Abstract: The method uses a cable measurement and cable positioning or laser projection device to measure a structure to produce a digitized design of the structure and to put the design on a panel by laser pointer projection or by cable positioning so that the panel can be marked and cut for fitting on the structure.

Abstract: A measuring device generally comprises a base unit housing an extensible cable; the cable including a free end for placement by a user at a point being measured. The base unit, placed in line of sight of the point, includes: a base; a first carriage rotationally attached to the base about a turn axis; and a second carriage rotationally attached to the first carriage about a pitch axis. Servoed motors rotate the carriages to align them with cable path to the point. The turn angle, the pitch angle and the cable length are measured to determine the point's location. A plurality of points determines a surface. The user uses a programmed PDA with a radio to communicate with the base unit. An alternative embodiment only has a first carriage.

Abstract: Reinforcing system for retrofitting wall to increase the ductility and resistance to shear forces of a gypsum board wall to a level comparable to plywood-sheathed wall. Fiber-reinforced polymer panel is attached to substantially cover surface of gypsum board to protect it against rupture in earthquake. Reinforcement is enhanced by fiber anchors installed along base of wall and door frames. Optional connector strips tie together door and window frames to prevent separation from wall.

Abstract: A syringe control pistol for holding in a user's hand to control the dispensing of fluid from a syringe generally includes front and rear arms pivotly connected at their bottom ends. The front arm includes a front face for receiving pressure from the fingers of the user's hand and a top end including a barrel holder for holding the barrel of the syringe such that its barrel cannot move forward and its plunger extends rearward. The rear arm includes a rear face for receiving pressure from the user's palm and a top end including a roller for bearing against the bearing surface of the plunger for pushing the plunger forward in the barrel to disperse fluid from the syringe as the user's hand squeezes front and rear arms toward one another. A plurality of barrel holders for holding syringes of different sizes is selectively attachable to the front arm.

Abstract: Protective suit for a dog allows a dog to work in a cleanroom or other controlled environment. Suit 10 includes particle-blocking coverall 20 and hood 50. Hood 50 includes transparent face shield 52 to cover dog's eyes and snout. Face shield 52 is open at the end to allow air and odors to reach dog's nose unimpeded. Face shield 52 extends slightly beyond dog's nostrils to prevent dog from contacting hazardous chemicals or pathogens. Coverall 20 includes fitted sleeves 22 with integral boots 24; also a tail pouch 30 to keep tail separate and visible.

Abstract: System and method for reinforcing structures includes basalt textile 20 connected to surfaces of the structure 100 with fiber anchors 30. Textile spreads forces and increases ductility of structure. Textile may connect multiple structural elements together, including walls, floors, columns, beams, and roofs. Textile is covered with mortar 50 customized to match color and texture of structure by use of locally obtained grit, aggregate, or colorant. Basalt fiber textile is preferred to avoid degradation of textile from alkaline components of mortar 50.

Abstract: Reinforcing connector (10) for reinforcing attachment among components (110) of a structure (100); such as crossing beams (111). Reinforcing connector (10) includes a length of roving (20) composed of filaments (25). Roving (20) is disposed in borehole (50) piercing first beam 111A Free ends (21,23) of roving (20) protrude from borehole openings (51) and are splayed apart into individual filaments (25). Filaments (25) are attached to surfaces of components (110) with adhesive means (30). Reinforcing connector (10) increases ductility and resistance to lateral forces of structure (100).

Abstract: Cargo cart 10 can be used independently or attached to a conventional walker 101. Cooperative attach means 40 connect cart 10 in front of walker 101 through roll leader 44, which propels and steers cart 10 in response to user's control of walker 101. In attached mode, rear wheels 34 of cart 10 are suspended above travel surface to allow cart 10 to be steered easily and predictably by roll leader 44. Cart 10 is attached and detached with one hand without tools. Handle 50 and optional cargo basket 29 fold flat for storage. Slots in peripheral rails 24 retain cargo that is wider than cargo support 28.

Abstract: A device for measuring the length of a cable under tension moved through the device generally comprises a frame, a measuring pulley rotatably mounted on the frame; an anti-slip device for rollingly holding the midsection of the cable in a non-slipping manner against the measuring pulley such that movement of the cable rotates the measuring pulley, and a rotation sensor for sensing the rotation of the measuring pulley and producing a signal indicative of the rotation thereof. The anti-slip device generally comprises one or more loading rollers and a loading assembly including a flexible tension member for applying loading to the loading rollers such that movement of the cable rotates the measuring pulley. A location measuring device incorporating the cable length measuring device determines the direction and distance from the location measuring device to a free end of the cable.

Abstract: A rifle having a rifled barrel and a cartridge having a bullet having a diameter, a length, a ballistic coefficient (BC), and a muzzle velocity (V1) greater than 1250 ft/sec are related to achieve accuracy at very long range in that the twist of the rifling is substantially equal to: 83.7 ÷ ( bullet ? ? ? length × 2 ? B ? ? C bullet ? ? diameter ) × bullet ? ? diameter × [ 1 + ( V 3 V 1 × 0.667 ) ] where: V2 is the entry speed for the transonic, i.e. 1,250 ft/sec., and V3 is V1 minus V2. A rifle barrel for receiving a bullet has rifling twist according to the relationship. A method uses the relationship to determine the rifling twist for a rifle barrel receiving a known bullet. Another method uses the relationship to design a cartridge for a known barrel rifling. The relationship is particularly applicable for bullets having a high BC, such as 0.325 or greater.

Abstract: A tipping device for dispensing a tip from a patron to a performer, such as in an adult dance venue, generally comprises a transaction apparatus including a money receiver at a first location for receiving money for the tip from the patron and a tip dispenser at a second location for dispensing the tip into the air so as to create an entertaining effect. The tip dispenser may be suspended by a winch above the performer. Preferably, the tip is dispensed out of reach of the patron at the first location and such that a patron at the first location may see the performer while the tip is being dispensed. The tipping device may include a spotlight or flashing lights for highlighting the patron during dispensing of the tip.

Abstract: A measuring device generally comprises a base unit housing an extensible cable; the cable including a free end for placement by a user at a point being measured. The base unit, placed in line of sight of the point, includes: a base; a first carriage rotationally attached to the base about a turn axis; and a second carriage rotationally attached to the first carriage about a pitch axis. Servoed motors rotate the carriages to align them with cable path to the point. The turn angle, the pitch angle and the cable length are measured to determine the point's location. A plurality of points determines a surface. The user uses a programmed PDA with a radio to communicate with the base unit.

Abstract: A floating spa cover generally comprises an inflatable insulating and soar heating central portion surrounded by one or more independently inflatable adjustable rings. The inflatable central portion comprises a center section and a peripheral ring. The center section covers most of the spa water surface and includes an upper film of substantially transparent plastic and a lower film of translucent plastic separated by a gas-filled space. The first adjustable ring, connected to the central portion so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the central portion and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a first range of areas. The second adjustable ring, connected to the first adjustable ring so as to be selectively removable, encompasses the first adjustable ring and is independently inflatable to selectively adjust the area of the cover over a second range of areas.