Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing various articles includes a chamber defining an airtight space and an entrance and exit. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom which reduces the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the ozone into the article for sterilizing it against anthrax. The ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter having a non-consumable catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen. The apparatus may be implemented using single or multiple chambers. A conveyor extending through water chambers surrounding respective sterilizing chambers may be utilized for conveying textile articles while more traditional conveyors may be utilized for traditional mail articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing various articles includes a chamber defining an airtight space and an entrance and exit. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom which reduces the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the ozone into the article for sterilizing it against anthrax. The ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter having a non-consumable catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen. The apparatus may be implemented using single or multiple chambers. A conveyor extending through water chambers surrounding respective sterilizing chambers may be utilized for conveying textile articles while more traditional conveyors may be utilized for traditional mail articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing various articles includes a chamber defining an airtight space and an entrance and exit. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom which reduces the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the ozone into the article for sterilizing it against anthrax. The ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter having a non-consumable catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen. The apparatus may be implemented using single or multiple chambers. In multiple chamber embodiments, a conveyor extending through water chambers may be utilized for conveying textile articles while more traditional conveyors may be utilized for mail articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing various articles includes a chamber defining an airtight space and an entrance and exit. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom which reduces the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the ozone into the article for sterilizing it against anthrax. The ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter having a non-consumable catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen. The apparatus may be implemented using single or multiple chambers. In multiple chamber embodiments, a conveyor extending through water chambers may be utilized for conveying textile articles while more traditional conveyors may be utilized for mail articles.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for holding a louvered blind assembly while applying a decorative graphic thereto includes a pair of rectangular frames hingedly connected together for pivoting movement between an open position for receiving slats of the blind assembly, and a closed position in which the slats of the blind assembly are clamped therebetween. A slip resistant pad material is disposed on opposing faces of the frames for providing a soft, slip resistant surface for engaging the slats. First and second pairs of brackets are positioned at first and second ends of the clamping apparatus, respectively, for providing shelves for holding portions of the blind assembly that are not clamped between the top and bottom frames. Locating holes are formed in the brackets for aligning the clamping apparatus within a machine that applies the decorative graphic. A laser is used for etching and perforating graphic images and trimming blinds to length.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for holding a louvered blind assembly while applying a decorative graphic thereto includes a pair of rectangular frames hingedly connected together for pivoting movement between an open position for receiving slats of the blind assembly, and a closed position in which the slats of the blind assembly are clamped therebetween. A slip resistant pad material is disposed on opposing faces of the frames for providing a soft, slip resistant surface for engaging the slats. First and second pairs of brackets are positioned at first and second ends of the clamping apparatus, respectively, for providing shelves for holding portions of the blind assembly that are not clamped between the top and bottom frames. Locating holes are formed in the brackets for aligning the clamping apparatus within a machine that applies the decorative graphic. A laser is used for etching and perforating graphic images and trimming blinds to length.

Abstract: A clock and ambient air condition sensing apparatus includes an alarm and ambient air sensor positioned in a housing and operatively connected to a logic circuit. The logic circuit is capable of evaluating air sensor data and energizing the alarm upon a preselected ambient air condition. A first battery is connected to the circuit for powering the air sensor. The housing includes a front cover pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. A clock is mounted to the front cover for displaying a relative time and is releasably electrically connected to the circuit. A second battery is connected to the circuit for powering the clock. The circuit is capable of evaluating the strength of the first and second batteries and of directing current from the second battery to the air sensor if the first battery is inoperable.

Abstract: A potty chair liner for a toddler toilet chair includes a container having an impermeable outer layer, a permeable inner layer, and an absorbent core sandwiched therebetween. The outer layer includes a closed bottom and a continuous side wall having a lip for positioning the container on the toddler toilet chair and defining an open top. The outer layer is formed of a soluble material such as polyvinyl alcohol coated with a polymeric film having hydrolytic degradability additives that allow the soluble material to dissolve only when the film is exposed to an excess of water and is thus degraded. The absorbent core includes polyacrylate crystals and cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A potty chair liner for a toddler toilet chair includes a container having an impermeable outer layer, a permeable inner layer, and an absorbent core sandwiched therebetween. The outer layer includes a closed bottom and a continuous side wall having a lip for positioning the container on the toddler toilet chair and defining an open top. The outer layer is formed of a soluble material such as polyvinyl alcohol coated with a polymeric film having hydrolytic degradability additives that allow the soluble material to dissolve only when the film is exposed to an excess of water and is thus degraded. The absorbent core includes polyacrylate crystals and cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing an article of mail includes a chamber defining an airtight space and having an entrance for receiving the article of mail. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom and, specifically, from the article of mail, this air withdrawal reducing the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the ozone into the article of mail for sterilizing it against anthrax. The ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter that includes a non-consumable manganese dioxide catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen. The article of mail may be initially perforated to enhance air withdrawal and ozone diffusion. The article of mail may be embossed following ozone withdrawal to indicate completion of sterilization. The apparatus may be implemented using multiple chambers.

Abstract: A clock and ambient air condition sensing apparatus includes an alarm and ambient air sensor positioned in a housing and operatively connected to a logic circuit. The logic circuit is capable of evaluating air sensor data and energizing the alarm upon a preselected ambient air condition. A first battery is connected to the circuit for powering the air sensor. The housing includes a front cover pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. A clock is mounted to the front cover for displaying a relative time and is releasably electrically connected to the circuit. A second battery is connected to the circuit for powering the clock. The circuit is capable of evaluating the strength of the first and second batteries and of directing current from the second battery to the air sensor if the first battery is inoperable.

Abstract: A system for preventing and clearing gutter ice dams includes a plurality of wire holding assemblies, each assembly having a base for attachment to a gutter and a length-adjustable arm for contact with a roof adjacent the gutter. The arm is rotatably and pivotally mounted to the base. The system includes a PTCR heating cable that is held in a desired position by the wire holding assembly arms. The system includes roof and gutter temperature sensors and a moisture sensor. The heating cable is connected to the control unit, the control having a mode selector switch for controlling operation of the cable. In an automatic mode, the heating cable is energized if a roof temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature and a gutter temperature is less than a predetermined temperature. In a timer mode, the heating cable is energized for a selectable time.

Abstract: A personal security alarm system includes transmission and alarm housings. The transmission housing includes a transmitter connected to control buttons for selectively sending alarm or range signals. The alarm housing includes a receiver, CPU, alarm, and a mode switch. In automatic mode, the receiver receives continuous range signals from the transmitter and the CPU energizes the alarm if the range signals are not received. In alarm mode, the CPU energizes the alarm if the receiver receives a predetermined alarm signal. The alarm housing may be coupled to a quick-connect attachment of a purse. The purse includes an electro-mechanical locking assembly that may be energized by the CPU. The purse may be locked upon a sensed theft attempt or by a user pressing a control button on the alarm housing.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission includes a drive shaft having collinear input and output portions, an upstream end of the input portion being connected to the bicycle crank axle with a pair of bevel gears for transmitting rotational force therebetween. An epicyclic gear train is mounted intermediate the input and output portions. The gear train includes carrier plates coupled to the input and output portions with bearings and connected to one another by a carrier axle. A sun gear is fixedly attached to the output portion and engages a planet gear set rotatably mounted to the carrier axle. Ring gears are positioned to mesh with corresponding planet gears. A selected ring gear may be halted to establish a desired transmission ratio by which rotational force is transmitted between input and output portions. The output portion is connected to the rear wheel axle with a pair of bevel gears.

Abstract: A personal security alarm system includes transmission and alarm housings. The transmission housing includes a transmitter connected to control buttons for selectively sending alarm or range signals. The alarm housing includes a receiver, CPU, alarm, and a mode switch. In automatic mode, the receiver receives continuous range signals from the transmitter and the CPU energizes the alarm if the range signals are not received. In alarm mode, the CPU energizes the alarm if the receiver receives a predetermined alarm signal. The alarm housing may be coupled to a quick-connect attachment of a purse. The purse includes an electromechanical locking assembly that may be energized by the CPU. The purse may be locked upon a sensed theft attempt or by a user pressing a control button on the alarm housing.

Abstract: A lockable sliding window apparatus includes sliding window units having respective vertical frame members that are coupled at a closed configuration. Inner and outer segments of one frame member receive the other frame member therebetween. A combination dial lock is mounted to the outer segment and includes a lock pin extending through therethrough. The lock pin is immovable when the combination lock is locked and vice versa. A window pin extends through the outer segment of the one frame member and through the other frame member for locking the other frame member in place. When the combination lock is unlocked, the lock pin may be user actuated to release the window pin for opening the window units. Another embodiment includes an electronic keypad by which a user may enter a security code. Proper entry actuates a solenoid to retract a lack pin that may otherwise lock the window units together.

Abstract: A lockable sliding window apparatus includes sliding window units having respective vertical frame members that are coupled at a closed configuration. Inner and outer segments of one frame member receive the other frame member therebetween. A combination dial lock is mounted to the outer segment and includes a lock pin extending through therethrough. The lock pin is immovable when the combination lock is locked and vice versa. A window pin extends through the outer segment of the one frame member and through the other frame member for locking the other frame member in place. When the combination lock is unlocked, the lock pin may be user actuated to release the window pin for opening the window units. Another embodiment includes an electronic keypad by which a user may enter a security code. Proper entry actuates a solenoid to retract a lack pin that may otherwise lock the window units together.

Abstract: A refillable water bottle system includes a container having a neck defining an outlet and receivable by a conventional bottled water dispenser. Opposite the neck, the container includes a cap defining an inlet for receiving water into the container. A first lever is coupled to the cap and pivotally movable about a horizontal axis between a closed configuration covering the inlet and an open configuration displaced therefrom. A second lever is coupled to the cap and pivotally movable about the same horizontal axis. A ball valve is suspended within the container and tethered to the second lever such that movement thereof seals or unseals the outlet. The second lever is larger than the first lever and longitudinally aligned therewith, making the first lever inaccessible at its closed configuration when the second lever is at its unsealed configuration. This prevents a user from opening the inlet prior to sealing the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing an article of mail includes a chamber defining an airtight space and having an entrance for receiving the article of mail. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom and, specifically, from the article of mail, this air withdrawal reducing the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the ozone into the article of mail for sterilizing it against anthrax. The ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter that includes a non-consumable manganese dioxide catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen. The article of mail may be initially perforated to enhance air withdrawal and ozone diffusion. The article of mail may be embossed following ozone withdrawal to indicate completion of sterilization. The apparatus may be implemented using multiple chambers.