Abstract: A vehicle having a driving cab and specialized frame extending rearward from the driving cab and a rear module body which can be easily exchanged on the specialized frame. The specialized frame has two rails, each with an incline, and the rear module body has two open bottom frame channels, which conform to the rails and the inclines. When lowered onto the specialized frame, interaction between the specialized frame and frame channels creates a forward push resulting in a tight fit of the rear module body to the rear of the driving cab. Sliding lock jack assemblies fasten the rear module body to the specialized frame and deploy to unfasten and then lift the rear module body free of the specialized frame. The slide lock jack assemblies conceal in compartments while fastening and rotate 90 degrees to lift.

Abstract: A custom mouthguard has a resilient U-shaped body with an anterior wall and a posterior wall. A post dam on the posterior wall forms a seal with palatal tissue to increase retention of the mouthguard in a wearer's mouth. The increased retention allows a wearer to speak and open mouth breath while wearing the mouthguarrd. The mouth guard also has an indexed region that serves to mutually stabilize maxillary teeth, mandibular teeth, mandible and TMJ components. Mouthguard methods and processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed that pick up and clean landscape rock using air under vacuum pressure. This apparatus provides a means for cleaning and reusing rock that has become aesthetically unattractive instead of removing the old landscape rock and replacing it with new rock. The invention also includes a device for separating debris from the vacuum airstream. This device may be used in combination with the device for picking up and cleaning landscape rock or may be used independently.

Abstract: A continuous flow of a lineal object such as wire, banding or twine is tagged with the device of this invention with an adhesive-backed tag that is folded around the lineal object as it passes underneath and thru the device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed that pick up and clean landscape rock using air under vacuum pressure. This apparatus provides a means for cleaning and reusing rock that has become aesthetically unattractive instead of removing the old landscape rock and replacing it with new rock. The invention also includes a device for separating debris from the vacuum airstream. This device may be used in combination with the device for picking up and cleaning landscape rock or may be used independently.

Abstract: A floating boat lift has a platform, first and second parallel spaced apart arms and a boat holding region defined therebetween, the defined boatholding region having a linking strip of half-blocks with an aligned groove for accepting and guiding a boat keel. The lift includes adjustable buoyancy.

Abstract: A track for in-line tires on a skid steer vehicle, the track includes a continuous loop of links with sidebars and a pin and a barrel, the pin and barrel together forming a hinge between the links and extending between the sidebars. Tire side guides extend upward from the side bars to guide the tires along a pathway over the upward side of the hinges. The opposite side of the hinges engage the ground. The tire side guides can be permanently attached or temporarily fastened to the sidebars at selected positions and moved to other selected positions to convert the track for use with different sized tires, thereby proving a convertible track and a method of converting a track. A system for forming and closing the track as a loop of links is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flower pot for covering the top of a post has a central capped receiver channel with a square channel extending upward from the bottom of the flower pot, a transition channel extending upward from the square channel, a cylindrical channel extending upward from the transition channel and an upper cap. The flower pot accepts and self-centers on a variety of posts. An optional knock-out in the cap also allows the flower pot to be hung from an overhead support.

Abstract: A device for sensing moisture in moving hay bales has a pair of star-shaped wheels situated to have points penetrate into the bale and be driven by the bale. The points establish electrode surfaces within the bale between which resistivity or conductivity of an electrical current may be measured and scaled to moisture content of the hay of the bale.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating an orthopedic parameters signal between a remote communication unit and a central site monitoring station is provided. The orthopedic signal includes a value representative of a total torque output by an individual over a period of time as measured by a personal orthopedic restraining device. The restraining device is restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second body portion. Communication is accomplished by receiving the orthopedic parameters signal at the remote unit from the orthopedic device. Subsequently, the received signal is protected from potential transmission errors through encoding. The encoded signal is prepared for transmission through modulation. Finally, the modulated signal is transmitted over a communication channel from the remote unit to the central station such that movement of flexibly connected body portions can be monitored. In addition, the operations of the central site monitoring station are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-treatment of a fresh manure slurry stream. The method alters gas production during subsequent treatment or holding. The method passes the stream through a pre-treatment zone in which the slurry is subjected to alternating electrical current depositing energy from about 1.1.times.10.sup.-2 J/cm.sup.3 to 4.1.times.10.sup.-1 J/cm.sup.3. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart electrodes of inert material which define a pre-treatment zone between the electrodes and preferably induce turbulence in the stream within the pre-treatment zone.

Abstract: A dental appliance and a process for making a dental appliance by forming a laminated vinyl base of closed cell materials using a thermal forming technique and subsequently forming a polymerized overlay resin layer to bond artificial teeth to the base and provide a visible surface for the appliance. The resulting laminated appliance is slightly flexible but the flexibility may be increased by increasing its temperature and thereby facilitate installation over or removal from undercut dental tissues in a patient. The thermal formed intermediate is employed in a "try-in" when temporarily waxed and temporarily fitted with artificial teeth. The intermediate portion of the "try-in" eventually becomes incorporated in the dental appliance. The blanks may be furnished as an array, with flexibility information to assist in selection of an appropriate blank from the array.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating an orthopedic parameters signal between a remote communication unit and a central site monitoring station is provided. The orthopedic signal includes a value representative of a total torque output by an individual over a period of time as measured by a personal orthopedic restraining device. The restraining device is restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second body portion. Communication is accomplished by receiving the orthopedic parameters signal at the remote unit from the orthopedic device. Subsequently, the received signal is protected from potential transmission errors through encoding. The encoded signal is prepared for transmission through modulation. Finally, the modulated signal is transmitted over a communication channel from the remote unit to the central station such that movement of flexibly connected body portions can be monitored. In addition, the operations of the central site monitoring station are described.

Abstract: A system and method for locally monitoring an orthopedic restraining device is provided. The restraining device restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second body portion of an individual wearing the restraining device. Communication is accomplished by receiving a message signal from a restraining device controller operatively coupled to the personal orthopedic restraining device. The message signal is encoded into a display compatible signal. Subsequently, the display compatible signal is prepared for subsequent transmission by modulating the display compatible signal. Finally, the modulated display compatible signal is transmitted over a communication channel to the local monitoring unit such that the individual wearing the restraining device can receive messages from the restraining device controller.

Abstract: The squeeze container is made of a flexible material and is configured to store and dispense viscous fluid. The squeeze container is fitted with an automatic dispensing nozzle which allows flow when the container is squeezed and cuts off flow when the squeezing forces are removed. A stand is associated with the squeeze container, designed to hold the container in the nozzle down position. The stand may serve as a cover to protect the material before dispensing. The container may have a refill aperture and cap as well as a suspension device incorporated therein.

Abstract: The handcuff assembly comprises a first wrist encircling means for selectively encircling one wrist, a second wrist encircling means for selectively encircling a second wrist, and a connecting means for rigidly connecting the first wrist encircling means to the second wrist encircling means. The connecting means comprises an elongated body having an opening therein suitable for acting as a receptacle for a hand to allow the connecting means with opening to serve as a device to acquire leverage over the detainee whose wrists are secured in the shackles.

Abstract: A fishing lure including an elongate body which has a minnow head simulating portion and an enclosed weight receiving cavity and weight therein, a spoon portion having a downward directed convex surface and an upward directed concave surface nested therein, and a conical transition surface connecting the upward directed side of the head to the concave surface of the spoon portion, along with a fish hook adjacent the spoon portion of the body. The hook may be rigid and have a weedless feature, or be a treble hook on a split ring. The lure has a rolling osscilation when pulled through the water and orients itself head down and hook upward when allowed to drop through the water.