Abstract: A display and method for holding printed material, such as advertising, are described for hanging on the back of a vehicle seat with its contents easily visible and accessible to a passenger. A transparent backboard having rear and front surfaces define transparent pockets for holding the advertising. A pair of hook and loop straps and pads secure the display to the back of the seat.

Abstract: An improved semiconductor device is disclosed for protecting active and passive devices against electrostatic discharge (ESD). The device is an improved semiconductor diode having anode, injector and ohmic contact regions located within a cathode region. The improved semiconductor diode allows for ESD higher currents without damage to active or passive devices including, for example, resistor-capacitor networks or resistor-capacitor-inductor networks incorporating the improved semiconductor diode.

Abstract: A shoulder protection device for use with a barbell, during the performance of a bench-press-type exercise. The device consists of a cylindrical pad adapted to be coupled to the barbell at a point substantially over the chest of a user, and having sufficient thickness to reduce the downward travel of the barbell during the performance of a bench-press movement. Such reduction, preferably, should be to the point where the upper arms descend to the horizontal plane defined by the back of the user, but do not break that plane.

Abstract: An aircraft navigational system allows for reduced storage and increased computing power for comparing terrain maps to the flight path and enroute track of the aircraft. Unique provisions are made for reporting and recording navigational hazards.

Abstract: A property maintenance scheduling system has a calendar for displaying a current month. The calendar has an area for listing property maintenance to be performed during the month. The maintenance system further has two pluralities of labels. The first labels are to be placed on the calendar to indicate the date that specific maintenance is due to be performed. The second labels are to be placed on each item to record the date on which an item will next be serviced. The calendar may also be electronic in nature. A notebook may further be provided in the property maintenance scheduling system. The notebook is used for detailing the procedure for each property maintenance task to be performed during the month. The notebook may further be used for recording details of the work performed for each property maintenance task.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with a helical drive mechanism. A rectilinear input to the helical drive causes an output gear to rotate, thus providing power to rotate the driving wheels of a wheelchair. The helical drive may include, for example, a compound helix, a drive with a twisted flat bar, or a concentric helix drive. Add-on components may be provided to convert a conventional wheelchair to a wheelchair powered by a helical drive mechanism.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for providing security for either unauthorized access or unauthorized removal of portable computers. The portable computer sets on a base tray that has side and rear walls with access ports. A combined assembly of a removable locking member and an adjustable security member fits snugly over the top surface of the computer. The combined assembly is secured to the rear wall of the base tray by a flange and to the front of the base tray by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A shower douching system is shown. The shower douching system comprises; a solution reservoir, a shower passageway coupled to the solution reservoir, and a controllable shower douche coupled to the shower passageway and coupled to the solution reservoir for controlling a shower fluid flow diversion. The controllable shower douche comprises a valve coupled to a shower bypass channel for controlling the shower fluid flow diversion, and further comprises an eductor connected downstream of the shower bypass channel for creating a low pressure condition within the eductor. The eductor is coupled to a solution suction channel extending substantially within the solution reservoir, and a douche fluid outlet channel is coupled to the valve.

Abstract: An improved RC network integrated circuit semiconductor device is disclosed which incorporates an improved method for fabrication. The new device and method includes the use of a tantalum nitride layer as the resistive material for the resistor and a protective metal layer formed between the resistive layer and a metal interconnect layer. The capacitor uses a metal electrode as one plate of the capacitor and a heavily doped semiconductor region as the other plate of the capacitor and separated from the one plate of the capacitor by a silicon nitride insulation layer.

Abstract: A bicycle with a drive mechanism using reciprocal rectilinear pedal motion to propel a pinion gear against a crown gear face associated with a rear bicycle wheel, rotating the rear wheel. The pinion gear receives motion from a helical member surrounded by a slider. Each pedal is united with the slider which moves linearly along a guide or track, forcing rotation of the helical member as the slider is pushed rearwardly by a pedal. A freewheel or overrunning clutch permits power transfer only when the pedal moves rearwardly and allows freewheeling when the pedal is reset. Reciprocal, linear pedal strokes power the bicycle.

Abstract: A magnetically latching butterfly knife 10 having a magnetic latch 20 coupled thereto. The magnetic latch 20 is coupled to the magnetically latching butterfly knife 10. The magnetic latch 20 is coupled to at least one of the handle components 14 and/or 15. The magnetic latch 20 has at least one magnetic component 19 and at least one magnetic attracting surface 10A (i.e. magnet or metal surface) that are able to couple to at least one of the handle components 14 and 15. At least one magnetic component 19 and at least one magnetic attracting surface 10A magnetically attract and couple to each other to be able to provide open and closed latching operations for the butterfly knife 10. The magnetic latch 20 secures the first handle component 14 and the second handle component 15 in an open latched position and also in a closed latched position. The magnetic latch 20 may be configured and coupled to the butterfly knife 10 in many ways in order to provide the open latched and closed latched positions.

Abstract: An inspection/pickup tool having a casing within which a telescopically extendible rod is mounted for telescopic extension in a direction away from the casing. A quick connect-disconnect coupler is provided on the outward end of the rod for removably coupling a selected inspection/pickup head to the rod. A light is mounted within the casing to emit light in the direction in which the rod extends. A focusing mechanism is provided for focusing the light. For example, a lens can be mounted over the light for selectable advancement and retraction of the lens with respect to the light. The casing is shaped for single-handed manipulation of the inspection/pickup head and for simultaneous single-handed activation and focusing of the light.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having the external appearance of an apple. In one embodiment, the dispenser consists of two simulated apple halves, hingedly connected to one another. In another embodiment, the dispenser consists of a simulated apple half hingedly connected to a vertical backing member such as a board or wall.

Abstract: A hidden implement holder system. The hidden implement holder system comprises; a cummerbund article; and an implement compartment coupled to and concealed by the cummerbund. The cummerbund article further comprises an implement holder contained within the implement compartment, and the implement compartment further comprises a closeable access coupled thereto. The implement holder is comprised of a vertically stabilized rigid material, having horizontal flexibility, and having a set of implement cavities thereon, and additionally comprises a set of implements positioned within the set of implement cavities.

Abstract: A topical anesthetic/prophylaxis paste is provided that is effective at removing extrinsic stains and plaque on the teeth and at reducing discomfort during scaling procedures thereon by delivery of an anesthetic into the gingival sulcus. The paste includes at least one topical anesthetic, either 5% Lidocaine or 20% Benzocaine, at least one humectant, preferably a Polyethylene glycol in the amount of about 28 to about 42 percent by weight, at least one abrasive agent, preferably pumice in the amount of about 55 to about 65 percent by weight, and at least one sweetener, preferably Saccharin sodium in the amount up to about three percent by weight. A method of delivering the topical anesthetic/prophylaxis paste into the sulcus by a low speed handpiece with a prophylaxis angle and rubber cup is also provided.