Abstract: A thatch eave member formed of a plurality of individual thatch elements, either natural or synthetic, having a backing member retaining a plurality of individual thatch elements such that the free ends present a generally planar exposed face, wherein the backing member is adapted for attachment along the eave of a roof such that the exposed face matches the ends of a lowermost thatched roofing shingle or roll to give the illusion of a thicker roof, and the system comprising the combination of such eave members and roof members.

Abstract: A combination table and support member assembly for use in connection with a trailer hitch mounted onto a vehicle, where the support member and table can be joined in various configurations to vary the table height when in use and to vary the lateral separation distance between the rear of the vehicle and the table and vertical components of the support member when in use or in transport to allow for sufficient distance to enable utilization of the tailgate, rear door or hatchback of the vehicle. Extension members may also be utilized to alter the configuration.

Abstract: A shopping cart carrier attachment for carrying at least one child, the child carrier having a main body with an entrance and a support platform or seat to support the child, the main body being removably attachable to the basket of the cart and to the lower frame of the cart such that the main body extends forward from and is suspended from the front of the cart. Most preferably, the child carrier is configured as a real world object, such as a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for processing citrus peel to produce food grade products and environmentally safe liquid discharge, by cutting mixing, heating, separating, pressing and drying the citrus peel.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing multi-story buildings having poured-in-place concrete floors for the upper floors, wherein a set of lower posts is erected, the lower posts having horizontal upper plates on their upper ends each with a centrally disposed aperture. Decking is supported by horizontal beams and defines a form to receive the concrete. The upper plates are masked and concrete is poured and screeded using the upper plates as screed guides, such that the upper surface of the concrete is generally flush with the upper surface of the upper plates. After removal of the masking, a set of upper posts having lower plates with centrally disposed pins are mounted atop the lower posts with the pins inserted into the apertures. The lower plates and upper plates are then welded to joint the lower and upper posts. The cycle is repeated for additional floors.

Abstract: An ice chest or cooler having a vertically oriented chute to receive beverage containers such that when the cooler is being refilled the beverage containers are directed through an opening in the bottom of the chute, into the bottom of the main compartment containing the ice and chilled water, and beneath any beverage containers already present in the main compartment.

Abstract: An externally mounted fixation device for craniomaxillofacial distraction osteogenesis, the device having a helmet to secure the device in a relatively rigid and immobile manner to the head of a patient, support structure to receive distraction components in fixed or adjustable spatial location relative to the patient's head, and distraction components to apply traction to the bones of the patient to be distracted.

Abstract: A medical imaging method utilizing pads for supporting the head and neck of a supine patient during the medical imaging, wherein the pads produce either flexion or extension of the cervical vertebrae. A cavity is provided in the pad to define an area of non-contact on the back of the neck and to receive a secondary coil if present.

Abstract: A method and system for providing centralized deployment and coordination of field assessment activities. In accordance with one embodiment, an emergency management data processing system includes a field assessment database for storing and processing layered geospatial visual portrayal data and field surveillance attribute data. The emergency management data processing system includes an event setup data input interface for receiving an event identifier associated with an emergency event, a location identifier identifying a portion of the layered geospatial visual portrayal data corresponding to a region affected by the emergency event, and a field surveillance attribute category identifier specifying a category of the stored field surveillance attribute data. The event identifier is then associated with the region data and the specified field surveillance attribute data to generate an event-specific field assessment record.

Abstract: A condom testing apparatus having a plurality of electrically conductive mandrels having condoms loaded thereon, a first set of condom-contacting electrode members, a second set of condom-contacting electrode members, and a gapped electrical circuit between each of the mandrels and the first set of condom-contacting electrode members and between each of the mandrels and the second set of condom-contacting electrode members during testing, wherein defects within a condom being tested are detected by passage of current between the mandrels and the first and second sets of condom-contacting electrode members, wherein the first set of condom-contacting electrode members contacts less than 100 percent of the circumference of each of the condoms and the second set of condom-contacting electrode members contacts less than 100 percent of the circumference of each of the condoms, such that two condoms can be tested at once.

Abstract: An improved corner guard for use on a pre-hung door assembly. The corner guard of the present invention is designed for use with a pre-hung door assembly that includes a door secured within a three-sided door frame in which the two vertical frame members extend in an offset manner below the bottom edge of the pre-hung door. In a preferred embodiment, the corner guard includes a bumper member for imposing a gap between adjacent stacked assemblies. A substantially flat transition flange member is attached to one end of the base of the bumper member, and together, the transition flange member and bumper member base form a retention barrier surface across the front corner region of the pre-hung door assembly to maintain the door securely seated within the door frame. A fixed side flange is affixed to the other end of the bumper member and extends approximately perpendicularly with respect to the bumper member base surface such that a right angle inner surface corner contour is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine anchored in a body of water which produces electricity directly from its housing. The turbine is in and of itself a generator whose housing is its stator and whose blade it its rotor.

Abstract: A gunstock incorporating one or more storage magazines for temporarily storing and retaining ammunition for easy access, the ammunition having a generally flat or recessed nose such as found for example in shotgun shells. The magazine has a port allowing insertion and removal of the shell and a biasing means whereby a single or multiple shells is pushed forward such that the recessed nose abuts against a projection member. The junction between the magazine bore and the magazine port is configured as a cornered edge on the interior side, and the distance from the cornered edge to the projection member is determined as a function of the ammunition to be stored, such that with a shell disposed against the projection member, the cornered edge will be located at least halfway up the annular brass base of the shell. In addition, the gunstock is provided with a pistol grip, which provides an improved means for grasping and holding the weapon while ammunition is being removed and loaded.

Abstract: A banding machine and method for banding bundles of material using a thermal and moisture activated adhesive baleband. In one embodiment the banding machine includes a sealing station that guides and tightens the baleband around a bale such that a portion of the baleband is overlapped. The sealing station also connects or seals the overlapped end portions of the band after tightening the band about a bale and cuts the band as overlapped end portions are connected. The overlapped end portions are adhesively connected or sealed using a steam or hot water applicator mechanism and associated actuator controller for applying pressurized steam or hot water to the overlapped end portions of the baleband.