Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a duration of burn of a stick of incense includes a base and a ferric rod extending away from and over the base. A hole is provided in the base for placement of a bottom end of the incense. A cylindrical portion is adapted to fit over and slide along a longitudinal length of the incense. A magnet is attached to the cylindrical portion and is adapted to secure the cylindrical portion, where desired, along a longitudinal length of the rod. Accordingly, the incense is supported in two locations and is disposed under and generally parallel to the rod. The incense is able to burn until the area of combustion reaches the cylindrical portion, at which time it is extinguished. Two alternate embodiments are described that allow use of modified forms of the cylindrical portion with prior art types of incense burners.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cleaning and washing of objects includes a flexible inner lining that extends over a hand and wrist or arm of a user so as to provide a gap intermediate the exterior of at least a portion of the hand and the interior of the inner lining. A preferred material for the inner lining is fabricated neoprene, rubber, or latex. An outer lining extends over at least a portion of the inner lining and is adapted for a cleaning, polishing, or dusting operation. A preferred material for the outer lining includes cotton fibers. The apparatus is available in either a “gloved” version with fingers or in a “mitt” version that accommodates a plurality of fingers. Both versions, preferably, include a thumb area as well. A first seal surrounds the apparatus around the wrist or arm of the user and is tightened to restrict the inflow of a fluid into the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for the strengthening and rebuilding of the muscles of the pelvic floor includes a center generally flat main resistance spring that includes a generally U-shape. The main resistance spring supplies a force which urges separation between a first end and an opposite second end of the main resistance spring. A surrounding case provides a stop mechanism to limit further separation of the first end with respect to the second end. A secondary resistance spring is attached to an interior of the main resistance spring and is used to supply an increase in overall resistance as well as to actuate an optional mechanical counter. An optional pair of auxiliary resistance bands are provided and are urged within a longitudinal channel to vary the magnitude of overall resistance. An optional handle is included to aid in transportation.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely locating an elevated-end of a ramp includes a center strip that hangs down from an overhead location proximate the elevated-end. The center strip aligns with a center of the ramp and is used as a visual or tactile aide to guide a person toward the elevated end. A variation includes a pair of lateral strips that are each disposed proximate the elevated-end and also proximate opposite outer edges of the ramp. Another variation includes the use of two parallel strips to more accurately indicate either the center of the ramp or one of its edges. Fixed, detachable, and retractable versions are described that are attached to either a ceiling of a truck or to an inside surface of an overhead door of the truck.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a bolt includes a first member and a second member that are adapted to pivot about an axis. An L-shaped member is pivotally attached to an end of the second member. A sliding member is attached to the L-shaped member that bears on an exterior of the first member when the L-shaped member is fully pivoted toward the first member. A threaded rod includes a first end that is attached to the sliding member. The threaded rod engages with a threaded opening provided in the L-shaped member. A knob that is attached to the threaded rod is tightened which urges the sliding member and the first member toward the second member and severs the bolt that is disposed in a pair of openings proximate the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing illumination includes a lower light panel that contains at least one battery and electronic control circuitry therein. A plurality of LEDS are each disposed in a corresponding plurality of recesses in the light panel. A reflective coating is preferably included in each of the recesses. A clear plastic sheet is disposed over an upper surface of the light panel. A rug is disposed over the light panel and is detachably-attached thereto. When a person steps on the rug one or more of a plurality of pressure activated switches are energized which, in turn, activates the circuitry and energizes the LEDS. The LEDS are illuminated for a first predetermined period of time that is selectable. When the first timer elapses the lights and circuitry turn off and the apparatus returns to a quiescent state until the cycle is repeated. The rug is removed from the light panel for cleaning of the rug and the plastic sheet is also removed for servicing of the light panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing squeezable tubes therein includes a plurality of vertical compartments that are each adapted to hold one squeezable tube. A plurality of moveable front members are adapted to move up or down between an opposite pair of sidewalls to retain an upper portion of the tube in position. An open top allows easy tube insertion or removal while a lower shelf retains the bottom of each tube. A bottom strip ensures that each tube will remain in position. According to a first modification, the interior sidewalls are adjustable to accommodate a variable spacing between them. Modified moveable front members include a variable width to accommodate the variable spacing between the adjustable interior sidewalls. According to a second modification, each tube is retained by a pair of curved side members that narrow toward the bottom of each compartment. An apparatus to secure a tube in an inverted position and to dispense a substance from a bottom opening is described.

Abstract: An apparatus that is adapted to reduce wobble in a tripod that is used to hold an optical instrument, includes a triangular shaped base plate that includes an attachment to each leg of the tripod. The base plate includes slots at each corner or apex thereof that provides for an adjustment range sufficient for most types of tripods. A member that is attached to each leg of the tripod is attached to each corner of the base plate. A lighted carousel that includes a battery operated light and is adapted to hold a plurality of lenses is disposed above the base plate. According to a modification, the slots are eliminated from the base plate and an adjustment bar having a slot therein is attached at one end to a modified base plate and, at a remaining end, to a member that is attached to each of the legs of the tripod.

Abstract: An apparatus for storage of cargo items is worn by a user. An upper end of the apparatus is secured to a belt of the user and a lower end is secured to a leg of the user. A continuous perimeter zipper with two zipper closure tabs allows versatility in opening an exterior portion apart from a main portion while preventing the exterior portion from being separated apart from the main portion. A pair of horizontal pockets face each other and allow ambidextrous usage. Interior pockets that open and close at either end allow usage in either a right side up or upside down orientation of the exterior portion. A pair of interior pockets can be opened so as to provide extended storage room.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting plant foliage includes a base assembly that is placed in a growing medium. A plurality of support members are attached to the base assembly and extend radially away from a plant center and vertically. Additional linear extension segments are detachably-attached, as desired, to an upper end of any support member to provide increased vertical height. Additional radius extension segments are similarly detachably-attached to the upper end of any support member to provide increased radial displacement. The linear extension segments can be attached to the upper portion of other extension segments or the upper portion of other radius extension segments. The radius extension segments can be similarly attached. Plant ties that do not over tighten the plants and which permit easy attachment and removal are disclosed. A telescopically extensible top segment that prevents injury to a user is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhanced viewing of objects in two separate simultaneous frequency bands of light that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a primary mirror and a moveable secondary mirror that is disposed above the primary mirror to provide a long focal length. A beam splitter splits the optical path into two paths, one for infrared and another path for visible. Various optical elements and devices are described along each path. The secondary mirror is displaced away from its concentric position over the primary mirror to provide shorter focal lengths in IR and visible. Focal Plane Arrays (FPA's) are disposed where desired along both optical paths for real-time viewing and data acquisition. The preferred FPA in visible is a CCD. The preferred FPA in IR is disposed in a Dewar.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the stability of a tripod includes a centrally placed base member that includes three perimeter leg assemblies, each of which are adapted to cooperate with one of the legs of the tripod. Each of the leg assemblies includes a generally U-shaped member that surrounds a portion of each tripod leg and which cooperates with the base member so that when a portion of each respective leg assembly is tightened, an extension member is urged outward and into contact with an inside surface of one of the legs which, in turn, urges the leg outward until an outside of the leg bears tightly against an inside of the respective U-shaped member. Each tripod leg is accordingly placed under compression eliminating any possible movement thereby. The three forces that urge the legs outward are disposed radially around a center longitudinal axis, each force separated from both adjoining forces by 120 degrees of arc.

Abstract: An apparatus for the containment of food items and for the optional transport of various types of beverage containers includes a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, a first top panel, a second top panel, a third top panel, and a fourth top panel that are formed of a single sheet of stock and which, when folded along predetermined crease lines, cooperate to provide a serving tray for the retention of the food items in an interior portion and, if desired, a soda can or other beverage container or object in the interior portion and, if desired, a tapered beverage container can be secured to the apparatus at an exterior location. The apparatus is able to secure certain types of beverage containers thereto while still providing a covering over the food items that are disposed in the interior portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for urging a person of limited physical ability from a first location to a second location includes a self-propelled type of wheelchair that has two driven wheels disposed under the chair. A pair of preferably front-disposed castors is included. Together, the pair of castors and the two driven wheels define a first plane that the wheelchair is disposed on when the wheelchair is on a level surface. A pair of additional driven wheels is provided that are elevated with respect to the first plane. The additional driven wheels can be disposed either in front of or behind the two driven wheels. Together, the two driven wheels and the pair of additional driven wheels define a second plane. When the wheelchair is disposed along a sufficient incline, it tilts from the first plane into the second plane. At that time, contact with the surface is made by the pair of additional driven wheels, whereby the pair of additional driven wheels provides an additional motive force to help propel the wheelchair.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement under a sleeping bag useful in leveling or controlling the attitude of the sleeping bag includes a plurality of chambers, some of which extend along a longitudinal length of the leveling camping pad with respect to each other, and wherein some of which are adjacent to each other and extend along a width of the apparatus, and wherein the width is perpendicular with respect to the length, and wherein at least four of the plurality of chambers include a valve for adding or removing air from each of the chambers without affecting a quantity of air in the remaining chambers. A preferred modification includes a continuous upper chamber that extends over the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for amusing and edifying a plurality of children and of creating a party-atmosphere includes a plurality of components in a box for retail and an instruction manual that instructs at least one adult supervisor how to safely manage the plurality of children while each child uses the contents, and possibly other household items, to create an event, and wherein the event demonstrates a scientific principle or law. A method for creating a science party is also disclosed. Components are provided in the box along with complementary instructions for creating a safe environment for the plurality of children to experience the party.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an adjustable height top edge of an inclined plane includes a generally planar inclined plane that is pivotally attached at a bottom end thereof at a pivot axis to a first end of a first base member and to a first end of a spaced-apart second base member. The first and second base members are parallel with respect to each other and include a first slot and a second slot, respectively. A slide bar having a first bar end and an opposite second bar end is disposed between the first base member and the second base member and is secured in position by a first screw that passes through the first slot and by a second screw that passes through the second slot. The top edge of the inclined plane is urged to a desired height and is retained in position by friction. The slide bar is urged toward the pivot axis until it is in contact with opposite sides of the inclined plane. The first and second screws are tightened to secure the inclined plane in position.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery of a vehicle includes at least one photovoltaic cell that is adapted to convert solar insolation into electricity. The position of each photovoltaic cell is varied so that it faces toward a current location of the sun whether the vehicle is stationary or moving whenever the sun is visible. The apparatus is preferably disposed in a spoiler. The spoiler is either permanently attached to or is detachably-attachable with respect to the vehicle. The spoiler helps improve stability and handling at higher vehicle speeds as well as providing for the supplemental charging of the battery. The spoiler adds to the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle while helping to camouflage its primary purpose as that of a solar charging device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the loading and unloading of railroad boxcars includes a first platform assembly that abuts the boxcar and a second platform assembly that abuts the first platform assembly and is secured thereto. The height of the first platform assembly is adjustable proximate the boxcar. The height of the second platform corresponds to that of a tractor-trailer's floor. A ramp allows a forklift to drive up onto and down off of the two platforms. Safety rails prevent the forklift from driving off of any raised portion of the apparatus. A trailer intermediate plate allows the forklift to pass onto the floor of the tractor-trailer and an intermediate plate allows the forklift to pass onto the floor of the boxcar. The apparatus includes three main component parts (the first and the second platform and the ramp) that are each adapted for lifting and movement by the forklift. The apparatus is portable for temporary use where desired, can be disassembled, moved, and used elsewhere.