Abstract: A method for the driver of an automotive vehicle to avoid distraction from the task of driving, but yet to preserve and later recover legal evidence of events, objects, or conditions that may be encountered during the driving of the vehicle, by utilizing a perimeter optical viewing system in conjunction with a central digital recording system to record and subsequently retrieve images of those events, objects, or conditions.

Abstract: A sharps container has a receptacle, cover and tray and provides an improved locking mechanism to resist unauthorized tampering, as well as hermetically sealed construction to prevent any leakage of fluids from the container. The rotating tray provides an escapement mechanism for hands-free disposal of sharps through biasing the offset balanced tray into an open, receiving position to receive new items and deposit them into the interior of the container, and then returning to a nearly closed position. A locking mechanism is also provided to rotate the tray into a locking position thereby permanently closing the container and displacing the locking mechanism into the container interior so that the top surface of the locking mechanism is flush with the adjacent exterior container surface.

Abstract: A reversible hand operated rotary power tool contains an internal mechanism for reducing the reaction torque that would otherwise be exhibited directly upon the housing, and hence imposed upon the hand of the operator. The mechanism is bidirectional, and reduces reaction torque to the same extent whether the tool is being operated in a forward direction or in a reverse direction. The mechanism includes a planetary differential mechanism having an input driven from a powered rotor, one separate output that is drivingly coupled to an output shaft, and another separate output that is drivingly coupled to an offset shaft that is laterally offset from the axis of the powered rotor. A lever system is employed to inhibit rotation of the offset shaft in either direction relative to the housing and thereby reduce reaction torque exhibited on the housing.

Abstract: A powered hand-held rotary tool adapted for preventing an externally manifested reaction torque upon the hand of an operator consists of a housing, a rotor adapted to be driven for rotation relative to the housing, and a planetary differential mechanism having a sun gear coaxial with and driven from the rotor, planetary gears, and a ring gear. The ring gear is rotatable relative to the housing. A first output gear is coaxial with the sun gear and rotatably driven by the planetary gears. An additional output gearing is rotatably supported from the housing on an axis that is laterally offset from the axis of the rotor, and is drivingly engaged by the ring gear. Rotation of the additional gearing in one direction relative to the housing is inhibited.

Abstract: A three-piece fastener includes a bolt with a shank having a concentric opening in its threaded end, a nut adapted to fit over the threaded end of the bolt, and a wedge member which is insertable into the end opening of the bolt for expanding and thereby securing it. The threaded end of the bolt is axially slotted to facilitate its expansion.The outer diameter of the wedge member is smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded end of the bolt. When the bolt is to be inserted into an opening of a structure in order to accomplish a fastening action, the wedge member is first loosely inserted into the end opening of the bolt. Then when the bolt and wedge are passed through the opening, the nut is applied to the end of the bolt and is tightened. Thereafter, the wedge is tightened in order to expand the end of the bolt.The end opening of the bolt has interior threads, and is threadedly engaged by the wedge member, but in an opposite rotational sense to that in which the nut is applied to the bolt.

Abstract: A driver with automatic speed and torque switching including two different drive trains which operate in parallel and are driven at the same time by a motor. One drive train provides a high-speed output while the other provides a low-speed output. A single drive head for transmitting torque to the nut is normally coupled to the high-speed output, and not to the low-speed output. The machine operates initially at the high speed for the "free rotation" of the nut. When the nut contacts the surface of the structural body, the drive coupling to the high-speed output is disabled, and the low-speed output (which formerly was not coupled to the drive head) is not at the same time coupled to the drive head. The nut is then driven much more slowly but with a higher driving torque. Within the low-speed drive train there is included a friction clutch, and adjustment means for adjusting the level of torque at which it will slip.

Abstract: A modular chandelier includes a rigid central frame and a plurality of radially disposed arms each of which is easily detachable from the frame. Mating electrical contacts are associated with the mechanical attachment means for each arm, so that the arm is electrically connected at the same time it is mechanically attached to the central frame, or electrically disconnected when it is detached.

Abstract: A method of protecting a long protruding fingernail during performance of manual activities by inserting a resilient cushion member within the cavity on the under side of the protruding nail portion and adhesively securing the cushion member to the fingernail.