Abstract: An automated metered fluid dispensing and aspirating apparatus comprising a combination delivery/removal fluid head with upper shuttle and lower reservoir assemblies is disclosed. A covered, variably positionable well table allows for mounting sample wells and automatically presenting at least one array of sample or reaction wells to the delivery/removal fluid head at a time. A fluid handling system of inter-connected tubing, pumps and valves interfaces with the delivery/removal fluid head. The fluid handling system provides reagents to and removes waste from the delivery/removal fluid head and sample wells. A control assembly, including a central processing unit and hardware, software and gas pressure sources, provides for time responsive operation and control of the delivery/removal fluid head, drive mechanisms for the table and fluid head, fluid handling system and well table. The entire apparatus is mounted on its own platform and includes separate housings for control and sample handling sections.

Abstract: A self-releasing pan-handle holder for thermally insulating a handle on pots and pans. The pan-handle holder is designed to receive the long handle on a pot or pan. The pan-handle holder comprises an insulating sleeve having a sleeve axis with first and second complimentary sections and a lumen, which allows for closely receiving a pan-handle. The pan-handle holder further includes a biasing mechanism for holding the first and second complimentary sections apart. When the pan-handle holder is placed on a pot or pan-handle, it is squeezed tightly and held around the pan-handle to protect the user from heat in the handle. Typically, the component parts of the of the present pan-handle holder are made of a non-metallic thermal insulating material.

Abstract: The present multi-function cable hoist system controller monitors a variety of drilling rig hoist system functions, including: positioning of the hoist block of the hoist system, speed/momentum of the hoist block, and hoist block loading. The controller can also monitor: cable ton-mile parameters, weight on the drill bit, and drill bit penetration rate. The controller automatically controls operation of the hoist system's drawworks when the system's operation exceeds certain preset and user specified parameters. The controller has a housing containing a microprocessor, supporting circuitry, and input and output systems. An instruction set digitally stored on the microprocessor codes for the functional features of the controller and enables it to process inputs and to generate outputs to accomplish the controller's functions. Device input means and display/alarm means are mounted on the front panel of the housing. A drawworks output communicates drawworks control signals to the hoist system.

Abstract: A reusable filter port assembly is installable on the wall of a sterilizable cultivation bag, such as is used in the cultivation of mushrooms. A grommet and locking collar are removably installed in the wall of the cultivation bag or pouch to provide gas flow communication between the interior of the bag and the ambient environment after the bag is sealed. A removable filter cap holds a filter member over the opening of the filter port assembly to prevent undesired particles from passing through the port of the assembly. In use, the grommet is placed against the interior surface of a bag or pouch, such as a plastic cultivation bag. The collar is screwed down over the grommet from the exterior surface of the bag to form a grommet-collar combination fixed in place to the wall of the bag. Once installed, a patch of bag material of the bag wall is still covering the grommet opening of the neck tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a pneumatic trigger mechanism intended for use with gas powered projectile guns such as gas powered paintball markers. The present pneumatic trigger mechanism utilizes a specialized pneumatic force amplifier which substantially improves trigger performance and firing cycle time. The pneumatic amplification feature of the present trigger actuator is double acting, in that it provides an increased force advantage for both the firing phase and trigger return phase of the firing cycle. Performance wise, the valving and the pneumatically amplified actuator of the present trigger actuator requires as little about 2 oz. of trigger pull force and as little as 0.01 inch of travel to activate a firing cycle.

Abstract: A system and method for the central specification and management of how messages are distributed to recipients with the steps of: a recipient profile system for entering and storing rules about how to distribute specific types of messages and content from specific messengers to individual recipients, a messenger profile system where messengers can enter, store and maintain his identification information and the types of message services he/she will offer to recipients, a message input system where messengers manually or automatically can enter messages or upload message files for distribution to recipients with a valid recipient profile, an individual message generator combining the data from recipient profile and the message from the message input system into a plurality of individual messages for recipients as specified by the messenger.

Abstract: A keypad for entering a complete set of alphanumeric characters (including symbols) into telephonic equipment comprises a housing containing a telephone set compatible array of manually operated actuator elements, each actuator element selectably coding for four or more alphanumeric characters upon a single actuation of the element. The manually operated actuator elements each comprises a push button assembly and a switch assembly. The switch assembly further comprises two or three switches. In a two-way switch assembly, the push button assembly is manually operable to selectably close either switch individually and both switches together. In a three-way switch, the push button assembly is manually operable to selectably close any one of the three switches individually.

Abstract: A brush/scrapper device cleans dirt and debris from the soles of outdoor sports shoes, such as the cleats of golf or other such shoes. The device is a single piece frame having a body portion to which a brush is mountable and an appendage portion for engaging a bumper. The frame being a single piece bent to form the body and appendage portions and is removably mountable on the bumper of a vehicle like a golf cart without modification of the vehicle.

Abstract: A downhole expandable bore liner and well screen filter assembly has a perforated tubular base-pipe overlain with a self expanding filter-cover. A set of runners or bumpers extends the length of the outside of the filter-cover. A releaseable constriction mechanism holds the liner/filter assembly in a compressed configuration during insertion of the assembly down a well bore to facilitate insertion of the liner/filter assembly into its downhole position. Once positioned downhole in the well bore, the mechanism is released, and the liner/filter assembly takes its expanded or uncompressed configuration and interfaces with the walls of the well bore. In its uncompressed configuration, the liner/filter assembly can contact and press against the walls of the well bore, which contact serves to stabilize the assembly and to center it in the downhole well bore.

Abstract: A vertically disposed placard has two sections, one disposed over the other, with the upper section of the placard attached to a pole, standard or other mount. A hinge connects the bottom perimeter edge of the fixed section with the top perimeter edge of the lower, pivotable section, allowing the front surface of the pivotable section to rotate and fold flat against the front surface of the upper, fixed section. A catch mechanism releaseably holds the two sections flat against each other, preventing the pivotable section from unfolding. An electrical controller is attached to the back surface of the fixed section of the placard and senses when a condition to which the sign is responsive occurs. Upon the occurrence, the controller causes release of the catch mechanism, allowing the pivotable section to unfold under the force of a bias (e.g., spring) and/or gravity, or by an electric motive mechanism to display the front surfaces of both sections of the placard.

Abstract: A replacement bolt action assembly useful for converting a gas operated paintball marker gun having an open bolt type action to a closed bolt type action is provided. The open bolt type action includes a combination open bolt and hammer assembly releaseably containable in the marker gun body, an actuator (trigger) assembly disposable in the marker gun frame in mechanical communication with the bolt and hammer assembly, for releaseably holding the bolt and hammer assembly in a cocked configuration; and a pressure control assembly in mechanical communication with the actuator assembly and in gas flow communication with the bolt and hammer assembly. The present invention can be provided as a kit for converting or replacing the actions of certain existing paintball marker guns to close bolt type actions without having to modify the structure of the existing gun's receiver or marker body.

Abstract: The present combination golf device comprises two unitary components: a golf ball marker and turf repair tool. The turf repair tool component is rod-like and hairpin shaped with two arms. The tool has a constricted section proximate the base of the hairpin forming a loop section therein. The arms extend proximately in parallel from the constriction section and terminating in a blunt end. The ball marker component is wafer shaped with a front and back surfaces. An attachment structure is disposed on the back surface of the ball marker and attaches the ball marker to the loop of the turf repair tool. Both components of the device have a message display surface where advertising, promotional of other message media may be displayed. The entire device is made of a safety material that is non-magnetic and relatively soft.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine specifically to medical technology, and concerns electrical gastro-intestinal tract and mucous membrane stimulators. The electrical gastro-intestinal tract stimulator comprises a casing (1) with electrodes and in the form of a medicinal capsule containing a power source (4), a control unit (5) of which M outputs are connected to M electrodes (3), a device (6) for receiving signals from internal organs and/or an external transmitter, to (1-N) outputs of which are connected (1-N) inputs of the control unit (5). The electrical stimulator can contain P additional electrodes (7) provided with a coating of microelements or medicinal preparations and connected to P separate outputs of the control unit (5). The electrical stimulator can also contain a signal transmitter (10) designed to transmit signals from the device (6) for receiving signals from internal organs and/or external transmitter and control unit (5) to an external receiver for medical observation and monitoring.

Abstract: The covered structure comprises a dome-shaped frame constructed using a plurality of ribs made of flexible materials and held in conformation by a flexible stay-band. A fabric crown covers the frame. A brim or visor is included to provide a covered structure useful as a cap or hat. The cap may be made adjustable to fit a range of head sizes while maintaining the shape of the crown. The structure may be covered with material which protects the wearer from the UV radiation and weather. Additionally, the overall shape of the covered structure can be made to mimic the shape of analogous larger structures and outdoor sports related equipment (specifically, tents). This latter feature of the present invention serves a promotional function enabling the covered structure to be a promotional item useful for advertising or promoting the larger structure by association.

Abstract: A rechargeable coffee or spice grinding apparatus having a grinder and a charging station. The grinder is hand portable and useable separated from the charging station. The grinder has a power supply (e.g., a battery pack) that is recharged by a current induced in the grinder's charging circuit by the inductance probe of the charging station. The charging station is cordless and plugs directly into a household wall outlet. The charging station has an inductively coupled charging probe that mates with a probe receptacle in the grinder. The charging probe induces an electrical current in the charging circuit of the grinder without any wires or direct electrical contact between the grinder to the charging station. The grinder's charging circuit connects to the rechargeable power supply and provides the electricity to operate the grinder motor.

Abstract: A sterilizable cultivation system is provided for growing selected organisms for use in biological applications and the cultivation edible fungi. A sealable, sterilizable container holds a growth substrate in a sterile condition. A separate, adhesive vent filter is provided, which is adhereable to a vent opening in the container. The vent filter is gas permeable and allows gas exchange between the interior of the container and the ambient environment, but prevents the passage of microbes and other organisms into or out of the container. This gas exchange prevents excess carbon dioxide from accumulating in the container and allows necessary oxygen into the container in order to maintain an appropriate growth environment for the selected organisms. The vent filter may be combined with the container (a) during manufacture of new containers, or (b) in the field by the end-user on new containers or on re-cycled containers.