Abstract: A nutrient dispensing system which connects to a pressurized water supply includes a gravity dispenser, a pressure dispenser, and a valve which selectively connects the pressurized water supply to one of the gravity dispenser and the pressure dispenser. In a first mode of operation, gravity dispenser only is used. In a second mode of operation, pressure dispenser only is used. And in a third mode of operation the gravity dispenser and the pressure dispenser are used simultaneously.

Abstract: A light bulb includes two or more filaments. When one filament burns out another filament can be connected so that the light bulb is still operational and does not have to be discarded.

Abstract: A system for attaching an article to a roof having shingles disposed on top of a structural member includes a flashing member which is rotatably connected to a stanchion. The flashing member includes a sheet of flashing which is slid up under one or more shingles. A hole is drilled through the shingles and into the structural member. The stanchion is then bolted to the structural member.

Abstract: A support for holding a fitness ball includes a centrally located vibration assembly. The vibration assembly includes a vibrating plate upon which the fitness ball resides. In an embodiment of the invention the support has arms which receive the fitness ball. Each of the arms has a vibrating member.

Abstract: A steering system for a tractor and trailer includes first and second sender cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other, and first and second receiver cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other. First and second front link members connect the first and second sender cylinders to a front equalizer arm, and first and second rear link members connect the first and second receiver cylinders to a rear equalizer arm. The pistons of the cylinders travel in straight paths experiencing no side loads, and each piston travels the same distance as the tractor turns with respect to the trailer.

Abstract: A boom support vehicle for supporting elongated loads includes a front dolly which is pivotally connected to a rear dolly at an articulation point. The front dolly includes a front self steering castor axle, and a rear conventional axle. This combination of axles results in stability at high speeds, while also reducing the amount of scuffing which the boom support vehicle experiences as the transporting vehicle and the boom support vehicle negotiate a turn.

Abstract: A restraining device includes an alarm circuit which activates an alarm if a restrained individual tampers with the device. The restraining device includes a hinged cover which when closed covers both the key hole of the restraining device and the power source for the alarm circuit. A first sensor senses when the cover is open, and a second sensor senses when the device's double lock mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: A cushioning system for a shoe includes an insert having a top surface, an opposite bottom surface, the bottom surface having a heel portion, an arch portion, and a ball portion. At least one spring is connected to the heel portion of the bottom surface, and an arch support is connected to the arch portion of the bottom surface. In an embodiment of the invention, an arch support module covers the heel and arch portions of the bottom surface, and carries a plurality of heel springs and the arch support.

Abstract: A system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind home plate, and is selectively movable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively moved up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin may be controlled from a practice pitching area.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing objects at a fire scene allows fire fighters to view objects, including persons, in a smoke and fire filled environment. The present invention utilizes two different techniques to discriminate reflections from an object from scattered reflections from smoke and fire. In one embodiment of the invention, the coherent nature of laser light is employed to pick out objects. Another embodiment of the invention utilizes a time-gated approach to select reflections from objects which are located a specific distance from the laser transmitter.

Abstract: A nose section for a heated air pressure probe includes a barrier having a wall which blocks the direct longitudinal intake of air from an inlet, and diverts the air through one or more bypass ports. A heater is located in the barrier. Both the wall and the heater are located near the front of the inlet.

Abstract: A maze game for a plurality of players includes a plurality of rotatable gate members which may be rotated to reconfigure the maze. A first randomizer determines the number of playing stations a player's game piece moves, and a second randomizer determines the total number of one-quarter turns of the rotatable gate members.

Abstract: An exercise system for use on a bed includes a bottom mat which is placed on the bed having a mattress and a top mat which is placed on top of the bottom mat. Two handles are connected to the top mat by a line. A user lies on his/her back and grasps one handle in each hand and pulls the handles up during an exercise. The upward motion of the handles causes the top mat to pull away from the mattress and support the head, neck, and shoulders of the user during the exercise. The exercise system also includes a support pad for selectively supporting the lower back, head, or other part of the user's body. The exercise system may also be used on the floor with or without the bottom mat.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable enclosure provides an additional storage or work area in a structure which has a limited amount of available space, such as a motor home or trailer. The enclosure is installed in an opening, such as for a window, and can be selectively moved to an extended position where the enclosure extends outside the structure, or to a retracted position where the enclosure is positioned inside the structure. Two spaced apart swing arms pivotally mount the enclosure to the structure, and allow the enclosure to be selectively moved to the extended or retracted positions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a monochromator device which uses single grating volume holograms. The holograms collect light of varying wavelengths such as polychromatic light, and separate one particular wavelength of interest. A wide wavelength spectrum can be targeted, either by angularly tuning the holograms, or by using an array of holograms each of which is tuned to a different center wavelength. The large aperture and high angular dispersion of the volume holograms provides a higher light throughput than that of prior art monochromators. The present invention can be used anywhere that efficient separation of polychromatic light into its narrowband components is required. The monochromator may be placed immediately before a light source, or before other optical or signal processing devices to provide the filtered wavelength of light input to such devices.

Abstract: A system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. The batter also can be selectively moved toward and away from home plate, and has a head which automatically faces the pitcher. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind the batter mannequin, the catcher mannequin being selectively positionable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively positioned up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin are remotely controlled using a remote control unit.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable includes both inflation/deflation and pressure release functions. The valve has a housing which receives a core, a spring, and a nut. The nut is threadably received by the core and slidably received by the housing, and holds the core and spring in place within the housing. The inflation function includes a one way valve, and the release pressure of the pressure release function may both be adjusted and disabled.

Abstract: A system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. The batter also can be selectively moved toward and away from home plate, and has a head which automatically faces the pitcher. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind the batter mannequin, the catcher mannequin being selectively positionable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively positioned up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin are remotely controlled using a remote control unit.

Abstract: A tool and method for painting pinstripes on vehicles or other objects includes a wheel which cooperates with a paint reservoir. As the wheel is rolled along a surface, the wheel picks up paint from the reservoir and deposits it upon the surface. The wheel has rounded edges to prevent damage to the surface being striped. The tool has a rectangular shape which prevents it from rotating in the hand of the user, and has a slim transverse profile so that a pinstripe may be placed close underneath an obstruction such as a side view mirror. The guide bar of the present invention, which cooperates with a magnetic guide strip, is flat and has a rounded distal end. As such, the guide bar provides a more positive fit in the groove of the magnetic guide strip, and also allows the tool to be turned substantially perpendicular to the surface being striped.