Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for launching targets, retrieval devices and combination target and retrieval devices, wherein the targets and retrieval devices may be irregularly shaped, such as like birds. Multiple targets are held on a carousel delivery system and eventually moved in a launching position by a push arm. A throwing arm is then rotated, pushing the target along a throwing guide until it reaches a launching position, at which point the target is released for use in shooting practice and/or training retrieving dogs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compliant end effector for securing an implement or tool such as a spindle to an arm of an industrial robot. The end effector has an internal passageway that extends completely through the end effector for receiving the spindle. The end effector includes a mounting assembly, a gripping assembly, a compliant assembly and a biasing assembly. The mounting assembly has a mounting bracket that rigidly secures the end effector to the robotic arm. The gripping assembly has a support bracket that rigidly secures the spindle to the end effector. The compliant assembly joins the mounting assembly to the gripping assembly, and includes an internal collar with two sets of opposed pivot pins that form first and second pivot axes. The biasing assembly includes a sponge rubber biasing ring with a number of uniformly spaced springs that combine to bias the spindle into a normal biased position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose end effector for a robotic arm that moves a workpiece through an automated, multi-station, manufacturing operation. The end effector is particularly useful in a gear manufacturing operation in which a gear piece is annealed, ground and tested to ensure it meets desired specifications. The relatively lightweight and compact end effector securely grips the workpiece during multi-directional movements, and provides a degree of softness when loading the normally non-rotating workpiece onto a continuously rotating chuck or tool. The end effector is secured to the robotic arm by a cross-member equipped with three different gripping implements. A central gripping device extends from the middle of the cross-member, a loading arm extends from one end of the cross-member, and an unloading arm extends from the other end. Each gripping implement includes pneumatically controlled gripping fingers for holding the gear pieces.

Abstract: A rigid lightweight surfacing panel for providing a new surface for existing panels in acoustical panel ceiling systems, the surfacing panel having a degree of flex so to allow it to be pushed into place in a support system in underlying matched relation with an existing panel whereby a new decorative surface to impart a change in the existing decor or to decoratively replace damaged, worn or soiled surfaces can be provided without need for removing the existing panel. In a preferred embodiment porous surfacing panels are each made by combining a pair of flexible strand mats under heat and pressure with an interposed lightweight fibrous web of heat meltable binder and providing the combination with a decorative exposed surface layer which allows transmission of sound through the combination to an overlying existing ceiling panel.

Abstract: The modular masonry step and deck assembly consists of a plurality of like-shaped risers and a plurality of like-shaped treads that enable the assembly to have a variety of shapes, sizes and heights to provide a custom fit to a variety of buildings, mobile homes or trailers. The risers are dry stacked in a multi-tier, multi-column, multi-row arrangement to form a base of the assembly. An inwardly expanding groove is formed in each corner of each riser. When aligned flush with adjacent risers and dry stacked one atop the other in a stacked bond arrangement, the groves form a continuous vertical channel. A semi-flexible locking key is formed inside the channel to secure the risers together, but accommodate movements caused by the freezing and thawing of the ground. Four differently shaped treads are used to form the walking surface of the step and deck assembly. Each tread shape is used to form a specific portion of the walking surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection device having a constrictor ring designed to fit against the base of a male genital or penis, and a diaphragm seal that forms a substantially air tight seal against the constrictor ring. The constrictor ring is designed to comfortably and securely fit the base of the penis. The substantially air tight seal enables the pump to produce vacuum pressures of over 17 inches of mercury. The diaphragm seal is designed to collapse around the constrictor ring and remain on during sexual activity. The diaphragm seal cooperates with the constrictor ring to apply pressure to the surface of the penis. The placement of the constrictor ring on the base of the penis and the greater vacuum pressure achieved by the device tend to draw the root or “oz” of the penis into the constrictor ring so that a more natural erection is achieved and maintained after the vacuum tube is removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medication container that organizes several vials or cassettes of different types of medication by securing the vials to a unitary lid. A machine readable memory strip is affixed to each vial. Each memory strip contains prescription information and medication information pertaining to the medication in the vial. The unitary lid is equipped with sensors that read each memory strip and transmit the information to the computer processor and its associated memory device. The processor determines when each medication is to be taken and signals the patient to take the appropriate medication from the appropriate vial at the appropriate time. Indicator lights and a display are provided for this purpose. The vials are standard or slightly modified childproof pill containers, but can take the form of a blister pack dispenser or other containers as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection device having a constrictor ring designed to fit against the base of a male genital or penis, and a diaphragm seal that forms a substantially air tight seal against the constrictor ring. The constrictor ring is designed to comfortably and securely fit the base of the penis. The substantially air tight seal enables the pump to produce vacuum pressures of over 17 inches of mercury. The diaphragm seal is designed to collapse around the constrictor ring and remain on during sexual activity. The diaphragm seal cooperates with the constrictor ring to apply pressure to the surface of the penis. The placement of the constrictor ring on the base of the penis and the greater vacuum pressure achieved by the device tend to draw the root or "oz" of the penis into the constrictor ring so that a more natural erection is achieved and maintained after the vacuum tube is removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a targeting disk that lays flat on a billiards table and enables a player to more reliably aim and shoot a cue ball at a target ball. The disk has a hemispherical or half-moon shape that is twice as wide as it is long. The radius of the disk is about equal to the combined radii of the cue and target ball. An upper surface of the disk includes a targeting indicium for aiming the cue ball, an alignment pattern and notch for aligning the disk under the target ball, and a pointer for aiming the disk at an intended target such as a pocket or another ball on the table. The targeting indicium is located on an edge of the disk so that the cue ball can strike the target ball without rolling across the surface of the disk. The alignment notch is circular in shape and sized to provide a visual aid that compliments the alignment ring for aligning the targeting disk under the target ball.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for administering prescribed medication to a patient. The prescribed medication administration system and apparatus dispense prescribed medication, verify the medication is given to a correct patient by an authorized healthcare worker and tracks and records the administration of the medication. The system utilizes a workstation connected to a database containing prescribed medication dose information for various patients. A healthcare worker uses the workstation to manually or automatically dispenses the medication the portable container. An information device is secured to the portable container during transport and administration of the medication to the intended patient. The information device prevents access to the medication or warns the healthcare worker of a potential error if the medication is delivered to the wrong patient or administered by an unauthorized healthcare worker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection device having a constrictor ring designed to fit against the base of a male genital or penis, and a diaphragm seal that forms a substantially air tight seal against the constrictor ring. The constrictor ring is designed to comfortably and securely fit the base of the penis. The substantially air tight seal enables the pump to produce vacuum pressures of over 17 inches of mercury. The placement of the constrictor ring on the base of the penis and the greater vacuum pressure achieved by the device tend to draw the root of the penis into the constrictor ring so that a more natural erection is achieved and maintained after the vacuum tube is removed. The erection device can be easily provided as a kit containing a rigid vacuum tube, a hand or power operated pump, and several diaphragm seals and constrictor rings of various sizes to achieve a custom fit and optimum results.

Abstract: A detachable fishing rod and reel holder, for use by a fisherman in a sitting position is disclosed. The holder comprises a concave, convex frame attached to the fisherman's leg with the concave surface bearing against the fisherman's shin whereby the force applied to the line from a fish strike is transmitted to the users leg thereby alerting him to the fish strike. The hook may be set by the simple movement of the fisherman's leg, by rotating the leg about the hip joint, or the knee joint as a pivot point.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for embossing paper webs using opposing embossing and imprint rolls. In the preferred embodiment the embossing roll and the imprint roll have differing diametrical dimensions, thereby producing differing velocities through the nip, causing the embossing projections, of the embossing roll to sweep through modified imprint cells of the imprint roll, thereby affecting an automatic sweeping of accumulated debris from the imprint cell as the embossing operation take place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection device having a constrictor ring designed to fit against the base of a male genital or penis, and a diaphragm seal that forms a substantially air tight seal against the constrictor ring. The constrictor ring is designed to comfortably and securely fit the base of the penis. The substantially air tight seal enables the pump to produce vacuum pressures of over 17 inches of mercury. The diaphragm seal is designed to collapse around the constrictor ring and remain on during sexual activity. The diaphragm seal cooperates with the constrictor ring to apply pressure to the surface of the penis. The placement of the constrictor ring on the base of the penis and the greater vacuum pressure achieved by the device tend to draw the root or "oz" of the penis into the constrictor ring so that a more natural erection is achieved and maintained after the vacuum tube is removed.

Abstract: Synthetic Rutile is prepared from raw ilmenite ore by a method comprising activating ilmenite and subjecting it to a multi-stage countercurrent leaching process in hot hydrochloric acid.