Abstract: The device and methodology of the present invention promotes and maintains the user's Pointe position of the foot in a completely, at-rest, passive manner. It combines the technology of medical grade custom orthotics/insoles pre-shaped, including a subtalar neutral heel position, into the proper arched position of the user's foot position “en pointe”, securing the toes to the device with Velcro®. A non-stretch, firm, breathable material such as canvas is the base of a self-adjustable lacing system that pulls the foot muscles onto the orthotic/insole to passively “teach” the foot muscles to conform and mimic the Pointe position. This self-adjusting feature of the lacing system allows constant correction and improvement of the foot muscles as they conform to the device. This leads to the formation of a near-perfect pointe position.

Abstract: A molded container and closure latch mechanism include a top portion and bottom portion which are connected by a hinge which biases the top away from the bottom unless the latch mechanism is engaged. The latch mechanism is pivotally connected to the top. It engages a molded contoured segment on the bottom to secure the container in a closed position. Anomalies on the top surface of the latch mechanism provide a convenience to the user in locating pressure points for opening and closing the container. A separator can be used internal to the container to create two separate compartments. In one adaptation the interior surface can include raised protrusions which permit contents such as a soap bar to be raised off from the surface. Other modifications too the interior can be effected to accommodate a wide variety of products. The containers can be provided in a grouping with relative dimensions suitable to store a wide variety of personal effects.

Abstract: A card holder and dispensing device comprises a rectangularly shaped frame member including upper, lower and side perimeter segments. These form an enclosure into which is placed a plurality of, typically, plastic cards. The upper and lower segments form an open area which is less than the surface area of the cards so that they can't be removed through these openings. A card retention tab extends from one of the side perimeter segments beyond the enclosure formed by the frame member. This restrains movement of the cards out of the card insertion opening. One of the top frame segments includes a tab section which is typically biased downward into the enclosure volume to exert a downward force on the stored cards. This permits the user to move one or more of the cards partially out of the enclosure until the desired card is reached and assists in the removal of the desired card. The tab section can be variously shaped, sized and contoured to accommodate printed indicia.

Abstract: A catch basin curb inlet opening cover is a steel plate member which includes a main segment having at least one first opening whereby fluid may pass through said at least one first opening into the curb inlet opening when said plate member is positioned in its intended place, and a bend portion. The bend portion is formed from the main segment by deforming a respective section of the main segment. When in place across the curb inlet opening, the bend portion extends into the curb inlet opening. A respective surface of the bend portion is in sufficiently close proximity to either or both of the left edge or the right edge of the curb inlet opening so that the plate member will resist horizontal movement occasioned by being struck by a snow plow or other heavy duty street equipment. Adjusting means are described which adjust the length of the bend portion to accommodate different inlet openings. The main segment includes a further opening adapted to permit the viewing of a precautionary badge.

Abstract: An accessory (1) to be used for indicating the location of a golf ball on the field of play, wherein a brightly-colored waterproof piece of material contains a pocket (2) holding an object of the same or similar diameter as a golf ball, this pocket being either elasticized (2b) at its opening or sewn closed to prevent this object from being dislodged. To prevent movement of the indicator, weighting means (4a) can be sewn along the indicator's outside edge (3). A hole (8a) can be provided for easy hanging from a key chain or elsewhere, and markings (9) can be placed on the body of the fabric. The indicator is placed as closely as possible to the played golf ball without moving it, then retrieved for later use.

Abstract: An apparel accessory holder is described. An elongated panel is suspended by a hook from a standard support rod. One side of the panel contains a series of hook and loop locking pads for securing heavy and bulky items such as handbags, while the opposite side contains a series of gentle magnetic locking pads for delicate, amorphous items such as scarves. The hook connection permits swiveling the panel left and right or up and down 360°. Written indicia guide the user to recommended storage procedures; and making one side softer to the touch provides an additional sensory direction to the user. The holder provides added convenience for apparel accessory storage and retrieval within the home, and for a variety of merchandise displays.

Abstract: A security slug punch tool is disclosed. A typical application includes protecting curb box cover assemblies employed on catch basins along thoroughfares. The hand held tool houses a first cylinder extending beyond one end of the tool affixed to a smaller diameter cylinder drive pin. A deformable slug is secured within an elastomeric grommet at one end of the tool. An operator forcibly striking the first cylinder causes the slug to be wedged into a face opening in a bolt head, as, for example, a hexagonal opening in a bolt securing a curb box cover assembly, thereby rendering the bolt tamper proof. The punch tool and slug can be configured for securing a variety of bolts with different face openings.

Abstract: An animal restraint for preventing an animal from biting or licking an area of concern. The animal restraint is comprised of a rigid but flexible protector having an enclosed neck section and an open chest area, the restraint being strap secured around the thoracic area of the animal. Once in place the device permits fully normal activity for the animal while limiting head motion of potential harm to a healing body area. To use the device it is simply slipped over the animal's head and easily strap secured to the animal's chest, and is removed with equal facility.

Abstract: An electronic signaling device and a loop system incorporating at least one of the devices is described. The device is powered by the loop current and voltage and includes circuitry which enables it to function both in the mode where loop current is interrupted and when it is not. Each device has its own unique ID which is interrogated by the circuitry and which includes further circuitry for interrupting the loop current so that the unique ID can be transmitted to a remote location. Circuitry is provided to determine whether or not other loop activity is taking place before the device transmits its ID. Pause circuitry is provided to create distinguishable intervals between each digit of the ID and between each, successive transmission of a complete ID. Shut down circuitry is provided to return the device to its quiescent state after it has transmitted its ID or when an anomaly occurs.

Abstract: Composite pan end connections for composite beam-joist construction are disclosed. Two versions of the composite pan can be fabricated on a standard break machine. A third version disclosed makes use of a standard steel stud. All three versions provide an economical, easily installed horizontal platform secured to the top chord seat angles of either conventional or composite open-web joists. In addition to economy in fabrication, and ease of use, the resulting rectangular shape of the concrete slab over the beam is structurally more efficient than heretofore obtainable.

Abstract: An economical system and method for eliminating manual operations in smaller scale animal feeding water bottle management is provided. A hand held cap removal tool captures the perimeter of the water bottle cap for automatic capping or decapping. Provisions for suspending the tool for convenient universal motion over a work area are described. The cap removal tool accommodates straight and angled water delivery tubes and most popular water bottle cap sizes.

Abstract: A method for adapting existing thermal imaging devices employing uncooled focal plane arrays (UFPA) for thermal imaging of target surfaces, the device including a housing (12) with an opening (14) for directing incident infrared rays along an optical path through an optical assembly (40) optimized to have a spectral band width of 3 to 14 um, onto a UFPA detector (48) having a spectral transmission window (84) which has a bandwidth 3 to 14 um sufficient to pass all infrared rays of interest over a broad temperature range. Filter means (44) including at least two filters (78, 80), having a band width in the ranges of 3 to 8 um and 8 to 14 um, respectively, allow for the placement of either specialized IR filter in the optical path so as to attenuate andlor pass certain wavelengths of the infrared rays depending on the specific application in a broad range between ?40° C. to 2000° C. The device allows for thermal imaging even in daytime applications in sunlight.

Abstract: A mobile back-pack for sports or military use is disclosed. A back-pack is devised in the form of a cabinet having the shape of a trapezoid, the cabinet being rotatably secured to a disc. The disc is dimensioned so as to permit an operator to grasp a handgrip railing at the top of the cabinet and then propel the disc at the operator's side. The cabinet glides smoothly within the circumference of the disc, riding on a peripherally positioned track within the disc. A battery powered motor and drive wheel propelled version of the mobile back-pack is also disclosed. Built-in support legs provide stability for the mobile back-pack in an upright, stationary position. Door latch secured trays within the cabinet provide for storing items to be transported, and for easy access to the items when needed.

Abstract: A curb box cover assembly includes a covering member having a plurality of first openings for the passage of street water. Also, second opening(s) are provided on the covering member which cooperate with a clamping device to secure the covering member to the catch basin. The clamping device includes one clamp member which includes a first and second contact member connected by a transition member of prescribed thickness. The clamp member rotationally mounts on a pivot member. The pivot member includes a threaded opening to receive a bolt member which is advanced into the threaded opening by an operator's action. The pivot member rotates in response to the operator's action so that the clamp member rotates from a first position to a second position at which the clamp member secures the covering member to the catch basin opening. The contact members can rotate independently of each other to accommodate irregularities in the interior surface of the catch basin.

Abstract: A snow mold is disclosed for making a snowman and similar snow structures. A flexible sheet of material has tabs formed at one end, and slots cut into the sheet at spaced intervals along the length of the sheet in horizontal alignment with the tabs. The slots are also in vertical alignment with one another at these spaced intervals, each slot containing area defining a particular circle diameter. Pushing the tabs into the slots provides different circular forms which can be filled with snow. First one circle of snow is formed, the mold can be reconfigured to a smaller diameter and placed on the formed circle of snow, filled with snow, and so on. A replica of a snowman is rapidly created. The inexpensive snow mold is then simply rolled up and stored for future use.

Abstract: A method for designing and validating a portable protective air gap (PPAG) device for use by workmen doing live-line maintenance on a electrical voltage transmission line network. The method sets out the procedure for optimizing the starting gap distance for a particular PPAG to be used for a given nominal system voltage. Validation testing then follows to achieve final, recommended values. PPAG devices employing axially aligned, hemispherically tipped, first and second electrodes for use on 115/138 kV, 230 kV and 345 kV voltage networks are designed using the methodology of the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for illuminating individual animal cages secured in a multiple cage rack is described. A first lighting system makes use of LEDs secured on the frame of a multiple cage rack; or attached to or disposed in each individual cage. A second lighting system utilizes fiber optic cables connected to or adjacent each individual cage or disposed within. Clear observation of all animals at will is economically provided without interference with normal cleaning and sterilizing procedures, utilizing the virtually maintenance free lighting system.