Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for testing a system having a transient response that is longer than the intervals between stimulations, using a sequence of stimuli containing a small jitter. The timing sequence (called a q-sequence) is constrained by time-domain and frequency-domain rules. The system-response can be recovered from noise, despite response superposition, using deconvolution with a recovery sequence. The acronym QSD means “q-sequence deconvolution”. The invention is especially applicable to signal processing of evoked-responses, including those used for disease screening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing a system having a transient response that is longer than the intervals between stimulations, using a sequence of stimuli containing a small jitter. The timing sequence (called a q-sequence) is constrained by time-domain and frequency-domain rules. The system response can be recovered from noise, despite response superposition, using deconvolution with a recovery sequence. The acronym QSD means “q-sequence deconvolution”. The invention is especially applicable to signal processing of evoked-responses, including those used for disease screening.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is an oversized sheet of paper having one or more punch outs for a standard sized ring binder and at least one cutout opening therein that allows the oversized paper to be secured in a standard sized ring binder when the oversized paper is folded at 90 degrees relative to the binding edge, and further allows the oversized paper to be unfolded for viewing without releasing a ring of the ring binder. In another aspect, the present invention comprises paper punches and cutting devices, operable by a user, which make at least one cutout in an oversized sheet of paper that allows the oversized paper to be secured in a standard sized ring binder when the oversized paper is folded, at 90 degrees relative to the binding edge, and further allows the oversized paper to be unfolded for viewing without releasing a ring of a ring binder.

Abstract: Amusement ride that allows for enhanced control of the ride path and, thus, the riders' experience. In one embodiment, the ride allows for manual control of the acceleration, speed and direction of the carrier into which at least one rider is secured. In one embodiment, the ride also allows for selection of one from a plurality of pre-programmed ride paths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new intravenous catheter stabilizing device comprising a disposable catheter assembly and a reusable strap having a hole or aperture therein. The catheter assembly includes a hub portion and a catheter, as is conventional in the art. The aperture or hole in the strap is configured such that the hub of a catheter assembly may extend at least partially therethrough. The strap of the present invention has attachment means located thereon and proximal to the aperture for attaching the catheter assembly to the strap such that the hub portion of the catheter assembly extends at least partially through the aperture of the strap. The strap further includes fastening means for securing the strap around a limb of a patient. When the device of the present invention is assembled and used as intended on a limb of a patient, the hub of the catheter partially extends through the aperture in the strap thereby allowing attachment of an intravenous tube with a standard luer lock mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved spinning reel having a reel body of unitary sidewall construction. More specifically, the present invention provides a spinning reel having a reel body of unitary sidewall construction with a front or a back opening and an associated plate that removably attaches to the reel body opening to thereby enclose and hold the internal mechanisms and parts of the spinning reel. The use of the present invention allows a fisherman to substantially assemble and/or disassemble the spinning reel of the invention without the aid of tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new report cover system that is useful for providing the user with a convenient, integrated tuck closure device for securing the front cover and thereby enclosing the desired report contents. The present invention also provides a report cover system with a novel information layout, wherein an inner face of the report cover and any text or other materials printed on, attached thereto, or visible therethrough, are visible as the user turns the pages of the report contents. The report cover system includes back cover means, a front cover, and at least one front cover strip, to which the report contents are attached, such that there is a groove by and between the report contents and an inner face of the front cover strip(s). The new report cover is closed by tucking an edge of the front cover into the groove created by and between the front cover strip and the report contents attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fishing reel rotor-mounted bail system. More specifically, the present invention provides a bail system wherein a tension spring is pivotally inserted at a first end to a rotor arm and at a second end to a bail banjo or bail hinge such that the tension spring applies a tensile force or moment to the bail banjo or hinge thereby biasing the bail mechanism in either the open or closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new customizable folio or report cover system that is useful for presenting customized optical characteristics to both the outer and inner faces of a folio cover. The customized optical characteristics are presented at the outer and inner faces of the folio cover as the result of selective replacement of insert sheet(s) that are placed into a pocket formed between the outer and inner faces of the folio cover. The outer and inner faces of the folio cover each have at least one cutout section(s), of any desired shape or design, through which selective part(s) of the replacement sheet(s) can be viewed. The insert sheet(s) have optical characteristic(s) that are different from those of the outer and inner faces of the folio cover, at least in those areas of the insert sheet that can be seen through the cutout section(s).

Abstract: An anti-reverse mechanism that is adaptable to have application in a majority of conventional fishing reel designs and configurations. More particularly, a coil-spring, anti-reverse mechanism that acts upon certain standard components of a drive train in a conventional fishing reel, including the main gear, rotor and pinion. In preferred embodiments, the anti-reverse mechanism of the present invention may further include an On/Off selector assembly for selectively engaging the anti-reverse mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and expression system for enhancing secretion of hyperproduced homologous and heterologous exoproteins in gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus sp. The method and system comprise overproduction of PrsA protein in a gram-positive bacterial host also overproducing at least one exoprotein of interest. Use of the method and system of the invention results in greatly enhanced secretion of the synthesized exoproteins into the growth medium. Once in the growth medium these secreted exoproteins can be recovered and purified in a straightforward manner.

Abstract: A fishing reel oscillation system having a rotating pawl oscillation assembly whose components are integrated into a standard fishing reel mechanism wherein a pawl attached to a pinion rotates around a main shaft with a lead-screw recess track, causing the shaft and an attached spool to oscillate along the rotational axis of the spool. The pinion is also coupled to a rotor. In this manner, one integrated mechanism effects both the oscillation of the spool and the spinning of the rotor.

Abstract: An improved fishing reel with a main shaft support system that holds the main shaft in reduced frictional isolation from the pinion. More specifically, a radial support members to hold the main shaft concentric to the pinion and frictionally isolated therefrom. This system thus reduces the friction between a main shaft and a pinion to yield a more efficient fishing reel. A method is further provided to retrofit conventional fishing reels with the isolation support system of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new body washing and scrubbing device. According to the invention, the body washing and scrubbing device comprises a pliable outer cover having a first washing surface and a second more abrasive washing surface and an inner malleable core comprised of small bead-like or ovoid objects suitable for exposure to water and/or cleaning agents. This overall configuration achieves a novel body washing and scrubbing device that provides a better grip for the user, as well as an easy and comfortable fit within the user's hand. The overall shape of the present invention may also be configured to resemble animals, such as dogs, ducks, and the like, or objects such as footballs and baseballs.

Abstract: A pet chew comprised of an inner bone or bone-like core, and at least one outer edible tubular wrapper layer composed of dried animal viscera or other tubular food product compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new folio pocket system that securely holds inserted supplemental material. The inserted supplemental material, such as a computer diskette or a CD-ROM disk, is held in a pocket created by and between a first sheet and a second sheet attached thereto, where the second sheet has at least one cutout opening therethrough that defines an opening in the pocket through which the supplemental material may be inserted into the pocket. In use, the preventer means and components of the pocket prevent the inserted supplemental material from unintentionally sliding out of the pocket. Additionally, the folio pocket system of the present invention may be included as a part of a folio, binder or report cover system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new customizable folio system that is useful for presenting selectable optical characteristics to one face of a folio cover. The selectable optical characteristics are presented at one face of the folio cover as the result of selective replacement of insert sheet(s) that are placed into a pocket formed between the outer folio cover sheet and an inner backing sheet. Either the outer front face of the folio cover, or the inner backing sheet has at least one cutout section(s) therein, of any desired shape or design, through which selective part(s) of the insert sheet(s) can be viewed. The insert sheet(s) have optical characteristic(s) that are different from those of either the outer front face of the folio cover or the inner backing sheet, at least in those areas of the insert sheet that can be seen through the cutout section(s).

Abstract: An integrated handle fishing reel housing for enclosing a fishing reel and providing a handle for manual grasping of the reel and an associated rod. The inventive device includes a handle housing having a forward or nosecone portion and a body or handle portion. The forward portion and the body portions are axially aligned along a common axis, and have a generally circular diameter in cross section, along the common axis. A reel is mounted within the handle housing and directs a fishing line through a forward center end of the forward portion. The body portion of the handle housing projects rearwardly of the forward portion. If desired, the body portion may be shaped so as to define a reduced gripping recess extending circumferentially thereabout to preclude unintentional slipping of the handle housing from a grasp of a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch-coupled crossarm mounted switch operator. The switch operator of the invention includes rotational motor means, a non-positive contact or infinite engagement clutch mechanism, and an output coupling. The rotational motor means further includes an input shaft to which the clutch mechanism is coupled. The infinite engagement clutch mechanism does not depend on rotational alignment means for engagement of the clutch. The clutch further includes an output shaft to which the output coupling is coupled. The output coupling is in turn coupled to a gang operated switch element that causes the switch contacts of the gang operated switch to open and close. Use of the clutch coupled switch operator thus effects the opening and closing of the gang operated switch contacts. Further, disengagement of the clutch mechanism allows the user to exercise and test the rotational motor means without displacing the contacts of the gang operated overhead high voltage air switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new hand exerciser and stress relieving device that provides exercise to the muscles of the arm, wrist and hand of a user and a means for general stress relief. According to the invention, the hand exerciser and stress relieving device possess an overall digitate shape that easily adapts to the hand of a user and generally comprises a pliable outer cover and an inner malleable core that is non-elastic or has low elasticity. Also according to the teaching of the invention, the digitate shape of the device has a central region and a plurality of rounded pods that radially extend from the central region. The central region of the device is configured to lie comfortably in the palm of a user's hand. The rounded pods are configured to fit comfortably between the fingers of a user's hand as the user squeezes and kneads the device.