Abstract: An improved surgical retraction apparatus (and corresponding method of operation) includes a plurality of rigid retraction members disposed about a central axis that move radially with respect to the central axis between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the retraction members form a central opening that is adapted to closely fit around the tubular section of a surgical port device. In the illustrative embodiments, a planetary gear train, cable assemblies and lever arms may be used to control radial movement of the retraction members with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: A vehicle umbrella holder has a substantially flat elongate base plate and a cover removably attached to the base plate to form a cavity therebetween for holding and supporting an umbrella. Preferably, the cover has a curved wall with one end open and the other end closed by an end wall. The base plate comprises a plurality of mounting interfaces that are adapted to mount the base plate to a wide variety of interior surfaces of a vehicle. Preferably, the base plate and cover are made of hard plastic material. A foam or sponge may be operably disposed in the cavity. According to preferred aspects of the invention, the mechanisms for mounting the base plate to the interior surface of the vehicle comprise adhesive-based mounting brackets, holes that are adapted to engage stretchable cord-like material (e.g., bungee cords), screw holes that are adapted to receive mounting screws therethrough, and possibly one or more hook and loop fastener elements.

Abstract: An improved surgical retraction apparatus (and corresponding method of operation) includes a plurality of rigid retraction members disposed about a central axis that move radially with respect to the central axis between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the retraction members form a central opening that is adapted to closely fit around the tubular section of a surgical port device. In the illustrative embodiments, a planetary gear train, cable assemblies and lever arms may be used to control radial movement of the retraction members with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: A ski caddy includes a telescoping shaft coupled to a pair of wheels at one end and a handle at the other. The wheels are preferably dish shaped. A generally U-shaped cup resides between the wheels for holding the butt end of a pair of skis. A generally W-shaped member is provided beneath the handle to support the skis in the space the skis in the space between the front and rear boot bindings. Two cutouts, adapted to receive the upper portion of a pair of ski poles, are provided on each opposite side of the W-shaped member and allow the poles to be rotated and crossed into a tripod-like configuration with the shaft. A pair of pole receiving sleeves are provided on opposite sides of the U-shaped cup for receiving the sharp ends of the ski poles. The ski caddy moves easily through snow and on hard surfaces, and can be maintained in an upright position on virtually any surface.

Abstract: A foot mobility device includes a base, a foot rest hingedly coupled to the base, and an inflatable lifting bladder between the base and the foot rest. The footrest preferably has a massage sock which contains a plurality of inflatable massage bladders. Each of the bladders is provided with a pressure sensor and is selectively coupled to a pressure source (including an air pump) by an electrically operated valve. A control circuit is electrically coupled to the valves, the sensors, and the pump. The control circuit selectively inflates and deflates the bladders according to a cycle which raises and lowers the foot rest and inflates/deflates the massage bladders. The control circuit is preferably provided with a synchronization link which is used to electrically couple two foot mobility devices (one for each foot) such that they operate in an alternating rhythm.

Abstract: A ski caddy includes a telescoping shaft coupled to a pair of wheels at one end and a handle at the other. The wheels are preferably dish shaped. A generally U-shaped cup resides between the wheels for holding the butt end of a pair of skis. A generally W-shaped member is provided beneath the handle to support the skis in the space the skis in the space between the front and rear boot bindings. Two cutouts, adapted to receive the upper portion of a pair of ski poles, are provided on each opposite side of the W-shaped member and allow the poles to be rotated and crossed into a tripod-like configuration with the shaft. A pair of pole receiving sleeves are provided on opposite sides of the U-shaped cup for receiving the sharp ends of the ski poles. The ski caddy moves easily through snow and on hard surfaces, and can be maintained in an upright position on virtually any surface.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle wherein a personal identification unit is carried by an authorized operator of said motor vehicle and includes means for identifying its location in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. A vehicle control unit mounted onto the motor vehicle, has a first and second condition with means for allowing operation of the motor vehicle when the control unit is in the first condition and means for inhibiting operation of the motor vehicle when said control unit is in the second condition and means for shifting the control unit into the second condition at a time subsequent to removal of the identification device from the vicinity of the motor vehicle and/or upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition of movement of the vehicle subsequent to removal of the identification device from the vicinity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system comprises a mechanical anti-theft device adapted to be attached to a vehicle steering wheel to limit rotation thereof, and an electrical anti-theft device remotely controlled by a transmitter in the mechanical device and operable to inhibit starting of the vehicle engine when the mechanical device is in its mounted position. The mechanical device includes a key operated lock mechanism for locking the device to the steering wheel and a supplemental lock mechanism for maintaining the locked condition of the device in response to tampering with either the key operated or the supplemental lock mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system comprises a mechanical anti-theft device adapted to be attached to a vehicle steering wheel to limit rotation thereof, and an electrical anti-theft device remotely controlled by a transmitter in the mechanical device and operable to inhibit starting of the vehicle engine when the mechanical device is in its mounted position. The mechanical device includes a key operated lock mechanism for locking the device to the steering wheel and a supplemental lock mechanism for maintaining the locked condition of the device in response to tampering with either the key operated or the supplemental lock mechanism.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle wherein a personal identification unit is carried by an authorized operator of said motor vehicle and includes means for identifying its location in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. A vehicle control unit mounted onto the motor vehicle, has a first and second condition with means for allowing operation of the motor vehicle when the control unit is in the first condition and means for inhibiting operation of the motor vehicle when said control unit is in the second condition and means for shifting the control unit into the second condition at a time subsequent to removal of the identification device from the vicinity of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system is provided comprising a mechanical security device mounted in a vehicle to limit rotation of the vehicle steering wheel and an electrically operable security device having armed and disarmed modes in which the starting motor circuit for the vehicle is respectively opened and closed independent of the vehicle ignition switch. The mechanical device includes a key operated locking mechanism for mounting and dismounting the device, the electrically operable device includes a key operated switch mechanism for arming and disarming the device, and the key operated locking mechanism and key operated switch mechanism are operable by the same common key. The electrically operable security device includes circuitry for maintaining the starting motor circuit of the vehicle open in response to an effort to bypass the key operated switch mechanism.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for attachment to a steering wheel of a vehicle and comprising telescoping components relatively displaceable between extended and retracted positions respectively corresponding to use and storage positions for the device is provided with an electric circuit which is activated in the stored position of the device and issues an audible signal to remind the operator of the vehicle to attach the device to the vehicle steering wheel when the operator leaves the vehicle. The electric circuit includes a vibration sensor for sensing vibration of the device such as when the vehicle motor is running or the vehicle is moving along a roadway. When the vehicle is parked and the motor turned off, whereby there is no vibration of the device, an audible signal is issued, such as a digitized voice message for example, to remind the operator to install the device before leaving the vehicle.