Abstract: An auto-flex knee brace that employs an extension spring defined as a flexible hinge, which determines different modes of configuration to alleviate medial and lateral compartmental osteoarthritis of a knee of a patient is disclosed. The auto-flex knee brace comprises an upper thigh cuff, a lower thigh cuff, a flexible strap arrangement and at least one spring column assembly. The upper thigh cuff is positioned substantially above knee for encircling an upper part of leg of a user and the lower thigh cuff is positioned substantially below the knee for encircling a lower part of the leg of the user. The flexible strap arrangement includes a first strap means and a second strap means that securely tied around the upper thigh cuff and the lower thigh cuff. The at least one spring column assembly is adaptable for releasably coupling the upper thigh cuff and the lower thigh cuff.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heated catalyzed fuel injector that dispenses fuel substantially exclusively during the power stroke of an internal combustion engine, wherein ignition occurs in a fast burn zone at high fuel density such that a leading surface of the fuel is completely burned within several microseconds. In operation, the fuel injector precisely meters instantly igniting fuel at a predetermined crank angle for optimal power stroke production. Specifically, the fuel is metered into the fuel injector, such that the fuel injector heats, vaporizes, compresses and mildly oxidizes the fuel, and then dispenses the fuel as a relatively low pressure gas column into a combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: A unitary ballast device for attachment to the rear portion of a pickup truck cargo bed using mounting pins, chain links, shackles and affixed eyelets in the interior of the vehicle cargo bed. The ballast device is composed of steel or other heavy metal, and the surface coated in rubber to reduce damage to the cargo bed and any cargo present in the cargo bed. The device is positioned laterally at the rear of the vehicle bed and is releasable by detaching from affixed eyelets in the cargo bed and can be modified to include a second metal base for increased dampening effect. The device can remain in place with cargo loads present with little risk of damage to the load due to the beveled edges and rubber coating of the base, thereby increasing ease of use and efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to digital image enhancement, and more precisely to a guided color correction system that produces a desirable image display and reproduction. A major objective of the invention is to determine appropriate image transformations based on the user's personal preference. This is achieved by using a guided system that employs diametrically opposed or contrariwise enhancement parameter transformation previews. During the process, the user chooses the most preferred preview to determine a parameter. The amount for each parameter is determined and a final transformation is applied. The invention is designed to increase color correction speed, efficiency, and accuracy by drastically reducing the complexity and heretofore random, haphazard, and arbitrary process of conventional digital image enhancement and color correction.

Abstract: A method for conducting a worldwide, inexpensive and accessible ECG Holter data scanning, processing, and analyzing system by way of obtaining a Holter recording in a conventional manner, then downloading that analog or digital data to a PC, then going online through the PC by way of an ISP, such as DSL, capable of large data transfer, through a USB to tie into a URL web address for a Central Computing Facility with advanced and multifaceted data analysis capability available for short term licensed use, then downloading the Holter data to that URL, then scanning and analyzing the downloaded data at that Central Facility in real time from the remote site, then choosing which alternative analysis sub programs need be run on the stored data, and finally returning the selected Holter analysis to the remote site and tagging, storing, and archiving the raw ECG data and the patient demographics, along with results of the various analyses performed on that data in the Central Facility archives for future access.

Abstract: A water and moisture sealed, self contained, compact, long term, ambulatory physio-kinetic monitor is designed for mounting directly to the skin of an athlete or fitness performer, preferably immediately adjacent to the organ or system that is to be monitored, and is adhesively held there in place, covertly and comfortably, under clothing by disposable electrode, adhesive skin pads. At least three positive electrodes and a common negative electrode extend from the monitor and attach by similar disposable adhesive electrode pads to detect physiological, e.g. ECG data. Accelerometer means disposed within the monitor detects body movement and likewise stores that data on a third ECG data channel.

Abstract: An electromechanical, remotely operated Auxiliary Hoist Control and Precision Load Positioner system and device is disclosed utilizing a Radio Frequency Hand Controller transceiver Unit distal to a Radio Frequency Hoist Controller Transceiver Unit for raising and lowering a large, heavy, bulky, fragile, or expensive piece of equipment by very gradual means to avoid hang ups that might otherwise destroy or seriously damage the equipment.

Abstract: A stackable and reusable, container cover is disclosed for safe, sealed, and protected confinement of fluid contents therein to prevent, among other matters, spillage, contamination, evaporation and hardening of the fluid contents. The cover consists of a single molded disc shaped device with an elevated flat surface, platform for supporting another container thereon. The cover also provides for multiple and different sized spouts for various and particular flow rates and flow confinements, and angled in such manner for easy drip less pouring. In addition, the cover provides for a significant step in providing a very convenient snap on, attachment, and snap off, detachment means for reuse of the cover on yet another container.

Abstract: A wall-mounted support structure for supporting an exercise device, including front and back metal plates disposed in parallel relation on respective sides of the wall and secured together by bolts passing through the wall, a vertically elongated chamber formed therein inside the wall between the plates, a metal ball attached to the exercise device, the front plate having an upper opening large enough to admit the ball into the chamber and a lower opening that is too small to admit the ball, the openings being contiguous so that when the ball is inserted through the upper opening it may drop down within the chamber behind the lower opening and will then be confined behind the front plate; a spring also is provided inside the chamber to retain the ball in a captured position.

Abstract: A long term ambulatory blood pressure monitor is disclosed in which all elements of the monitor are compactly and inconspicuously contained in/on a cincture housing mounted on an inflatable arm band fixedly and comfortably positioned on the patient arm. System control and display modules are efficiently placed in a flip top mode on the cincture housing itself and alternatively in a wrist watch mode on the patient wrist. Non volatile EEPROM blood pressure data memory is disposed adjacent EPROM system memory and microprocessor controller circuitry on a compact PCB within the cincture housing along with pneumatic motor/pump and solenoid for inflation/deflation of the arm band to obtain systolic/diastolic blood pressure readings via the oscillatory detection method.

Abstract: A self contained, compact, long term, ambulatory physiological recorder is designed for mounting directly to the body of a patient, immediately adjacent to the organ or system that is to be monitored, and is adhesively and covertly held there in place and comfortably under clothing by the very transducer, skin electrodes that detect the physiological information to be recorded, and thereby increasing continuity and decreasing artifact by obviating the need for numerous and cumbersome, hanging electrode leads as well as unsightly and cumbersome recorder pouches suspended from shoulder straps or belts.

Abstract: A meditation and sleep enhancing device having a light occlusion portion attached to a head rest portion and a chin-strap extending therefrom. When in use by an individual, the sleep enhancing device acts both as a light and sound suppression device as well as providing a comfortable pillow and neck support. When not in use, the chin strap may be used as a handle to easily transport the device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for creating an elementary optical disc master with but a single layer to be applied to a disc substrate to form pits having ideal shapes and without berm buildup. These ideally shaped pits are improvements in the technology of disc mastering, due to the manufacturing and data playback advantages that are inherent in the ideally shaped pits. An optically active lamina consisting of a dye polymer solution of nitrocellulose and a increased dye additive is spin coated directly to a pregrooved polycarbonate substrate to enable the recording of data on the disc by laser means in the form of pits. The pits are created by having a data modulated laser focusing on the optically active lamina which reacts to the irradiation causing a pit to be formed. The resulting pit more often than not possesses a residual raised berm area surrounding the pit, in what is considered to be a less than ideal shape for a pit.

Abstract: A spin coater drying cover is disclosed having unique properties and construction to enable accurate control of the drying process of an optically active lamina of a Nitrocellulose Dye Polymer solution on a Polycarbonate disc substrate. The cover is configured with an orientation platform allowing micro adjustment of the angle and distance of a porous gas filter disc of the cover in relation to the optically active layer. The filter, essentially parallel and concentric to the disc substrate, can be varied from a flat, concave or convex camber to cause gas flow over the disc substrate to be such that a variable linear ramp of the optically active lamina can be achieved, with a thicker layer at the periphery than at the center of the disc. This enables deeper data pits to be formed at the difficult to mold outer disc periphery, thus increasing yield in a disc mastering process.

Abstract: A fluid flow prevention device to be used with flexible conduits, and more particularly with toy balloons. The device is made of a resilient material and has a centrally and axially located normally closed slit through which a ring of a balloon's mouth may be inserted when the slit is forced open, whereby a neck of the balloon is maintained within the slit as the slit closes. After inflation of the balloon's body, the body and the ring are rotated in opposite directions, whereby the neck of the balloon is caused to twist. The resilient material of the device maintains closure of the slit whereby the wall defining the slit maintains the neck in its twisted position and prevents egress of fluid. In addition, the contractile force of the twisted neck draw the ring and the body of the balloon into frictional contact with the top and bottom surfaces of the device and further prevents untwisting of the neck and further prevents egress of fluid.

Abstract: A threaded fastener and mating driver system is used to apply a uniform torque to the entire fastener body and thereby facilitate removal of stuck fasteners. The driver tool is a two stage driver with one stage driving the inner bore of the fastener and the second stage driving the fastener head. The two driver stages are linked via a series of pins, each pin acting as an individual lever, such that the two drivers apply torque equally to the fastener. The entire driver assembly is housed in a block which can be attached to a standard ratchet or driving tool. The fastener is designed to be installed using a single stage screwdriver and normally has a foil seal covering the bore drive portion of the fastener. If the fastener becomes stuck, the foil seal is broken and the two stage drive system, including a bore driver and a screw head driver, is inserted into the fastener to effect additional removal torque.