Abstract: A collapsible decoy bag utilized to carry hunting supplies/accessories such as water fowl decoys. The decoy bag includes a collapsible, semi-rigid, spring-reinforced frame covered by a fabric shell formed of flexible panels. The fabric shell includes a top cover with drawstring opening to facilitate the loading and unloading of the bag with decoys, a mesh side panel to allow drainage, and a reinforced bottom panel to prevent wear and allow dragging. A shoulder harness is provided to allow a hunter to carry the bag across one or both shoulders like a backpack. In use, the present invention remains upright and open to facilitate the decoy unloading/loading process. The decoy bag is fully collapsible for ease of storage when not in use, and includes snaps for maintaining the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A method and system for teaching reading to children and adults with or without learning disabilities. The reading teaching method and system employs a strong boy and a weak boy character to respectively represent the strong and weak vowel sounds, most commonly referred to as the long and short vowel sounds. The strong boy holds a straight barbell over his head to represent the strong (long) vowel sound and the weak boy holds a sagging barbell over his head to represent the weak (short) vowel symbol. The association of the strong boy to the strong vowel and the weak boy to the weak vowel and the overall strong boy/weak boy concept are applied to decoding words and learning to read.

Abstract: A cardboard/paperboard box for cereal, a child's toy, etc., that includes an integral removable tattoo, gemstone applique or other body art for promotional purposes (i.e. a premium play element or “gift with purchase”), is herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the integral tattoo is formed on a multi-layer paper backing that is attached to the cardboard/paperboard box by a special pressure sensitive adhesive. The tattoo also includes a water soluble slip layer, a waterproof film coating, and an offset printed design such as a children's cartoon character, all carried on the backing.

Abstract: An articulated bench comprising a two-section pad attached to a rectangular frame and two folding/pivoting support leg assemblies. The two padded sections are pivotally attached to the frame. Either of the two padded end sections can be pivoted upward and locked at a selectable incline. Either of a length-adjustable I-shaped brace assembly, or alternatively, a U-shaped support assembly fold out of the frame from beneath the longer of the two pivoting, padded end sections (i.e. the section for supporting the upper body) and are inserted into one of a series of catches located on the section's rear surface to hold it at a selectable incline. The shorter of the two pivoting, padded end sections (i.e. the section for supporting an individual's lower body) also pivots upward and a U-shaped support assembly folds out of the frame and is inserted in a pair of surface-mounted catches to maintain the section in an inclined position.

Abstract: A transformable truck bed cover that mounts on a pickup truck having an open bed. The cover assembly is transformable in height between a tonneau cover-like configuration and a fully elevated truck cap-like configuration. The cover assembly is also transformable in length between a fully retracted position extending over the open bed only a few inches behind the truck's cab to a fully extended position covering the entire length of the bed. The cover assembly generally comprises two anchoring rails fixedly attached to the sides of the truck bed, and two or more articulated cover support assemblies, extending across the bed, with an attached flexible cover assembly. The support assemblies are pivotally secured to the anchoring rails such that they may be pivoted upward to form a cap-shaped covering. The cover support assemblies are also slidably attached to the anchoring rails such that the flexible cover may be extended or retracted, in an accordion-like fashion, along the truck bed's length.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a transtibial or transfemoral (above or below the knee) prosthesis. The system includes a liner for enveloping an amputee limb. The liner has a buckle suspended toward the upper end, and a corresponding strap fixedly attached toward the bottom end of the liner. The anchoring system also includes a containment socket for seating the liner. The containment socket has a first slot there through at a position corresponding to the buckle of the liner. The socket also has a second slot there through at a position corresponding to the strap. In use, the patient first applies the liner, then inserts the liner into the socket with the fastening strap and buckle protruding out through the respective slots. The fastening strap is then threaded up through the buckle (the strap running upward along the side of the socket) and is inserted there through.

Abstract: A decorative and practical framed showcase for pendant medals comprising a slotted display panel positioned between a primary back panel and a transparent viewing pane. The showcase attractively displays pendant type awards. The display panel comprises a slot or series of slots arranged uniformly in rows. The ribbon portion of an award is inserted into a slot in the display panel, and is pulled through to the back of the panel. The medal and a part of the ribbon remain visible from the front of the display panel. Retainers attached to the rear surface of the display panel secure the excess length of ribbon out of view and hold the medal suspended in place on the front side of the display panel. The showcase further comprises an integral means for secure attachment and simple removal to and from a wall.

Abstract: An adjustable device installed at the inlet of conventional junctions/splitters (116) for on-line control of the distribution of coal among the outlet pipes is herein disclosed. The device includes a plurality of flow control elements (60) each positioned upstream of a plurality of flow channels in the riffler (50) for directing coal flow to the outlet pipes. Each flow control element preferably comprises a rounded convex edge leading to straight tapered sides (FIG. 9). The surfaces of the sides may be roughened or textured (63) for promoting turbulent boundary layers (FIG. 9). In addition, conventional fixed or variable orifices may be used in combination with the flow control elements for balancing primary air flow rates. The device allows fine-adjustment control of coal flow rates when used in combination with the slotted riffler, yet it has negligible effect on the distribution of primary air.

Abstract: An improved brake response time and following distance monitoring and safety data accounting system for motor vehicles and other types of human-operated equipment is herein disclosed. The present invention measures and records events where preset parameters are exceeded. Specifically, the present invention measures and records, among others, parameters associated with instantaneous vehicular following distance, average vehicular following distance, instantaneous changes in following distance, and brake response time of an operator. The system is equipped with data processing and communication means allowing an employer, a parent, an insurance carrier, or any other interested person to verify that the vehicle in question is operated in an appropriate manner. The present invention records each vehicle braking cycle to determine if previously established safe operating parameters were maintained while noting the date, time of day, and location of the incident.

Abstract: A bicycle seat that provides increased comfort during extended periods of use, due to a redistribution of the rider's weight. The primary components of the bicycle seat include a support shell/frame, a lightweight layer of padding, and a vinyl or plastic outer cover. A two-part front end section is designed to provide support for the upper, back portion of the rider's thighs. Allowing the thighs to bear part of the rider's weight, thereby reducing the amount left to be supported by the buttocks and groin area, is a novel aspect of the present invention. This front end section, combined with the angle of the seat's mounting on the bicycle's frame, is such that, when pedaling, the inside of the rider's thighs do not rub against the front end of the seat. The relatively broad tail section is designed to support the entire posterior of the rider in a manner that eliminates the rocking motion normally associated with the pedaling of the bicycle.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic generator comprising a pair of contra-rotating disks, each bearing a plurality of conducting sectors, similar to the prior art Wimshurst generator. A plurality of grounding conductors with brushes at each end are associated with each of two counter-rotating disks, each grounding conductor alternately grounding a pair of opposing charge plates on each disk as it rotates. The generator also includes a pair of output terminals each having a brush at one end for electrical connection to the charge plates on one of the disks. Upon counter-rotation of the pair of disks, the grounding conductors induce each charge plate to accumulate a logarithmically-increasing charge until they are discharged to the next output terminal. The accumulating charge makes the device far more efficient than a conventional Wimshurst generator.

Abstract: An improved acceleration/deceleration monitoring system for motor vehicles and other types of human-operated equipment is herein disclosed. This system measures and records events where preset acceleration/deceleration parameters are exceeded. The system is equipped with data communication means that allows an employer, a parent, an insurance carrier, or any other interested person to verify that the vehicle in question is operated in an appropriate manner. The system records each incident of vehicle acceleration (or deceleration) that exceeds established parameters while noting the date, time of day, and location of the incident. The information retrieved is compiled in a data record and stored in a storage system for instantaneous use or retrieval when desired.

Abstract: A fly cast training device that allows an instructor to take the lead in controlling the casting while the trainee follows along, and to gradually relinquish control to the trainee to instill the proper muscle memory through repetition. The fly cast training device generally comprises a flexible shaft section, a butt section, a spool attached to said butt section, and a multiple-handle assembly attached between the flexible shaft section and the butt section. The handle assembly includes a plurality of handle sections secured together at both ends in a spaced relation by a pair of brackets. The handle assembly may include two or three handles. The flexible shaft section and butt section may be attached centrally of the handles, or a second handle can be attached to in the existing handle of a conventional fly rod and offset there from by brackets.

Abstract: An improved clamping assembly especially suited for use in a bench vise for allowing a user to choose between conventional fine-screw-reduction closure and/or opening of the jaws for clamping, or quick-set sliding adjustment of the jaws. The clamping assembly relies on a toothed rack and pawl. The pawl is selectively engaged with the toothed rack to allow conventional reduction gear closure or opening. Alternatively, a user can more quickly open and close the jaws by disengaging the pawl from the rack and simply sliding the jaws relative to one another. The clamping assembly provides a quick-set clamping action which allows a user to initially to preset the jaws by sliding them together in one quick motion, followed by conventional fine-screw-adjustment for high-force clamping.

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: A music game, which incorporates the characteristics of the popular Karaoke singing phenomenon and draws upon the players' knowledge of songs and performing artists. The game includes game pieces, game board, die, timer, and Karaoke instruction cards. The game board consists of Karaoke, ATM and Stage Fright squares, each distinguished by a unique icon, interspersed along the perimeter of the board. The instruction cards have coordinating icons, each with specific instructions. A team member sings songs recorded by the performing artist identified on the card and the other team members must guess the artist. A correct guess allows the team to advance their game piece the number of squares rolled on the die. The object of the game is to be the first game piece to advance from Start to Finish by drawing cards, singing songs and guessing performing artists.

Abstract: The device is composed of two, horizontally aligned component parts, namely, fixed spinway subtending an angle of 60° and a pivotal wedged-shaped module residing at a specific and constant distance parallel to the spillway face. The wedge-module is designed so that it rotates around a defined arc radius so maintaining both a constant distance between interfaces of the wedged-module and spillway and a constant angle of attack. This device has been demonstrated to accelerate the rate of fluid flow under either low or high head pressures by way of generating a negative pressure (venturi) effect in the device. The nature of the wedge-module is to present a “throat” configuration at the slit opening thereby tending to suck fluid into the device under such negative (venturi) pressures, while maintaining a laminar flow pattern ahead of the wedge-module/spillway arrangement.

Abstract: A selective optical actuation system for a plurality of electrical devices (20) comprises a variable pulse frequency pulsed light source (10) and an optical fibre network (12, 13, 14) distributing the light pulses to actuation gateway for each device, comprising a photovoltaic converter (16) whose correspondingly pulsed electrical output is applied to a ferroelectric transformer (18). Only if the pulse frequency is within the resonant band for a given transformer will the voltage be raised above a threshold value required to actuate that device. Choice of light pulse frequency thereby determines the device(s) to be actuated.

Abstract: A system and method for providing telemedical direct perimetry and ophthalmoscopy to support optometric providers in the screening, diagnosis, treatment and management of glaucoma patients. The system includes an internet accessible software program inclusive of a data submission and collection module that is a menu-driven series of medical examination menus to guide clinicians through an examination procedure and data entry therefrom. In addition, a data interpretation module is provided in the form of a menu-driven series of guided menu-driven medical diagnostic menus to guide clinicians to a correct diagnosis based on a comparative analysis with visual fields and disk images. A data interpretation module is also provided and this includes an on-line library of authoritative references. A results reporting module is used for generating patient reports for glaucoma diagnosis, treatment and analysis. In addition, a unique disease management module prescribes a prioritized program of glaucoma care.

Abstract: A mattress caddy including a support strap, with handles formed at each end, and two transverse rigid cradle assemblies. To utilize the present invention in the transportation of a mattress, it is first laid out lengthwise, with the cradle assemblies positioned open-end-up, to facilitate the loading of the mattress. The cradle assemblies are then positioned along the strap at an interval that measures somewhat less than the length of the mattress with each assembly an equivalent distance from one of the handles. A long edge of the mattress is then placed into, and thereafter supported/cradled by, each of the cradle assemblies. At this point, each individual grasps one of the handles with one hand, places his/her other hand on opposite surfaces of the vertically-oriented mattress to balance the load, and lifts the mattress off of the ground/floor.