Abstract: A combination pocket device is provided that includes upper and lower body portions for holding a knife blade that pivots between a closed position where it is substantially sandwiched between the body portions, and an extended position where it extends co-linear with the body portions in a locked state. A small light is incorporated into the end of the upper body portion for allowing the device to illuminate any surface. Two linked key rings are also attached to the end of the body portions to allow a person to attach their personal keys to the device.

Abstract: A work holder is provided which comprises a work surface having a pattern of apertures across its entire surface. The apertures allow a conventional clamp to secure any work piece to the work surface at any point on the surface. The apertures are circular in shape and of a dimension such that a conventional clamp will not slip from the board. Radially extended flutes are connected to the circular apertures to allow the clamps to be fully extended across a work piece and be essentially locked to the work surface. Half apertures at the edges of the work surface allow the work surfaces to interlock with one another. The interlocking half apertures in combination with their radial flutes allow the work surface to be set up in a wide variety of configurations.

Abstract: A power control device which incorporates a microcontroller to control the switching of power of a plurality of outlets. A host computer communicates with the microcontroller through the computer's keyboard interface to instruct the device to turn on or off one or more of the outlets either immediately or at one or more preset future times. An operator communicates with the microcontroller through the computer's keyboard intercede to instruct the device to initiate a sequence of pro-programmed on/off events.

Abstract: A single backpack is provided for allowing a simple conversion between an extended form for long duration hikes and a collapsed form for short technical climbs on ice and rock. The backpack comprises a frame that includes a pair of aluminum bars fastened to a frame surface of the pack. The main frame bars extend partially up the frame surface of the pack shell. The remaining distance from the top of the main frame bars and the top of the shell is spanned by extension bars which are held and fastened against the main frame bars. The main frame bars, with the addition of the extension bars, make the backpack a full sized large capacity hiking pack capable of bearing loads of 70 pounds or more. The backpack may be converted to a climbing pack by removing the extension bars from their fastened position and subsequently the shell collapses to the level of the lower main frame.

Abstract: A compact and efficient spray cooling system is provided for cooling a heat source or a plurality of heat sources. The system uses at least one atomizer arranged in an array to deliver a fine spray across a wide distribution to impinge upon the surface to be cooled. The spray maintains a thin liquid film upon the cooled surface where heat is transfered in a phase change process. The liquid and vapor resulting from the heat transfer process is removed from the system at the edges of the heat source(s) and uses the momentum of the original spray to move the vapor and liquid to a fluid removal port. The use of the momentum of the spray to remove the liquid from the system allows the system to be gravity independent and used in transportation, avionics, and spacecraft applications where adverse gravity conditions exist. The atomizer array can be spaced closely to the heat source because the individual atomizers develop the spray in a relatively short distance.

Abstract: An improved strap assembly is provided for use with a backpack for allowing the independent adjustment of the stabilizing straps and shoulder pads of a backpack. The strap assembly includes a pair of shoulder pads anchored at one end to the backpack and at the opposite end to a pair of first adjustment buckles. A shoulder pad adjustment strap is also threaded through the first buckle and is anchored at the lower end of the backpack. A second pair of adjustment buckles are attached at the upper end of the backpack and have a pair of stabilizing straps threaded therethrough. The stabilizing straps slide freely through cross straps upon the shoulder pads and also slide freely through a widened opening within the first adjustment buckles. Each stabilizing strap is anchored at the lower end of the backpack adjacent the anchorage of the shoulder pad adjustment strap to the backpack.

Abstract: A combination bath tub spout is provided for allowing three distinct water flow paths to achieve three different functions. The first path allows the spout to fill a bath tub. The second path diverts the flow of water to a shower head. The third path directs the flow of water to an upwardly directed nozzle at the end of the spout. The nozzle can be used as a bidet spray for washing a person's genitals, or alternatively be used in conjunction with a douche hose attachment as an effective method of douching for women. The three paths are achieved by a rotatable diverter or valve that rotates between three predetermined positions; a bath tub fill position, a shower diverted position, and an upwardly directed nozzle position.

Abstract: A toothbrush with variable adjustment of operative bristle length, characterized by inclusion of an attenuate flexible pivotal appendage secured to the brush toward the handle end, extending over a depression midway along the length of the brush body. The appendage includes an aperture or a grid of holes encompassing the bristles and is positioned at the base of the bristles when the appendage is at rest, or in a retracted position. Digital pressure applied on the appendage above the depression, causes a lever action whereby the device moves perpendicularly to the bristles. A tether is provided to prevent the travel of the appendage beyond the bristle ends.

Abstract: A golf ball warming device is provided for use during a round of golf. The warming device includes a main housing having a central bore which houses up to 3 golf balls. The central bore is disposed adjacent an arcuate-shaped bore which houses a disposable heating element. The heating element is chemically activated when removed from its package and radiates heat toward the golf balls disposed within its arcuate shaped bore. The golf balls and heating element are initially placed into their respective bores through a top opening within the main housing, and removed from a bottom opening when needed during play. The walls of the housing are thick in design to thermally insulate the balls within the warming device. The warming device does not use batteries, nor any other electrical current, and can operate for 5 hours at 127.degree. F. on a single heating element.

Abstract: A one piece layer is provided for protecting the flat surface of a cross-country or telemark ski binding. The layer is a single die-cut self-adherent film to precisely fit the binding plate. The layer is made of a non-stick material such as teflon or polyethylene with one side of the layer made of a high-tack silicone or arcylic adhesive to attach the layer to the binding. The exterior non-stick surface of the layer provides a most effective means for preventing snow and ice buildup on the binding plate and includes a means of covering the heads of the ski binding mounting screws.

Abstract: An optical security system is disclosed for one or more appliances such as a network of computers, terminals, and associated peripheral devices. The system comprises an optical fiber cable that is attached to an appliance through attachment devices that are secure from physical attack. The ends of the optical fiber are connected to a control box to form an optical fiber circuit which senses the amount of light within the fiber at any given time. The alarm device sounds if light within the fiber cable is attenuated through bending or breaking of the fiber cable in an attempted theft of the secured computer. The attachment devices comprise a two piece unit which holds the optical fiber. The first piece is a solid cone that is fastened to the computer component by a screw or adhesive. The second piece is a hollow cone that fits entirely over the solid inner cone. The cones include slots for holding the optical fiber between the cones.

Abstract: A muscle relaxing device for relieving musculo-skeletal tension within a person's back, neck, shoulders, and feet developed from daily activities. The device includes an inclined ramp with a pair of curved projections at its upper end. The projections are for applying pressure to the thoracic area of a person'back. Adjustable pins extend outwardly from the ramped surface and can be used to relieve specific points of pain within a person's neck and feet. A pair of curved levers extend laterally of said ramp and may be pivoted downwardly to apply pressure to a person's shoulders and relieve musculo-skeletal tension within the top of the shoulder area. The entire device is compact and portable. It may be used comfortably at home or anywhere else.

Abstract: A contoured pillow is provided which is designed to accommodate a person sleeping in the supine position or in a side position. The pillow includes a curved ridge along one edge of the pillow to support the neck. The ridge ends in an elliptical depression within the center of the pillow to support the back of a person's head. The elliptical depression allows a person's head a freedom of movement of 45.degree. from either side of its normal vertical position and allows bending of the neck to a certain degree. Along the sides of the depression the pillow is of a greater dimension to support the head when resting on the side of the head. The pillow further includes longitudinal grooves within the side regions of the pillow to prevent a person's ear from being overly compressed against the pillow when resting on one's side. The pillow is of a conventional size and shape and can be used with standard pillow cases, standard sized beds, etc.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removing plastic grommets embedded within concrete to be post-tensioned. The tool has a conical shaped head for insertion into the grommet sleeve. The tool includes a wide bore that extends through the entire tool which slips over a central protrusion of the post-tension concrete grommet. The bore is open along its entire length so that the head may be slipped over a cable used to post-tension the concrete. The conical section further includes 2 radially extending slots spaced 90.degree. apart which extend from the bore to the outer periphery of the conical section. These slots transmit the torque to the grommet through wings connected to the sleeve. A hole is provided within the tool for connection of a handle to the tool. The handle manually turns the tool about the axis of the bore, thereby delivering torque to the grommet and releasing it from its embedded position within the concrete.

Abstract: A pole climber assembly that helps prevent the user from being electrocuted by contact of any part of the assembly with an electrical source. The assembly includes a hook or stirrup which is molded of a nonconductive composite material. The composite material has the strength of a stell stirrup. Other features of the assembly include calf pads and straps that may be made of nylon, a non-skid thermoplastic pad on the exterior side of the stirrup to prevent wear of the composite material resulting from walking use, and an adjustable section allowing the pole climber to be adapted to users of any height.

Abstract: A stereoscopic viewing device to induce the line of sight of a viewer's eyes to converge on a three dimensional image formed from a pair of stereoscopic images. The device includes one or two prisms and blinders to block out ghost images which form to the sides of the superimposed image. The device further includes adjustment means to narrow or widen the viewing window within the prism(s). Various embodiments of the adjustment means includes blinders that are slidable panels within a guide track, slidable prisms within a guide track, or opaque tape which is cut to size and adhered to the surface of a prism. The stereoscopic device with a single prism also includes a unique process of forming the three dimensional image which includes viewing the superimposed images through a pair of open windows refracting the view of one of the eyes through use of a transparent prism, and screening the other eye to focus on the central three dimensional image.

Abstract: A pillow is provided for use by a woman during pregnancy. The pillow comprises a polyfill core having an adjustable bladder within one end of the pillow. The bladder may receive air through a hand pump so that the pillow may be adjusted to a woman's shape depending upon how the pillow is to be used. When the bladder is fully deflated, the pillow is of an oblong shape in elevation. When the bladder is filled with air, the pillow takes on an L-shaped elevation that can more closely hug a woman's body in certain lying and sitting positions. The bladder also includes a valve for holding or releasing the air from the pillow.

Abstract: A release device used within a down rigger fishing assembly for easy attachment to a down rigger cable and efficient release of a fishing line when a fish strikes bait at the end of the line. The device is made of a single body having a groove at one end for mating with a down rigger cable and opposing hooks at either end of the groove for securing the cable with the groove. At an opposite end of the body is a trigger shaped as a bell crank lever pivotally attached to the body and having a pair of arms to hold a fishing line therebetween when the trigger is closed into the body and for releasing the device when the trigger is pivoted outwardly away from the body. A resilient and adjustable catch is provided on the body which holds the trigger in a closed position.

Abstract: A stereoscopic viewing device to induce the line of sight of a viewer's eyes to converge on a three dimensional image formed from a pair of stereoscopic images. The device includes a pair of prisms and blinders to block out ghost images which form to the sides of the superimposed image. The device further includes adjustment means to narrow or widen the viewing window which the prisms form. One embodiment of the adjustment means includes blinders that are slidable panels within a guide track while another embodiment of the adjustment means are separate prisms slidable within a guide track.