Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for determining the melting point of a sample material utilizing an infrared thermometer to measure the indicated temperature of the sample material while under pressure as such sample material is being heated. Upon melting, the sample material is substantially displaced from the field of view of the infrared thermometer by the force of the applied pressure, resulting in a spike in the sensed temperature.

Abstract: An electrically powered scooter is disclosed having a chassis with a platform upon which the rider stands, a front wheel mounted to provide steering control and a rear wheel rotatably mounted at the rear section of the chassis. A pedal is pivotably mounted at the rear section of the chassis and is attached to the motor and drive wheel. The pedal, in an inactive position holds such drive wheel in a position where it does not contact the rear wheel. When the pedal is depressed by the foot of the rider, the motor is turned on and the drive wheel contacts the rear wheel, propelling the scooter forward. When released, the pedal returns automatically by spring means to its inactive position, breaking the contact of the rear wheel with the drive wheel, and automatically turning the motor off.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for floating such apparatus in the air, such apparatus having at least one cell containing air and a fluid. The fluid in one embodiment is heated to create steam which, in turn, makes the cell lighter than the surrounding air, thereby providing lift to the apparatus.

Abstract: A therapeutic stimulatory massage device for receipt therein of a body portion, such device containing a thixotropic fluid medium subject to selective increase in viscosity and increase in pressure at such areas of increased viscosity. Also, other therapeutic modes can be incorporated into the device of this invention.

Abstract: A three-layered metallic semiconductor strip in the form of a thermocouple with self-contained heating and cooling means when an electrical current is applied thereto to cause the controlled expansion and contraction of selected layers to move the strip to accomplish work.

Abstract: A wire bench tray is disclosed for use in a greenhouse environment, such tray moving over support roller pipes and having an upper surface and a lower structure defining a plurality of channels with openings therein in which to receive heating and/or irrigation tubing passing therethrough.

Abstract: A dampening bearing support member having a plurality of bearings disposed between an object and a base with rheological fluid disposed around the bearings and structure to retain the rheological fluid in such position, with the rheological fluid being under the control of the user at times when it is desired to stiffen the rheological fluid and limit or prevent movement of the bearings and the object in relation to the base.

Abstract: A display device and method for producing a three-dimensional visual effect having a viewing area with a front and a depth with a rotating spiral screen disposed within the viewing area with the screen facing the front of the viewing area. A plurality of independently controlled light-producing elements are disposed on the spiral screen. Computerized image programs control the activation of selected of the plurality of light-producing elements in a desired pattern. The rotating spiral screen can also be a television screen.

Abstract: A device for removal of a tick from the skin of a host and alternately to be used as a flashlight, such device having an open-ended casing for receiving the tick in a V-shaped alignment guide and slot defined in the casing, such tick to be trapped in the slot with structure to apply heat from an illuminating heating element in proximity to the tick to cause it to release its grip from the skin of the host after which it can be removed, with such illuminating heating element also acting as the light source when the device is used in its alternate flashlight mode.

Abstract: A nesting structure for cliff swallows is disclosed which provides spaces for multiple pairs of these colonial nesting birds to build their nearly enclosed mud nests. The self-contained structure independently provides the shape, size, rough surface texture and multiple nesting opportunities preferred by this species, and is conveniently attached to, or removed from, buildings, bridges or freestanding posts. The structure provides a wide roof overhang along its length to protect all underlying nests from sun and rain. A back wall establishes a uniform ideal height for all nests to be built by the birds. A narrow floor provides a solid footing for cliff swallows to anchor their adhesive mud nests without providing a sufficient base for undesirable species to build their loose, unattached grass nests. The compartmentalization of nests permits the inclusion of roof or back wall access doors away from the front which the swallows will nearly enclose with mud.

Abstract: An improved test device for the testing of a fluid having a cup and a cover lid, such cover lid having a reagent test strip chamber containing a reagent test strip, a fluid receipt chamber, a fluid channel containing a fluid-passing pad and a fluid contact chamber. An actuation cover with a window defined therein is positioned over the regent test strip chamber, fluid receipt chamber, fluid contact chamber, such window positioned over the color change area of the reagent test strip. The actuation cover forms a fluid-tight seal around a first end of the reagent test strip which protrudes into the fluid contact chamber. After the cup is filled with fluid and the cover lid is positioned thereon, the cup is inverted, causing fluid to flow into the fluid receipt chamber through an aperture in said cover lid.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus having a shaver head with a blade and a stretcher member, which stretcher member moves from a first position abutting the shaver head and blade in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the blade as the shaving apparatus is moved against the skin to stretch the skin. Such stretcher member can include mechanical movement structure including a pair of wheels moving a gear which, in turn, moves a rack member to advance such stretcher member to a second position away from the shaver head. In an alternate embodiment, the movement of the stretcher member can be accomplished by means of a motor and electric sensing means to direct the stretcher member to move when the shaver head moves against the skin.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system and method utilizing a hollow ring applicator disposed on a therapist's finger for receiving medicated and non-medicated fluids, lotions and gels from a reservoir to be disposed onto a patient by manual contact by the therapist is disclosed.

Abstract: A choke tube wrench for installation and removal of a choke tube in a shotgun barrel, such tool utilizable for a plurality of different gauge shotguns, such tool having an expandable section that fits within the choke tube and is expanded by squeezing the tool's handles together to tightly engage the inside of the choke tube so that upon rotation of the handles, the choke tube can be rotated for either installation in, or removal from, a shotgun barrel.

Abstract: An improved cartridge for holding a variety of filler materials for use with a gun system, such cartridge of the type having a nozzle wherein the foil seal above the filler material in the barrel and beneath the nozzle can be punctured by lateral movement of the nozzle of the cartridge by the user, which action causes a sharpened edge disposed under the innerside of the base of the top under the sidewall of the nozzle to puncture the foil seal.