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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A backup electrical power unit for an alarm panel. The unit comprises a solar panel array which produces an array output DC voltage and a charging current for a battery through a first circuit at a first voltage level of the battery output voltage. This circuit disconnects the array output from the battery terminal output at a second battery voltage level. The charging current resumes when the battery output voltage is at or below the first voltage level. The backup unit also includes a second circuit interposed electrically, serially with the first circuit to disconnect the array output from the battery terminal output below a disconnect, voltage level. A circuit is provided for connecting the battery to the alarm panel when the primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted. Status indicators are provided.

Abstract: A multiple head bottle filling apparatus and method for filling bottles used in animal feeding. Manifold assemblies designed for filling bottles disposed in at least two differently sized trays is easily removably affixed to the rear back splash of the filling apparatus. Each manifold assembly includes a respective set of liquid discharging members, including openings arranged in a respective grid pattern. Each grid pattern corresponds to the bottle opening, alignment pattern for each differently sized tray. The respective grid patterns of the liquid discharging members are in fixed relationship to each other. Liquid feed lines, manually or automatically activated, supply liquid for bottle filling to a respective one of the manifold assemblies and, in turn, the respective set of liquid discharging members.

Abstract: An improved deflection clip for connecting a stud to a structural building member while permitting relative compensating vertical movement of the clip, is disclosed. A planar sheet portion having a front end and a left and right side, has at least two perpendicular panels. A first panel extends downward at the front end of the planar sheet portion to form a bearing surface portion. The left side panel extends forward of the bearing surface portion and has an acute angle bend along its front width. This front segment is secured over the edge of a stud return, and the clip is then rotated so that the bearing surface portion contacts the outer surface of the stud flange. The laterally extending top surface of the planar sheet portion is then secured in any convenient manner to a bottom surface of a structural building member.

Abstract: A Color Register Control system used to maintain close registration between colors printed on a surface by various printing cylinders. The control system acquires an image of a cluster of register marks printed by various printing cylinders. The register mark is a geometrically unique mark, The mark cluster is acquired by the camera and each mark pattern is identified by checking shape of individual marks. Resulting location of a mark is used to compute and correct registration errors. The image is analyzed to identify marks printed by various printing cylinders. Register error is determined by computing the lateral and circumferential distance between marks printed by a print cylinder and a master print cylinder. Any error detected in this process is corrected by activating correction motors typically stepper motors, on print cylinders. The control utilizes a commercially available IBM-PC compatible computer, which can accept additional boards in the expansion slots for indicated purposes.

Abstract: An air partition member used to form an air passageway in an HVAC system, includes a rectangular first section; a second section, pivotally connected to the first section, and adapted to contact the floor and compensate for the effect of the irregular planarity in the local area; and, a third section integral with the first section along a dividing line. The third section includes a pleated segment, adaptable to adjust the vertical height of the air partition member so as to compensate for the effect of the irregular planarity of the top surface of the sub-floor over the breadth of the work site. The basic air partition member can be shaped and contoured to form inside or outside corners of the air passageway and to include appropriate openings, as required, to vent the conditioned air to the work site and to allow for the passage of electrical wires or the like through and across the air passageway.

Abstract: A musical learning system including an instrument and method is disclosed. The instrument is comprised of a rectangularly shaped box designed for convenient handling by an operator in a manner analogous to other musical instruments such as a piano, a guitar, or a horn. Thirteen movable buttons on the top surface of the box sound eight natural notes and five notes of sharps and flats when pressed by the operator, the sounds being produced by either a built-in, acoustic or electronic sound system. Easily removable attachments having instructive musical notations are temporarily secured above and below the buttons can be used in a predetermined sequence, thereby enabling the operator to grasp music concepts over a relatively, brief period of time. In addition, in the electronic version, an “octave-up” switch enables an operator to sound a note one or more octaves higher for each of the buttons; and a “mute” bar allows the operator to silence a note being produced, if desired.

Abstract: A removable support structure for concrete slab fabrication is described. A horizontally length adjustable latch device may be secured to both ends of shoring girders or shoring beams, or to just one end with a fixed in place latch secured at the other end, to permit rapid and accurate placement of the shoring support across a span to be structured in concrete. Vertical shoring posts and supports are eliminated, with the added advantage of the plane of the shoring always being automatically in the plane of the floor being formed. Bearing shoes on the ends of corrugated deck members, secured to building girders, cooperate with straps at their other ends, accurately and securely positions the corrugated decking in place. After the concrete has hardened, the entire support structure, including the shoring girders, shoring beams, and corrugated deck members, are rapidly and efficiently removed, ready for re-use.

Abstract: A windshield remover knife is described. The knife is principally comprised of a straight, elongated shaft having a pivotal neck portion securing a cutting blade for cutting through the adhesive, elastomeric bond holding the windshield in place. When the shaft is held by an operator in a horizontal position, the neck portion can be secured in the same identical plane as the shaft with the cutting edge of the blade facing downward. In this horizontal position, the neck portion can also be pivoted and secured in pivotal alignment to the left or right of this plane of the shaft at any angle up to 90°. In this manner the neck portion of the knife can be configured to even extreme windshield curvatures while maintaining the shaft portion in a comfortable position for rapid and efficient cutting of the adhesive bond.

Abstract: The indication that water is flowing in a fire protection sprinkler riser is often used as an initial indication that a fire has occurred in the protected building. The subject invention is an improved water flow switch, that uses a paddle with a reflective surface placed opposite an LED/Photodiode pair. When water begins to flow the force of the water against the paddle causes the paddle to rotate about a pivot. The pair are used to optically detect the rotation of the paddle. This approach eliminates many of the maintenance problems with the electro-mechanical flow switches currently available, as well as reducing the cost of manufacture. Furthermore, it makes possible the measurement of the rate of flow in the fire suppression sprinkler system, allowing the responding fire service to determine whether the fire is being controlled by the sprinkler system or not by observing the data at the fire alarm control panel, before fire fighters enter the fire compartment.

Abstract: A soft sandwich board is disclosed, being formed utilizing a standard traffic cone. An ultraviolet stabilized nylon shroud is employed to simulate the two sides of a standard A-Stand sign system. The shroud is double sided, with an opening at its top for connection to the cone, and a concentric larger opening at its base for slipping over a square shaped cone weight connected adjacent the base of the cone. A Tee Cone Adapter and crossbar at the top of the cone provides for shaping the shroud into a pair of identical square or rectangularly shaped panels on which warning signs are imprinted, and reflecting strips are attached. Possible damage to vehicles or persons due to collision with these soft sandwich boards, or due to violent weather conditions blowing them about, is minimized.

Abstract: An adjustable cover for outdoor electrical substations is disclosed. The traditional metal cover for these installations is capped with length adjustable fiberglass reinforced plastic cover pieces. The cover pieces slide over one another in an interlocking relationship to accommodate the top surfaces of a variety of existing electrical substations. Once in place the covers are maintained in the same interlocking plane to the top surface of the substation with their cooperating flanges insuring positive prevention of weather related water damage to sensitive electrical components. End caps further enhance the degree of water damage protection.

Abstract: An edger-trencher is described for landscaping procedures. Instead of the usual jolting an operator receives when using traditional power assisted edger-trencher devices, in the instant invention a pivotable swing arm with cutting blade attached at one end pivots upwards and away from the soil containing an obstruction. The cutting blade then falls back rapidly and repeatedly under the influence of gravity, causing a series of pick like actions on the soil obstruction until it is overcome and normal edging or trenching resumes. The pivotable swing arm-cutting blade combination is suitable for mounting on stand-alone gasoline powered, belt-driven edger-trenchers. Alternatively, this stand-alone unit can be modified to have a quick connection to a similarly modified commercial or residential mower of the rider or walk behind type.

Abstract: A system especially well suited for punches and dies employed in pharmaceutical tableting procedures is described. Punch trays, nesting one on top of another, have support rails which provide nesting segments for securing the punches. The punch trays include side rails which position the punch away from the inside surface of the side walls to allow for thorough cleaning and run off. The die cavity includes a nesting rail which pitches the die at a slight angle to facilitate cleaner fluid run off. A substantial portion of the surface area of the punches and dies remain fully exposed, making for simplified inspection and cleaning procedures. The trays are secured together by front and back snap-on side cover handles.