Abstract: A method of producing a hose in which a relatively inelastic material, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, is wrapped around an uncured hose. A rope is then wrapped about this combination with a cure wrap encircling the entire hose. During the curing process, the rope becomes embedded in the inelastic material forcing the underlying hose to be displaced. Once fully cured, the cure wrap and the rope are removed. The valleys where the rope was embedded into the hose provides flexibility which allows a hose with a highly protective outer coating to be flexible enough to reduce susceptibility to kinking during use, has a low coefficient of friction during dragging, is highly resistant to abrasion, and provides significantly improved chemical resistance compared to conventional hose constructions.

Abstract: A spacer mechanism which is used to separate electrodes within an electrowinning process. The spacers have a central body portion which defines the distancing between the electrodes and at least four sloping arms extending from the central body. The arms are used to move the electrodes to the top of the central body of the spacer, as the electrodes are being placed next to each other. Each of the arms is ideally narrow so that the “footprint” of the spacer is minimized. The small “footprint” causes minimal disruption of the electrical flow between the electrodes so that the electro-deposition process proceeds in a uniform manner.

Abstract: A truck bed cover secured to a bed of a truck is described which utilizes two leg assemblies which are connected to the bed of the truck. The cover is swivelly connected to these leg assemblies allowing the cover to be raised or lowered. In an up position, the cover is locked in position using a locking bar from the cover to the rear-most leg assembly; in a down position, the cover is locked to the bed of the truck using engagement studs positioned near the cab of the truck.

Abstract: A universal pyrotechnical percussion compositions used in rimfire ammunition and in cenerfire ammunition primers which is free of lead and other heavy metals. In the PCC of the present invention, the task of maintaining ecological purity of its burning products, absence of corrosion action on a barrel, increased shelf-life, with simultaneous increase of energetic parameters of primer and ballistic characteristics of a shot is achieved. The composition includes a base mixture of diazodinitrophenol, tetrazene and an inert organic or glass stablizer. To this base mixture, monopotassium styphnate or potassium dinitrobenzofuroxane is added. The mixture so created has a specific gravity of less than 1.7 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a vehicle's air-brakes in which the push-rod extending from the brake chamber engages an electrical switch. The electrical switch, if moved to a pre-selected position (indicating that adjustment of the push-rod's connection to the brake is warranted) transmits electrical energy or other such signal to an alarm within the cab of the vehicle where either an auditory alarm is sounded or a warning lamp is illuminated. The monitoring system is operationally checked through the use of several alternative mechanisms. In one such check mechanism, a switch located near the warning lamp, allows the operator to transmit electrical energy to the remote switch located at the push-rod where the electrical energy is transmitted back to the warning lamp. In another check mechanism, a switch located near the warning lamp is used to engage a solenoid which pushes the remote switch into a transmitting position to check the entire monitoring system.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for performing liposuction in which the reciprocal motion of the cannula during the operation is automated. The apparatus includes a housing, a cannula and reciprocating arrangement to provide the motion for the cannula. In one arrangement, the suction being applied to the cannula to remove fatty tissue has the negative pressure created by the suction applied to the cannula to reciprocate it. In a second embodiment, a permanent magnet piston attached to the cannula is reciprocated by the use of electromagnets which simultaneously change polarity to apply a reciprocating force to the permanent magnet piston.

Abstract: A regulatory system for a distributed system of computers in which authorized data files are marked with an indicia. The granting of the indicia is made by a variety of authorizing entities such as Internet Service Providers and governmental entities. The indicia acts as a "stamp" which is used to grant/deny passage of the data files to selected users. In practice, using the Internet as an example, data providers obtain the "stamp" from a regulating entity (i.e. the state government). The "stamp" is affixed to the data file. When the data is being transferred over the Internet, the access providing computer (which acts as an interface between a user's computer and the Internet) checks for the "stamp" and sends an inquiry via the Internet to the regulating entity's computer where the "stamp" is check for authenticity. Based upon the authenticity of the "stamp", the access providing computer passes the data to the user computer.

Abstract: An cleaning mechanism especially well suited for agricultural products in which the agricultural products are moved by a flow of water through a channel in which the water is agitated by vibration of the channel. The agitation of the water, together with contact with other products, dislodges dirt, rocks, and other debris from the products. The dislodged debris settles into troughs at the bottom of the channel. The washed agricultural products fall over a baffle at the end of the channel and are ready for packaging. In one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning system is conveyed through the agricultural field to clean the product immediately after harvest so that the agriculture product leaves the field in a wrapped or packaged state.

Abstract: A rain gutter and system created therewith in which the gutter is easily cleaned using a traditional garden hose from the ground level. The gutter has an upper lip and a lower lip between which is a continuously curved surface. This continuous curved surface, such as elliptical, provides a surface over which a stream of water from a garden hose and caught by the upper lip portion flushes debris over the lower lip. In some embodiments of the invention, vanes are used to help maintain the stream of water from spreading to obtain the maximal cleaning affect. In this manner, the gutter is easily and simply cleaned of leaves and other debris by directing a garden hose's stream of water against the upper lip.

Abstract: Within the present invention, a powder or "fines" is created from the targeted wood (i.e. mesquite, peach, hickory, apple). This powder is then sprinkled onto, or rubbed into, the meat (fish, chicken, beet, ostrich, buffalo, etc.) and then the meat is flame grilled. During the flame grilling, the wood powder is incinerated, thereby releasing the wood's flavor into the meat through the smoke.

Abstract: An armband which provides a platform for both holding and directing a beam of light from a flashlight as well as protection from blows and knife attacks. The armband has a circular body which is slipped over the forearm of the user The armband provides mild compression of the forearm so that the armband does not readily slip off of the user. The armband is further tightened using at least one fastening strap which "cinches" the armband tighter onto the arm. In the preferred embodiment, two fastening straps are used, one above and one below the muscle bulge on the forearm. The flashlight is secured to the armband to direct the beam of light parallel to the forearm. Activation of the flashlight is by tapping a spring activator which engages the switch on the flashlight. To provide further protection, a shield is also incorporated into the armband. In the preferred embodiment the shield is removable from the armband, but, in other embodiments, the shield is embedded into the armband itself.

Abstract: A filtering mechanism for especially well suited for corrosive mists which are generated from electro-refining systems. A layer of bristles forming a brush is secured to an electrode within the electro-refining system. As the electro-refining system produces a mist of corrosive chemicals above the slurry, the mist rises through the bristles. As the mist passes through the bristles, the corrosive chemical adheres to the bristles; hence, the corrosive chemical does not pass into the surrounding environment. Periodically, the bristles are washed to remove the corrosive chemicals. In one embodiment of the invention, the edge between the electrodes and the wall of the slurry bath are partially sealed with a pliable member which assists in directing the mist through the bristles.

Abstract: A transformer group in which a multitude of transformers are used to supply energy to a single load. The transformers are connected in series; in order to assist in providing a "flux equalizing" affect, the invention includes a flux equalizer circuit. The flux equalizer circuit provides a series of flux windings. Each flux winding is associated with a single transformer. The windings are arranged in parallel. In this manner, a balancing of the output of the transformers is obtained; the power output from each transformer is "sensed" by its associated flux winding which is "shared" with the other transformers via their own associated flux winding. Power is process then through the secondary windings, rectifiers, and output filters to a common load.

Abstract: Using an external ultrasonic generator, ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the skin to the cells and tumescent solution. The ultrasonic waves disrupt the connective tissue between the cells.

Abstract: A hose and wire casing adapted to withstand biological and chemical attacks. The hose/wire casing is manufactured by placing a barrier wrap of elastomer and ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene around a hose body or conductor bundle. The two parts are then cured into a single unit using high temperature and high pressure. The combination of high temperature and high pressure minimize the porosity of the high-molecular-weight-polyethylene. The resulting hose/wire casing is particularly immune to chemical and biological attacks by an enemy and is easily cleaned of such agents using a variety of cleansing and neutralizing agents such as DS2, bleach, and strong bases. This cleaning results in a hose which may be handled safely with bare hands after decontamination.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus to be used in the event of a bee attack in which a handheld cannister sprays a soapy or foamy mixture against the animal being attacked by the bees. The foam is ejected at least three feet to protect the rescuer from the bees. Also, the foam contains a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine hydrochloride and an insecticide. The local anaesthetic is used to both keep the foam from stinging the victim's eyes and also to deaden the site of the bee attack. The insecticide kills the bees to keep them from further attacks. The preferred insecticide is not harmful to humans.

Abstract: An improved headrest adapted for cradling a patient's face while medical treatment is being performed on the patient's posterior (i.e. back, shoulders, and rear of head). The U-shaped face rest/cradle is supported by four legs which are selectively lengthened to meet the situation required to provide full support to the face during the treatment. Extension legs are also provided which raise the U-shaped face rest so that the patient is able to be in a sitting position. In one embodiment of the invention a fan directs air across the patient's face to keep the patient more comfortable. Music is also communicated to the patient in some embodiments through either speakers or a vibration in the face-rest which conducts the musical sounds through the facial bones of the patient.

Abstract: A label holder which is formed by an exterior portion having a label holding envelope and an attached disk of metal (such as within a sealed envelope). The label holder is secured to the user's clothing through magnetic forces which are exerted by a magnet placed on the inner surface of the clothing. The metal disk is attracted to the magnet and is held to the clothing without the need of pins or other fasteners which pierce the clothing and can cause damage thereto.

Abstract: A trenching tool which includes a lower portion having a blade and a guide tube. The guide or alignment tube is vertically positioned on one edge of the blade. An impact rod slips into the alignment tube and is repeatedly forced, by the operator, to impact the top of the blade, thereby driving the blade into the ground. Through a rocking motion, the channel formed by the blade is widened and the blade is again forced into the ground until the desired depth is obtained. The assembly is then removed and repositioned to extend the channel through the same procedure. The blade has either a rectangular cross section or a triangular cross section permitting the channel to be sloped automatically while the blade is being driven into the soil. A handle, preferably having shock absorption capabilities, allows the operator to slide the impact rod to obtain the driving force.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus particularly adapted for use in the cosmetic surgery field of skin resurfacing in which a laser is directed towards the imperfection of the skin. The surgical site is bathed with an inert or noble gas which has the affect of replacing the oxygen in the surgical site. Without the oxygen, burning of the surrounding tissue from the laser is minimized. This results in a reduced recuperation time and less pain associated with the procedure. In one embodiment of the invention, a "basin" is created to hold the inert gas; in another embodiment, the inert gas is "sprayed" in line with the laser against the surgical site. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the surgical site is encapsulated and the inert gas in inserted into the capsule. A window in the capsule permits the laser to be used in the now oxygen poor environment within the capsule. Once the surgery is completed, the inert gas is removed from the capsule and a sterile gas adapted to encourage healing (i.e.