Abstract: A self-loading wheel lift with automatically powered wheel support members, such as L-arms, for engaging the wheels of a vehicle to be towed. The wheel lift may be rapidly disassembled in the field and converted to alternating towing assemblies such as tool bars employing frame fork attachments, hook ends, slings, pintle hooks, fifth-wheel plates, king pins, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting the rider of a pedaled device, such as a bicycle. One preferred apparatus includes first and second seat portions independently pivotable about a generally horizontal axis normal to a frame plane of the bicycle to allow, during bike pedaling, substantially unimpeded downward movement of the rear of the rider's upper-thighs, while the rider's buttocks remain free to contact the seat portions. The seat portions are preferably configured to jointly support the rider and to provide a gap for the rider's groin. The seat portions are preferably secured to the bicycle frame in a manner that allows adjustable lateral rotation in relation to the bicycle frame, further facilitating the rider's freedom of movement during pedaling.

Abstract: A ligating device for applying successive elastic bands 18 to tissue 54. In one preferred embodiment, the device includes a barrel having an opening into which the tissue can be drawn and a plurality of circumferential grooves 52 around the barrel each for accommodating a respective ligating band. The grooves may be defined by ridges 24, 30 on first and second coaxial tubes 20, 22 respectively, the second tube 22 being reciprocal relative to the first tube 20 so that when the second tube 22 advances towards the free end of the barrel its ridges 30 push the bands 18 forwardly so that they ride up over the ridges 24 of the first tube 20 to each lie one groove nearer the free end, the foremost band 18a being pushed off the free end of the first tube onto the tissue. When the second tube 22 retracts away from the free end the bands 18 ride up over the ridges 30 of the second tube to remain in their advanced position.

Abstract: A process and device for the recycling of asphalt including at least one preheater unit. The preheater having a heater, scarifying rakes, and a bin to dispense aggregate. Also include is a recycling machine having a heater, scarifying rakes, a plurality of extension mills, a main mill, as well as a pug mill having first and second downwardly rotating rotors, the pug mill mixes asphalt and liquid additives together to form a homogenous mix; and at least one screed for laying the homogeneously mixed asphalt to grade.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including a dispenser for dispensing liquid such as water to a user. A liquid container is located below the dispenser and removably attachable to a pivoting cradle engaging the liquid container. The cradle may be pivoted about an axis located adjacent an exit location for liquid within the liquid container. A filling device may be located below the liquid container for removably engaging the liquid container in fluid communication.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including a device having a directional diverter and a means for securing the directional diverter to an ANSI/ISO corner fitting having a vertical face. The directional diverter may facilitate the conversion of horizontal movement of the container to inclined travel on an inclined surface, for example the inclined surface of a cargo transfer bed, such that when a force pulls the container in a direction generally normal to the vertical face and along the inclined surface, the directional diverter may contact the inclined surface prior to contact between the corner fitting and the inclined surface. In some embodiments, the directional diverter may be a sloped surface. In other embodiments, the directional diverter may be a roller or wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle mounted winch and cable assembly that may include a slide track, a winch, a cable guide and a powering means. Also disclosed is a related method. The slide track may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle and may have a track axis extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The winch may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle for accepting and discharging the cable. The cable guide may be movably secured to the slide track and may accept the cable from the winch and then redirect the cable from a direction generally parallel to the track axis to a direction generally perpendicular to the track axis. The powering means may adjustably move the cable guide along the slide track.

Abstract: A method for altering the resistance of a length of metal wire is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and originating a contractual arrangement for transacting a deposit liabilities base of a financial institution. In one embodiment, a deposit liability contract is provided granting the financial institution the right to sell the deposit liabilities base to a third party at a predetermined price. External market data and internal data pertaining to the financial institution is analyzed. An estimated market value and a minimum potential bid price for the deposit liabilities base is calculated, and incorporated into a deposit liability contract, so that the price which the third party will pay during a predetermined term for the deposit liabilities may be specified. The invention allows the value of the deposit liabilities base to be quantified without requiring that the deposit liabilities base be divested from its financial institution.

Abstract: A machine for providing hot-in-place recycling and repaving of an existing asphalt-based pavement, in which the pavement is first heated. Using this machine the heated pavement surface is then scarified, and new aggregate is dispensed onto it, to form a recycled, preheated asphalt and aggregate mixture. This mixture is again heated and scarified to premix it, and a new pavement surface is now milled to grade and width by applying this mixture using a plurality of extension mills having a main frame. The pavement surface is then remilled to grade using a main mill. Rejuvenator fluid is introduced in the main mill of the machine, and mixed with the recycled asphalt and aggregate mxiture. Rejuvenator fluid is also introduced into a pug mill of the machine and again mixed with the recycled asphalt and aggregate mixture. The rejuvenator-enriched, recycled asphalt and aggregate windrow thus formed is then laid to grade using one or more screeds.

Abstract: A sealed tampon package and continuous process for making the package. Heat seals, preferably hermetic longitudinal and cross seals, are preferably peelable. The tampon is sealed under sufficient negative pressure to snugly retain the tampon in place without crushing or misshaping the tampon, yet without bursting the package under normal external pressures realized during storage. The tampon package will remain sealed during normal wear and tear, yet is easily opened when desired by peeling the seals.

Abstract: An automatic, water dispensing, filter shutoff device having a disposable and replaceable filter. The shutoff device is in removable engagement and fluid communication with a water container such as a water bottle, and is adapted to disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of dispensing has occurred, which may but need not substantially correspond to the filtration capacity of the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the shutoff device includes a monitoring and disabling with plunger components moveable between dispensing and disabling locations, and a rotating indexing mechanism. At the disabling location, a plunger component is placed in an interfering position with the engagement between the shutoff device and the water container. The shutoff device can distinguish between water bottles having different volumetric capacities, and terminate dispensing accordingly. Preferable, a replaceable filter cartridge is provided which, when removed, causes the indexing mechanism to be reset.

Abstract: A process and device for the recycling of asphalt including at least one one preheater unit. The preheater having a heater, scarifying rakes, and a bin to dispense aggregate. Also include is a recycling machine having a heater, scarifying rakes, a plurality of extension mills, a main mill, as well as a pug mill having first and second downwardly rotating rotors, the pug mill mixes asphalt and liquid additives together to form a homogenous mix; and at least one screed for laying the homogeneously mixed asphalt to grade.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a mortgage plan. Data is input to a computer system regarding the mortgage terms, and the computer system is used to prepare a mortgage document which creates an equity participation mortgage obligation in which the lender shares in a predetermined percentage of realized appreciation on the subsequent sale of the asset which is the subject of the mortgage. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this mortgage plan can provide the borrower with an interest-free loan, a faster amortization schedule, and a larger, yet more affordable mortgage. The lender also receives substantial benefits, including the potential for a return which exceeds conventional mortgage rate returns, insulation from risk against interest rate fluctuation, and preferred tax treatment in the form of capital gains tax rates paid only upon the subsequent sale of the mortgaged asset.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for periodically dispersing a predetermined quantity of an item, such as chlorine or vitamin gel, into a liquid to be dispensed such as water or coffee.

Abstract: A compact, countertop water dispenser preferably dispensing ambient, chilled or hot water, and preferably allowing single-hand dispensing of ambient and child water, as well as child-resistant hot water dispensing. In one embodiment, powered by thermoelectrics, a side-mounted water container feeds a first reservoir, which feeds a second reservoir in liquid communication with hot and cold tanks. Predetermined reservoir water levels may be maintained by float switches and solenoid valves may be used to enable/disable water flow from the tanks and dispensing. Many other features are provided as described below.