Abstract: A vehicle solar windshield system comprising a front windshield composed of a first transition lens material, at least one side window composed of a second transition lens material and a rear windshield composed of a third transition lens material. In one embodiment, the first transition lens material has a first darkening strength, the second lens material has a second darkening strength which is greater than the first darkening strength and the third lens material has a third darkening strength which is greater than the second darkening strength. In a preferred embodiment, the transitional lens material is a photochromic lens material.

Abstract: An intra aural probe for monitoring multiple physiological parameters simultaneously. The probe includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and a light sensor. The probe is dimensioned to fit snugly and sealingly within the outer aural cavity. The probe measures blood pressure and pulse rate and volume of blood by detecting contraction and expansion in the vascular bed of the lining tissue of the external auditory canal during the cardiac cycle. The probe also measures respiratory rate and respiratory volume by detecting pressure changes across the tympanic membrane or movement of the tympanic membrane induced by corresponding pressure changes in the naso-pharynx and trachea during respiration.

Abstract: An adjustable strap assembly utilizing hook and loop type fastening means as the primary adjustment means is provided which can be used on a variety of articles which require some measure of adjustment to accommodate different users or different utilizations. The adjustable strap assembly includes an elongated web having an outersurface provided with loop-type fastening means and a securing strap member having an undersurface provided with hook type fastening means. The securing strap member is attached to a first end of the elongated web subsequent to the formation of a first looped end and is releasably secured to the elongated web by the contact and engagement of the hook-type with the loop type fastening means. Release of the hook-type fastening means from the loop-type fastening means is facilitated with a key which slides between the hook-type and loop-type fastening means.

Abstract: A tool belt tool tote device that is capable of carrying two tools independently, such as a cordless drill and a hammer. The double tool tote device comprises a C-shaped clip, a terminal swivel element and two hook elements. In use, a tool depending from each hook may freely swivel to maintain its center of gravity so that the tool will remain securely attached to the tool tote while remaining easily accessible to the user. In addition, each hook element is rotatably positionable to permit the user to independently position each tool in a comfortable fashion. The two hook elements also can be selectively positioned to retain one tool element across the breadth of the two hook elements.

Abstract: A device for implantation on the cervix of a pregnant female that provides monitoring means by which the dilatation of a female patient's cervix may be monitored during the first phase of labor. The device comprises a housing manufactured from biocompatible material into which a spindle member joined to a tension sensor passes. The housing also contains a transmitter and a power source for the sensor and transmitter. A plurality of sutures are fixed the spindle and pass out of housing so that they may be attached to the female patient's cervix. A tension knob is provided for winding excess suture length onto the spindle, thereby securing the device within the vagina. Dilatation of the cervix at the onset of labor exerts tension on the sutures which is conveyed to the spindle and translated by the sensor to a signal directed at the transmitter.

Abstract: A device for implantation on the cervix of a pregnant female that provides an alerting means by which a female patient or her health caregiver is notified of the onset of labor. The device comprises a housing manufactured from biocompatible material into which a spindle member joined to a tension sensor passes. The housing also contains a transmitter and a power source for the sensor and transmitter. A plurality of sutures are fixed the spindle and pass out of housing so that they may be attached to the female patient's cervix. A tension knob is provided for winding excess suture length onto the spindle, thereby securing the device within the vagina. Dilatation of the cervix at the onset of labor exerts tension on the sutures which is conveyed to the spindle and translated by the sensor to a signal directed at the transmitter. The transmitter issues an electronic signal to a second electronic device such as a pager or PDA, notifying the patient or her health caregiver of impending birth.

Abstract: A device for implantation on the cervix of a pregnant female that provides a means by which a female patient or her health caregiver is notified of the rupture of membranes by the release of amniotic fluid. The device comprises a housing manufactured from biocompatible material having a hole through which amniotic fluid in the patient's vagina may pass. The housing contains a pH meter and a transmitter in electronic communication therewith as well as a power source for the sensor and transmitter. When amniotic fluid is released through the cervix into the vagina, a quantity thereof may pass into the housing and sensed by the sensor, causing the sensor to direct a signal to the transmitter. The transmitter issues an electronic signal to a second electronic device such as a pager or PDA, notifying the patient or her health caregiver that her water has broken.

Abstract: A process for preparing thermoplastic rubbers from vulcanized rubber scrap material is provided comprising devulcanizing the vulcanized rubber scrap material while blending the vulcanized rubber scrap material with an olefinic plastic resin in the presence of devulcanizing additives. Preferably, the vulcanized rubber scrap material is first milled prior to blending with the olefinic plastic rein. The plastic resin may be a virgin resin, a recycled resin or a mixture thereof. The process is termed “dynamic de-vulcanization” to denote that the rubber scrap material is being devulcanized while it is being blended with the plastic resin to form the thermoplastic rubber. The resultant thermoplastic rubbers exhibit superior physical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, hardness and flexural modulus compared to thermoplastic rubber compositions comprising mixtures of plastics and recycled rubbers heretofore produced.

Abstract: A sturdy tubular “sub” apparatus for collecting geological samples (Geological Sample-Sub or GSS) that may be entrained within a conventional drill string apparatus for conducting a drill-stem-test. The apparatus may be manufactured from conventional drill-collar stock and may be provided threads at each end of a standardized thread size so that it may be readily exchanged with or attached to other subs comprising the drill string apparatus. The drill string apparatus with the incorporated GSS may be lowered in a closed and empty state into a drilled hole whereupon it is packed off and the apparatus may be opened. A slit-like opening in the GSS permits entry of rock samples into the tubular apparatus, whereas baffles located within the apparatus near both ends prevent the escape of the samples as fluid in the hole rushes through the open drill string assembly.

Abstract: A support and alignment implement for supporting an article such as a golf club in an upright or elevated position comprises a pair of leg members, each leg member having a stretched “C” shaped proximal end and a ground engaging distal end, a spring element disposed between the proximal ends and means for joining the proximal ends such that the spring element is retained therein and maintains the proximal ends of the leg members in contact with one another in a closed position. In operation, the user extends the proximal ends of the leg members away from one another to an open position, such as by bringing. together the distal ends of the leg members, inserts the shaft of the golf club between the stretched “C” shaped proximal ends, and returns the proximal ends to the closed position, thereby securing the shaft between the proximal ends.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding apparatus for covering and protecting the head of a user from EMF radiation which may be worn by itself or discretely beneath other head gear. A head covering is fabricated from a conductive, non-magnetizable material such as copper, bronze, brass or the like which may be drawn and shaped into a web or mesh material. The resulting shield is lightweight, air permeable and supple enough to be worn beneath other head gear.

Abstract: A combined shoe tree and organizer comprising a two-shoe tree capable of holding and preserving a pair of shoes and an organizer therefor. The two-shoe tree comprises a mounting portion and two heel members, each heel member being connected to said mounting portion by an expandable stretcher bar and is designed to hold and preserve two (i.e. a pair of) shoes as a single unit. The two-shoe tree is provided with an aperture such that is can be integrated or combined with an organizer having a plurality of post members. In this manner, the shoe tree can be detachably secured to the organizer by mounting said aperture over one of the post members. The organizer may be in the form of a single rod which can retain a plurality of two-shoe trees or may be in the form of multiple rods in a grid frame arrangement to form a rack. The organizer can have either a horizontal orientation, for placement on a flat surface, or a vertical orientation for hanging from a door or mounting to a wall.

Abstract: A small waterplane area multihull (SWAMH) vessel having an upper hull platform located above the design water line of the vessel which is maintained above the surface of a body of water by at least two cylindrical submerged hulls joined thereto by supporting struts. A buoyant core material is contained between inner and outer walls of the submerged hulls which define a cylindrical space in which a rotary propulsive means is housed. An engine means is situated on the surface platform and is joined to the rotary propulsive means through a work translating means which converts the output of the engine to provide a propulsive force.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a pressure vessel having an opening in the external surface thereof, comprising a concentric guide track secured to the external surface of the pressure vessel, a curved concentric closure or door configured to conform to the curvature of the pressurized tank, means for interlocking the concentric door to the pressure vessel when the door is in the closed position and an inflatable seal that fills the void between the door and the pressurized tank when the door is closed and the seal inflated. The concentric guide track includes upper and lower concentric tracks upon which the concentric door is mounted and capable of moving along the track such that it can be rotated to the back of the pressure vessel when in the opened position and rotated to close and seal the opening within the pressure vessel in the closed position.

Abstract: An interchangeable martial arts weapons system is provided comprising (a) a plurality of interchangeable connectable components comprising at least one long tube, at least one short tube, at least one T-handle and at least one illuminative tube, the ends of each of the interchangeable connectable components being provided with a female coupling fitting, (b) a plurality of coupling components comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of coupling studs and/or at least one and preferably a plurality of link connectors, the ends of each of the coupling components being provided with a male coupling fitting configured in such a manner that it is detachably securable to one of the female coupling fittings provided at the ends of the interchangeable connectable components and (c) a plurality of end caps being provided with the male coupling fitting.

Abstract: A protective holder for a portable electronic device, such as a personal computer, wireless telephone or communicator, hand-held game or the like, in the form of a lidless enclosure having a bottom member, a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls, the four walls extending upwardly from bottom member as a one-piece unitary structure, the top edges of the front wall, rear wall and two side walls extending inwardly to form a continuous retaining flange. The protective holder is constructed from a water-resistant, flexible and resilient material such that the enclosure fits snugly about the electronic device in order to provide protection from impact shock, spillage, and other hazards. The exterior surfaces of the front wall and rear wall are provided with a plurality of vertically extending ribs which join a plurality of bottom ribs extending across the bottom member in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A tool-toting device for carrying and retaining a hand tool comprising a clip, a swivel element and a U-shaped hook, the clip being capable of attachment to a belt, such as a tool belt. The swivel element is swivelably connected to the clip by conventional means, such as a semi-tubular rivet such that it freely swivels about a 360° axis, while the U-shaped hook is rotatably connected to the swivel element by means of a jam nut-acorn nut arrangement such that it is capable of rotating about a 360° axis. In this manner, a tool hanging from the U-shaped hook will swivel about the 360° axis, thereby maintaining its center of gravity as the user moves about a construction area. The user can re-position the hook for comfort and accessibility simply by rotating the hook about its axis.