Abstract: An apparatus for producing and storing electrical energy includes a conventional bicycle having a plurality of gear ratios and a generator that includes a drive roller on a shaft that is in frictional engagement with an outer circumference of a rear tire of the bicycle. The bicycle is adapted for stationary use with a stand or independent use without the stand and is capable of producing electricity in either case. The generator charges a battery that may be transported with the bicycle. An inverter converts DC into AC. A mass is optionally added to a bicycle crank or wheel to smooth out the pedaling process. A pivoting modified stand is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for resting a head of a user during sleep has a layer of closed cell foam disposed over a layer of open cell foam. A section of the apparatus that resembles a quarter moon in shape is removed to allow space for a head and shoulders of a user to better engage with the pillow sufficient to retain the user in a position of cooperation with the pillow. A pair of spaced-apart parallel cuts is provided from one end of the pillow to a depth of approximately two-thirds of the pillow to provide three hinged portions that are adapted to accommodate a portion of an arm or hand of the user that may be inserted under the pillow.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracing a contour onto a tile prior to cutting the tile includes a base member having a first longitudinal slot and a retaining lip disposed at one end thereof. A first extension member includes a second longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the base member by a fastener assembly that passes through the first and second longitudinal slots. A second extension member includes a third longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the first extension member by a second fastener assembly that passes through the second and third longitudinal slots. The second extension member includes a 45 degree angled end that terminates in a point, the point being useful for locating a point on an obstruction. The 45 degree end is used to orient the first and second extension members at a 45 degree angle with respect to a raised edge of the base member.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a predetermined size, shape, and thickness with a bolt hole adapted to receive a bolt therein and a method of attaching the apparatus to a ledger board sufficient to prevent rotation of the apparatus with respect to either the ledger board or the bolt hole. Modifications include securing the apparatus to the ledger board by the use of screws passing through a plurality of mounting holes provided in the apparatus or by the use of pointed protrusions that extend from the apparatus and which are pounded into the ledger board. Other modifications are described that include the use of intermediate shim spacers to vary the overall thickness of the spacer and of angled spacers for use with beveled types of siding.

Abstract: A wheeled apparatus is provided that converts alternate back and forth longitudinal motion supplied by the arms of a user to a pair of members into rotary motion that is used to drive the apparatus forward. The members move in opposite direction pulling and releasing a pair of chain segments that each a freewheel. Each freewheel drives an axle when rotated in one direction and coasts in the opposite direction. A drive gear is attached to the axle and supplies power to a driven gear attached to a multi-speed internal gear hub. A brake is also attached to the hub. An optional supplemental source of motive power such as an electric motor or gasoline engine can also be included.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recording of images from an interior of a vehicle upon detection of an intrusion allows for the arming of the vehicle when it is not in use. A locking of the vehicle's doors, a shutting off of the engine, or other methods are used to detect when the system is to be armed. The system does not record images when it is armed. It must be armed and then an intrusion must occur. Intrusion is detected by a dome light illuminating, a door lock being opened from the inside, a motion sensor detecting a presence or by other methods. When intrusion occurs with an armed system, recording of the images in the vehicle discreetly occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracing a contour onto a tile prior to cutting the tile includes a base member having a first longitudinal slot and a retaining lip disposed at one end thereof. A first extension member includes a second longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the base member by a fastener assembly that passes through the first and second longitudinal slots. A second extension member includes a third longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the first extension member by a second fastener assembly that passes through the second and third longitudinal slots. The second extension member includes a 45 degree angled end that terminates in a point, the point being useful for locating a point on an obstruction. The 45 degree end is used to orient the first and second extension members at a 45 degree angle with respect to a raised edge of the base member.

Abstract: A finish for application over an article of furniture includes an emulsion that if formed by blending together an oil-based furniture type of wax with a water based automotive type of wax. The furniture wax is limited to less than one-third the total volume. This results in a furniture finish that resists smudging, smearing, and dust collection and is also easy to apply and durable. A deep luster similar to that obtained by the use of a quality furniture wax is obtained without the disadvantages thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for the lighting of a candle that is elevated above a user includes a main body that has a trigger for releasing a quantity of butane from the main body. A plurality of sections of conduit cooperate with each other sufficient to telescope or extend from a retracted position into an extended position that is longer than the retracted position. When the trigger is depressed, butane is released from the main body and flows through all of the sections of conduit where it is eventually discharged into the ambient air. The butane is ignited, either by an on-board device or by a match, at a combined distal end of all of the sections of conduit. The sections of conduit provide a variable extensible effective length to the lighter that is adapted for igniting candles that are elevated above a user at varying distances. A candle snuffer is optionally included.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for field attaching an electrical connector to an MC-HL type of cable includes a housing having a built-in ninety degree radius. The housing includes sockets at each end, one for attachment to an oil field wellhead, for example, and the other end to the MC-HL cable. Various component parts are described along with both audible and visual verification that proper attachment has occurred. A method of securing the cable to the connector to provide the required strain relief and not damage the metal cladding is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for connection of a rapid charging system to an electric vehicle includes a connector plug that is attached to an electrical cable at one end that is, in turn, connected to a charging system at the remaining end of the cable. The connector plug is adapted to fit into a mating receptacle that is attached to the electric vehicle. A pair of cavities in the connector plug are adapted to receive any combination of modules that include switches, lights, or blank filler plugs. The connector plug is preferably molded from rubber. Various contacts are described having high current, or signal, or pilot functions and which mate with various length pins in the mating receptacle so as to sequence the order in which electrical conductivity is attained. Temperature sensing of the connector and shutdown subsequent to an over-temperature condition is described and allows for the use of smaller sized electrical connectors.

Abstract: An accent device for use with a headpiece includes a headpiece with at least one opening in the headpiece through which one end of the accent is inserted. An opposite end of the accent device is brought into contact with the one end and attached thereto. The accent device includes a structure that is disposed on a plane and can include any circular, oval, or polygonal shape. Any other item, including jewelry can also be attached to the accent device. A method for permanently attaching an accent piece to a headpiece is also described.

Abstract: A system and process includes a computer that is operatively connected to the Internet. A database of MLS properties that are for sale is maintained that is accessible to the computer. Real estate agents must subscribe in order to use the system and are then included in the database. Clients may be either prospective buyers or sellers of the MLS properties. Each client is required to complete a client commitment form whereby the client elects to have a currently subscribing real estate agent represent them before they are allowed access to the information and services provided. Real estate agents may view any of the client's files and activities and post upcoming MLS properties that are to be offered for sale and to FAX property defects to other real estate agents. Agents are also able to view the activity of any of their own listings.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transport of a propane tank for filling includes a clamp assembly that is adapted for attachment to a portion of a sidewall of a pickup truck. A removable assembly is detachably-attachable with respect to the clamp assembly. The removable assembly includes a pivoting plate that is adapted to receive a bottom of a propane tank thereon, and a band assembly that is adapted to secure an upper portion of the propane tank. The pivoting plate is adapted to pivot upward for storage and the band assembly is adapted to pivot downward for storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for the control and alignment of a sensor on a moving vehicle is provided that includes a gimbal ball supported by an outer axis structure and adapted to pivot about an outer elevation axis and about an outer azimuth axis. The outer axis structure is mounted to a vehicle. An inner axis structure includes a cardan shaft that is provided in the ball and is used to support a payload. An inner elevation axis passes through the cardan shaft. The payload is moved about inner pitch inner roll and inner yaw axes over a limited range of motion by the use of a plurality of permanent magnet wide-gap motors that are disposed on the plane of the cardan shaft and maximally away from the yaw axis in the ball. The motors are adapted to each urge the payload to move in two perpendicular axes, depending upon the current that is applied through conductors which pass through a flux field. Control circuitry is used to energize the motors in any desired combination to produce motion in roll, pitch, or yaw.

Abstract: An apparatus for the inhalation of a vaporized essential oil includes a container where the essential oil is adapted to be disposed. A conduit is exposed to ambient air at one end and is disposed in the container above the essential oil at a remaining end. A path is provided through which air can be drawn into the conduit, exit from the conduit and mix with a vaporized essential oil in the container, and then be inhaled. According to a first modification a detachable canister is attached to a base block. According to a second modification, a modified base block is adapted for use with existing types of pipes.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a list includes a planar base member and a plurality of magnetic items that are detachable apart from the base member. The desired magnetic items form the items to be included on the list and they are selected from amongst the plurality of magnetic items and are placed proximate the base member. The base member and the desired magnetic items are used as a portable list or, alternatively, a piece of paper is placed over the magnetic items and a force is applied to the surface of the paper, for example rubbing it with the side of a pencil, which affects the paper to transfer a legible representation of the magnetic items to the paper. The paper is then used as the portable list.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a glove from a hand and retaining it in position includes a housing and a pair of self-facing arcuate members disposed on the inside thereof of opposite side walls of the housing. A plurality of downward facing bristles are attached to a lower portion of each of the arcuate members that are disposed in close proximity to each other. When a gloved hand is inserted into the device in a downward directions the arcuate members flex in toward the side walls to accommodate the gloved hand and the bristles allow for easy downward passage. When the hand is then withdrawn in an upward direction, the arcuate members force the bristles to bear into the glove preventing the glove from being extracted in an upward direction. Accordingly, the glove is retained in the device as the hand is pulled upward out from the device. Foam spacers provide additional force to urge the arcuate members toward the glove.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the actual functioning of an automotive coil includes a housing with a switch and a capacitor across the switch. Connections to ground and to a coil that is placed in series with the apparatus are provided. An opposite side of the coil either is or remains connected to a positive source of voltage, such as a battery in the automobile. The positive source of voltage is also connected to a visible spark tester. Cycling of the switch activates the coil and produces an arc that is visible in the spark tester. An additional circuit is provided in the housing that verifies the presence of a minimum required voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a bicycle includes a base portion and a whistle portion. The base portion is attached to a frame, fender, or handlebars of a bicycle. The whistle portion is attached to the base portion and is adapted to produce an audible sound when the bicycle is moving forward. The sound that is produced can be disabled by rotating the whistle portion relative to the base portion or by urging a member so as to obstruct the flow of air through the whistle portion.