Abstract: An apparatus for loading thin-walled, elastic, tubular members having a single closed end, such as finger cots, condoms, balloons or the like, onto elongated rod or finger elements for subsequent placement onto a mandrel for processing or testing, where the tubular member is drawn in inverted manner onto the finger elements by suction and where separable finger element alignment blocks are provided to properly align and position the finger elements to receive the tubular member.

Abstract: A nipple testing apparatus for testing the nipple end of condoms mounted onto a mandrel, the apparatus having an electrically conducted nipple-shaped cavity connected in electrical circuit to the mandrel, such that electrical current passing through the condom disposed between the mandrel and the nipple cavity indicates a defect in the condom.

Abstract: A gravity responsive attitude switch containing electrical contacts separated by a gap, the switch containing a bead liquid and a carrier liquid, the two liquids being immiscible and having different electric resistivity values, where the liquid bead may be disposed between the contacts by properly positioning the switch. The contacts are connected in an electronic circuit which senses the difference in resistivity dependent on whether the bead liquid or the carrier liquid is bridging the gap between the contacts, which in turn determines whether an operative electric circuit is opened or closed.

Abstract: A device for suctioning material from skin pores, the device having a tip member, an elongated grip body having at least a transparent section, and a filter cartridge having at least a transparent section, with a filter disposed within the filter cartridge which allows passage of air but blocks passage of material, such that material extracted from the skin pores is observable as it passes through the grip body and is visible on the surface of the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and orienting elastic, thin-walled, tubular members having a closed end and an open end, such as finger cots, such that all tubular members are delivered in the same orientation, the apparatus having a retrieval conduit, a delivery conduit angularly joined to the retrieval conduit, a reversing chamber extending linearly forward from the retrieval conduit and across the opening to the delivery conduit, and suction means to draw the tubular members through the retrieval and delivery conduits. A tubular member traveling in the forward orientation with the closed end forward will be drawn directly into the delivery conduit, while a tubular member traveling in the reverse orientation with the open end forward will first pass the opening to the delivery conduit and strike the barrier end wall of the reversing chamber, and then be drawn into the delivery conduit with the closed end forward.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaching and venting sealed inner containers disposed within a drum, where the drum is evacuated to created a pressure differential resulting in expansion and rupture of the inner containers. The temperature may also be reduced to below freezing in the drum to reduce the elasticity of the inner containers, and the drum may also be pressurized to implode and rupture the inner containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a shunt or tunable joint coupler (TJC) that receives a railroad track signal from a railroad track wire. A conductive support post having a lower portion inserted into a ground surface provides above-ground mounting of the track signal terminal device. The track signal terminal device is mounted onto the support post in an electrically insulated manner. A block terminal attached to the conductive support post includes electrical contact points for electrically coupling the railroad track wire with leads from the track signal terminal device and further includes electrical contact points for electrically coupling a lightning arrestor with the conductive support post. A removable housing is attached to the conductive support post for providing an exterior encasement for the block terminal and the track signal terminal device.

Abstract: A system for automating the gathering of field information that describes the condition of specific geographical locations at specific times via a field information recording device having a GPS receiver for the recording and assignment of the space-time coordinates as information is gathered. The information and space-time coordinates are transmitted to a management center for processing over a communication network. Upon receipt, the field information is integrated into a geographic database such that the information generates a template showing the current state or condition of the identified geographical location on an automated basis. The template and the associated geographical portion of the geographical database are distributed to users via the Internet, intranet or other communication means.

Abstract: A bearing assembly tachometer device for attachment to a rotating shaft which comprises bearing target members disposed between a rotating inner ring member and a non-rotating outer ring to reduce friction therebetween, and a sensing device such as a Hall Effect sensor for detecting passage of the bearing target members as the inner ring member rotates, where the bearing target members are fixed in equidistant circumferential position about the inner ring member such that each said bearing target member rotates about the central axis of the inner ring member the same number of rotations as the inner ring member itself.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing spondylolisthesis reduction utilizing spinal link implants, the apparatus comprising a jack which is temporarily affixed to the spinal links, where the jack is constructed to provide leverage or fulcrum points such that the vertebrae or sacrum can be moved as required for, proper realignment and to position adjacent link members for connection. The jack comprises a pair of outrigger members connected to a levering member such that each is free to pivot, whereby the relative angle between the members may be altered by movement of the levering member, which is provided with at least one handle to be gripped by the surgeon. Optionally, an outrigger stabilizer member is also provided.

Abstract: A connector adaptor, alone or paired with a second connector adaptor and joined by a 4-pair CAT-5 type unshielded twisted pair cable, capable of transmitting synchronous data in RS232 type format between data transmissions equipment and data communications equipment, the adaptor having an equipment interface with greater than eight active pins and an RJ45 type interface, where eight of the active pins are connected directly to the eight contacts of the RJ45 type interface and at least one of the active pins is connected directly to another of the active pins in looped or shorted manner.

Abstract: A filter vent fitting for a drum which allows for the passage of hydrogen gas but precludes the passage of radioactive particulates, the fitting having evacuation/pressurization conduits which allow the drum to be evacuated or pressurized, and cryogenic/sapling conduits which allow the temperature of the drum to be reduced and samples drawn from the interior which are not filtered. Preferably a cap member is provided with a pressure balancing bore which is active during the evacuation and pressurization steps.

Abstract: A combination apron and chair cover for use with a high chair or toddler chair, where the apron and chair cover protects the child's clothing from spillage and prevents the child from contacting the upper surfaces of the chair with its hands or mouth, the cover having a torso opening which is cinched about the child's torso in a snug and secure manner and an outer perimeter of sufficient dimension to drape over the upper portion of the chair, including the chair back and tray if present. The outer perimeter is preferably secured to or between the chair legs or other chair structure by fastening elements.

Abstract: A drain seal for rapidly sealing the apertures in a drain grate, the drain seal composed of a mat of polymeric material and having a pair of opposing sealing surfaces and internally disposed reinforcement members to increase structural integrity.

Abstract: A mount for rigging a single-barb fishhook or a treble hook which temporarily secures the fishhook for rotation by a motorized drill or similar type of equipment or by hand, where the eye is maintained in a generally fixed spatial location on or near the central axis of the mount during rotation, for attachment of a wire leader to the eye of the fishhook. A bore perpendicular to the rotational axis is provided to retain a single-barb fishhook and a cross member is provided to retain a treble hook. A short segment of the wire lead is threaded through the eye and bent back toward the main body of the wire leader. Both the main body and the short segment of the wire leader are then held in fixed relationship while the mount is rotated.

Abstract: An oil-based solvent composition for denture adhesive, suitable for use in the oral cavity, containing Melaleuca Alternifolia oil in an oil-based carrier, such as a vegetable oil. Additional solvents such as orange oil and flavorings may be added to the composition.

Abstract: A line throwing device having a throwing basket mounted onto a handle, the throwing basket retaining a float and line, where the throwing basket is provided with a slot extending from the open end of the throwing body toward the handle, such that the line extends through the slot for rapid retrieval and subsequent throw of a thrown float, and where the slot also provides for drainage of the device.

Abstract: An anchored, floating drink tray having an annular floating member which maintains a main body above the surface of the water, the main body having a plural number of drinking glass recesses which receive lidded glasses in a secure manner, such that the tray may be temporarily inverted or submerged without harm to the contents in the glasses.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber with a spherical inner wall and a spherical outer wall which retains a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional sensing pathway defined on at least one of its walls, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.