Abstract: A thermally insulating luminous container with an O-ring construction having a primary container having inner and outer walls and a removable cover. A plurality of secondary containers may be affixed to the outer wall of the primary container, which secondary containers have inner and outer walls and removable attached covers. The container may be constructed by blow-molding hypoallergenic thermoplastic material, and may contain a compass and a signaling mirror. These containers are suitable for holding water, oxygen supplements and enhancers, food, medicines and first aid supplies. The containers may be supplied to survivors of natural disasters or used for general utility.

Abstract: Temperature comparison circuits which utilize two thermistors which are initially set up in a balanced bridge using NPN transistors and resistors. As temperature differences between the thermistors cause the bridge to become unbalanced, there is a current flow in which the voltage varies in magnitude and direction. The circuits are attached to electrical equipment which is sensitive to changes in magnitude and direction of voltage. The circuits find uses in controlling refrigeration systems, controlling heating and cooling systems, and performing diagnostic tests on mammals or devices which contain temperature differences between two separate points. The circuits may be used in cooperation with an expansion valve which is located in the tubing of a refrigeration system. The tubing is non-magnetic. There is a fixed magnetizable plate having a central orifice.

Abstract: A system for detecting worn brake linings contains sensors located at predetermined depths in the brake linings. Each brake has a corresponding lamp so a problem with a worn lining can be located. The system contains quick-release connections for each sensor, jumper wires for connecting the two sensors per wheel, resistors, diodes and lamps. The system is self-troubleshooting, and can determine the presence and location of worn brake linings, loose wires, open circuits, shorts, grounds, defective bulbs, and blown fuses. The determination of the presence and location of a problem is made through use of lamps which may be off, glowing at half brilliance, or glowing at full brilliance under specified conditions. When the ignition is off, all the bulbs are off. When the ignition is "on", all the bulbs glow at half brilliance if there are no problems. If all the bulbs are out, it is indicative of a power failure.

Abstract: A blank for making a box contains a tab for simplifying the opening of the box once it is taped shut in the usual manner. The tab contains adhesive backing on its upper portion and a tab handle on its lower portion. When the box is taped shut, the tape covers the upper portion of the tab. To open the box, the tab is pulled up, releasing the upper portion of the tab and the accompanying tape. By further pulling, the entire tape may be removed from the box. The tab may be opened and closed a number of times.

Abstract: A computerized device for propelling tennis balls by pneumatic pressure. The device contains a support pad to protect the tennis court. There is a by-pass valve which, when open, allows the blower for the pneumatic system to blow continuously, thereby avoiding carbon deposits. There is a pressure tank for the build-up of pressure for the pneumatic system when the by-pass valve is closed. Course and fine pressure valves are used to control the pressure in the pressure tank within narrow limits. A hopper contains pushers which prohibit balls accumulating in areas of little motion. A carousel advances only when a ball can drop freely into the ball outlet tube. A cover over the feeder point prevents balls in the hopper from interfering with the ball in the feeder point. The ball is held in an injection area until forced through a flap door into the pressure tank and a guide channel. The injection area contains a solenoid-controlled sweep arm which controls a injector which forces the ball through the flap door.

Abstract: A method of making a box blank, the blank, and the resulting box are disclosed. The box contains a tab for simplifying the opening of the box once it is taped shut in the usual manner. The tab contains an adhesive upper portion and a non-adhesive lower portion. When the box is taped shut, the tape covers a portion of the tab. The tab is pulled up, releasing the adhesive portion of the tab and the adhered tape. By further pulling, the entire tape may be removed. The tab may be opened and closed repeatedly. A part of the adhesive portion of the tab may be scored and treated with a more adherent adhesive to provide tampering detection. The side of the box may be scored or scored and cut to form a tab. The adhesive sealing tape covers a portion of the tab. The tab may be pushed in to allow grasping and removal of the tape or the tab may be pulled out to allow removal of the tape.

Abstract: A safety vehicle lift having a base, a lifting assembly, a drive mechanism, a handle, and a ramp. The base is made of flat rigid construction which may be in one or two sections and may be of solid or grated construction. When in two sections, the sections may be permanently abutted with a hinge or may be temporarily abutted with conventional locking mechanisms. The base contains retractable wheels. The base is wider than the structures supported by the base. A drive mechanism is made up of a jackscrew passing through a threaded cross brace. When the jackscrew is turned manually or mechanically, there is a raising or lowering of the support platform. The lift is provided with a ramp having side walls and leading from the level of the base to the level of the support base. The ramp may be of solid or grated construction. The lift has less weight and equivalent strength compared to prior lifts, thus improving mobility. As the base is grated, the lift may be used on a wide variety of surfaces.

Abstract: Nail files are made in a manner which permits ease of dispensing. A tube is continuously fed into a milling machine where grooves are formed in predetermined segments of the tube. These grooves are roughened by adhesively applying abrasive particles or by milling the groove surfaces. The tubes are stamped so as to form alternating long grooved areas and short smooth areas. The thus-prepared tubes are divided into sections of desired lengths containing a plurality of nail files which may be easily detached from the remainder of the files in the section. Another method comprises providing a solid or hollow rod which has any of a variety of geometric cross-sections, providing the rod with grooves having varying sizes, roughening the surfaces of the grooves as above, and weakening the rods at predetermined lengths to produce sections containing a series of easily detached segments. The hollow files may be fitted with closures at each end. At least one of these closures is removable and replaceable.

Abstract: A device for attaching baby bottles to strollers or car seats having constraining bars. The device contains a holding mechanism for attaching the device to a stroller or car seat; an angular stem leading away from the holding mechanism; a hollow cylinder attached to the angular stem, the cylinder containing a connector held in place near the stem, a circular cap at the end away from the stem, and a coil spring connecting the connector and the cap; a bottle holder attached to the cap; and an adjustable strap connected to the bottle holder. The angular stem is adjustable relative to the constraining bar. Also, the coil spring allows the bottle holder to swivel around the cylinder so that when the bottle is in use, it may easily be held with the nipple at a downward angle and when not in use, it automatically positions the nipple at an upward angle.

Abstract: A liquid level alarm system is activated when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm located outside the container. The alarm is electrically connected to a switching device. The switching device may have a push-down button located on the top, an "on-off" switch located on the side, or a sliding switch located on the side. When the switch is pushed down, the switching device activates the alarm. The container has a vertically positioned rod adjacent the switching device. There is a float slidably connected to the rod by a connecting rod and hook. The float rises and falls with the level of the liquid. On the side of the rod opposite the float there is a switch contact which makes contact with the switch when the level of the liquid falls below a predetermined level and the float is no longer supported by the liquid.

Abstract: A linear bamboo tape containing a series of adhesively connected bamboo sections wherein each section has a predetermined width and thickness. The tapes are made by splitting cut and dried bamboo culms to obtain bamboo sections, sizing the bamboo sections to the desired width and thickness, adhesively connecting the treated sections, and applying a binder having excellent holding properties. The bamboo tape is used to make cylindrical containers or load-bearing structures by treating the tape with a resin and applying the treated tape to a surface of a cylinder to form a strong, lightweight, inexpensive cylinder. A cosmetic surface can be applied to the formed cylinder. The binder/bamboo tape can also be applied to the outer surface of cylindrical forms and treated with polymers to form pipes and tubes.

Abstract: A hair-styling device containing a hand attachmentt and a source for heated air under pressure connected to the hand attachment. The hand attachment is made up of a heat-reflecting member, bands for attaching the hand attachment to a hand, an air chamber, and bristles attached to the air chamber. In one embodiment, the hand attachment is substantially hand shaped and the attachment bands are located on the fingers and wrist so as to allow easy attachment to the hand of the user. In another embodiment, the hand attachment is substantially rectangular in shape and the attachment bands are connected to the sides. Heated air may leave the air chamber through openings in the air chamber between the bristles. Alternatively, air may leave the air chamber through ducts in the bristles. The source of heated air contains a heater and a pump. Preferably, the source is in a base which contains a holder for the hand attachment. The hand attachment is useful in providing a brush for simultaneously drying and styling hair.

Abstract: Devices for constraining wildfires are disclosed. The first device is a free-standing hollow structure which contains at least one lower intake duct, a vertical duct, and an upper outlet duct. This device contains curved chambers which may have baffles. This device also provides an open container for the delivery of water to the fire in the form of steam. A second device is a free-standing structure which is anchored to the ground by lines attached to spikes and supporting legs. The upper portion of the device is curved toward the fire so as to direct the fire back upon itself. There is an arcuate baffle at approximately the midpoint of the device which serves to break up the heat wave. A third device is similar to the second device in design, but is made of folding sections for ease of storage and transportation. A fourth device comprises a fire-resistant sheet which may be draped over trees or structures or may be put on the ground to form a barrier to the fire.

Abstract: A liquid level alarm system is activated when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm located outside the container. The alarm is electrically connected to a switching device. The switching device may have a push-down button located on the top, an "on-off" switch located on the side, or a sliding switch located on the side. When the switch is pushed down, the switching device activates the alarm. In one embodiment, the container has a vertically positioned rod adjacent the switching device. There is a float slidably connected to the rod by a connecting rod and hook. The float rises and falls with the level of the liquid. On the side of the rod opposite the float there is a switch contact which makes contact with the switch when the level of the liquid falls below a predetermined level and the float is no longer supported by the liquid.

Abstract: A device which contains a combination of a writing implement or turning tool on one end and a turning tool on the other. The device contains a hollow casing, a forward end tip containing a central passageway for extension and retraction of the writing implement or turning tool on one end of the casing and a rearward tip containing a central passageway for the extension and retraction of the turning tool rod at the other end of the casing. The turning tool may be a Phillips head screw driver, a flat head screwdriver, a torx, or an Allen wrench. The turning tool rod is reversible and contains, e.g., a flat head screwdriver on one end and a Phillips head screwdriver on the other end. The device contains a slideable extension/retraction mechanism which allows only the writing implement, only the tool rod, or neither of these to be exposed at any one time. The tool rod is prevented from turning relative to the casing.

Abstract: An automatic braking system for wheelchairs which prevents rearward, downhill motion of wheelchairs while having no effect on horizontal or uphill motion. The braking system is made up of circular ratcheted plates which are attached to the axles of the driving wheels of the wheelchair and L-shaped members slightly in front of and beneath the ratcheted. The L-shaped members are rotatable about axles located in their angles. The long leg of an L-shaped member is directed downwardly by gravity and maintains the short leg in a substantially horizontal position. The short leg forms a pawl which engages the ratchets of the plate when the wheels start to roll backwards when the wheelchair is directed upwardly, thus automatically stopping the wheelchair.

Abstract: A protective container for a scuba tank. The container is made of rugged, flexible material, such as plastic or rubber. The container has an open top for placing the container over the tank, a cylindrical body for protecting the side of the tank, and a base for protecting the bottom of the tank. The upper portion of the container is tapered gently inwardly and upwardly to decrease resistance to the water. The inner surface of the container has longitudinal ribs for draining water from the top to the bottom of the container. The outer surface of the container has five longitudinal outriggers to prevent rolling of the tank when it is lying on a surface and providing the least amount of resistance to the water when the tank is in use. The container wall is extended below the base to supply protection against vertical stress when the tank is dropped. The inner surface of the base contains radial drainage channels to dispose of water inside the container. The outer surface of the base contains strengthening ribs.

Abstract: A device for inserting and removing contact lenses comprises a vertical riser which separates a horizontal supporting bar and a horizontal stabilizing base. On end of the supporting bar is attached to the riser and the other end holds a transparent holder for a contact lens. The stabilizing base extends away from the riser in the same direction as the supporting bar and provides stability to the apparatus. The contact lens holder has an alignment spot in its center. The stabilizing base has an alignment spot directly beneath the alignment spot of the contact lens holder. To insert a contact lens, the lens is placed on a moistened lens holder. The user aligns the two spots and approaches the lens while maintaining alignment. Once contact is made, the lens will adhere to the eye. Removal of the lens is carried out in a similar manner using a dry lens holder.

Abstract: A game device played with rules similar to a hockey game. Te device contains an inflated transparent sphere containing a plurality of handles, nets between the handles, and a ball on the inside of the sphere. The object is to roll or bounce the ball into the opponent's goal. The game may be played between individuals or teams.

Abstract: A lighting system containing a connection to a dc battery, and a lamp containing a watertight, transparent housing, an inverter, a reflector, and a panel containing copper-activated zinc sulfate is useful for night fishing. The lamp produces a light having a wavelength having a narrow band peaking at 507 nm. This light permits the user to distinguish water, shoreline, and foliage without losing night adaptation and without attracting insects.