Abstract: An ergonomic work station is disclosed for relative quick removal and conversion of golf shoes from metal spikes to non-metal spikes. The work station includes a frame member having an adjustable support member attached thereto, with one or more shoe holders associated with the support member for maintaining the golf shoes in an upside down (sole up) position. A push to start electric screwdriver or drill member, having spike changing bits, is hung and balanced from the top of the frame member. Preferably, the screwdriver or drill member is allowed to slide along the top of the frame member in order to be adjacent the shoe holder which is maintaining the shoe to have its spikes removed or converted. The screwdriver or drill member is balanced from the top of the frame such that the individual utilizing the screwdriver or drill is not required to exert any stress to maintain the screwdriver or drill in its proper position.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing diamond cut rope chain jewelry from hollow rings of gold material or other precious metal or alloy. The process provides for the formation of hollow rope jewelry having faceted surfaces formed by a diamond cut process. The diamond cut process is facilitated by positioning the chain on the drum of a diamond cut lathe using a tool having a convex head of polished steel that is precisely positioned for urging the chain into position. The tensile strength of the chain is increased by a thermal tempering process to achieve the required tensile strength for resistance to breakage.

Abstract: A pressure relieving spark plug for use with an internal combustion engine. The pressure relieving spark plug functions as a conventional spark plug under normal operating conditions; however, upon the development of abnormal conditions, such as excessive combustion chamber pressures or excessive engine temperatures, the spark plug is designed relieve cylinder pressure by one or more venting stages such that damage to the engine is averted. Once actuated to one or more venting stages, the spark plug is resettable to a configuration wherein the spark plug is again capable of functioning as a conventional spark plug.

Abstract: A system for periodically flushing accumulated sediment from hot water tanks including a drain valve controlled by an electric actuating means capable of rapid actuation of the valve from its normally closed position to a fully open position. The electric actuating means is electrically connected to a timing means, such as a time clock, for actuating periodic flush cycles. A flush cycle begins when the appropriate signal commands the actuating means to open the valve and ends upon closure of the valve. The invention contemplates that the duration of each flush cycle will depend on the water tank size, and that a series of flush cycles will provide optimized flushing of sediment from the tank.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for computing the local time and date of a mobile computer, when a user has traveled to a time zone different from his or her home time zone is disclosed. A system identification number is received through a cellular transceiver which is associated with an antenna. The system identification number is received by the mobile computer through a cellular modem. A database is provided within the mobile computer listing all of the system identification numbers throughout the North American Cellular Network. The database also provides the geographic location and time zone for each system identification number. Also listed in the database is information whether daylight savings time is observed in the geographic location associated with the system identification number. The computer, upon receiving a system identification number, searches the database for the same identification number.

Abstract: A thermoplastic multi-layer composite structure is disclosed and consist in a first embodiment of a co-extruded acrylic polypropylene outer skin and high melt strength polypropylene substrate which is attached to a first surface of a polypropylene foam core. An inner polypropylene skin can be provided and is attached to a second surface of the foam core. The foam core can either be constructed from an expanded polypropylene or an extruded polypropylene. Where an expanded polypropylene foam core is provided, the foam core is attached to the outer and inner skin through the use of a polypropylene adhesive. Where the extruded polypropylene foam core is provided, the skins can be attached to the foam core through a welding or bonding process in lieu of adhesives. The polypropylene adhesives can also be utilized for attaching the skins to the extruded foam core. Additionally, the extruded foam core can vary in density to provide a composite foam core.

Abstract: A small child and infant restraint device is disclosed which can be used with an existing seat of a transportation member such as an aircraft passenger seat. The restraint device includes a base member connected to a back panel by a hinge member. A seat pan provides a seating surface for the child or infant. A seat belt path is defined between the seat pan and the base member for disposal across the base member of a seat belt associated with the existing passenger seat, for attaching the restraint device to the existing passenger seat. The restraint device can be utilized in a forward facing configuration or in an aft facing configuration. The forward facing configuration is utilized with small children and toddlers, while the aft facing configuration is utilized with infants and small children without sufficient neck development. When the device is not in use, the back panel is folded down towards the base member to form a relatively thin stowable assembly where it can be properly stored.

Abstract: A waterproof shower module comprising a pre-fabricated, integrally molded unit which forms a unitary base having side walls and a pitched floor defining an opening within which is incorporated a vertically adjustable drain. Each side wall includes an upper lip forming a horizontal surface upon which wall board may be supported and flushly aligned with the side walls of the module such that a substantially continuous and uniform surface is formed which provides a suitable mounting surface for receiving shower tiles. The module floor includes a top surface and a bottom surface and defines a plurality of molded feet depending from the bottom surface, which feet function to support the module floor on the underlying subfloor. The module floor is uniformly pitched from each side wall to the drain opening. One of the side walls further defines a curb and includes inner and outer curb surfaces and a horizontal and curb surface. Tile installed on the module's surfaces and on the surrounding wall board.

Abstract: A direct data delivery system and method for use in client/server environments for direct transfer of data files between Peer I/O Devices so as to allow reading from or writing to file servers with minimal burden to the file server's central processing units, to alleviate congestion on data buses and delay of real time data delivery. The instant invention provides high bandwidth server solutions based upon hardware and software components that enable direct data/file transfers among peer I/O devices, including but not limited to, directed data transfers between storage and network I/O devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: An apparatus used to protect a motor vehicle has a low profile housing placed below a rear bumper of the vehicle, and a cover placed within the housing in an accordion-like fashion. In one embodiment, an electric motor drives a roller belt assembly which frictionally engages with the cover to provide a force to aid a user in either the extension from or the retraction into the housing of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the roller assembly includes webbing material geometrically positioned to prevent the cover from becoming entangled in the rollers. At least one roller assembly can be flexibly positioned to permit even force to be applied to the cover during extension from and retraction into the housing even if the cover becomes bunched to one side of the roller assembly. The electric motor is controlled from an extension handle attached to a forward portion of the cover.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for use in cooling and dehumidifying an interior space while rejecting heat to several alternative sources. The system incorporates three primary heat transfer coils in a mechanical refrigeration cycle to provide comfort cooling to an interior space while rejecting heat to one of two primary condensing mediums. In addition the heat transfer system of the present invention functions by transferring heat from the atmosphere to a pool, thereby functioning as a pool heater. In a first operating mode heat transferred from an interior space to the ambient atmosphere. In a second operating mode heat is transferred from an interior space to pool water. In a third operating mode heat is transferred from the ambient atmosphere to pool water. A refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger is disclosed having a gas trap for isolating corrosive gases from the metallic heat exchanger components, and further including a sacrificial zinc anode for corrosion protection.

Abstract: A personnel guided aerial delivery device is disclosed which can be used to safely and precisely deliver personnel, cargo, or a combination of both from an aircraft in flight, to a precise target or location. In the preferred embodiment, the aerial delivery device generally consists of a large "ram-air" type gliding parachute, a "drogue" parachute, an encapsulated crew module, a "fly-by-wire" control system, and a landing impact attenuation system. The aerial delivery device can employ an onboard human pilot to navigate the module. The use of a skilled pilot allows the aerial delivery device to be guided to a designated landing site.

Abstract: The instant invention contemplates a process for manufacturing jewelry including the steps of: (a) creating a photographic negative from a computer-generated image; (b) exposing the back side of a polyester backed soft photopolymerizable resin sheet to ultra-violet radiation thereby causing photopolymerization to a predetermined depth corresponding the exposure duration; (c) masking the negative over a "soft" photopolymerizable resin; (d) irradiating the unmasked resin with ultraviolet radiation; (e) chemically removing the non-photoset resin from the photopolymer resulting in a positive three-dimensional likeness of the object to be cast; and (f) creating a final negative mold using the positive three-dimensional likeness via a "lost-wax" type process.

Abstract: A headwear (16) designed with a permanent or removable pocket that holds objects about the crown (17). A Veil (21) attaching to the crown (17) hanging about the back and side portion of the person. An outside grasping member (23) attaches to the headwear (16) for storing objects on the outside. The pocket is formed of a pair of liners, using a inner liner comprising a segment of the crown (17) and an additional outer liner (30) stitched (29) proximate its top edges with the bottom portion being secured with a fastener or a separate set of liners stitched proximate their top edges with the bottom portion secured with a fastener making it removable from the headwear (16). A veil (21) made with sufficient material that encompasses the headwear (16) from side to side and in length to protect the wearer's upper body. A veil (21) with optional fasteners 27 and handle device 36 connected to the veil thereby utilizing it as a carrying entity.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine spark plug provides an overpressure release mechanism to avert engine component damage as a result of hydrostatic lock caused by liquids (typically water) entering the combustion chamber under operating conditions. This spark plug incorporates predictably and adjustably weakened structural zones such that, upon encountering overpressure situations, the central portion of the plug is ejected, generating sufficient flow area to expel gasses and liquids from the combustion chamber and venting the cylinder to the atmosphere. The invention is also useful in the detection and avoidance of damage under conditions of detonation.

Abstract: A drug recognition system for patient simulators is provided for use in training in anesthesiology, operating rooms, and emergency rooms. In a patient simulator mannequin, simulated intravenous drugs are administered by syringe. Each syringe used on a multiple syringe manifold contains a simulated drug fluid and an integrated circuit preprogrammed with a drug type and concentration. A flow sensor provides the amount of simulated drug administered. A computer senses the drug type and concentration from the integrated circuit attached to the syringe, and measures the amount administered from the flow sensor. The drug type, concentration, and amount administered is used by the computer, along with other measured parameters, body and drug models, and trainer input, to cause the simulator mannequin to react in the proper or desired manner. In an alternate embodiment, the system can be used to record the type, concentration, and amount of actual drugs administered to a real patient.