Abstract: The present invention provides a jaw assembly and die insert for use in conventional power tongs, back-up power tongs, and similar tools. The die insert has a rear surface having a plurality of splines extending outwardly from the rear surface and forming a plurality of grooves between the splines. The die also has a front surface adapted to grip a tubular member and a keyway formed on the rear surface. A mating jaw member is provided which also has a front face of splines and grooves with a keyway which aligns with the die's keyway when the die is inserted into the jaw. A key is inserted into this combined keyway to prevent vertical forces from drawing the die out of the jaw member.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system which includes a container constructed to old a plurality of pills and that container includes a lower aperture and an upper portion. A pill lifting assembly located below the pill container includes a pill platform which lifts a pill into the upper portion of the container. A pill ejector is connected to the pill platform and the pill ejector places the pill into motion as the pill platform approaches the upper portion of the container. An exit passage communicates with the upper portion of the pill container and the exit passage is configured to receive a pill placed into motion by the ejector. A sensor is operatively connected to the exit passage such that the sensor is capable of detecting a pill moving through the exit passage. Finally, a micro-controller is operatively connected to the pill lifting assembly and the sensor.

Abstract: An animal chew including a plurality of fibers which are wound together to form rope strands. Two or more rope strands are twisted together to form a rope segment. A ribbon baring indicia is either interlaced with the rope segments or helically twisted around the perimeter of the rope segment. The indicia printed on the ribbon can either be of a fun nature, a commercial nature, or a public safety nature.

Abstract: An amplifier having removable remote controls and the ability to easily couple with other amplifiers for easy mounting is disclosed. The amplifier includes removable remote controls and isocoupling systems that connect two or more amplifiers and that electrically insulate the mounting screws from the mounting surface. The amplifier may also be liquid cooled to dissipate heat generated by the amplifier.

Abstract: A gable roof end ventilator comprises a triangular vented member with peripheral mounting flanges, the flanges each lying in a plane inclined relative to the plane of the vented member. The ventilator accommodates variations in roof pitch by tilting the ventilator about its base relative to the plane of an end wall of a building and then securing the ventilator to the end wall and eaves of the building by fasteners through the mounting flanges.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable modular valve-actuator combination whereby the valve stem on the valve and the actuators are configured to be interchangeably engageable. The components of the valve-actuator are sized accordingly so that when engaged, the valve-actuator combination fits within the confines of an emergency hood located under the dome of a transportable tanker.

Abstract: Apparatus for delaying initiation of a successive flush cycle in a plumbing system utilizing a diaphragm flush valve having an improved relief valve assembly structured to delay after initiation of an initial flushing cycle the resetting of the relief valve sleeve member in a position for a successive operative contact by the flush valve plunger pin.

Abstract: Closed head power tongs used to make up and break threaded pipe joints are disclosed herein. The closed head power tongs have removable mating inserts that allow the gripping aperture of the power tongs to be increased so that objects larger than the gripping diameter of the tongs can be raised or lowered through the center aperture of the power tong without removing the tongs from alignment with the drill string.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having a treatment chamber and a clarifier chamber, the treatment chamber having a floor, the clarifier chamber separated from the treatment chamber by a common partition, the clarifier chamber having a top portion and a bottom portion, the clarifier chamber having an opening into the treatment chamber near the bottom of the clarifier, where the common partition is inclined near the area of the clarifier opening, and clarifier chamber being designed so that when wastewater is positioned therein, some solids suspended in the wastewater in the clarifier chamber settle out and exit the clarifier opening, a current in the wastewater in the treatment chamber, where the current passes across the floor of said treatment chamber near the opening of the clarifier, the current being sufficient to substantially prevent a build up of solids on the treatment chamber floor beneath the clarifier opening where the current does not keep all solids within said treatment chamber suspended within th

Abstract: A system for identifying an individual is determined either by generating an identification profile based on a distinctive biometric characteristic possessed by that person (e.g. voice analysis, finger print, facial scan, DNA etc.), or by means of verifying some digital “signature” representation assigned to that person. The biometric information or digital signature may then be used in a variety of functions to enhance both the security and convenience of conducting electronic transactions. The system may provide an algorithm for creating a PIN number for use as a preliminary or secondary identification steps, and/or an algorithm for generating unique tone codes for use in personal identification via telephone or modem. Further, security of online transactions may be greatly improved by placing access key information in a medium outside the computer host or client.

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of bacterially generated polymers as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria will reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants over the amount of original bacteria introduced. Throughout their life cycles, the bacteria will biologically treat BOD5 in the system. When the BOD5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As the strands come into contact with one another, the strands will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and will absorb the suspended particles which they encounter.

Abstract: A termite detection system is disclosed herein. The system comprises a sensor and associated microprocessor detect the presence of gases emitted by termites. The processor relays a signal to an appropriate output device to alert a user that the system has detected the presence of termites.

Abstract: The invention is a sternal retractor comprising a curved crossbar and a pair of arms perpendicularly attached to the crossbar, at least one of which may slide over the length of the crossbar. Sternum engaging blades extend from the arms in a general direction from the concave side to the convex side of the retractor. The present invention lifts the ribcage, allowing access to the internal mammary artery while decreasing tissue damage associated with current retractors.

Abstract: A power tong positioning apparatus as disclosed herein is a power tong support positionable on the surface of drilling rig deck and attachable to at least one power tong. The power tong support is adapted to position at least one power tong so that it may engage said tubular member. The power tong positioning apparatus a frame, a base movably positioned on the frame, at least one arm pivotally attached to the base, a power tong support pivotally attached to the arm(s) and movably attachable to at least one power tong.

Abstract: A method for converting a multiple access newspaper vending machine into a single vend machine is described. The vending machine will have a cavity with a rack assembly for holding a stack of newspapers and a pivoting door for closing the cavity. The conversion includes mounting into the cavity of the vending machine a feed assembly which has a bracket and a roller member rotatably mounted to the bracket. The feed assembly rests within the cavity above the rack assembly in a manner such that the bracket pivots within the cavity and the roller member floats on the top copy of the stack of printed publications. A drive assembly having an unidirectional drive mechanism and a reset mechanism is also positioned within the cavity. A plate member having a publication discharge portal with dimensions sufficient to allow discharge therethrough of a single copy of the printed publication is positioned across the opening of the cavity.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger boarding bridge includes a cab portion which can slide laterally and includes retractable floor members to allow a single bridge system to be used for both commuter aircraft and jet airplanes.

Abstract: A cover is provided, preferably for securing valves, propellers, door knobs and the like. The cover entails a hinged plate having two sections. Each section contains an indentation which, when the sections are closed, forms an aperture. A pair of arms may depend from each section in alignment with the indentations. When the sections are closed, the arms will form a hollow column in alignment with the aperture. The hollow column will also preferably contain a constriction, preferably formed by a pair of lips extending inwardly from each arm. The sections will also contain sidewalls rising from the sections opposite the hollow column if it is present. A cap is provided which will fit over the sidewalls. A tongue and groove mechanism may be provided to allow the cap to engage the sidewalls and the sections to which they are attached. A plurality of locking apertures may also be provided in the sections and the cap so that the cover may be locked with a padlock.

Abstract: Apparatus for delaying initiation of a successive flush cycle in a plumbing system utilizing a diaphragm flush valve having an improved relief valve assembly and/or an improved vacuum breaker assembly structured to delay after initiation of an initial flushing cycle the resetting of the relief valve sleeve member in a position for a successive operative contact by the flush valve plunger pin.