Abstract: A holder for an osteosynthesis fixation device or bone plate and the screws or other mechanical fasteners for affixing the bone plate to bone matter, the holder temporarily retaining the bone plate and screws during the affixation procedure and providing guide bores to properly align the driver tool and the screws during insertion. The holder is significantly thicker than the bone plate, such that it is easily grasped and manipulated by the surgeon.

Abstract: A modular curb inlet filter apparatus having an internal axial tube member on which are disposed at least two disc spacers, which in turn support a cylindrical mesh frame member, which in turn supports a tubular filter fabric. Wedge anchors composed preferably of a compressible polymer foam are provided with anchor bores of sufficient diameter to receive the ends of the cylindrical mesh frame member therein, the anchor bores being disposed near the base of the wedge anchors such that the curb inlet filter inlet apparatus will be seated close to surface of the curb inlet base when positioned within the curb inlet. Preferably the wedge anchors are provided with a base scuff plate made of a durable polymer material to prolong their use life. A short silt flap or skirt depends from the filter fabric, the silt flap extending the approximately the length of the curb inlet filter apparatus to seal any gap beneath the curb inlet filter apparatus and the base of the curb inlet.

Abstract: A drywall repair tool for repairing a localized defect in drywall, and the method of using same, the tool having a conical abrading surface, a circular cutting rim and an annular abutment collar, whereby rotation of the tool creates a hole having a conical wall, where the inner diameter of the hole is smaller than the outer diameter, such that a replacement plug having a conical wall corresponding to the size and configuration of the conical wall of the hole can be readily positioned within the hole and adhesively secured.

Abstract: A removable cover for a garage door vent or window, and preferably a cover for vents and windows in a garage door having embossed raised decorative panels incorporated into the door sections for decorative and aesthetic purposes, wherein the cover is slidingly received within a generally U-shaped in cross-section track externally mounted about the perimeter of the vent/window opening. Most preferably, the cover is formed of the rectangular piece of material removed from the garage door section to create the vent/window opening, such that with the cover in place over the vent/window, the decorative pattern and overall look of the door is virtually identical to the look of a door that is not provided with vents or windows. For garage doors having embossed raised decorative panels, the relatively large planar interior face portion of the raised panel having inwardly sloping sides is preferably removed to form the cover.

Abstract: A biphase code detector and method for implementing the same. In accordance with one embodiment, the biphase code detector includes a receiver input for receiving a biphase encoded signal. The biphase encoded signal is a stream of unit bit cells each having a logic value encoded as a mid-bit transition between a first half-symbol signal component and a second half-symbol signal component. An integrated value is produced for the first and the second half-symbol components of a received unit bit cell. The biphase code detector further includes a delta detector that generates a difference signal corresponding to the difference between the integrated values of the first and second half-symbol components to determine the logic value of the received unit bit cell.

Abstract: An automatic failed roll condom detection and removal apparatus wherein failed roll condoms are rapidly removed from a testing mandrel such that shut down of the testing and handling equipment is not required. Detection means detect the presence of a failed roll condom on a testing mandrel as it returns from the testing and removal station and ejection means remove the failed roll condom from the mandrel. The ejection means has a series of rotating brushes having relatively stiff bristles, the brushes being mounted on a reciprocating carriage in ascending manner in the mandrel return travel direction. When a failed roll condom is detected, the shuttle carriage return rate is slowed and the rotating brushes are brought into contact with the failed roll mandrel, each brush in succession pushing or rolling the condom higher on the mandrel until the final brush ejects the condom.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use with a tractor having a three point mounting hitch assembly having two extension legs telescopically retained by two generally vertical sleeve members slanted towards each other and two lateral extension arms telescopically retained by a cross sleeve member, wherein the lateral extension arms can be extended or retracted and wherein the extension legs can be extended or retracted to alter the relative positions of an upper hook and two lower hooks.

Abstract: A reinforcement assembly for a panel garage door, the assembly having multiple sliding locking members that are repositioned from a neutral or disengaged position on panel stiles to an active or engaged position bridging the hinge connecting adjacent stiles, such that adjacent panels are precluded from pivoting. Preferably, header and footer engagement assemblies are also provided to secure the door to the header and floor.

Abstract: A lifting sling having warning markings that indicate the extent of elongation of the sling under load, whereby an operator can visually determine if the maximum safe load weight of the sling has been exceeded. The markings are disposed on the surface of the sling cover and initially covered by a non-elongating body, but are exposed as the sling elongates under load.

Abstract: A combination filtration and anti-microbial catch basin filter disposed in a catch basin of a storm water system such that, in addition to removing particulate matter and other contaminants, the concentration of bacteria in storm water that remains resident in the sump of a catch basin after a storm event is severely reduced or eradicated. The catch basin filter comprises a filtration bag depending from the opening such that water must pass through the bag and a plurality of strips or similar members depending from the filtration bag, the length of the strips being such that they remain in contact with water resident in the bottom of the catch basin. In an alternative embodiment, the device comprises a floatation member with filtering means and anti-microbial strips depending therefrom.

Abstract: A fluid turbine, such as a wind or hydro turbine, for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, a rim and a plurality of tensioned cable members joining them together, the cable members being grouped into sets to define a plurality of supports for individual skin members to create a plurality of lightweight blade members.

Abstract: A bicycle shirt or similar garment having a relatively large pocket positioned on the back of the top, the top further comprising a torso-encircling elastic band, which is incorporated within the bottom opening of a shelf bra in the main embodiment, wherein the pocket is provided with an elastic band that is connected to the torso-encircling elastic band such that stress on the pocket elastic band is transferred or shared by the torso-encircling elastic band.

Abstract: A receptacle for extinguishing and storing spent smoking items, namely cigarette or cigar butts, comprising a container and a cap connected to the container for receiving and storing the butts. The cap contains a porous snuffing tube formed within and through the cap and an odor absorbent material contained within the cap. The odor absorbent material absorbs the smoke and odors emitted from the butt when it is being extinguished within the snuffing tube. Once the spent smoking item is extinguished within the tube it is then released into the container.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine for the production of electricity from tidal flow forces, the turbine having a rotor preferably with an open center such that the blades are mounted between an inner rim and outer rim, wherein retaining members and anti-friction members are provided to limit movement of the rotor relative to the housing in either axial direction, such that water flow in either direction operates the turbine, but wherein the retaining members and the anti-friction members allow the rotor to shift in either axial direction in response to water flow, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to initiate rotation. The anti-friction members limiting rotor travel in the axial direction are preferably of increased thickness, such that as the anti-friction members wear down, the rotor is able to shift relative to the housing in the axial direction.

Abstract: A transportable police vehicle decoy having a life-like, life-size visual image of a police vehicle mounted onto a trailer for transportability, the wheels of the trailing appearing to be the wheels of the police vehicle shown in the image. Operational emergency lights are positioned in the proper location on the visual image and can be activated by speed detection devices when a speeding vehicle approaches.