Abstract: An applicator apparatus for dispensing liquid grout sealant within a grout filled groove formed between adjacent ceramic and clay floor and wall tiles. The apparatus includes a liquid container mounted on a handle and containing liquid grout sealant, a manual flow control valve, and a liquid dispensing head, all in fluid communication. The liquid dispensing head is flexibly connected to the handle and includes a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid grout sealant therefrom. A brush or roller is removably connected to the liquid dispensing head for uniformly spreading liquid grout sealant over grout within the groove. In a first embodiment, the container, control valve and liquid dispensing head are mounted on an elongated handle thereby providing a compact apparatus for dispensing liquid grout sealant to floors, counter tops, and walls.

Abstract: A high impact shutter capable of withstanding high impacts from flying debris, including large debris, for use on exterior wall openings such as doors and windows, particularly suited for use in violent storms such as hurricanes. The high impact shutter can be retrofit to existing shutter systems using products already installed, or used in entirely new installations. The high impact shutters may be made into panels that include a plurality of interconnected parallel slats held together by a perimeter framework. The shutter slats may or may not have small openings to provide ventilation and to allow passage of light.

Abstract: A non-progressive multi-focal ophthalmic lens having a first arcuate area for distance viewing and a second arcuate segment, whereby the first area and second segment share a seamless transition corridor that does not obstruct or distort vision when shifting the eyes between the first area and second segment. The second segment is substantially C-shaped and defines the transition corridor at its top end. The second segment has a smaller radius of curvature than the first area and shares a common tangential component with the first area. The first area and reading segment are designed and manufactured in a way that eliminates the dividing line, image jump and distortion when moving the eyes between distance and near vision areas and obstructions to peripheral and downward vision.

Abstract: A portable toilet and waste receptacle system is provided including a toilet seat and a conventional bucket for performing toilet functions, said seat being attachable to the upper rim of a bucket for use in locations not having conventional toilet facilities. In one embodiment, a flexible waste container can be placed within the bucket to receive human waste. The flexible waste container can be sealed, stored in the bucket, and a separate sealable lid can be placed onto the bucket to seal-in the waste contained therein.

Abstract: A computerized storage and selection system is provided that conveniently stores, selects, and identifies the storage location for retrieval by the user of a large number of audio, visual, and information storage media devices such as discs, compact discs, tapes, cassettes, CD-ROMs, and the like. The system selects the storage location based upon user input, including partial or fragmentary input. A system computer optically senses and stores the content and selected storage location of each media device. The system responds to user requests for specific media by recalling the storage location of the disc and identifying the location for quick retrieval by the user.

Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing dry powder antioxidant compounds, preferably consisting of vitamin C, vitamin E, betacarotene and a membrane permeation enhancer such as lactose. The compound is administered via a conventional dry powder inhaler to deliver said the compound into the subject's respiratory tract in order to enhance prophylactic and therapeutic effects of the antioxidant vitamins. Other antioxidant vitamins can also be included within the dry powder compound.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing dietary fats while consuming a meal containing substantial portions of dietary fats, for reducing and inhibiting LDLs and triglyceride levels in the bloodstream by consuming the composition comprising a linear aminopolysaccharide of the structure similar to and including (1-4)--linked 2-amino-2-deoxy-Beta-D-gluco pyranose, lipoprotein lipase, calcium poly ascorbate and propanetricarboxylic acid. Preferably, the linear aminopolysaccharide of the structure similar to and including (1-4)--linked 2-amino-2-deoxy-Beta-D-gluco pyranose is made from fungal or yeast or other plant source. The lipoprotein lipase enhances the process and the acid acts as an appetite suppressant. If the composition is taken approximately 15 minutes before a meal containing significant amounts of dietary fat, the present invention will reduce weight, reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream, and increase HDLs, while suppressing appetite.

Abstract: A portable liquid container for use while exercising to provide a source of fluid and to enhance the benefits of exercise by increasing the load on selected limbs and muscles. The container comprises a contoured liquid container body and strap assembly for removably securing a container to a user such that one or more containers may be carried by the user while exercising to provide additional weight to enhance the benefits of exercising. The container body includes a flexible concave wall for comfortably conforming to the user's body. The strap assembly includes at least one spare pocket for containing personal articles.

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 and method for generating ozone for use in open or closed loop process applications using a fluid, such as water, as a primary process medium, including: a water storage tank, supplied by a water supply line, for temporarily storing water for treatment and subsequent use in a process; an electromagnetic flux unit connected to the water supply line for exposing water supplied to the tank to an electromagnetic field thereby magnetically polarizing contaminants and dissolved solids present in the water; an apparatus for producing highly pure oxygen from ambient air for use as a feed gas in generating ozone; a corona discharge ozone generator for producing high purity ozone from a highly pure oxygen feed gas; an impeller apparatus, including a rapidly rotating shear impeller, for injecting ozone, created by the ozone generator, into water wherein the ozone is absorbed thus yielding a substantially high level of dissolved ozone gas in a given volume of water; an apparatus for measuring the concentration o

Abstract: A beverage container for use with a drinking cup for dividing the cup into at least two individual beverage containing cells, each of which forms a discrete beverage container separate from the other. The beverage container comprises a semi-cylindrical, vertically tapered device, sized and shaped for mating insertion into a conventional tapered drinking cup. The beverage container includes a side wall having a top rim forming an opening, and a bottom. The side wall includes a curved, vertically tapered first side wall portion and a generally planar, vertically tapered second side wall portion. An elongated flexible tab is connected on one end thereof along a curved portion of the beverage container rim and folds over the rim of the cup upon insertion. The tab includes indicia for identifying the particular type, flavor, or brand of beverage contained within the beverage container portion of the drinking cup.

Abstract: A manual string locking assembly for clamping the strings of a musical instrument, such as a guitar, adjacent to the fretboard nut of the instrument is disclosed. The string locking assembly is mounted on the headstock of the guitar between the fretboard nut and tuning pegs. The assembly includes a clamping block, having front and rear pillars for easy self-alignment of the strings, mounted directly to the headstock of the guitar to support an adjustable finger operated clamping device which can accommodate strings of varying diameters. A single spring loaded revolvable key operates three machine threaded cam-action flat head cap screws. The three screws are disposed either in an unlocked position to allow free tuning of the strings of the guitar or in a secured locked position to provide a grip between the clamping block and three threaded base-plate tabs to prevent slippage of the strings while the instrument is being played. The key supplies a hex-head insert for adjustment of the locking screws.

Abstract: An air distribution device with a plurality of sheets is provided to prevent and treat decubitus ulcers. Air from an air source is provided between sheets of the coverlet which are air tight except for a plurality of very tiny apertures that are provided in the top sheet. The device is used between a support surface such as an alternating pressure mattress and a patient. The air escaping from the tiny apertures circulates around the patient to remove excess moisture from the patient's skin and wounds. The top sheet of the coverlet is made of a low friction nylon with an undercoating of a waterproof yet vapor permeable polyurethane. The top sheet has a plurality of apertures punched through the material. The central sheet is made out of the identical material of the top sheet, except there are no tiny apertures.

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 building assembly for efficiently and economically constructing walls, roofs, and floors for a building assembly that utilizes a prefabricated building panel made essentially of a plastic foam core with a thin coating of plastic resin or acrylic and portland cement applied on each side for structural rigidity, the building panel having a standardized semicircular recess disposed about its perimeter for receiving pre-sized, cylindrical connectors also made of foam with a coating, and half-round connectors that connect the panel to a slab, and that also fit in the horizontal perimeter recesses of each panel. Each building panel also includes vertically disposed parallel voids that are 4 in. in diameter, spaced 2 to 4 ft. apart, that receive poured concrete or rigid piping to provide structural rigidity to the entire building assembly. The poured concrete includes rebars that are tied to the slab and are used to tie to the roof. The building panels may be used for walls and are 24 ft. long, 4 ft.

Abstract: A hand-held water activated strobe light which may be used in rescue or emergency operations in peacetime or in a combat zone. The light includes a watertight housing with a high intensity bulb which flashes white light. Interchangeable blue and infrared filters attached to a flash guard body can be used with the bulb for filtering various wave lengths of light spectrum in combat situations and for both 360 degree or line-of-sight transmission. The strobe light is water activated and includes a sensor that deactivates the light during daylight hours. A memory latch circuit maintains activation of the light once the water activated switch comes in contact with water. A power saving circuit permits the use of alkaline batteries in place of mercury batteries, which also provides for environmental protection.

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 mounting unit used to support objects through the use of a base connected to a rotating shaft, which may be moved in a variety of directions and then locked into place. A second rotating shaft is connected to the first rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is also multi-directional and may be locked into place. Attached to the second rotating shaft is a load bearing mounting plate used to hold the object in place. The mounting plate also pivots in various directions.

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 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.