Abstract: A positioning mechanism is provided that does not require a biasing member to allow adjustment and maintenance of a position. A first member is provided with a channel forming locking positions and a return channel. A second member, slidably movable with respect to the first member, is provided to mount a rotatable cog. The cog interfaces with the channel of the first member to selectively inhibit relative movement between the first and second members without use of a biasing member.

Abstract: A respirator for enabling a wearer to inhale filtered air through the wearer's nostrils comprising an elongate breathing tube, an air-purifying element disposed in fluidic engagement with the elongate breathing tube, and first and second nasal inserts disposed in fluidic engagement with the elongate breathing tube and with the air-purifying element. The first and second nasal inserts are preferably disposed in close proximity to one another, and a nose plug preferably extends from each nasal insert. With this, a wearer can inhale purified air into the wearer's nostrils through the nose plugs from the elongate breathing tube after the air has been purified by being drawn through the air-purifying element.

Abstract: A compartmentalized occupant restraint system and kit for restraining an occupant in a seating arrangement comprising a vehicle seat with a seat frame, a seat bottom, and a seat back.

Abstract: A monitoring system such as a septic tank monitoring system for distinguishing between and identifying the location of a sedimentary layer, a scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in a septic tank with an elongate sensing probe for being disposed in the septic tank, a plurality of sensors disposed along the sensing probe, and a remote monitor operably associated with the plurality of sensors for providing a remote indication to a septic tank operator of the location of the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank based on the signals from the plurality of sensors so that a septic tank operator can monitor the contents and condition of the septic tank without a need for excavating and physically inspecting the septic tank.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing material in a container comprising a base mixing element and an upper mixing element wherein the upper mixing element can be rotatably and reciprocatably coupled to the base mixing element. The base mixing element can be formed by an elongate member that is fixed to a base plate. The upper mixing element can be formed by an elongate member, which can comprise a cylinder, that has a plurality of mixing arms fixed thereto. An aperture can be disposed adjacent to a proximal end of the elongate cylinder of the upper mixing element for allowing material to be exhausted and cleaned from within the elongate cylinder. The mixing arms can have a plurality of apertures therein, and the base plate can have a peripheral rim for maintaining the base plate spaced from the bottom surface of the container. A plurality of angled blades can be formed in the base plate for drawing material through apertures in the base plate.

Abstract: A VCSEL-based monolithic optical pickup system for use with optical recording media with a retaining member, a plurality of VCSELs disposed on the retaining member for emitting laser beams, a plurality of detectors disposed on the retaining member for receiving reflected laser beams, and a stepped micro-mirror for reflecting laser beams emitted by the plurality of VCSELs toward optical recording media and for reflecting laser beams reflected from the recording media toward the plurality of detectors. The VCSELs and detectors can be disposed in laser/detector pairs wherein each detector surrounds its respective VCSEL.

Abstract: A method and device for suspending, stabilizing, and/or slightly compressing a bodily structure, such as a urethrovesical junction. The device comprising a delivery needle with a trocar, a stylet for being matingly received into the delivery needle, and a support formed by an anchor toggle and elongate first and second sutures. A longitudinal slot can be disposed at the distal end of the delivery needle for allowing the sutures to protrude therefrom. The delivery needle can have a curve with the slot and a base of the trocar disposed on an inside of the curve. An aligning handle, visual and tactile orientation indicators, and depth indicators can be disposed on the delivery needle for allowing a determination of the orientation, depth, and location of the distal end of the delivery needle. A sling can be used to spread a supporting force of the sutures over a greater area.

Abstract: A method for creating a pattern by applying varying concentrations of pigment in water to a synthetic fabric and allowing the pigment to bleed and preferably to reverse bleed. A pleated window shade having an Aurora Borealis like pattern is also provided. The preferred method comprises the steps of stretching a pleated synthetic fabric window shade vertically, applying pigment in water to the surface of the fabric and allowing the pigment to bleed, then inverting the fabric so that the pigment in solvent bleeds in the opposite direction. Optionally, the method further includes at least one of the steps of applying the solvent, such as for example water, to the pigmented surface before inverting or after inverting thereby inducing additional bleeding, blending, and dilution of the pigment in the wetted area.

Abstract: A thermochromic device for use relative to a product container for providing a thermochromic indication of a temperature of a volume of product that is retained within an open inner volume of the container comprising a first image display and a second image display. The second image display and, possibly, the first image display could incorporate a layer of thermochromic material with an active temperature range. The active temperature range for the second image display could be above or below room temperature. The first image display can be thermochromic or non-thermochromic, and a thermochromic third image display could be provided. Where first, second, and third image displays are included, the second and third image displays could have active temperature ranges that are both above, both below, or to each side of room temperature. The image displays could be coupled to a side wall or to an upper surface of a product container.

Abstract: A security system (10) for providing a remote indication of a breach in security including an electronic device with an electronic device body (12) and a disabling member (14) couplable thereto. The electronic device is disabled by removing the disabling member (14). A security breach causes an alarm signal to be sent to the disabling member (14), which announces the receipt of an alarm signal. The electronic device can be a vehicle sound-reproduction device, and the disabling member (14) can be all or a portion of a face thereof. The alarm signal can be sent first by radio transmission that, if necessary, can be supplemented by a mobile communications transmission. The disabling member (14) could further act as a mobile communications pager and as a mobile telephone. The disabling member (14) could operate to affect operation of a vehicle in which the security system (10) is employed.

Abstract: A device for detecting and providing an indication regarding one or more properties of a fluid retained in a bottle comprising a body member and a fluid property detecting substance, which can test for acidity, cork taint, or another fluid property, operably associated with the body member for detecting and providing an optical indication regarding one or more properties of the fluid retained in the bottle. The body member can have an open inner volume and the fluid property detecting substance can be disposed therein. A wall portion of the body member can comprise a semi-permeable barrier for allowing a one-way flow of fluid retained in the bottle into the open inner volume of the body member.

Abstract: An abrasive sanding disk and sanding pad combination for use in sanding drywall surfaces with a motorized drywall sander with a sanding head, the abrasive sanding disk and sanding pad combination comprising an abrasive sanding disk comprising a flat, circular substrate panel wherein the substrate panel is devoid of a central aperture, wherein the substrate panel has a first face comprising a sanding head engaging face for facing a sanding head of a drywall sander and a second face comprising an abrasive face for abrading a given surface; and a sanding pad for being interposed between the abrasive sanding disk and a sanding head of a drywall sander wherein the sanding pad comprises a round disk of resiliently compressible material with a concentric central aperture, an abrasive disk engaging face for engaging the abrasive sanding disk, and a sanding head engaging face for engaging a sanding head of a drywall sander.

Abstract: An element of eyewear with a detachable lens portion comprising a first eyewear portion comprising a lens portion, a second eyewear portion comprising a frame portion, at least one projection that extends from the lens portion, and at least one aperture in the frame portion whereby the lens portion can be removably and replacably coupled with the frame portion. The at least one projection can be formed of resiliently compressible material. A plurality of projections can extend from the first eyewear portion, and a plurality of aligned apertures can be provided in a bridge segment of the frame portion. The projections can be longer than the bridge segment is thick such that distal ends of the projections will contact the forehead of the wearer to space the bridge segment therefrom. The element of eyewear can be an eye shield with a panel of translucent material comprising the lens portion.

Abstract: An irrigation controller in one embodiment comprising a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of watering zones of an irrigation system, a keyboard for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs, a display for displaying information relating to watering programs, and an EEPROM for retaining information relating to watering programs and an on/off status variable even during extended periods without power. The irrigation controller may employ the EEPROM to retain a germinate watering program wherein everyday watering is triggered automatically and a multiplicity of watering start times can be selected. The irrigation controller may employ an analog precision rectifier for detecting how many valves are operational in a given watering zone, and the irrigation controller may also automatically adjust a maximum allowable current in response to how many valves are operational in a given watering zone.