Abstract: A knitted fabric comprised of two yarn types wherein at least one yarn type is made of an elastomeric fiber and the other yarn type is made of a substantially non-elastic fiber. In the preferred embodiment, one yarn type is a blend of polyester and cotton and the other yarn type is spandex. This overall blend of spandex and poly-cotton fibers creates a knitted fabric having resilience, elasticity and versatility beyond that of a traditional poly-cotton blend fabric. This knitted fabric can then be used to produce sheeting materials, such as fitted contour sheets, which retain shape better, are more easily handled, and have a greater life that standard poly-cotton blend sheets.

Abstract: An improved cleaning basin (including cover and stand) for commercial grill, oven and stove ventilation filters. The device allows convenient soaking and cleaning of the filters in cleaning solution, and provides for safe and efficient drainage of the solution. The device is specially sized to facilitate simultaneous cleaning and soaking of multiple filters in caustic cleaning solution, and it provides for safe and efficient filling and drainage of the solution from the basin. The device is rugged, durable, weather-proof, and it can be manufactured at nominal cost.

Abstract: An trunk caddy particularly configured to cradle a golf bag in an easily accessible position above the floor of the vehicle trunk compartment, the cradle being supported at either side by adjustable straps which attach to the rim of the trunk compartment opening using generally S-shaped brackets.

Abstract: Interlocking towing skates for placement beneath the tires of a vehicle prior to winching onto a flatbed. Two or more skates can be locked together in accordance with the tire width of the vehicle to be towed, and the interlocked skates are placed beneath each tire. The disabled vehicle can be winched quickly and easily upward along the flatbed. The friction of the tires is greatly reduced as the salvage vehicle is drawn upward, and personal injury and/or damage to the transmission and/or tow truck hoist is eliminated. The towing skates are formed as an elongate hard unitary plastic member having a chock at one end, a flat mid-section, and an opposing ramped end. A series of interlocking teeth protrude laterally from one side, and a mating series of interlocking recesses are formed in the other side for locking side-by-side skates together.

Abstract: A method and device for high speed spectroscopic constituent verification. The method includes the steps of illuminating a sample with broadband light and measuring two preselected wavelengths of reflected light: a first narrow-range of wavelengths .lambda.1 that is not significantly absorbed by the constituent of interest, and a second narrow-range of wavelengths .lambda.2 that is substantially absorbed by the constituent of interest. Given the two measurements of reflection, upper and lower thresholds are determined (the latter based on a percentage of the measured baseline reflected light of wavelengths .lambda.1). Finally, the presence of the constituent of interest is indicated if the measure of the reflected discriminant wavelength .lambda.1 is within te upper and lower threshold measures of reflected baseline light .lambda.1.

Abstract: An improved extended mounting bracket for a french fry press. The mounting bracket generally comprises a back plate with two opposing protruding side brackets. The side brackets are integrally attached along the opposing edges of the back plate by welding or the like. Both side brackets are formed with upper and lower notches adapted to slidably receive and anchor a conventional french fry press. The extended mounting bracket extends the french fry press over a proper waste receptacle such as a sink and thereby facilitates efficient waste disposal and cleanup. The bracket is rugged, durable, and it can be manufactured at nominal cost.

Abstract: An improved design for sealed air and coolant passthrough couplings which ensures maximum protection against contamination in a chemical warfare environment. The couplings include an air line bulkhead assembly, a liquid passthrough coupling, and an air inlet assembly all of which resist penetrating chemical warfare agents such as Sarin. The air line bulkhead assembly permits breathable air to be passed from outside to the inside of a chemical protective suit without compromising the chemical integrity of the suit. The liquid coolant passthrough permits liquid coolant to be supplied from an external source to the wearer of the chemical protective suit without breaching the integrity of the chemical protective barrier. The liquid coolant passthrough assembly enables a cold reservoir and pumping unit to be mounted on the exterior of chemical protective clothing to facilitate replenishment of the cold source (ice or phase change material), and this can result in longer mission stay times.

Abstract: A protective garage mat with integral parking alignment device for protecting a surface from oil spills while concurrently providing vehicle parking assistance. The floor mat includes a reinforced rubber mat having ribs/channels for retaining a pre-determined quantity of oil. The floor mat is formed with a coupling at the fore end for mounting a parking alignment indicator such as an upright pole having a reflector or signal light mounted thereon. The pole is supported in the mat by the coupling for pivotal movement upon being contacted by an advancing vehicle. An optional electrical circuit may electrically actuate a signal light to provide a visible alerting signal for a driver of the advancing vehicle.

Abstract: A system of mirrors for a vehicle which augments an operators vision to allow a clear vision path past a forward obstacle. The operators vision is reflected backwards by a first mirror. This first mirror is angles towards a second mirror facing forward. The resulting reflection of the second mirror allows the operator to see along side of any obstruction which may be blocking forward vision, such as a larger vehicle.

Abstract: An improved gear transmission is disclosed having a constantly variable mechanical advantage. This is accomplished by providing two transmission paths for power transmission between the input and the output of the transmission. The transmission comprises a gear casing, an input shaft rotatably mounted in one end of the gear casing, and an output shaft rotatably mounted in the other end of the gear casing (coaxial to the input shaft). At least one offset shaft is rotatably mounted in the gear casing parallel to the input and output shafts and spaced therefrom. A first sun gear is mounted on the input shaft, and a second sun gear is mounted on the output shaft. A pair of planetary gears is mounted on the offset shaft, and one engages the first sun gear while the other engages the second sun gear.

Abstract: An improved gutter guard that operates by capillary action to allow water to flow off the roof and into an existing gutter system, yet precludes foreign matter from entering into the gutter, thereby preventing the gutter from becoming clogged, and providing a substantially maintenance-free gutter system. Preferred embodiments are shown for both plastic and aluminum construction, and several attachment means are shown for anchoring the gutter guard to a standard gutter system. The gutter guard can be economically manufactured and easily retrofit or used in conjunction with existing gutters.

Abstract: A decorative safety attachment for screen doors and windows for enhancing visibility and thereby preventing inadvertent walk-through, injury to persons or pets, tearing of the screen itself, or damage to other components or property. The attachment includes an array of attachment pins which can be conveniently inserted into and removed from an ordinary screen mesh.

Abstract: A new and improved formulation of a dual chain quaternary ammonium chloride compound and iodine/potassium iodide complex to serve as a disinfectant and sanitizer on surfaces and tissue as well as being utilized as an immersion solution in health care areas. The dual-quat with iodine formulation of the present invention is more useful over a wide range of areas and uses and is also more stable over a wide variety of water combinations. It improves efficacy, reduces toxicity, increases the spectrum of the antimicrobial effectiveness and broadens the effective usage of the complex into new areas of application.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating sexual dysfunction by natural means using a combination of L-arginine, ginseng and Zizyphi fructus in an orally administered dosage. The combination works synergistically to alleviate erectile dysfunction by stimulating enough release of NO in the corpus cavernosum to produce and sustain smooth muscle relaxation, thereby allowing the inflow of blood and alleviating erectile dysfunction. Thus, a natural medicinal alternative to Viagra.RTM. is provided for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The composition and method is also useful in treating sexual conditions in females.

Abstract: A process and device for separating different types of particulates from a mixture, which is especially suited for separating unburned carbon from raw fly ash. The process entails separating raw fly ash by size into a fine component and a coarse component (the coarse component having typically higher levels of unburned carbon). The coarse, high carbon, fly ash component (or optionally both components) are processed through an inclined fluidized bed to produce an upgraded coarse component with reduced unburned carbon. An acoustic field is imposed on the inclined fluidized bed(s) in order to enhance the bed's ability to fluidize and segregate the unburned carbon. The upgraded coarse and fine components are then mixed to yield a final product.

Abstract: A drummer's practice pad and method for production thereof. The practice pad very closely simulates an actual drum head (the striking surface is as close to actual drumskin as possible), and this allows more efficient practice in the following areas: stick control on the pad surface; finger and hand development; and uniform stick response and rebound. The pad includes a cylindrical practice pad base having a shallow upper recess into which an elastomer pad compound is poured. The pad compound self-levels and hardens in a thin layer to provide an improved striking surface. A polyurethane coating is then applied. This improved striking surface is very realistic of an actual drumskin, and it muffles sound without muting it. It is durable and will not wear out or become depressed. Moreover, the process for making the pad is well-suited for mass production since it is simple and employs readily available materials.

Abstract: An improved appliance for slicing food articles, particularly baked goods and bagels in a uniform, quick and safe manner. The appliance includes a food receptacle which is slidably inserted into one end of a main housing and into which a food item such as a bagel is placed. A motorized cutting carriage is mounted on top of the main housing and extends a serrated dual-bladed slicing assembly horizontally over the food item. When power is applied, the blades of the slicing assembly begin reciprocating, and the entire cutting carriage is depressed downward in order to move the reciprocating blades of the slicing assembly through the food item . Once the food item is cut, the cutting carriage returns to its home position, the food receptacle is to slidably withdrawn, and the sliced food item is removed and consumed.