Abstract: A device for use in the installation of lightweight concrete roof systems includes a base element having a substantially flat portion and a wire tie. The wire tie extends from the base element and terminates at opposite ends which may be formed in a ring or loop. In use, the base element is mechanically fastened to the bar joist, through the steel deck, of the roof system. The terminal ends of the wire tie are secured to steel-welded wire reinforcement fabric overlying a layer of lightweight concrete, thereby securing the lightweight concrete to the steel deck of the roof system and preventing separation of the lightweight concrete due to external forces such as wind sheer.

Abstract: A system repositions and properly aligns vehicles and other loads on the platform of a roll-back truck during the loading process. Movement devices strategically positioned on the roll-back platform engage the forward and/or rear tires of the vehicle being loaded and move the forward and/or rear end of the vehicle transversely relative to the longitudinal centerline of the platform. Once the position has been adjusted, the vehicle can be pulled forward on the platform to continue the loading process. Transverse adjusted movement of the forward and/or rear end of the vehicle can be made throughout the loading process until the vehicle is fully loaded and properly positioned on the platform of the roll-back truck.

Abstract: In a twin screw marine vessel that has two engines arranged in tandem along the vessel's centerline, a drive system allows both engines to drive the propellers or, alternatively, either engine to drive both propellers independently (e.g. one in forward, the other in reverse) while the other engine is disengaged and shut down. The output of each engine engages and disengages with one of two chain drives with the use of a clutch. A third clutch is provided between the two chain drives for selectively engaging and disengaging the chain drives with one another. An under/overdrive unit on the output of each chain drive is linked to a respective port or starboard V-drive via a universal drive shaft. Each V-drive has an internal transmission for selective clockwise or counter clockwise rotation of a correspondingly driven one of the port and starboard propellers. The under/overdrive units allow for a change in gear ratio between single engine and twin engine drive for maximum efficiency.

Abstract: An undergarment in the form of boxer shorts includes a concealed inside pocket on the front panel for holding valuables and other items such as, but not limited to, a credit card, a membership or I.D. card, paper and coin currency and keys. The pocket hangs freely on the inside of the boxer shorts and is secured to the front panel at a top open pocket mouth. A horizontal slit opening on the front panel, just below the waistband of the boxer shorts, communicates with the pocket mouth to permit placement and removal of the items carried in the pocket. A zipper or other closure mechanism is provided for securing the slit opening closed, thereby safely containing the items in the pocket. Opposing flaps along the horizontal slit opening on the outside of the front panel help to conceal the pocket mouth and closure mechanism.

Abstract: An insulated drinking vessel includes an inner wall surrounding an interior for containing a liquid beverage and a transparent outer wall spaced from the inner wall to form an air space which acts to insulate the vessel interior in order to maintain the temperature of the liquid beverage contents within a desired range throughout a period of time which is normally required to consume the entire beverage contents. A removable top lid for covering the open top of the vessel includes an integrated sip spout extending upwardly from the lid. In one preferred embodiment, the drinking vessel and lid are in the form of a child's sip cup. The drinking vessel may further be provided with light-absorbing luminescent material to enhance the appearance and visibility of the drinking vessel as well as the level of the liquid contents when in a dark or dim light environment.

Abstract: An emergency sail system for disabled watercraft comprises a mast receptacle for interfacing with the watercraft structure and a multi-segmented main mast supported by the mast receptacle in a substantially vertical orientation and removable therefrom. A sail assembly is affixed to the main mast with a rotational joint wherein the sail assembly is rotatable about a vertical axis of the main mast in a first direction and is also rotatable about a horizontal axis substantially at right angles with respect to the main mast in a second direction.

Abstract: A ligation device for use with an orthodontic appliance having individual brackets attached to a patient's teeth and an arch wire received within a slot of each of the brackets. The ligator is formed of an elastomeric material and includes an O-ring portion surrounding a central area and an integral membrane covering the central area. The O-ring portion is adapted to stretch over hook shaped projections on the bracket for producing a continually acting tractive force that urges the arch wire against the bracket. The membrane has a diameter equal to or less than the outermost diameter of the O-ring portion so that, when the ligator is attached to the bracket, the membrane is pulled tight and the prongs and slot are concealed from view. An ornamental design or indicia on the outer face of the membrane is visibly exposed to provide an aesthetically appealing and fashionable appearance.

Abstract: An alarm device that connects to a circuit using two wires and is actuated when a switch changes the status of the circuit from a normally closed circuit condition to open circuit condition. The alarm device includes a PC board with an electronic buzzer, an electronic signal transmitter and/or a visual indicator, such as a flashing LED, all of which may be enclosed within a case. The circuitry of the alarm device is non-polarized, thereby allowing the two wires to be connected to either terminal connection point in the circuit.

Abstract: A pillow is structured for preserving a user's facial beauty and includes a central portion, and upper and lower leg members extending from both the left and right sides of the central portion. The upper and lower leg members on each side are angled relative to one another to form a V-shaped gap. The upper and lower leg members support the user's head and neck, while the face remains over the V-shaped gap avoiding contact with the pillow, and thereby preventing distortion and wrinkling of the facial skin. A case that covers the facial beauty pillow may include straps, allowing the facial beauty pillow to be secured to a conventional pillow to adjust the resting height of the head according to the individual comfort level of the user.

Abstract: A guest check presenter has a top cover and bottom cover hinged together along a common binding to define a booklet. A holder is provided on the inside of the booklet for placement of a check for delivery to a patron, such as at the end of a meal in a restaurant. A magnifying sheet movable in overlying relation to the check and a light-emitting device are provided to enhance viewing information printed on the check, particularly in poor lighting conditions. A calculator for totaling items on the check includes tip calculating buttons of graduated values for selecting the tip amount according to the quality of service and/or the generosity of the patron paying the check. A mirror is provided on the inside of the guest check presenter booklet for the convenience of the guests at the table. Signaling lights on the light-emitting device alert the waiter to pick up the check when the patron is ready to pay.

Abstract: A heat regenerative engine uses water as both the working fluid and the lubricant. In operation, water is pumped from a collection pan and through a coil around a cylinder exhaust port, causing the water to be preheated by steam exhausted from the cylinder. The preheated water then enters a steam generator and is heated by a combustion chamber to produce high pressure super heated steam. Air is preheated in a heat exchanger and is then mixed with fuel from a fuel atomizer. An igniter burns the atomized fuel as the flames and heat are directed in a centrifuge within the combustion chamber. The speed and torque of the engine are controlled by a rocker and cam arrangement which opens a needle-type valve to inject high pressure super heated steam into a cylinder having a reciprocating piston therein. The injected steam expands in an explosive action on the top of the piston at high pressure forcing the piston down and drivingly rotating a linked crank cam and crankshaft.

Abstract: A travel cover for a golf bag and clubs includes an integrated suitcase portion with one or more compartments for packing articles of clothing therein. In a preferred embodiment, the suitcase portion is in the form of a garment bag that releasably attaches to an inside back panel of the travel cover. The garment bag can be removed from the travel cover for separate transport and use. In another embodiment, the suitcase portion is fabricated within the travel cover and includes a top panel which secures closed to separate the clothing compartments of the suitcase portion from the golf bag holding compartment. In still another embodiment, the suitcase portion is provided on the exterior top side of the travel cover and includes an independently secured cover panel which opens to permit access to the clothing compartments. In yet a further embodiment, the suitcase portion is a garment bag that releasably attaches to the exterior of the travel cover and is separable therefrom.