Abstract: A method and system for removing a lubricant from an absorbent material. The method comprises placing the lubricant-contaminated material in a dry cleaner and centrifuging the material to remove and subsequently recover a first quantity of lubricant, dry cleaning the material, separating and recovering a second quantity of lubricant from the dry cleaning fluid, and recycling the dry cleaning fluid. The present invention maximizes the recovery of lubricant and effectively recycles the dry cleaning fluid, which in turn minimizes both the cost and environmental impact of cleaning absorbent materials.

Abstract: A device for managing a diet or the consumption of medication comprises a board formed with a plurality of horizontal cut-out portions which define a plurality of horizontal guide rails therebetween. A plurality of slide members are removably received by the guide rails and slide thereon. A legend, attached to the front face of the board, identifies the major food groups and contains examples of foods falling within each food group and serving suggestions that constitute a single portion of the particular food group. When an individual consumes a food, a slide member from that food group is moved from the right to the left hand side of the guide rail to indicate consumption. Alternatively, the legend contains a list of medicines to be consumed by an individual, their dosages and frequency of administration. When a particular medicine is consumed, a slide member is moved from the right to left hand side of the guide rail to indicate consumption.

Abstract: An illuminated basketball goal comprises a first light source carried by the perimeter of the backboard and a second light source positioned within a recess formed in the perimeter of the rim. The target square, located on the front face of the backboard is made of an electroluminescent material or a fluorescent compound which glows upon activation of the first and second light source. The net depending from the rim is made of a reflective material. The first and second light source are made of a luminous material, providing an even, indirect source of illumination. Also advanced is a basketball having a luminous coating placed within the ribs recessed below the surface of the ball. Alternatively, the ball can be formed with clear tubing which accepts a charge of a chemiluminescent fluid.

Abstract: A ballistic optimizing system for use on a rifle comprises an axially movable weight threadedly secured to the end of a rifle barrel such that movement of the weight can be used to change vibrational characteristics of the rifle when it is fired. By damping vibrations of the barrel at the muzzle, a bullet can exit the barrel at the point of minimal vertical deflection so that accuracy is improved. To secure the weight element into a desired position, a tooth on a spring carried on the weight is received into one of a plurality of axial grooves equally spaced around the circumference of the rifle barrel. Additionally, a compression spring in an annular space between the barrel and the weight applies greater frictional engagement between the threads of the weight and the threads of the barrel so that alignment of the weight with respect to the barrel is improved.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrically grounded hanger system for supporting a plurality of articles to be electrostatically coated with a paint particulate. The hanger system is supported from a grounded conveyor system and comprises a support descending from the conveyor system and several slide bars carried by the support. A plurality of hooks having a shoulder and an arm are slidably positioned within the slide bar with the arms extending through a slot within the slide bar. The shoulder of the hook engages the interior surface of the side bar in at least two contact points and the arm carries the articles to be painted. The slot extends the length of the slide bar such that the hooks are universally placeable along the length of the slide bar. In addition, by having the shoulder positioned within the interior of the slide bar, paint particulate does not accumulate or adhere to the contact points between the slide bar and the shoulder.

Abstract: A buttstock formed with a single piece of molded synthetic materials and contains two slots so that the rifle may be carried using a sling in multiple positions. The buttstock is designed to have the same size and occupy the same exterior envelop as a standard M-16 rifle buttstock but with far fewer parts and lower weight but without compromising strength. The buttstock comprises a buttplate, a shoulder, and a flange all held in spaced relationship with and integral with a panel. Two slots are formed in the panel near the buttstock, one parallel to the shoulder and the other parallel to the flange. Each slot is dimensioned to receive a sling.

Abstract: A device for picking up dead animals, in particular chickens and turkeys is advanced comprising a telescoping shaft with a pair of adjustable jaws extending perpendicularly therefrom. The jaws define a wedge therebetween which holds the animal securely therebetween when the device is rotated in an upward direction. The lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper jaw to allow an individual to slide the lower jaw under the animal. An O-ring marker and measuring legend are carried by the exterior of the shaft to enable one to assess visually whether the livestock watering pipes are at the appropriate height.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing aircraft on a flight line away from a maintenance terminal comprises a first set of vehicles for servicing the aircraft directly and a second set of vehicles for servicing the service vehicles. The first set of vehicles requires fuel and oil in order to operate; the second set brings fuel and oil to the first set to make it unnecessary for the first set to halt aircraft servicing in order to return to the terminal. The second set of vehicles includes a trailer with three tanks, one for jet fuel, one for diesel fuel and one for oil. The tanks are placed on a catch basin carried on a trailer. Each has a tapered bottom with a drain and an inlet port at the top with a funnel-shaped collar. Each tank also carries its own transfer hose with a manual pump and has a sight guage, ground cable, lifting rings and lifting handles.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held micro-computer with an attached printer that receives input from a physician and prints out a legible prescription slip for the physician's signature. The micro-computer has a keypad, display, and memory. The memory stores information about prescription drugs and physicians who have access to the micro-computer. When a physician wants to "write" or prepare a prescription slip, the physician enters a personal identification number, thus gaining access to the micro-computer. The physician then selects a drug to prescribe, either by entering a drug identification number or scrolling through a list of drug names. After the specific drug has been selected, the physician may change the default information for that drug or accept it. Once the information is correct, the physician prints out the prescription slip on the attached printer.

Abstract: A multi-liquid dispenser comprising a housing having at least one vertical partition positioned within its interior to define separate chambers. A removable cover formed with a depending rim, abuts the interior wall of the housing, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between the housing and the cover. The rim is formed with at least one transverse channel dimensioned to receive the vertical partition, thus creating a barrier which prevents fluid contained in one chamber from migrating to an adjacent chamber. A series of pumps are carried by the cover, with each pump being dedicated to a particular chamber.

Abstract: A surgical knife especially suited for surgical procedures such as a tympanoplasty comprises a handle having a proximal and a distal end, with a curved blade rotatably carried on a post on the distal end of the handle. The blade extends radially outward from the post and beyond the end of the post in roughly an "S" shape. The cutting edge of the blade is on the end of the "S" and is thus spaced apart from and beyond the end of the post, where it can swivel about the axis of the post. When cutting, the blade will follow the direction the handle is moved, swiveling into alignment with that direction by the pressure of the tissue it is cutting.

Abstract: The present invention is a device used in conjunction with a heat source to locally enlarge an area of a ski boot. The devices comprise a spreader and an extender. The spreader mechanically forces apart a pair of curved elements or "shoes" that apply pressure to both the medial and lateral side of a boot. The shoes on the spreader may be replaced or pivoted in order to use the spreader to enlarge the upper portion of the boot. The extender has a slot, a toe shoe, and a heel shoe that conform to the corresponding regions of the boot. The spreader fits within and matingly engages the slot of the extender and applies a force from within the slot, thus causing the extender to transmit this force to the toe and heel region. In all of the above instances the area of desired enlargement is heated prior to application of force to remove the elasticity of the outer shell temporarily so that the stretching is permanent.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool holder for supporting a cutting insert during a material-removal process. The tool holder comprises a body having a channel formed therein for receiving a finger that extends from a head. The finger is secured within the channel by an assembly screw that permits the head to move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the body. When the head is in its extended position, the head is permitted to pivot relative to the body; however, when the head is in its retracted position a pair of shoulders on the body engage a pair of notches on the head, preventing the head from pivoting. A locking screw is also provided that locks the head to the body. The locking screw is designed so that as the locking screw is tightened, the head is urged against the body, thus providing a positive known position for the insert each time the head is moved.