Abstract: The present invention comprises a point of sale display having two joined flexible substrates capable of receiving a display material, each substrate having at least one leaf spring attached thereto and at least one fold line. Upon activation of the leaf springs, the substrates form curved surfaces, thereby giving the display a three dimensional form. The leaf springs and fold lines allow the display to be compressed flat and folded for shipping and storage.

Abstract: A self adjusting chain adjustment trolley comprising a stabilizer bar trolley assembly affixed to a chain tensioner assembly for translationally engaging a track, the stabilizer bar trolley assembly having a chain second end attachment point for engaging a chain second end; a sliding door attachment point affixed to the chain tensioner assembly for engaging a sliding door; and a track engagement assembly affixed to the chain tensioner assembly for translationally engaging the track. The chain tensioner assembly comprises a movable chain first end attachment point for engaging a chain first end and a force applicator attached thereto, such that the force applicator applies a predetermined amount of force to the movable chain first end attachment point to create a predetermined tension on the chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from waste material. The waste material is added to a solvent having a predetermined cycle starting solvent volume. An energy source is introduced into the solvent for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature and pressure to form a non-grindable product. The energy source is removed and the product is cooled to a predetermined temperature to produce the fuel. The invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the process described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from fluff. The fluff is added to a solvent having a predetermined cycle starting solvent volume. An energy source is introduced into the solvent for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature and pressure to form a product. The energy source is removed and the product is cooled to a predetermined temperature to produce the fuel. The invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the process described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an economic process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from polymeric materials such as, for example, used tires. In a first embodiment, polymeric material is dissolved/suspended/dispersed in biodiesel upon heating to form a product containing between about 10% and about 35% by weight of polymeric material. At least some of the biodiesel is recovered and reused to dissolve/suspend/disperse additional polymeric material to form additional product. After a predetermined number of cycles, the accumulated product is used as a fuel. In a second embodiment, polymeric material is dissolved/suspended/dispersed upon heating in biodiesel to form a mixture containing between about 30% and about 90% by weight of the polymeric material to be used as heavy fuel oil to be burned as is or bulk refined. The present invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the processes described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for use in stabilizing different types of soils and/or creating anchorage and more particularly, to a system and method for injecting various types of solidifying material into a subsurface through a drilling apparatus during the drilling operation. The drilling apparatus may be removable and reusable used to create a micro or mini pile for soil stabilization, or alternatively it can be left in place to be used in conjunction with grout and similar materials for forming an anchor or load carry pier. A solidifying material swivel, a drive connector and a drilling apparatus, in combination are attached to a power drive unit. In one preferred embodiment, the drilling apparatus remains within the soil subsurface, encased in solidifying material. In another preferred embodiment, the drilling apparatus is removed leaving a homogenous pile of solidifying material behind.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a gravity draining automatic FOG interceptor with solids removal capability used as a first stage in the treatment of gray water. A preferred embodiment comprises a multi compartment container, the compartments separated by baffles, having a serviceable solids strainer in a first compartment, a second compartment having a cogged belt for FOG removal and collection, a third compartment for collection of clarified effluent, and a fourth compartment for tertiary treatment of the gray water effluent, for example, the introduction of biotechnology. The unique baffle configuration prevents biotechnology backflow migration from the fourth compartment with resulting bacterial contamination of the FOG.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling usage times for at least one device, including the steps of: (a) identifying a device to be controlled; (b) utilizing the device by a user; (c) tracking a device usage value for the device as the user utilizes the device; and (d) initiating an action sequence based upon the device usage value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for controlling usage times for at least one device.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an insect screen and a security barrier contained within a removable frame installable to replace a conventional screen or storm window, the assembly functioning both as a barrier to insect penetration, and as a security barrier to deter an intruder from entering the building through the window or door. The main components of the window guard insert comprise a frame assembly, a security barrier, an insect screen, a spline, and a weather strip. The assembled frame includes a security barrier channel to retain the security barrier, a weather strip channel to retain the weather strip and an insect screen channel, partially formed by the security barrier to retain the insect screen. An optional clip retaining channel is used to increase the window guard insert's ability to withstand an unauthorized entry attempt.

Abstract: A shrouded enclosure is mounted to a vehicle roof, the shrouded enclosure comprising an air intake formed by controllable shrouds, a turbine, an electricity generating device, and a discharge outlet. The turbine is interposed between the air intake and the discharge outlet, operatively connected to the electricity generating device and adapted to operate by the air passing through the shrouded enclosure when the vehicle is in motion. The turbine rotates about a turbine shaft mounted on a pair of bearing towers. The rotational energy of the turbine shaft is transferred to the electricity generating device. A base plate is interposed between the shrouded enclosure and the mounting surface of the vehicle. An electrical circuit provides electrical continuity between the electricity generating device and the battery during predetermined periods thereby generating electrical energy to charge the battery with the generated electrical energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a baseball swing trainer. In a first embodiment, a ball is pivotally attached to a vertical arm which is slidably attached to an oblique arm, the oblique arm is attached to a horizontal arm which is attached to a support structure; the vertical arm is contained within a first and second guide arm; a stopping member is attached to a first end of the oblique arm and a stopping bar is attached to a second end of the oblique arm such that when the ball is struck, the ball pivots on the vertical arm as the vertical arm slides up the oblique arm, striking the stopping bar and thereafter sliding back down the oblique arm to return to its starting position cradled within the stopping member. The travel path of the ball provides instantaneous feedback as to the quality of the swing.

Abstract: An energy savings circuit comprising a means for receiving an ac voltage source; a first voltage storage device in series with the ac voltage source; a second voltage storage device electrically connected to the ac voltage source; a third voltage storage device in series with the ac voltage source; a fourth voltage storage device in series with the second voltage storage device and electrically connected to the ac voltage source; a fifth voltage storage device electrically connected to the second and fourth voltage storage devices; and a means for discharging the fifth voltage storage device into a load. After receiving a first charge each, the first voltage storage device, in combination with the ac voltage source, supplies a charge to the second voltage storage device and the third voltage storage device, in combination with the ac voltage source, supplies a charge to the fourth voltage storage device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cheek, lip and tongue shield comprising a handle having a first and second end, the first end for gripping; a first shield having an anterior end, a posterior end, and an inferior border, the anterior end transitioning from the handle second end; a non-hinging transverse member having a first and second end, the first end transitioning from the first shield posterior end; and a second shield having an anterior end, a posterior end, and an inferior border, the posterior end transitioning from the transverse member second end. The transverse member inferior border does not extend as far inferiorly as the first and second shield inferior borders, the first shield passively isolates the cheek and lip from the operative site, and the second shield passively isolates the tongue from an operative site.

Abstract: A bi-directional underwater icewalker is disclosed. The icewalker comprises a flotation base, a moveable rod connected to the underside of the base, a flotation arm attached to the rod containing a flotation arm skate and culminating in a spike at one end, a plurality of flotation base skates and a line attached to the bottom of the rod at one end and whose other end passes through an eyelet which is attached to the underside of the flotation base. By pulling on the line, the icewalker moves bi-directionally underneath a mass of ice.

Abstract: In a first preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a passenger truck cab unit which includes a body mounted to and supported by a truck chassis and a lower structure mounted to and supported by the truck chassis for additional support of the body; a freight transport unit; and a hitch mounted to and supported by the truck chassis for attaching the freight transport unit to the passenger truck cab unit. The body comprises a door opening extending into the lower structure for providing a vehicle operator entry and exit separate from a driver compartment door. The passenger truck cab unit tows the freight transport unit. In a second preferred embodiment, the hitch is removed and replaced by decking of sufficient strength to support and transport a load of freight. The present invention also includes the method of simultaneously transporting freight and at least one passenger, as well as the passenger truck cab unit used in simultaneously transporting the freight and at least one passenger.

Abstract: A shipping container main storage unit is disclosed comprising a floor; a perimeter wall supported by a floor perimeter edge; an access opening within the perimeter wall; and a roof fastened to a top edge of a cap, a side edge of the cap fastened to the perimeter wall. The perimeter wall includes at least one pair of wall channels for slidingly receiving at least one clear wall panel, the pair of wall channels fastened to the floor at a first end and to the cap at a second end, and an effective space for slidingly withdrawing the wall panel is located between the roof and the perimeter wall upon removal of the cap. The invention is envisioned for use with semi-trailers, railroad cars, intermodal freight containers and air cargo containers.

Abstract: The present invention includes both the device and the method for utilizing two wedge shaped halves to retract a stud used to deform rivet nut material, thereby setting the rivet nut. The tool consists of two wedge shaped halves and a stud passing through both halves, extending to receive the threads of an uncompressed rivet nut. A slide screw controls the wedging action, causing the stud to retract. A stabilizing member is utilized to resist the rotational forces created during activation of the slide screw. The slide screw allows the top wedge and bottom wedge to slidably relate to one another, allowing the stud to increasingly extend beyond the bottom wedge. The extended stud threads into a rivet nut which is then passed through a predrilled hole in the material to which the rivet nut is to be fastened. Upon activation, the slide screw causes the top wedge to slide along the bottom wedge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jig and a method for it use. The jig is interchangeable with a variety of power tools for reproducibly and accurately positioning a work piece on the power tool. A universal memory stick is slidably attached to a primary fence. A follower assembly is mounted to the primary fence for maintaining a predetermined relative position of the primary fence to the universal memory stick. The universal memory stick includes a universal stick template which enables the user to make, program, store and recall required stop positions used on the power tool to cut work pieces to required dimensions for a given project.