Abstract: An evidence chain of custody system that is application-specific auditable and trackable secure smart mobile containers (SMC) for securely storing evidence items that are collected at crime scenes and search locations pursuant to subpoenas or warrants. Each SMC includes a electronics package that can read RF tags applied to evidence bags or totes placed in the SMC or for oversized items, associated with the event or scene, that are tagged with active RF tags. The electronics package also includes condition sensors and an RF transmitter module to permit remote reporting and monitoring of GPS/RSSI location and condition. The SMC includes an electronic lock that provides access security and an audit trail of all opening, closing, and other events.

Abstract: Smart cargo container system comprising auditable, secure, sealable, stackable, trackable and pollable, universal, “pallet boxes” used: 1) auto-latchingly secured to the under-carriage transverse I-beams of over-the-road semi-trailers by means of a guiding latching system; and 2) stackable, up to three or more high, in the trailers or warehouses. Sophisticated battery-powered electronic locks, sensors and alarms are provided, as well as an RF communications and GPS locator module that radios to a base station the time, location and status of the inventive smart cargo container, and any anomalous events as they occur, including unauthorized attempts to open or break into the container, or potential damage events. In addition, both the locks and comm modules are programmable, and provide extensive, and selectably pollable and downloadable event, access and transport history and audit trails. The comm system permits remote tracking and real time status check via the Internet, LAN or WAN wireless networks.

Abstract: Smart, rollable, mini-pallet cargo container system comprising robust, auditable, secure, sealable, lockable, trackable and pollable, universal, half/quarter-sized boxes particularly useful for moving highly valuable or sensitive, personal, political, military or commercial materials, embodiments include truly verifiable ballot boxes, verifiably secure moving containers. Blast attenuation inserts are disclosed. The boxes include electronic locks containing event memory, sensors and alarms, and RF communications and GPS locator module(s) that radio to a base station the time, location and status of the inventive box, and anomalous events as they occur, including unauthorized attempts to open or break into the container, or potential damage events. In addition, both the locks and comm modules are programmable, and provide extensive, and selectably pollable and down-loadable, printable event, access and transport history and audit trails.

Abstract: Smart, rollable, mini-pallet cargo container system comprising robust, auditable, secure, sealable, lockable, trackable and pollable, universal, half/quarter-sized boxes particularly useful for moving highly valuable or sensitive, personal, political, military or commercial materials, embodiments include truly verifiable ballot boxes, verifiably secure moving containers. Blast attenuation inserts are disclosed. The boxes include electronic locks containing event memory, sensors and alarms, and RF communications and GPS locator module(s) that radio to a base station the time, location and status of the inventive box, and anomalous events as they occur, including unauthorized attempts to open or break into the container, or potential damage events. In addition, both the locks and comm modules are programmable, and provide extensive, and selectably pollable and down-loadable, printable event, access and transport history and audit trails.

Abstract: A cargo transportation system comprising secure (fully closeable and lockable), sealable, stackable, trackable, universal, auto-latching “pallet boxes” that may be used in two main ways: 1) secured to the undercarriage transverse I-beams of over-the-road semi-trailers by means of loading alignment and hanger assemblies that provide positive locking-in-place; and 2) stackable, up to three or more high, inside the trailer bodies. The inventive pallet boxes are designed to be secured by auto-latching hanger assemblies that are retrofittable on individual types of semi-trailer undercarriages, both US and metric (European, Central and South American, and Asian) standard dimensions. The pallet boxes include vertical sidewall load-bearing channel members permitting stacking fully-loaded pallet boxes three or more high. The pallet boxes may be refrigerated, insulated, or atmospherically controlled, e.g., chargeable with preservative, security or disinfecting gases, during shipping.

Abstract: A cargo transportation system comprising secure (fully closeable and lockable), sealable, stackable, trackable, universal, auto-latching “pallet boxes” that may be used in two main ways: 1) secured to the undercarriage transverse I-beams of over-the-road semi-trailers by means of loading alignment and hanger assemblies that provide positive locking-in-place; and 2) stackable, up to three or more high, inside the trailer bodies. The inventive pallet boxes are designed to be secured by auto-latching hanger assemblies that are retrofittable on individual types of semi-trailer undercarriages, both US and metric (European, Central and South American, and Asian) standard dimensions. The pallet boxes include vertical sidewall load-bearing channel members permitting stacking fully-loaded pallet boxes three or more high. The pallet boxes may be refrigerated, insulated, or atmospherically controlled, e.g., chargeable with preservative, security or disinfecting gases, during shipping.

Abstract: Safety systems for vehicles, primarily passenger vehicles, comprising automated systems and methods for preventing entrapment of children, disabled, aged or infirm persons, or pets from being trapped in closed vehicles left in the sun, so that they will not suffocate from the heat. The invention is characterized by use of one or more systems to sense the occupancy state and temperature inside the vehicle passenger or load space, and provide one or more outputs which can selectively be employed to provide interior and exterior warning of a trapped passenger in a dangerously hot car to permit rescue, and/or to activate vehicle electro-mechanical systems to relieve the heat, such as rolling down windows, unlatching seat belts, unlocking doors, starting the car and/or fans or air conditioning systems and the like.

Abstract: Dual access hand luggage having in the interior a stowage cell system or assembly, preferably made of stretch fabric, that permits isolation packing and orthogonal stowage and retrieval of goods retained in the cells by access from either face of the suitcase. For roll-on type travel bags, a pop-up handle is provided in a side wall, rather than on the back face as in current luggage. The inventive system is particularly useful for suitcases, carry-on or roll-on bags, back packs, totes, brief cases, and laptop cases. Dual-sided external access combined with internal, modular, fixed-size or variable-size stowage cells, oriented generally orthogonal to the planes of both sides, permits packing and selective removal of articles through either face of the bag so that articles otherwise buried in the bag are easily removed by flipping the bag over and accessing the item through the openable back face.

Abstract: Portable medication delivery system for treatment of bad breath, gingivitis, ANUG, plaque, etc., comprising small, shirt pocket-sized re-closable pouches having 2 to 4 sterile, single-use, disposable, treated cotton rolls carrying a selected periodontal anti-microbial, such as mouthwash, or a fluoride, enzyme or antibiotic composition. The anti-microbial is preferably a neutral, alcohol-free solution, but may be a dry or gel composition. The treated rolls are placed in the upper and/or lower buccal vestibules where they release, over time, the anti-microbial solution. The treatment directly targets the critical areas, tiny “sulcus” grooves and spaces between the teeth, both significant reservoirs for bacteria. The rolls are left in place for extended periods, on the order of 5-30 minutes or more, without discomfort and without interfering with normal activities of speaking or travel. Tests show the inventive medicated rolls are truly effective in treatment of bad breath.

Abstract: An incentive-based grocery cart washing and disinfecting system including a consumer special-offer coupon applying apparatus, for use in a batch or continuous process comprising a housing having at least one pipe manifold with nozzles positioned therein to provide at least one treatment zone selected from pre-wash, wash, disinfecting, and rinse zones. In addition, blown air water-stripping/drying zones may be provided, with a heating source to assist drying. Following drying, a strip of specially adapted grocery coupons is optionally applied to the grocery cart handle, so that the coupons can be redeemed by customers during their subsequent shopping. The coupon strip comprises a leader portion and a coupon portion, and the leader can be wrapped and fixed around the grocery cart handle manually or by means of the automated machinery described. The system of the invention may be a fixed or mobile system, with the use preferably being on site at stores.

Abstract: Dual access hand luggage having in the interior a stowage cell system or assembly, preferably made of stretch fabric, that permits isolation packing and orthogonal stowage and retrieval of goods retained in the cells by access from either face of the suitcase. For roll-on type travel bags, a pop-up handle is provided in a side wall, rather than on the back face as in current luggage. The inventive system is particularly useful for suitcases, carry-on or roll-on bags, back packs, totes, brief cases, and laptop cases. Dual-sided external access combined with internal, modular, fixed-size or variable-size stowage cells, oriented generally orthogonal to the planes of both sides, permits packing and selective removal of articles through either face of the bag so that articles otherwise buried in the bag are easily removed by flipping the bag over and accessing the item through the openable back face.

Abstract: A cargo transportation system comprising secure (fully closeable and lockable), sealable, stackable, trackable, universal, auto-latching “pallet boxes” that may be used in two main ways: 1) secured to the undercarriage transverse I-beams of over-the-road semi-trailers by means of loading alignment and hanger assemblies that provide positive locking-in-place; and 2) stackable, up to three or more high, inside the trailer bodies. The inventive pallet boxes are designed to be secured by auto-latching hanger assemblies that are retrofittable on individual types of semi-trailer undercarriages, both US and metric (European, Central and South American, and Asian) standard dimensions. The pallet boxes include vertical sidewall load-bearing channel members permitting stacking fully-loaded pallet boxes three or more high. The pallet boxes may be refrigerated, insulated, or atmospherically controlled, e.g., chargeable with preservative, security or disinfecting gases, during shipping.

Abstract: Safety systems for vehicles, primarily passenger vehicles, comprising automated systems and methods for preventing entrapment of children, disabled, aged or infirm persons, or pets from being trapped in closed vehicles left in the sun, so that they will not suffocate from the heat. The invention is characterized by use of one or more systems to sense the occupancy state and temperature inside the vehicle passenger or load space, and provide one or more outputs which can selectively be employed to provide interior and exterior warning of a trapped passenger in a dangerously hot car to permit rescue, and/or to activate vehicle electro-mechanical systems to relieve the heat, such as rolling down windows, unlatching seat belts, unlocking doors, starting the car and/or fans or air conditioning systems and the like.

Abstract: The invention comprises use of Dynamically Switchable Bypass (DSB) elements in association with one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in arrays for illumination circuits to provide rugged, reliable lighting. The DSBs are selected from Transient Voltage Suppressors, including Silicon, Metal Oxide Varistors, and Multi Layer Varistors as well as Zener Diodes. The DSBs are not used as circuit protecting devices, but rather as alternative paths for electric current to bypass failed LEDs. Bi-directional TVSs are used as alternative electric paths for circuits using Alternating Current (AC) and parallel LED arrays that light on both phases of AC. Zener Diodes are used in parallel to, but in the opposite polarity orientation to, one or more LEDs in DC or rectified AC circuits.

Abstract: Reusable sleeve closures comprising a flexible thin sleeve of film grade plastic which seals the nozzle of a partially used sealant, mastic or caulk-dispensing cartridge or squeeze tube to substantially retard the hardening of the remaining tube contents. The plastic film provides a vapor barrier against exit of water or organic solvent from the sealant composition, and/or retards diffusion of oxygen that could cause the composition to set. The film is preferably somewhat stretchable and without creep over time, so that the sleeve provides an extremely tight seal for a substantial distance along the nozzle, e.g. film grade polyolefin or polyvinylidene chloride copolymer plastic film. The sleeve length is preferably long enough to provide a head space for a visual and tactile indicator of content condition. Sleeves may be packaged with the cartridge, or provided after-market. A 4-mil film polyolefin sleeve preserves water-based acrylic caulk over 9 months.

Abstract: Multipanel rollstops mountable on the outboard end of a wheelchair lift platform in which at least one upper panel of the rollstop folds down or telescopes to reduce the rollstop profile for stowage. Preferred embodiments include bifold, trifold or telescoping rollstops for underfloor or under vehicle lifts. In the extended multipanel position, rollstops of the invention provide increased rollstop height and occupant security in the intermediate and transfer positions of the lift as compared to non-folding or telescoping rollstops of the same stowage profile. The folding of telescoping of the rollstop is automatic upon lift stowage. In a preferred embodiment, the rollstop upper panel is folded or unfolded by a direction-reversing mechanical actuator through a contact arm which engages structure of the lift or stowage compartment, and operates automatically without requiring operator intervention.

Abstract: An incentive-based grocery cart washing and disinfecting system including a consumer special-offer coupon applying apparatus, for use in a batch or continuous process comprising a housing having at least one pipe manifold with nozzles positioned therein to provide at least one treatment zone selected from pre-wash, wash, disinfecting, and rinse zones. In addition, blown air water-stripping/drying zones may be provided, with a heating source to assist drying. Following drying, a strip of specially adapted grocery coupons is optionally applied to the grocery cart handle, so that the coupons can be redeemed by customers during their subsequent shopping. The housing is generally a linear tunnel permitting access of soiled carts at one end and removal of the clean, disinfected carts at the other end. A cart pusher system may be employed to transport the carts through the tunnel either singly or in nested groups. A convenient antimicrobial disinfecting solution is a water solution of hypochlorite.

Abstract: A safety belt restraint arrangement for a motor vehicle which automatically adjusts the height of the head rest to an optimal position during a collision. In a principle embodiment a seat belt guide or follower member is formed into the side of the head rest for directing the seat belt, from an upwardly and rearwardly disposed seat belt deflecting member associated with the motor vehicle interior, to pass obliquely downward across the front portion of vehicle seat for connection with the seat belt buckle assembly in a conventional way. The follower member includes a pressure or stopping face for the seat belt so that, upon collision, the tightening of the seat belt acts against the pressure face of the follower to automatically raise the head rest to a pre-selected desired optimal position. The pre-selected optimal height adjustment is accomplished by positioning the follower member with respect to the head rest.

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head unit comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping unit where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: Vehicle passenger collision protection device comprising an inflatable air bag and an acceleration sensor for determining the event of an impending accident and triggering the inflation of the air bag. The acceleration sensor is connected to the air bag inflation pyrotechnic propellant charge which expansion for the inflation of the air bag whereby the propellant is ignited by the appropriate sensor signal. The sensor activates a fan to run at its maximum power output to remove the combustion gases and particulates which escape from the air bag into the passenger space. The fan may be operated as a blower to force fresh air in or as an exhaust fan to suck contaminated air out of the passenger compartment. The fan is preferably the conventional fan associated with the air conditioning system provided in the vehicle. Alternately, a separate fan is connected to the existing ventilation system and may substitute for or supplement the first fan.