Abstract: A Log Cartridge Burning System is provided comprising a simple, convenient and manageable wood burning system which can easily be applied for use to cook and heat. The log cartridge is comprised of a flammable body of compressed material and a bore formed and sealed by the use of a protective outer paperboard tube and a protective inner paperboard tube together with a top and bottom paperboard cover which serve to hold and maintain the integrity of the entire cartridge without the use of any wax binders. The flammable body of compressed material may be made partly or entirely from natural combustible materials such as sawdust or wheat hulls. The burn pot is specially designed to accommodate the log cartridge of the present invention. The log cartridge burning system can easily be utilized in a variety of appliances such as a patio heater or fireplace, barbecue or grill, or other cooking and heating appliances.

Abstract: An improved method and device for controlling cone breakup (divisional modes) in extended range, cone diaphragm type electromechanical acoustical transducers for reproducing an acoustical signal from a corresponding electrical signal is provided. The transducer assembly includes a low mass cone shaped diaphragm, a voice coil former of 30 mm or less in diameter, and a shaped device no wider than the diameter of the voice coil former and extending into the inner volume of the cone but no taller than the height of the outside edge of the cone. This shaped device defines the shape and volume of a small mass of air within the boundary layer of air where molecular adhesion of air molecules to the cone diaphragm surface becomes a significant variable in the performance of the extended range transducer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining when plants require watering, and methods of attending to the watering of plants including signaling the grower that the plants are in need of hydration are provided. The novel methods include real-time measurement of plant metabolics and phytometric physiology changes of intrinsic physical or behavioral traits within the plant such as determining physiological flux measurement of enzyme flux due to environmental changes such as the wind and drought stress, soil and plant mineral deficiencies, or the interaction with a bio-control for organic disease control including, cell movement, signal transduction, internal chemical processes and external environmental processes including when plants require watering, and methods of attending to the watering of plants including signaling the grower that the plants are in need of hydration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sleeping bag with additional material at the bottom of the head end, forming a “T”-shaped sleeping bag. The additional material forms the cross of the “T” and provides a greater surface area on which to sleep. This modification allows for more comfort in a wider variety of positions than has been available with standard prior art sleeping bags. The cross of the “T”-shape can accommodate a pillow, if desired, and gives added protection and coverage to the head and shoulders of the user. The cross of the “T” can be removably attached to the main body of the sleeping bag, or can be an integral part of the sleeping bag.

Abstract: The full light cut-off, light pollution-free, light bulb is a complete and self-contained bulb that is designed to replace standard light bulbs in standard light fixtures turning that standard light fixture into a full cut-off, light pollution-free fixture. The light bulb assembly is built around a light bulb, such as a compact florescent light bulb or a standard incandescent light bulb. Two variations are described. The first design is to replace standard compact florescent light bulbs or incandescent light bulbs mounted in an upward facing socket such as a lamp post or upward socket carriage light fixture. The second design is to replace standard compact florescent light bulbs or incandescent light bulbs mounted in a downward facing socket such as downward socket carriage light fixture. In both designs, the basic light bulb is enclosed in a transparent cylinder.

Abstract: A variable fuel admission carburetor is provided including a piston and cylinder that are mated concentrically, and coexist in a carburetor chamber. The cylinder includes a longitudinal slot which allows varying amount of fuel into the carburetor. Through the relative longitudinal movement of the piston in the cylinder, the exposed length of the slot is varied, thereby varying the amount and rate that the fuel enters the chamber.

Abstract: A variable resistance physical exercise apparatus is provided which provides improved features over prior art devices in that it is more compact, provides a linear resistance profile to the user and provides a variety of modes of operation. The device comprises a motor driven bi-directional linear translation mechanism to vary the effective length of a lever arm and therefore vary the weight of resistance to the user. An alternative embodiment includes a spring winder drum pulley combination.

Abstract: A method and device for marking trim miters for a bull-nose corner is provided. Embodiments for wainscotting, crown molding and baseboard are also disclosed. The device comprises a molded, hand-held structure which envelopes a portion of the bull-nose corner and provides marking guides for marking correct placement of trim. The method discloses utilization of the device.

Abstract: An aeroponic growing apparatus is provided which comprises a novel low pressure liquid nutrient delivery system generated by centrifugal force utilizing a rotating cylinder device. The rotating cylinder device distributes liquid nutrient solution to the roots of plants by use of centrifugal force, thereby eliminating the need for a high pressure pump and nozzles. The geometrical shape of the enclosed root growth chamber is such that it allows for fractionated droplets to ricochet in multiple random directions thus completely surrounding the plant roots in 360° in any plane.

Abstract: A device for securing a snowboard is provided including a shackle accessory in the form of a bracket for attaching a securing mechanism, with or without a lock, to a snowboard. The bracket of the present invention collapses for ease of portability. Also provided is an alternate embodiment wherein the securing mechanism can be used as a carrying strap.

Abstract: A method of codepositing iron and manganese having a high proportion of manganese incorporates use of a new electrochemical cell. The deposit comprises up to 38% manganese from a solution of wide ranging pH from an aqueous bath of sulfate, phosphate salt or any other type of bath, The deposits may subsequently be nitrided, phosphatized or carburized to produced an amorphous surface comparable to Hadfield steel. The manganese alloy deposit exhibits a bright, shiny surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for cleaning dental implant posts comprising a handle specifically adapted for ease of use by a person of limited or impaired dexterity or muscle control or a care giver and a series of brush and pick attachments specifically adapted for cleaning dental implant posts. This handle configuration eliminates the need for a pencil-like grip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cloned gene which encodes an enzyme, the purified enzyme, and the applications and products resulting from the use of the gene and enzyme. The gene, isolated from Cyclotella cryptica, encodes a multifunctional enzyme that has both UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and phosphoglucomutase activities.

Abstract: Advanced batteries having a long cycle lifetime are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to electrodes made from redox polymer films and batteries in which either the positive electrode, the negative electrode, or both, comprise redox polymers. Suitable redox polymers for this purpose include pyridyl or polypyridyl complexes of transition metals like iron, ruthenium, osmium, chromium, tungsten and nickel; porphyrins (either free base or metallo derivatives); phthalocyanines (either free base or metallo derivatives); metal complexes of cyclams, such as tetraazacyclotetradecane; metal complexes of crown ethers and metallocenes such as ferrocene, cobaltocene and ruthenocene.