Abstract: This invention is a single-use syringe (10) having a rd-like plunger (14) and made with a plurality of frusto-conical or bead-like ratchet teeth (28). A radially resilient, spring locking clip (40) dangles on the ratchet portion of the plunger. The location of the clip determines the maximum dosage which can be administered by the syringe. Aspirating gaps (114) can be provided on the plunger rod to allow selective aspiration prior to loading and dispensing medication. In use, a first withdrawal of the plunger with respect to the barrel (12) allows, for aspiration, then medication can be drawn into the cavity of the barrel since the cam tooth (83) of the locking spring clip glides, by radial flexing, over the surface of the ratchet teeth and, yet, the locking spring is maintained in relative position along the barrel by outwardly directed contact points embedding into the interior sidewall of the barrel.

Abstract: A sample of an epithelial lesion which may be keratinized is disclosed in which an analytical system including an imaging system is provided to detect precancerous and cancerous cells. A transepithelial non-lacerational brush produces sufficient cells from all three layers of the epithelium so that an analytical system comprising a programmed computer can detect which cells exhibit abnormal keratinization and require further examination because of a likely suspicion of said pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions. The method and system can apply to the diagnosis non-cancerous conditions as well.

Abstract: A practice percussion assembly in the form of a practice drum kit is provided. The assembly includes a main member having a main surface made of a first percussion material and at least one subordinate, preferably smaller, member having a subordinate surface of a second material different from the first percussion material. The smaller subordinate member is mountable to the base member. The second percussion material produces a different sound when struck than the first percussion material. The subordinate member preferably has an angled back wall formed at an angle to a primary plane of the subordinate percussion member. The angled back wall engages a side wall of the main member to be able to maintain the subordinate member at an angle to the main member to simulate the layout of a real drum set.

Abstract: A personal winter vehicle has a frame which includes a front portion and a rear portion. Preferably, the front and rear portions of the frame can flex with respect to each other. An operator-controlled motivator for generating torque, such as a pedal crank, is mounted on the frame. A drive assembly is attached to the rear portion of the frame and is mechanically coupled to and receives torque from the motivator. The drive assembly preferably includes a drive wheel rotatably attached to the rear portion of the frame and coupled to the motivator via mechanical coupling, and a track disposed around part of the circumference of the drive wheel. The drive assembly also may include a guide wheel rotatably attached to the frame and disposed in front of the drive wheel. The track is also disposed around the guide wheel. The front of the vehicle may include a ski which is turnable by operation of handlebars. Alternatively, there may be provided a front wheel also having a track.

Abstract: A hand-held tool having an adjustable grip is provided. The grip includes a handle moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position and a clutch mechanism engageable with the handle when the handle is in the locked position. The clutch mechanism prevents the handle from being repositioned when the handle is in the locked position and allows the handle to be repositioned relative to the tool when the handle is in the unlocked position. A shaft is rotatably disposed through a socket in the housing, and a cog may be disposed on a first end of the shaft, selectively engageable with the socket. When the shaft is in a first position, the cog engages the socket and the shaft may not be rotated, and when the shaft is in a second position, the cog does not engage the socket and the shaft may be freely rotated within the socket. A handle is disposed on a free end of the shaft.

Abstract: A non-lacerational technique to collect cells in an oral mouth cavity utilizes a brush with bristles which have an abrading surface and collect cells from the superficial, intermediate and basal layers of the oral tissue.

Abstract: A winch drive comprising a portable power tool having a bit (4) shaped to fit the drive socket (11) at the top of a winch (12). The power tool includes a self-tailing device (14) and is preferably battery driven.

Abstract: A hardness tester having a frame and a rotatable turret movably supported on the frame is provided. A plurality of load cells are fixedly mountable on the turret, and a plurality of indenters are fixedly attachable to the load cells, respectively. A user interface selectively provides signals to a motor to move the turret into contact with a test specimen via one of the indenters to thereby apply a load on the test specimen. The indenters are fixed with respect to the turret and do not move in relation to the turret when the turret is brought down to bear on the test specimen. The load cells measure the load applied to the test specimen. A closed loop control system receives load measurement signals from the load cells and controls movement of the turret, preventing the motor from applying load in excess of a predetermined selectable load amount input by a user via the user interface. The invention preferably includes a plurality of indenter adapters, each attached to respective undersides of the load cells.

Abstract: An improved interactive exercise system is disclosed. A simplified device for connecting fitness equipment such as an exercise bicycle to a computer is equipped with a game control device (e.g. industry standard computers equipped with a joystick or game port adapter). The invention also includes a self-contained exercise device. The act of exercising is converted into signals by a sensor which are then counted by the software and used to control an audio-visual display in such a way that pedaling speed can control the speed of what is been viewed. Hand operated switches allow the user to chose directions when the display indicates the user has come to a turning point. Various exercise parameters and progress towards goals are shown in a window on the display. Parameters and exercise data can be stored, reviewed, and used during other sessions.

Abstract: An extensible and retractable linear drive (5) connects a tractor unit (1) and a trailer unit (2) and is controlled by a control unit (11). The progress of the tractor/trailer combination is assisted by alternately forcibly increasing and forcibly decreasing the distance between tractor and trailer units (1, 2).

Abstract: A control system for a cooling system for reducing humidity levels in a gas such as ambient air is provided. The cooling unit includes at least one of a compressor and a chiller, and cooling coils are connected to the cooling unit. A fan blows the gas onto the cooling coils. A fan speed controller is connected to the fan and variably controls the speed of the fan. A dry bulb temperature sensor is in thermal communication with the gas and connected to the controller, and a moisture sensor is in communication with the gas and connected to the controller. The speed of the fan is determined by the controller based on signals received from the dry bulb temperature sensor and the moisture sensor. By varying the speed of the fan, the moisture content of the gas can be modified much more precisely than by conventional air conditioning methods.

Abstract: A jewelry ring having a main ring with two half-ring segments, where each of the ring segments has its own design. The design of the first ring segment is more prominent than the design of the second segment and is typically displayed to an outside viewer. However, when, for security or any other reason, the wearer rotates the ring, the second half with the less prominent design is displayed, concealing the more prominent design of the first half without alerting a robber that a more prominent design is hidden.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for conducting local wireless audio signal transmissions from a local audio signal source to a person within a local signal transmission area. In certain embodiments, the transmissions are conducted over the 900 MHz local transmission band to a portable receiver unit supported on the headband of a stereo headphone unit. The receiver unit serves to down convert the 900 MHz signal to a local frequency band which is received by an FM receiver of the receiver unit which serves to reproduce the audio signals therefrom which are, in turn, converted to acoustic signals by electroacoustic transducers of the headphone. A transmitter unit includes a ceramic resonator stabilized FM transmitter, as well a filter for suppressing high frequency noise in an audio modulation signal, a stereo audio multiplexing unit utilizing a 3fH subcarrier and an overmodulation detection unit.