Abstract: An apparatus for the compression of a piston of a disk brake housing into a cylinder includes a caliper gun frame, a lever attached to the frame, a rod that extends forward and away from a user as the lever is squeezed, a hollow extension shaft attached to the frame and disposed over a portion of the rod, a retaining plate attached to a distal end of the extension shaft, a compression disk attached to a distal end of the rod and an actuating assembly attached to the frame and affected by the lever that displaces the rod in a first forward direction as the lever is squeezed. The device is positioned intermediate an inside surface of the housing and the piston whereby the compression disk bears against a top exposed surface of the piston and urges the piston into the cylinder as the lever is squeezed an amount sufficient to replace a pair of disk brake pads.

Abstract: A level is adapted for attachment to an upper surface of a shoe in such a manner that the level is visible to a wearer of the shoe. The level is calibrated by using a known level surface to stand upon and then adjusting the level so that it reads level when standing on the known level surface. The user then walks intermediate a first and second location, pausing as desired, and noting the reading that is provided by the level. Accordingly, a method of determining the grade at any given location is provided. If the user combines two or more readings that are taken intermediate the first and the second location, an average grade intermediate the first and the second location is provided. A preferred bubble level and method of adjusting the level to the shoe and of detaching it therefrom is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the interior portions of an internal combustion engine includes an ultrasonic cleaning machine that supplies a heated cleaning solution to the engine or to a sub-system of the engine through a first adapter that connects to a first orifice of the engine, for example, to the oil filter port. A second adapter connects to a second orifice of the engine, for example, to the oil drain port, and includes an ultrasonic transducer. After the cleaning solution has been supplied to the engine, the ultrasonic transducer is energized for a predetermined period of time to impart ultrasonic energy to the cleaning solution in the engine to improve cleaning efficacy. When complete, the cleaning solution and adapters are removed from the engine. Then the proper fluid, for example, fresh motor oil is added along with a new oil filter.

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: A method is described that includes making a first impression of the face of a surgical patient prior to the commencing of surgery and of making a second impression of the face after the first impression has been made. Typically, the first and second impressions are a negative first and second impression that are each used in turn to make a first and a second positive impression of the face which are then used for making a comparison therebetween and also for teaching purposes. The second impression may be taken during the actual surgical procedure or it may be taken after surgery has been completed and the patient has fully healed. If desired, a third impression may be made after the second impression has been taken. The third impression is typically a third negative impression that is used to create a third positive impression. The third positive impression is also used for comparison purposes.

Abstract: A system and process includes a computer that is preferably operatively connected to an area network, such as to the Internet. A database is maintained that is accessible to the computer. Raw data is provided to the computer that includes an assessment of a person's behavior or competency for a given area of interest. The raw data is a score or a rating. For example, on a scale from one to ten various people could rate how effective the person is at giving clear instructions. The raw data is the person's score in this area and it is stored by the computer as a file in the database for each person. Software in the computer is used to calculate a normed value for each person in a like-group having a file in the database. Calculation of the normed value requires mathematical comparison of the file for each person to be made with every other person in the group.

Abstract: An apparatus for the stabilization of a drinking vessel such as a glass, coffee mug, or a piece of stemware that is placed on a flat or irregular or sloping surface includes a base portion having a flexible outer covering that surrounds a flexible weighted mass. An elastomeric member that includes an opening is attached to the base portion. The elastomeric member is urged into an open position which requires expanding the opening a sufficient amount to permit the bottom portion of the drinking vessel to pass through the opening and rest on top of the base portion. The elastomeric member is then allowed to retract into a closed position in which elastomeric tension secures the bottom portion of the drinking vessel to the top of the base portion. The apparatus is then placed on the desired surface where the drinking vessel is supported and thereby prevented from tilting or tipping.

Abstract: A system for attaching accessories to a base structure that is disposed at grade level proximate an aquatic environment includes an upright pedestal support assembly that is detachably-attachable with respect to the base by a twist-lock “bayonet” type of a mounting system. This permits the pedestal support assembly to be attached to the base and removed therefrom as desired. The pedestal support assembly is used to support any of a variety of poolside accessories. Additional base structures may be disposed either at grade level or underwater or both. Accordingly, any of the poolside accessories are interchangeable with respect to any of the base structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a camera therein for use underwater includes a waterproof housing, a door, and a flat panel that is disposed at one end of the housing, the flat panel being transparent and extending throughout the one end. The camera includes a viewing lens that is adapted for placement adjacent the flat panel. A CD or cassette tape player provides a source of sound that is played through a pair of speakers for simultaneous recording of sound and images on a videocamera. A push button waterproof switch is attached to a cable, the cable is adapted for placement over a record button of the videocamera.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining a fluid from a can of food includes a first and second member that are pivotally attached about a common pivot axis. The first member includes a cylinder having a closed bottom and open top that is disposed proximate the pivot axis. The first member extends away from the pivot axis and includes a first handle that is distally disposed from the pivot axis. The second member includes an arcuate portion disposed above the cylinder and a third member that is pivotally attached at one end to the center of the arcuate portion. A grate is attached to the remaining end of the third member. The second member continues to extend from the arcuate portion and includes a second handle at a distal end thereof. When an opened can of food is placed in the cylinder and the first and second handles are urged together, the grate bears upon the food in the can forcing the food to the bottom of the can and displacing the fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A method and product for reducing distortion in an audio cable includes a flexible outer conduit and at least one electrical conductor (i.e. wire) disposed in the conduit along its longitudinal length. A granular or beaded ferro-electric substance is disposed in the conduit along its longitudinal length. The electrical conductor is surrounded by (i.e., immersed in) the ferro-electric substance along its length and extends from each end of the cable and may include whatever termination is desired to connect the electrical conductor to a component part of an audio or home theater system. A seal is provided at each end of the audio cable to retain the ferro-electric substance. Preferred ferro-electric substances include generally spherically shaped beads of silica gel or rochelle salts of combinations thereof.

Abstract: Phone Amplification and privacy device with a U shaped cradle into which a cellular phone or public phone fits, a rectangular shaped housing that is hinged at one end to the bottom portion of the U shape, a speaker attached to the U shaped portion that ends up being located just over the top of and parallel to the microphone portion of the cellular phone or public phone, a microphone and amplifier circuit enclosed within the rectangular housing, an on/off switch and battery located within said rectangular housing, and a privacy shield hingably attached to one edge of the outside surface of said rectangular housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of a braking force to a wheel of a wheelbarrow, hand cart or other type of a cargo portage device includes a twist grip mechanism with a latching type of a ratchet attached to the handlebar of the device. As the twist grip mechanism is rotated a progressive braking force is applied to the wheel by tightening a brake band that extends around a drum that is attached to the wheel. A cable is attached at one end to the twist grip mechanism and to the brake band at its remaining end. The ratchet maintains the braking force that is applied until a thumb release lever is depressed which disengages a ratchet dog from contact with any of a plurality of ratchet teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus for lessening the force exerted by the current as water flows past the legs of a user who is standing perpendicular with respect to the current. A V-shaped portion is disposed upstream and, preferably, a second V-shaped portion is disposed downstream over the lower portion of each of the legs. A detachable rigid strap-on version is described along with a flexible permanently attached version that is attached to each leg of a pair of waders.

Abstract: An apparatus for the support of a cardan shaft within a gimbal ball includes a pair of cardan support cranes that are adapted to pivot around an inner elevation axis in the ball and which each support one of a pair of vibration isolators. Each end of the cardan shaft is supported by one of the vibration isolators. An outer elevation drive motor is attached to the ball and drives against a bevel section of a combination bevel sector and spur gear that is attached to an outer support structure, that supports the ball. The motor drives the ball in elevation relative to the outer support structure. This causes the ball to rotate relative to the bevel sector and spur gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for the practice of any sport involving a ball that is propelled in the air includes a planar section of netting that is surrounded by an elastic cord. The netting is attached to the elastic cord by a plurality of rings that are attached to the netting and which also encircle the elastic cord. A ceiling plate is attached to the ceiling and it includes a locking mechanism that secures a draw cord in any desired position. The draw cord is used to raise or lower a base tray portion of the apparatus from an upper position proximate the ceiling plate to a lower position of rest upon a floor or ground surface. When the base tray portion is raised it gathers the netting as it is raised until it makes contact with a pair of end caps that are attached to the ceiling plate at opposite ends thereof. In the raised position, the apparatus forms a neat closed assembly that contains the netting.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as a pad and for placement intermediate a rail and a railroad tie includes a plurality of cylindrical recesses that extend into the pad. An elastomeric material is used to form the pad. The cylindrical recesses may include a tiered structure, a portion of which is aligned with at least one corresponding cylindrical recess that is disposed on an opposite side of the pad. The cylindrical recesses convert vertical loading into shear forces that are distributed within the pad. Deformation of the pad due to shear and Poisson's ratio occurs substantially within the pad itself thereby lessening the horizontal movement, or scrubbing action, of the pad upon the railroad tie and increasing the life expectancy of the pad and also providing a method for strain attenuation by the use of shear.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a ball throwing device includes a main body and an arcuate portion that extends from the main body. The apparatus is adapted to be attached to a shaft of the ball throwing device and the arcuate portion is adapted to be placed over an article of clothing, the article of clothing being disposed intermediate the arcuate portion and the shaft of the device. The main body is adapted for placement over the shaft at a lower portion of the shaft and to be urged up the shaft toward the handle until it reaches the beginning of the handle where the apparatus is retained in position to the device by a pair of dimples that are formed in the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing pills includes a cylindrically shaped portion that is adapted for attachment by the use of an adhesive to the underside of a cap for a prescription bottle and, once attached, for insertion into the prescription bottle. The cylindrically shaped portion includes an upper end and an opposite bottom end. The upper-end is attached to the cap and it includes the adhesive that is exposed by peeling off a protective covering and then applying the upper end to the cap. The upper end may include a first half of a hook and loop fastener with a second half of a hook and loop fastener attached to the inside of the cap to permit detachably attaching the upper end to the cap.