Abstract: A locking mechanism comprising a lock housing mounted in a hinged unit or the like and a bolt mounted to a fixture. The housing has a hole therein for receiving an end of the bolt. The bolt end includes a locking aperture for receiving a shackle of a padlock. The padlock locks around the locking aperture and is then positioned inside housing 20 to protect the padlock from being cut or broken. The novel design of the locking aperture allows the padlock to be selectively positioned in one of three positions, and thus fit within a narrow cavity not much large than the size of the padlock.

Abstract: An audio system is disclosed wherein music cartridges are utilized in a series of cartridge racks for non-mechanical playback and recordation of an entire music collection. The audio signals are stored on music cartridges which are insertable into one of a plurality of cartridge racks. The cartridge racks are operatively connected with the music player of the audio system. The audio system is completely solid state, i.e. it has no moving parts and has the advantages of allowing quick and reliable playback and storage of any music cartridge of the user's entire selection, as desired by the user. The system is self-programmable and expandable, whereby additional cartridge racks can be connected for additional storage of music cartridges allowing any music cartridge from the entire collection to be accessed at anytime.

Abstract: A positioning method and apparatus is disclosed in the form of a coordinate measurement machine for transmitting movement in three degrees of freedom, where two degrees of freedom are achieved by translational motion and the third degree of freedom is achieved by rotational motion. The coordinate measurement machine includes a base plate mounted on top of a base support, a pair of carriages rotatably mounted around base plate and supporting a bridge assembly. The bridge assembly supports a saddle assembly which suitably mounts a z-axis beam therein. Mounted to the end of the z-axis beam is a probe for measuring and inspecting the workpiece. The z-axis beam moves in an x-direction along an x-axis beam and in a z-direction within the saddle while the bridge assembly rotates about a c-axis. Reader heads mounted in the carriages electronically read a c-axis scale mounted about the base plate.

Abstract: A system and method for the discrete identification of a duress transaction at an ATM banking machine. The system and method allows the customer to alert the police that a crime is taking place without alerting the criminal that an alarm has been given by the entry of an access number equating to a non-prestored personal distress or emergency number in place of the stored PIN number. When an access number is entered to begin a transaction, the system compares the entered access number with the prestored PIN number. If the entered access number is the same as the PIN number, the transaction proceeds as normal. If not, an algorithmic function is applied to either the entered access number or the PIN number. These two number are then again compared and if after application of the algorithmic function they are the same, then the duress signal is triggered.

Abstract: A food support device with beverage fixture comprised of a polygonal planar food support surface. A dimensionally adaptable cavity is positioned within the planar food support surface, whereby a beverage container of varying diameter and type is insertable into the cavity whereby the planar food support surface is supported thereby. Various portions may be configured into the food support surface in order to segregate various foodstuffs from one another. A raised lip along the perimeter of the planar food support surface and the perimeter of the cavity is desirable.

Abstract: A sign system wherein surface mounted signs and sign frames on truck bodies are protected from damage by the use of a protective beveled molding mounted on the outside of the frame of the sign.

Abstract: A bathing enclosure comprises a base section and two wall sections. The wall sections are mounted on the base section and are joined by a complimentary tongue and groove. The tongue and groove form a vertical seam which is water-tight, eliminating the need for sealing material. The two-piece wall design provides ease in installation and allows access to areas behind the wall sections it desired or necessary.

Abstract: A system for adapting an open-hulled canoe to multiple modes of operation by connecting it in parallel alignment with a second open-hulled boat using bow and stern connecting members, a rigid fore cross member which spans and is releasably affixed to the fore thwart of each boat, a rigid aft cross member which spans and is releasably affixed to the aft thwart of each boat, an aft mount releasably affixed to the aft inner gunwales of each boat and adapted to carry a tiller and rudder for sailing mode of operation and a power motor for motoring mode of operation, a keel member pivotably and releasably connected to depend amidships from one of the boats and a mast stop and mast for supporting a sail releasably connected to the fore and aft cross members.

Abstract: A rotating flying device of the type having an airfoil and a stabilizer disk is disclosed. The flying device uses novel three-hole bearings to allow for flight with streamers. Further, the flying device may be folded for ease in transportation or storage. Stabilizing elements are used to hold the disk in a flying position.

Abstract: A collapsible, disposable body container is disclosed for safely and sanitarily transporting, storing or disposing heavy, dense, fluid-containing contents such as a dead body. The container comprises a container base and a container lid which are foldable for transportation or storage. The container base is lined with a leak-proof, puncture-resistant, high-density polymer liner which prevents contact with or escape of the contents of the container when a user lifts the container via hand grips provided in the container. A container insert is placed over the lining to add strength to the container and to prevent the container from collapsing.

Abstract: A hydraulic endodontia device and method comprised of a primary obturator rod having an objective tip end with at least one spill gate integrally formed therewithin and a handle end, the primary rod being generally cylindrical in shape and gradually diminishing in circumference from the handle end to said tip end. The invention is further defined by a plurality of secondary obturator rods each having an exterior convex side and an interior concave side. The interior concave side of each secondary rod glides upon the primary rod or the exterior convex side of an underlying secondary rod in cooperative association therewith when the open spill gate, the primary rod is inserted into the extirpated root canal until it reaches the distal end at the tip end, whereby narrowing of the distal root canal end constricts the spill gate to effuse cement to the apical area.

Abstract: An improvement for conventional hanging file folders is comprised of connection means for releasably locking juxtaposed file folders with the connection means comprised of "Velcro"-type fasteners releasably connecting the hanging file folders having conventional front and back or first and second covers. The hook units is affixed to each of the upper exterior corners of each file folder on one file folder cover, and the loop unit is affixed to each of the upper exterior corners of each file folder on its second cover. When the second cover of a hanging file folder is brought into storage position adjacent to the first cover of a second hanging file folder, the fastener pairs releasably lock to prevent the juxtaposed folders from separating.

Abstract: A track mounting fixture for an electric fan includes a sliding member adapted to be mounted in a track lighting fixture and constructed to retain an electric fan. Contact members on the sliding member contact conductive strips within a channel on the track member and supply power to the fan at any desired position along the channel length. The fan position may be adjusted easily by sliding the sliding member along the channel and by pivoting the fan about a joint on the sliding member.

Abstract: A portable device for providing air to those trapped within a smoke-filled building includes a base member for mounting a building opening such as a window, an air conduit such as an air hose mounted on the base and capable of being lowered to an area having breathable air, and an extendable boom for positioning the air conduit away from the building. A user simply connects a breathing instrument to the air conduit after lowering, to receive breathable air.

Abstract: A pool cover support consisting of a base, vertical member and support member. The base has a bottom, with vertical dividers rising perpendicularly therefrom. The vertical dividers form a plurality of cavities in which weights are placed to anchor the base to the pool floor. The base also has a vertical tube which is slightly larger than the vertical member disposed therein. Atop the vertical member is disposed the support member, which supports the pool cover above the water level of the pool. The height of the pool cover support can be adjusted either at the base or the support member, so that the invention may be used in a variety of swimming pools or tubs having different depths.

Abstract: A portable anchorage and fastener device for securing movable articles or structures to a land mass comprising a lightweight yet rigid plate having an entry face, a ground face, a fastener end and a plurality of picket holes, each of said holes being surrounded by a guide ring affixed to the entry face of the plate at an angle for directing tubular hollow pickets inserted therewithin angularly into the ground. The invention is further comprised of a safety breakage cord removably attached to the fastener end of the plate for securing the guyline in the event of breakage of the guyline at a looped end thereof, and a fastener hook also removably attached to the fastener end of the plate for guyline attachment thereto.

Abstract: A gun retention system is provided for an officer to securely lock his weapon inside his holster while at the same time allowing quick and easy drawing of the weapon and maintaining a physical connection between the weapon and the officer's security belt. The gun retention system comprises a weapon grip, a security belt, and a spool housing. The weapon grip contains a connector which attaches to the security belt and can be either right-handed or left-handed. The other end of security belt is connected to a spool and is coiled around the spool inside the spool housing. The spool housing can be mounted on the service belt directly behind an existing holder or can be integrally attached to a holster. A spool lock button on the spool housing provides safe and quick locking and unlocking of the gun inside the holster. The security belt does not interfere with the officer's ability to load, draw, aim and fire his weapon when needed. Tension in the security belt can be adjusted to the officer's desire.

Abstract: A system for providing air to users trapped within a smoke-filled building includes a series of piping mounted to or built inside of the exterior wall of a building. The ground end of the piping has a ventilation mechanism which draw air through a screen and into the piping. At the user end, a breathing instrument is plugged into a breathing instrument connector which is attached to the piping, to provide air to the user. An intercom system is included for the user to communicate with rescuers. The piping has a decompression valve to relieve pressure built up in the system.