Abstract: A container for holding an orthodontic retainer. The container comprises a front wall, an opposing back wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a bottom wall and a lid to define a cavity capable of holding an orthodontic retainer. The lid is hingedly attached to the back wall so the lid is not also easily lost. In a first preferred embodiment, a string is connected to the container that allows the user to hang the container from his neck. In a second preferred embodiment, a clip is formed in the back wall so that the user can attach the container to his clothing, much like an electronic pager.

Abstract: A shampoo chair which is suitable for safe use with people of various sizes. The shampoo chair comprises a base and a hydraulic cylinder attached to the base. A piston is received by the hydraulic cylinder; and an actuator which is integral to the hydraulic cylinder, causes the piston to raise and lower. A seat is attached to the piston and raises and lowers in concert with the piston. A mounting cylinder and back bracket are also attached to the base. A seat back is pivotally attached to the back bracket.

Abstract: A mattress with two bands running across its faces to increase firmness and body weight distribution. These bands are composed of panels of a highly resilient material fastened to panels of non-resilient material. The resilient panels are positioned where the greatest load concentrations are likely to be when the mattress is in use. The resilient panels are oriented to stretch in a direction parallel to the major dimension of the band and, as they are stretched, increase in tension in proportion to the load. The greater the load, the greater the tension on the resilient panels and the firmer the mattress becomes in response to the load.

Abstract: An automated system for changing the motor oil in an engine. The system includes a drain plug having a plurality of channels coupled with tubing that extends to a reversible pump. Tubing extends from the pump to both a used oil container and a new oil container. Check valves positioned at the entrance of each container restrict flow so the oil can flow only to the used oil container and only flows from the new oil container. Preferably, both containers are located in the trunk of the vehicle for easy access. In use, the pump is engaged to draw the used motor oil from the engine into the used oil container. Next, the pump is reversed to draw fresh oil from the new oil container into the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine. Known methods provide for a control unit which generally controls the exhaust gas recirculation rate via a throttle and a stop valve in accordance with operating parameters of the internal combustion engine. No further information is provided on these operating parameters. The invention provides for a method and a device for controlling exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine which method and device are able to take into consideration a wide range of operating conditions of an internal combustion engine. To this end the control unit comprises a basic characteristic map (1) above the parameters “rotation per mite of international combustion engine” and “quantity of fuel supplied per operating cycle”. The basic signals of the basic characteristic map (1) can be influenced by correcting units which can be connected as needed and transmit correcting signals.

Abstract: A system and method is described having a single reaction vessel using superheated steam optionally augmented by oxygen for reducing nitrogen oxides present in a wide variety of organic compounds. Reduction takes place quickly when a steam/oxygen mixture is injected into a fluidized bed of ceramic beads. Reducing additives are metered into the reaction vessel and/or provide energy input to reduce nitrates to nitrogen. The speed of the fluidizing gas mixture agitates the beads that then help to break up solid wastes and to allow self-cleaning through abrasion thereby eliminating agglomerates, and the oxygen, when used, allows for some oxidation of waste by-products and provides an additional offset for thermal requirements of operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment and remediation of a contaminated aquifer in the presence of an uncontaminated aquifer at a different hydraulic potential. The apparatus consists of a wellbore inserted through a first aquifer and into a second aquifer, an inner cylinder within the wellbore is supported and sealed to the wellbore to prevent communication between the two aquifers. Air injection is used to sparge the liquid having the higher static water level and, to airlift it to a height whereby it spills into the inner cylinder. The second treatment area provides treatment in the form of aeration or treatment with a material. Vapor stripped in sparging is vented to the atmosphere. Treated water is returned to the aquifer having the lower hydraulic potential.

Abstract: A passive voltmeter for high voltage transmission lines that accurately measures and displays a wide range of voltages. A d'Arsonval type meter movement is preferably used in conjunction with the voltmeter wherein the scale contains a linear range and a compressed, nearly-logarithmic range. A circuit controls the pointer so that the deflection is linear for a low range of voltages while a high range of voltages is deflected in a compressed manner. The term “compressed” means that the display is scaled in a logarithmic manner although not a true logarithmic function. The circuit comprises one or more parallel branches with a meter movement and a resistor in the first branch; each additional branch, if more than one, contains a resistor and at least one diode connected in series.

Abstract: A planter capable of attachment at a vertical surface to a tree trunk or utility pole. The planter comprises at least one segment having an arcuate inside wall to conform to the central tree trunk or pole. Each segment extends partially around the circumference of the tree or pole. Segments may be interconnected using any one of four alternative fasteners: the first fastener is a resilient cable wrapped around a tree trunk with each segment having a pair of hooks to attach it to the cable; the second fastener interconnects segments using a pair of latches having holes therethrough with a bolt that is secured through the holes; the third fastener also interconnects segments by each segment having a pair of pins extending from the outer wall and near the end walls with a gasket having complementary holes securing the segments; and the fourth fastening means interconnects the segments using interlocking female and male edges.

Abstract: An improved gutter shield is provided which allows water to run into a gutter while forbidding foreign material, such as leaves, from entering the gutter. The shield comprises an elongated gutter shield comprising a curl. A mounting clip is provide which comprises a gutter mounting tab; a downward leg attached to the gutter mounting tab and extending downward therefrom and a riser leg attached to the downward leg and extending upward therefrom. The gutter mounting tab is attachable to the gutter and the riser leg is attachable to the curl of the elongated gutter shield.

Abstract: A lamp having a light bulb connected to a base insertable into a light socket in such a way that insertion breaks an electrical circuit between two spring terminals inside the socket and reestablishes it through the lead wires on the light bulb. The light bulb has a filament and two lean wires connected to the filaments. The filaments extend from the bottom of the base and are bent outwardly and upwardly around the base. The bulb with its base are insertable into the light socket. Wires from a source of electricity enter the socket and form electrical terminals, one on either side of the socket. Two spring terminals within the socket are biased toward each other and will conduct when supplied with an electrical potential unless separated. A protrusion on the base of the light bulb separates the spring terminals. Thus, in a light string where the lights are electrically in series, removal of a light bulb of the present invention will not cause the string to go out.

Abstract: A portable lightweight cooling apparatus for cooling a human body is disclosed, having a channeled sheet which absorbs sweat and/or evaporative liquid, a layer of highly conductive fibers adjacent the channeled sheet; and, an air-moving device for moving air through the channeled sheet, wherein the layer of fibers redistributes heat uniformly across the object being cooled, while the air moving within the channeled sheet evaporates sweat and/or other evaporative liquid, absorbs evaporated moisture and the uniformly distributed heat generated by the human body, and discharges them into the environment.

Abstract: A middle ear fluid aspirator comprised of a syringe assembly that provides suction through the creation of negative pressure therein and a needle having an angled region that permits the operation of the aspirator while maintaining visual contact with the tympanic membrane and a needle safety assembly whereby the penetrating portion of the needle is not capable of damaging the ossicular structures of the ear.

Abstract: The present invention is a mattress having a centrally located cut-out portion that has an insert that fits therein. The combination of the mattress and insert provides a flat surface on which a bed ridden person can lie. The insert is removable from the cut-out portion so that a bed pan may be placed therein. The cut-out portion is designed to support the bed pan, so that the bed pan is within the boundaries of the mattress. Once the bed pan is in position, the bed ridden person may comfortably perform their excretory functions while maintaining a certain degree of discreteness and dignity. Once these functions have been performed, the bed pan is removed and the insert is repositioned. The present invention also comprises a first fitted sheet and a second fitted sheet. The first fitted sheet surround the mattress and extends within the cut-out portion, while the second fitted sheet surrounds the insert.

Abstract: Dual phase alloys of chromium containing 2 to 11 atomic percent tantalum with minor amounts of Mo, Cr, Ti, Y, La, Cr, Si and Ge are disclosed. These alloys contain two phases including Laves phase and Cr-rich solid solution in either eutectic structures or dispersed Laves phase particles in the Cr-rich solid solution matrix. The alloys have superior mechanical properties at high temperature and good oxidation resistance when heated to above 1000° C. in air.

Abstract: Provided is a suction retractor for use in surgical procedures. The suction retractor comprises a handle wherein the handle comprises a couple for attachment to a suction tube. A retractor plate is contiguous to the handle and a retractor blade is contiguous to the retractor plate. The retractor blade further comprises a plurality of suction ports. A continuous channel interior to the handle, retractor plate and retractor blade connects the couple to the plurality of suction ports.

Abstract: A magazine safety for a firearm comprises a sleeve that is slidably received within a recessed pocket formed the magazine well and urged downward into the pocket by a spring. The sleeve has an upper blocking projection that engages a notch in the trigger bar of the firearm to prevent lateral movement of the trigger bar and a lower engaging projection that extends into the magazine well and engages the magazine once it is fully inserted, thereby lifting the sleeve and its blocking projection free of the notch of the trigger bar. When not lifted by the magazine against the urging of the spring, the blocking projection prevents movement of the trigger bar. Since the trigger bar is incapable of movement, the firearm cannot be fired until a magazine is inserted.

Abstract: A remote filling device for use with a shipping container is described. A shipping container with specialized connections can be remotely opened using a single lightweight tool using a single drive screw latching mechanism. The actuation of the latching mechanism also compresses seals between the filling device and dewatering connections on the container. Dewatering is accomplished using reusable, backwashable filters. Once the container is filled and dewatered, the filling device is remotely removed and a lightweight, reusable lid is remotely scaled to the container using a single screw latch remotely actuated.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a homogeneous wire of inter-metallic alloy comprising the steps of providing a base-metal wire bundle comprising a metal, an alloy or a combination thereof; working the wire bundle through at least one die to obtain a desired dimension and to form a precursor wire; and, controllably heating the precursor wire such that a portion of the wire will become liquid while simultaneously maintaining its desired shape, whereby substantial homogenization of the wire occurs in the liquid state and additional homogenization occurs in the solid state resulting in a homogenous alloy product.