an open-ended circular collar section that is heat sealed to a conforming circular base section.

Abstract: An articulating knock-down frame and an improved cover design for a chair. The frame includes a pair of separate generally U-shaped frame portions, one being a seat and the other a backrest, and a pair of generally L-shaped connectors adapted for a telescopic fit with the U-shaped portions. The U-shaped frame portions are champfered about their ends to ease installation of the cover and to prevent tearing. An optional feature is also shown to facilitate disassembly, and this is a spring-loaded break joint in one or both of the U-shaped frame portions. The cover fits over the frame and holds the component parts in assembly. The cover includes a top panel section sewn against a bottom panel section, and a side panel section sewn therebetween to form an enclosure for holding an integral cushion.

Abstract: A model train freight car and a method of manufacturing the same. An aluminum model freight train car body is extruded through a die. At least one accessory is attached to the freight car body. The model train freight car weight ranges from about 1.0 lbs. to about 1.75 lbs.

Abstract: A locking device for controlled, reversible security using a control key to set the lock's accessibility to multiple individual keys, thus providing complete control of security. The control key has hierarchy over the individual key(s). Rotating the control key from the first to a second position prevents the core from being actuated by the individual key(s), thus activating a blocking function by which the lock can only be operated by the control key. Returning the control key from the second position back to the first position allows the control key to be removed ( the blocking function is still active). When the control key is rotated from the first to a third position, the core can be operated by the individual key(s), thus inactivating the blocking function. Returning the control key from the third position to the first position allows removal of the control key (blocking function remains inactive).

Abstract: A tee setting device for single-handed setting of a golf ball and tee in the ground at any one of a variety of selected insertion depths, while also adjusting for a range of different tee lengths. The device generally comprises a hollow shaft having a knob and an operating handle at an upper end, a stand-up leg assembly at the lower end, and a tee-setting mechanism at the lower end for controlled insertion and release of a ball and tee in the ground. The tee and ball are inserted simply by gripping the operating handle and pushing it downward. The tee setting device allows golfers to automatically set the ball and tee in the ground, thereby avoiding squatting or bending over the ball. The device is extremely accurate and consistent in setting the height of the ball on tees of various lengths. Moreover, the tee setting device is sized like a playing club or iron, and can be easily manipulated and stowed in the golf bag.

Abstract: A fire escape device that enables parents to lower their children (as well as pets and possessions) to the safety of the ground from elevated windows or terraces of tall structures. The load-lowering device is a hard-shell vessel cradled in a fire-resistant sling that is attached to a load-carrying harness. A variable-length tether is attached to the harness for lowering the assembly. A descent control fixture, a cleat only, is affixed beneath each window and to each terrace rail in the dwelling, and this gives the occupants a plurality of stations at which to deploy the fire escape device in case of emergency. After loading the device with children, pets and/or possessions, the device allows its contents to be secured lowered in a manually-controlled descent to the ground.

Abstract: A gun loading device comprising a base member having a socket to receive the muzzle of a firearm to be loaded with a charge of powder and/or a bullet, a storage cylinder provided with a plurality of bores in a circular pattern which receive such charges and is rotatable about a fixed axis attached to the base member, an upper inlet member having an opening through which a plunger is perpendicularly slideable to push, sequentially, the charges of powder in the bores through a discharge opening in the base member, and multiple posts connecting the base and inlet members together, in a non-twistable configuration, with the cylinder being rotatable therebetween. Quick-releasable latch members preferably are used to secure the connecting member respectively to the base and inlet members, as well as render the elements readily disassembled for cleaning, and the preferred material from which the components of the device are formed is synthetic resin, such as “LEXAN” or A.B.F.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve for removing hydrocarbon deposits from pressure responsive automatic air intake valves in an internal combustion engine. The self-cleaning valve assembly of the present invention removes soot which naturally accumulates on the surface of the valve as a result of the heat generated by the combustion event when hydrocarbon fuel sources are used. A reciprocating slider is seated within a bushing. The bushing is fluted with small relief passages along its length. The fluted relief passages run more or less parallel to the direction of the movement of the slider, and provide channels for removing soot from the surface of the valve. Repeated closing of the slider hammers soot upwardly into the relief passages, thereby maintaining the valve free of potentially fouling hydrocarbon deposits.