Abstract: A new and improved reversible necktie is disclosed. The reversible necktie maintains the conventional appearance of traditional neckties, yet its versatile design allows it to be worn by either gender. The necktie comprises two display sides and an integrated reversing mechanism that enables a user to reverse the tie to selectively expose either side. The necktie further comprises an integrated securing mechanism to allow the user to adjustably secure the reversible necktie to the user's shirt at the desired location. The necktie further comprises an interfacing structure that provides for a durable construction, while not making the tie bulky or overweight.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for latching and unlatching a load from a sling comprises a housing attachable to a load lift line extending from a crane or other similar equipment. Contained at least partially within the housing is a load engaging assembly including a latch, such as a conventional sling hook used to attach a load containing sling. The load engaging assembly further includes a latch attachment assembly and an unlatching trigger assembly. The apparatus further includes a load activated lock operatively attached to the latch attaching assembly to latch and unlatch the load engaging assembly. The load activated lock includes a support structure affixed to the housing, a latch activating member slidably mounted on the support structure and a movable locking structure positioned within the housing and operatively adjacent the latch activating member to engage and prevent latch activating member from sliding movement when a load is applied to the latch.

Abstract: An improved chair for supporting intersecting wires forming a wire mesh at a pre-selected elevated position above a bearing surface during formation of a concrete slab is constructed having a base member shaped to rest on the bearing surface, a compressible support structure having a lower section affixed to the base member, a middle section and an upper section affixed to a setting shaped to support the wire mess at the elevated position. The chair is constructed having an improved compressible, generally bell-shape support structure having two pairs of opposing arched-shaped openings in the middle section forming two intersecting arches, each arch having a pair of opposing flexible legs that bow outward when a pre-determined load is applied to the upper section.

Abstract: An improved single-pole, male, electrical connector for use in industrial applications involving very high currents (e.g., in excess of 1,000 amps) and a method for making and adjusting the connector are disclosed. The connector has a male pin with a slot along most of its length and an adjustment mechanism that is used to vary the width of the slot. By varying the width of the slot, the effective diameter of the pin is changed. The male connector must fit tightly in a female connector, and the adjustment is used to obtain the required fit. In the disclosed invention, the adjustment mechanism is positioned near a tip of the pin and under an insulating safety cap. The adjustment mechanism is configured for adjustment prior to installation of the safety cap.

Abstract: A cervical brace and therapy device for use to rehabilitate an injured neck of a person is described having a base support structure shaped to fit about the neck and rest on the shoulders of the person; a support ring assembly attachable to the base support structure in a horizontal position below the mandible of the person, the support ring assembly having an anterior section and a posterior section; a rotational member attached to the support ring assembly in a manner to rotate about the support ring assembly; and an occipital-mandible support member shaped to accommodate the mandible and the occipital portions of the head of the person, the occipital-mandible support member being attachable to the rotational member in a manner to permit the occipital-mandible support member a predetermined range of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the methods and apparatus to acquire, record, and analyze data to determine the draft of a water-borne vessel and/or the amount of cargo that has been loaded in a water-borne vessel. The apparatus includes a portable, handheld housing containing means for use in positioning the housing in a predetermined location and spatial orientation. Such means can include one or more narrow beam emitting devices, such as lasers or other similar devices, or a camera or other image processing level sensors. The housing also containing an ultrasonic transducer and receiver, or alternatively, a laser emitter and receiver, that directs sound pulses or light, respectively, toward the surface of the water body in which the vessel is placed. Within the housing is electrical circuitry to receive either the sound or light beam signals, and from these signals produce a signal representative of the time of travel of the sound pulse or light.

Abstract: A method for producing an enzymatically stabilized soy meal containing a naturally-occurring trypsin inhibitor to produce a soluble, pleasant-tasting soy product which comprises enzymatically deactivating the trypsin inhibitors in the soy meal without using heat, and treating the soy meal makes the carbohydrates and proteins more digestible.

Abstract: A quick connect electrical junction box assembly for receipt and support of electrical appliances including a first support member adapted to be attached to a building, the first support member having a female electrical receptacle connected thereto, a second support member to support an electrical appliance, the second support member having a male electrical plug rotatably connected thereto, the male electrical plug being adapted to be received in the female electrical receptacle to make an electrical connection between first support member and the second support member, the second support member having at least one load bearing connector, the load bearing connector being adapted to be received in the first support member to connect the second support member to the first support member, the load bearing connector being spaced apart from the male electrical plug.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a retractable guard for use in a sewerage or drainage line having a plurality of prongs with hooked ends are disposed within a sewage pipe downstream of a toilet. The opposite ends of the prongs are connected to a tubular member which, in turn is slidable within a housing connected to the pipe. These prongs can be used to trap articles which can then be easily removed to rectify stoppage problems or prevent contraband from being distributed through the drainage lines. For convenience in cleaning, the guard device can also be provided with a quick-release connection which separates from the pipe with a simple twist. The prongs can also be magnetized to trap metal objects. The prongs may also be mounted on a pivoting shaft to enable mounting within an angled pipe. For convenience in inspection, the guard device can be provided with a clear portion to enable visual inspection of the interior of the guard device.