Abstract: An apparatus for installing a split-ring on a sink flange to install a garbage disposer unit includes a first cylindrical member that is disposed co-axially with respect to a second cylindrical member. The cylindrical members are adapted for at least limited longitudinal movement with respect to each other. The first cylindrical member is used to temporarily retain the split-ring in an expanded position proximate an annular groove that is provided in the sink flange. The second cylindrical member is used to displace the split-ring off of the first cylindrical member and onto the annular groove of the sink flange where it is needed to complete installation of the garbage disposer. According to a preferred embodiment the first and second cylindrical members are not attached to each other and final installation of the snap-ring to the sink flange is accomplished by applying a downward pressure to the sink flange from above the sink while supporting the device from below the sink.

Abstract: An apparatus for the unique and permanent identification of an article of luggage includes a microchip attached to the article of luggage. The microchip contains a unique identification number that uniquely identifies that particular article of luggage apart from all other articles of luggage. A data base is provided that includes a file appertaining to each article of luggage. The file includes the name and address of the owner of the article of luggage and is updated by the owner, as desired, to include his travel plans. Only the owner (or his representative) may change the contents of the file. Authorized users, such as airline companies, may view but not alter the contents of the file subsequent to a communication to the data base that includes the unique identification number and an authorized user identification number.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a bed linen proximate a mattress includes a planar member with at least one tapered portion that is adapted to receive a portion of a bed linen therein. In use, the bed linen is urged into the tapered portion and is secured thereto. The planar member is then rotated approximately 180 degrees and is placed under a corner of the mattress, thereby securing the corner of the linen in position under the mattress. Alternate embodiments for the planar member and for the tapered portion are described.

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. A cardan assembly is provided in the ball that includes a cardan shaft with an inner elevation axis passing through the cardan shaft. The inner elevation axis is in parallel alignment with respect to the outer elevation axis and includes an offset that raises the inner elevation axis above the outer elevation axis by a predetermined amount to provide for a greater payload volume and improved optical performance. If desired the cardan assembly includes an inner azimuth axis that is offset with respect to the outer azimuth axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a book or magazine for reading includes a bottom member and a top member. The top member is elevated at one end above the bottom member and is adapted to pivot from a first closed position for reading into a second open position for turning the pages. At least a portion of the top member is transparent to permit viewing of printed matter through the top member, which is adapted to press upon the book or magazine when it is disposed in the first position. A lip is attached to the bottom member and is used to further retain the book or magazine in position. A receiving member is optionally attached to a back of the bottom member and is used to attach either a leg or a handle thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an infant that is placed in a front-worn type of infant carrier includes a flexible center panel that includes a pair of arcuate sides that curve inward proximate the vertical center of the center panel. A pair of flexible side panels each include a pair of opposite outwardly curved edges that are each attached on one side to one of the arcuate sides of the center panel. An adjustable neck strap that is attached to the center panel is placed around the neck of the person using the apparatus. The person attaches the front-worn infant carrier to the front of their person and then places the infant therein, either facing the infant rearward or facing forward. The apparatus is then secured about the neck of the person and is allowed to drape over the infant carrier and the infant therein, thereby protecting the infant from the sun and elements.

Abstract: A method and product for decaffeinating an aqueous solution, such as a cup of coffee or tea, includes exposing the aqueous solution (that is to be decaffeinated) to a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymer beads (MIPS) that have receptor sites on the surfaces thereof that include imprints that match the physical shape of at least a portion of a caffeine molecule. A quantity of the caffeine molecules align with and adhere to some of the receptor sites and, accordingly, they are removed from the aqueous solution producing a decaffeinated aqueous solution. The MIPS are contained in an enclosure having a plurality of openings large enough to permit the aqueous solution to pass through and small enough so as to prevent the MIPS from passing through. Accordingly, the MIPS are absent from the decaffeinated aqueous solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for the assisted portage of automobile types of infant-seats separate from an automobile includes a coiled holder with an extensible strap that is attached to one side of the infant-seat and a screw-eye that is attached to the other side. The extensible strap includes a first end with a fastening device such as a spring clip that is attached to the screw-eye when the strap is extended out of the coiled holder and over the shoulder of a user. The extensible strap is set to any desired length and is locked at that position by the coiled holder or it is automatically retracted therein depending upon the position of a locking toggle on the coiled holder. Preferably, the coiled holder is attached to one side of a handle of the infant-seat at a pivot axis for the handle and the screw-eye is attached to the opposite side. The pivot axis is disposed proximate the center of gravity and therefore optimally supports the infant-seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of a wearer includes a first inner layer that is adapted to reflect a portion of radar energy back toward its source. A second outer layer is disposed over the first inner layer and it provides a texture and visual appearance that is preferred. For some applications, an especially easy to spot brightly colored visual appearance is preferred for the second outer layer. For other applications, a more subdued visual appearance is preferred. For still other applications, a camouflage appearance is preferred. A space is provided intermediate the first inner layer and the second outer layer accordingly to a modification and an additional material is used to fill the space. The additional material must be substantially transparent to radar energy and it may provide additional floatation capability or additional insulating capability or both to the garment, as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for the storage and display of articles of jewelry includes a plurality of plastic strips that are disposed in parallel alignment with respect to each other and which each include a pair of spaced apart openings on each end thereof that are adapted for placement over a pair of posts. The pair of posts are disposed in a parallel spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. Each of the plastic strips includes a plurality of fingers that protrude slightly outward and away from the posts and are adapted to receive and to retain an article of jewelry that may be suspended therefrom. The posts are retained in position in a cabinet. The strips are retained in position along the pair of posts unless the strips are acted on by a force which tends to urge them in either direction along the longitudinal length of the pair of posts. The strips may be urged either closer together or further apart to accommodate various sizes of jewelry items.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of a person afloat in the water includes a garment portion that is worn by the person. The garment portion preferably includes an inflatable vest. An actuation mechanism detects immersion in the water, preferably at a predetermined depth, and then automatically inflates the vest by puncturing or opening a first container and releasing a gas therein. A balloon is also attached to the vest and is also inflated by the gas of the first container providing the gas in the first container is a lighter-than-air type of a gas that is able to cause the balloon to rise in the air. A tether secures the balloon to the vest. If the gas in the first container is not suitable for filling the balloon, a second container is used that contains the desired lighter-than-air gas and it is also either punctured or otherwise opened by the actuation mechanism so as to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a split-ring on a sink flange to install a garbage disposer unit includes a first cylindrical member that is disposed co-axially with respect to a second cylindrical member. The cylindrical members are adapted for at least limited longitudinal movement with respect to each other. The first cylindrical member is used to temporarily retain the split-ring in an expanded position proximate an annular groove that is provided in the sink flange. The second cylindrical member is used to displace the split-ring off of the first cylindrical member and onto the annular groove of the sink flange where it is needed to complete installation of the garbage disposer. According to a preferred embodiment the first and second cylindrical members are not attached to each other and final installation of the snap-ring to the sink flange is accomplished by applying a downward pressure to the sink flange from above the sink while supporting the device from below the sink.

Abstract: An apparatus for the portage of a cargo includes an articulated frame assembly, one half of which supports a wheel and the remaining half of which is yoked to a control handlebar and waist belt assembly that is worn around the waist of a user. A table, saddlebags, and pouches attach to the apparatus for containing the cargo as does a bench type of a seat. The control handlebar pivots about an axis that is generally parallel with a surface. The two frame halves articulate as needed about a pivot axis disposed in a pivot assembly. The pivot axis is generally disposed in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to the surface when the user is making turns. The pivot axis assembly includes a pivot brake and it can be allowed to pivot or it can be locked in position as a rigid non-articulating frame assembly. The control handlebar pivots into a second position that places the ends in contact with the surface and is useful for the stationary storage of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for use at parties resembles a cardboard box that is open at the top and is supported in mid air. The box stores candy or toys therein and includes a latch that is released subsequent to pulling on a trigger cord. The latch includes a pin in a side member that engages a hole attached to a flap of a bottom member. The trigger cord pulls the flap away from the pin which then releases the bottom member which is able to pivot and release the candy or toys which then fall to the ground. VELCRO is used to ensure that the flap is maintained in a closed position until the trigger cord is pulled. A plurality of false cords resemble the trigger cord and they all dangle through openings that are provided in the bottom member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting an internal-linkage type of a transfer case from single lever to dual lever control includes a sleeve that is adapted for placement into a housing of the transfer case. A pivot pin is disposed in the sleeve and defines a pivot axis. The pivot pin passes through a first pivot hole in a first arm and a second pivot hole in a second arm. The first arm includes a first arcuate end at one end thereof and the second arm includes a second arcuate end at one end thereof. The first and second arcuate ends are each adapted to cooperate with a member in the transfer case sufficient for the first arm to select either a two or a four wheel drive mode and for the second arm to select either a high or a low gear range when the first and second arms are pivoted about the axis. A first and a second shift lever are attached to the first and second arms and a protective boot covers at least a portion of the housing.

Abstract: A device for placement on a desk includes a base portion that is formed of a non-toxic material, preferably a salt. A first inscription is provided on a visible surface of the base portion that specifies a brand name of prescription medication. A second inscription is provided on a visible surface of the base portion that provides an instruction regarding the use of the device. The second inscription is humorous in that the instruction suggests or implies that the base portion might actually be formed of the prescription medication. The base portion is optionally dyed to better match the appearance of the prescription medication. An optional slot is provided in the base portion to retain business cards therein. An optional first recess is provided in the base portion to retain pens and pencils therein. An optional second recess is provided in the base portion that includes a concave shape and is useful to retain smaller objects, like coins and paper clips therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for the support of a caulking gun includes an opening at a top-end thereof adapted to receive the caulking gun. A ring defines the opening, according to a first embodiment and a sock portion is attached to the ring and extends therefrom a predetermined distance. A belt loop is attached to the apparatus and is used to attach it to a belt of a user. A cup is disposed distally from the opening under a tip of the caulking gun and is used to catch and retain any caulk that may drip from the gun. The cup is either periodically cleaned and re-used or disposed of, as desired, and a new one inserted. The cup is secured in place by a VELCRO fastener system. The sock portion is preferably made of canvas and includes a second opening at a distal end thereof and a second VELCRO fastener at said distal end to secure the second opening in a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the containment and dispensing of a lotion directly to the body of a user includes a container with a first opening and a cap adapted to cover the first opening. A center member is attached to the cap and extends in the container into a lotion that is housed within the container when the cap is disposed so as to cover the first opening. A lotion applicator portion is detachably-attached to a distal end of the center member. An extensible member is disposed in the center member and is adapted to retract therein or to extend therefrom sufficient to increase the combined length of the center member and the extensible member thereby permitting the applicator portion to reach a more remote part of the body of the user. A wiper is disposed in the container and is used to remove excess lotion from the center member and from the lotion applicator portion when the cap is removed from the container. An optional second opening includes a refill cap and is used to clean or to refill the container.

Abstract: A method and product for decaffeinating an aqueous solution, such as a cup of coffee or tea, includes exposing the aqueous solution (that is to be decaffeinated) to a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymer beads (MIPS) that have receptor sites on the surfaces thereof that include imprints that match the physical shape of at least a portion of a caffeine molecule. A quantity of the caffeine molecules align with and adhere to some of the receptor sites and, accordingly, they are removed from the aqueous solution producing a decaffeinated aqueous solution. The MIPS are contained in an enclosure having a plurality of openings large enough to permit the aqueous solution to pass through and small enough so as to prevent the MIPS from passing through. Accordingly, the MIPS are absent from the decaffeinated aqueous solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the sway of a trailer includes a first portion that is attached to a towing vehicle at any of several locations including an end portion of a receiver hitch, a bumper, a frame or body member, or by the use of a modified type of a drawbar having an offset member. A second portion is attached to a trailer at any of several locations including to a ball coupler by the use of an adapter plate, a modified ball coupler bracket, or directly to a tongue of the trailer. Intermediate the first and second portion at least one damper is disposed, preferably a hydraulic damper of the type that is generally used to form an automobile steering damper. The damper preferably includes spherical type bearings at each end thereof to allow for limited articulation about a point. A geometric arrangement (i.e., an angle) for the damper is provided whereby a sufficient dampening force is experienced the moment the trailer begins to deviate from normal.