Abstract: A golf club iron employs an elongated connection member to connect the lower end of a golf club shaft directly to the rear face of the golf club head over an elongated region between the top surface and the sole of the head. The connection region includes a line which is directly behind the center of mass of the head to enhance the transfer of energy to a golf ball where little or reduced torque is produced by off-center hits.

Abstract: An improved bleed system for a double block and bleed plug-type valve which employ a safety check valve which automatically shuts off bleed system flow upon ruptures or upon an inadvertently open manual bleed valve during normal plug valve operation. An integral component combines the safety check valve and other bleed system components in a unitary device which is especially resistant to plumbing damage incidents.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly which attaches at the upper end opening of the snorkel. The adaptor assembly comprising an upper housing, snaps into the end of the snorkel tube. The snorkel tube follows the contour of the snorkeler's head. The upper housing has a flange to seal against the snorkel tube. The upper housing has a gentle bend at the end that is approximately 90 degrees. A float pivots on pins at a lower area of the upper housing. The float has a suitable lightweight material (low specific gravity) such as closed cell foam held in the lower area and a sealing valve at the upper area. A cover surrounds the upper housing/float housing assembly. The cover that surrounds the upper housing/float housing assembly serves to both protect the moving components and to be a splash guard to keep water from splashing into the opening. When the upper portion of the snorkel is submerged, the float tilts and causes the sealing valve to shut off the opening of the upper housing.

Abstract: A putter (10) including a putter head (12) attached to a golf shaft (14) having a longitudinal axis (16). The putter head (12) includes a heel (18) and toe (20). A sole (22) extends along the bottom of the putter head (12). A putter face (24) is provided for impacting a golf ball (66). A cantilevered extension (26) is provided between the putter head (12) and a hosel (28) for the putter (10). The cantilevered extension (26) includes a lower flange (30) that faces the upper side of the toe (20) of the putter head (12).

Abstract: The non-lethal TASER.RTM. Area Denial Device (TADD) can be deployed to prevent enemy reconnaissance troops or small raiding parties from penetrating lines and for their capture. The inventive device comprises a non-lethal alternative to the anti-personnel landmine. The TASER.RTM. alternative uses electronic stun capability in combination with a landmine housing and deployment system. This invention comprises improvements which address the issue of deployment. Regardless of which of the two flat sides of the device is in the up position, it provides the ability to launch the proper set of wires at an upward angle to intercept the subject when the target subject is in the correct position. It also simultaneously establishes a ground wire connection and prevents the second (downward facing) unusable set of wires from loading or short circuiting. The possibility of the device landing on the radius edge is eliminated by shaping the housing to make it unstable on that plane.

Abstract: An assembly for warming and containing warmed acrylic liquid for manicuring application. The electric warmer is especially designed to efficiently heat a geometrically-matched dappen dish containing acrylic liquid to bring the temperature of the liquid sufficiently high to prevent crystallization before application to the fingernails. The heater and dappen dish assembly is uniquely designed to provide unobstructed access to the warmed liquid while the dish remains in the heater. The heater provides a dish enclosure which has a chamber that is congruent with the exterior of the dappen dish to provide efficient heat transfer and to minimize the size of the warming assembly for a given quantity of liquid.

Abstract: A passive mine detection apparatus useful for searching out buried mines, exploits natural soil emissions at microwave frequencies and unique interference-induced spectral reflection signatures from planar surfaces of buried mines interacting with the soil emissions. The apparatus comprises a focussed beam antenna, low noise amplifiers for respective polarizations, baseband converter, spectrum analyzer, A to D converter, signature recognition processor, display and/or alarm. Hand-held and vehicle-mounted implementations are disclosed.

Abstract: A proper height pillow for both upward and side-facing head positions. It comprises a base pillow having a unique adjustability feature wherein the height of the neck support region may be selectively increased by the addition of at least one further cushion within a slotted receptacle within that region. Moreover, the present invention comprises a pair of side posture support cushions which are preferably attached loosely to the base pillow along the lateral margins thereof. The side posture support cushions provide proper support for both the head and neck of a side-facing user. The attachment of the cushion to the base pillow permits the user to either position the side cushions on the base pillow for side posture support (while still allowing access to the underlying base pillow between the side cushions) or position the side cushions off the base pillow to permit access to the entire base pillow surface without encountering the side cushions.

Abstract: A non-lethal alternative to the anti-personnel landmine. The TASER.RTM. alternative uses electronic stun capability in combination with a landmine housing and deployment system. The device can cover a radius of 15 feet (30 feet possible) and can be triggered by various sensors. Although the TASER.RTM. non-lethal area denial device would cause no deaths or injuries if accidentally triggered by friendly forces, it can also be permanently disabled when no longer needed, by remotely using a secure code to shut down the TASER.RTM. system. When triggered, the device launches darts in multiple directions at 10 or 20 degree intervals in a direction generally facing the enemy. The darts temporarily incapacitate any persons within an inch of the darts by causing uncontrollable spasms of the near surface motor control muscles causing temporary loss of the subject's motor control functions. The subject will fall and temporarily be completely incapacitated.

Abstract: A unified block integral bleed system for use with valves such as plug-type valves wherein pressure release flow occurs through a manifold port mounting arrangement which accesses upstream, downstream and body cavity portions of the valve and provides atmosphere taps as well without external piping. Such a manifold integral body bleed system provides internal flow channels and is preferrably configured as a separate external unit which can be retrofitted to existing valve installations in the field. The manifold bleed system may be attached to the valve, such as by welding, or may be located at a position remote from the valve.

Abstract: A combined liquid dispensing and item storage system with an orally activated valve. The system comprises a collapsible container for liquid that incorporates integrated auxiliary expandable storage pockets. The system is removably secured at a location on the back between the shoulders. An externally accessible fill port is covered by a flexible embossed foam panel held in place by shoulder straps and which panel protects against the discomfort of the fill port cap against the back, insulates the liquid, and provides air channels to vent and dissipate body heat. A length of flexible tubing for delivering the liquid is attached to the collapsible container, then routed through a slot in the auxiliary expandable storage pocket, over either shoulder, and held near the mouth by adjustable orienting holders attached to the shoulder straps. The orally activated valve is located at the end of the flexible tubing which delivers the liquid from the flexible tubing to the mouth.

Abstract: A system that provides an area warning to a specific general population of an earthquake prior to the arrival of the hazardous ground motion typically associated with earthquakes, and of approaching natural disasters that could impact an area. This area advanced warning thereby provides time for users to seek shelter and through automated means to reduce property damage as well as injuries and lives lost. A preferred embodiment of the invention described herein utilizes a plurality of Local Station Detector Sites, equipped with earthquake seismic motion detectors and microprocessors designed to almost instantaneously provide a profile of existing ground motion to a Central Processing Site in conjunction with further analysis of similar signals from multiple sites.

Abstract: A field programmable gate array configured to use RAM control signals as routing and/or logic resources. By using RAM bit lines as routing, and/or to implement Wire-OR functions, and/or with word lines to implement PAL functions, one may increase the efficiency of lines normally used only for programming the control memory.

Abstract: A universal media storage container for any of a number of different media devices including compact discs, digital video discs and game cartridges. The container accommodates some media both in and out of the manufacturer's container. A unique disc loading and retention structure renders the container easier to use and even more secure in protection of digital discs. The media enclosure of the invention comprises a pair of rectangular, planar sides interconnected by a spline and configured for forming an enclosed rectangular volume. One of the planar sides provides various integral structural members to receive discs, cartridges, etc. in a secure and protected position. In addition, various members facilitate receiving digital discs on a plurality of hub members to provide convenient and secure storage of such discs.