Samples -- Issued Patents & Publications

Therapeutic device using pulsed and colored light   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
An improved non-coherent pulsed and colored light stimulation device used for therapeutic effects in living creatures. Pulsed/colored light is applied to local areas, or acupuncture macro or micro systems, by means of a small diameter optic fiber (10) housed in a pen-like handpiece (18) which makes application comfortable and precise. The light source is an adjustable rate strobe (4) with a housing attached to the front (6) which allows color gel slides (12) to be interchanged. The light passes through the slides (12) and through a length of jacketed flexible optic fiber (10) where it becomes visible again at the radiant tip (20) of the handpiece (18).

Security door-locking system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A security door-locking system is described for locking closed doors of tractor cabs on truck tractors, for example, of the type used to pull over-the-road common truck trailers, and vehicles, etc., with similar pre-existing door latching systems. A flat rigid bar has a hole near one end for fitting over the striker pin on the door jamb; and the other end of the bar may be attached to a lock outside the tractor cab after the door is closed. A retainer between the lock and the door/door-jamb provides a secure locking arrangement. And a system like a ratchet provides for attaching the lock to the bar in a tight position with the door.

Cradle system repair of model railroad trains   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides a portable system for adjustably grasping and cradling a model train engine or other car (especially Garden Scale) without damaging it and presenting the desired portion of such engine or car for repair or maintenance. The device used includes: a rectangular longitudinal plywood base plate having in its upper surface a pair of transverse upside-down T-slots with sloppy-fit nut members captured in the T-slots; and a pair of longitudinal plywood vertical side plates, each fitted with vertical bolt members tightenable in the corresponding nut members. When the piece to be worked on is placed between the side plates, with appropriate cushioning, the sloppy fits permit the side plates to be pushed into snug position before tightening. The device also provides a cover with a handle for portability between uses.

Keyholder system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A keyholder is described having a soft nylon cord, looped to hold keys, with both ends of the nylon loop capturable in a cord capture device. The cord capture is of the type which permits passing of the cord through aligned holes in a casing and in a button in the casing, where the button compresses a spring to align the holes. When the button/spring is released, any cord segment in the cord capture is prevented from movement through the holes. One end of the nylon cord has a clip on it to prevent that end from passing through the cord capture; and advertising indicia may be put on a surface attached to the clip. A preferred method for making the keyholder is described, including protecting the cord ends from fraying.

Hole saw guide clamp system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides a system for using a portable tool for assisting the making of holes in installed pipes, such as water pipes and the like, to prepare for interconnected piping. Such system preferably utilizes a hole saw guide bushing which is contained in a clamp-head at the end of the fixed jaw of a "Vise-Grip.TM."-like device. Such clamp-head accommodates various sizes of guide bushings and hole-saws for making various size holes in various size pipes. Other features assist accurate hole positioning, e.g., horizontal and vertical levels, center marks, and V-shaped holding surfaces on the clamp-heads.

Animal litter scoop retaining system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
An animal litter scoop retaining system is described for creating a litter box area, protected from the digging and other motions of a cat or similar animal, for storing animal litter scoops "stabbed" into the litter. A preferred bar member extends diagonally across a corner of, and within, a typical rectangular litter box and is detachably attached to the litter box, thus separating a small corner litter area for "stabbing" the scoop into the litter and a large area for normal litter use. The bar member blocks off the small corner litter area at least at the height from the litter box bottom of about half the overall height of the litter box. And the bar member, for efficiency, is preferably raised off the bottom and not extending substantially above a height of about half the overall height of the litter box above the bottom.

Water skier warning flag system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention concerns a water skier warning flag system of the type wherein the slackening of the tow rope causes a warning flag at the transom of the ski boat to be raised. A mechanical device mounted on the rear of the transom of a ski boat includes a lever having a normally vertical long lever arm for holding a longitudinally-mounted (normally vertical) standard of a warning flag; and this long lever arm also has a connection point to a ski tow line. The other (short) lever arm is urged by a compression spring to maintain the long lever arm vertical. When a skier is skiing, the tension on the tow line pulls the long lever arm down to horizontal against the pressure of the compression spring; and when the tow line goes slack, the spring pressure returns the long lever arm to vertical.

Palette transport system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
An improved palette transport system is provided. More particularly, a palette transport system is provided whereby multiple artist's palettes may be efficiently stored or transported, and without fast drying of the paints on the palettes. A system of open-top boxes which may be stacked in an air-tight manner is disclosed, in which each box may carry a water source and a water-permeable paper sheet to support paint dabs.

Combination grab bar and door lock   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides a combination grab bar and door lock for grab bar systems of the type wherein a grab bar is mounted outside a recreational vehicle and adjacent an outward-opening door. It provides a grab bar system wherein the grab bar means may be optionally positioned adjacent to an outside portion of the door and locked into such position, thereby barring the opening of the door.

Solar power systems for self-contained fueling stations   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention relates to solar power systems for self-contained fueling stations. More particularly, this invention concerns the attachment to and above such a fueling station of a post-mounted solar power system, including a solar array providing shade for a shielded box holding a battery and a power control system with a wireless-remote-controlled safety power cutoff system. Such post and solar power system may be folded down adjacent the fueling station, thus enabling easier transport of the fueling station. The safety power cutoff system includes a series of relay switches for disabling key-switch control of a fuel pump.

Golf putter training tools   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides golf putter training tools for training a golfer's putting stroke. These golf putter training tools assist a golfer in making the putting stroke flat and in a straight "sweeping" line. A wheel, attached to the putter body, is provided adjacent each end of the putter and constructed to roll when the proper putting motion is used. The wheels (provided either as a putter part or as an add-on) extend slightly below the bottom surface of the putter and may include sharp portions along their circumference to impede other than straight rolling.

Infrared location system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
An improved IR detector system is described which uses a plurality of IR detection modules coupled to a central computer to determine the location of an intrusion to the system. Each IR detection module has a plurality of optically isolated lens and detector pairs arranged in an arcuate array coupled to a local microprocessor chip which is unique to that module such that each lens and detector pair produces a response to a sensed intrusion along a particular radial of the array's arc to allow the local microprocessor to produce a coded signal to the central computer which corresponds to the direction of the sensed intrusion. Using a triangulation algorithm, the central computer combines the coded signals from whichever of the plurality of IR detection modules are active to compute the location of the intrusion.

Quilting-aid device and method   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A quilting-aid device and method for use in making "two-color" squares for use in quilts, in which the quilter makes four of such squares from each larger square of two superimposed sheets of different material. The quilting-aid device, which saves the quilter from having to perform difficult calculations in the measuring and stitching and cutting of such squares, has two scales inscribed on a ruler-type base; a first scale on which to locate the desired size of two-color square and a second scale on which the corresponding position gives the size of the larger square with which to begin.

Sleeper bed for over-the-road tractors   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides a vibration-free sleeper bed for over-the-road tractors. More particularly, this invention concerns a sleeper compartment device which provides a system whereby an off-duty driver may sleep in a vibration-free bed which remains at a preselected height, even during the over-the-road operation of the tractor. This is accomplished by providing a vertically-slidable support for the bed and using an air spring alongside a shock absorber to damp vibrations. Also, the bed itself is mounted on vibration-damping hard rubber mounts.

Toy gun with blowing-operated noisemaker   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides blowing-operated noisemakers to toy guns of the type which are sized to be graspable by one or two hands and which are pointable by the user. Toy gun devices are provided in which user-blown air may be routed from a mouthpiece to a gun-mounted noisemaker by way of a hollow pipe or hose. Variable noises may be made by the user by controlling the blown air, as by using a rotary whistle. The sounds emanating from the toy gun are emitted in the direction in which the toy gun is pointed.

Telescopic-sight system for AK47-type rifles   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
This invention provides an improved telescopic sight system for rifles, particularly by providing for AK47-type rifles an improved telescopic sight system utilizing a pistol-type telescopic sight and a mounting method which does not require disassembly of the rifle for mounting or for cleaning and which provides maximum stability and rigidity. The pistol-type telescopic sight is mounted above the normal front gunsight and its mounting there does not interfere with "fast" normal-size sighting of a target.

Dart tool   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A dart tool useful in tournament darts and other games using thrown darts. This unitary dart tool efficiently combines many useful elements and functions, including: extracting a broken dart tip from a dart target by providing, on a thin nub, a tapered slot for grabbing such broken dart; adjusting a dart assembly having a flight shaft, a barrel, and a dart tip; tightening or loosening a threaded connection between a dart tip and a dart barrel by providing a slot for holding the opposed flat portions of a dart tip; tightening or loosening a threaded connection between a flight shaft and a dart barrel by providing a protuberance, which comprises part of the described slot, for holding the hole in the flight shaft; loosening a flight lock of the dart by providing a safe recessed wedge therefor; tightening a flight lock by providing a cylindrical hole therefor; and also permitting keychain attachment and bottle-opening, and providing advertising areas.

Over the arrow shaft broad head   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
An overshaft hunting broadhead is used to duplicate practice arrow balance point and flight characteristics. Assuming the optimal balance point of the practice arrow is in accord with manufacturer's recommendations, removal of the practice arrow point and converting to an overshaft hunting broadhead will duplicate the balance point, weight and flight characteristics of the arrow the archer has become accustomed to while practicing. The arrow shaft enters the ferrule of the overshaft hunting broadhead. The ferrule is free to rotate about the axis of the arrow's shaft to be properly positioned, then securely tightened by rotating the arrow tip. The ferrule is equipped to hold cutting edges (razors). The ferrule is coupled securely to the end of the arrow shaft by a hunting point tip that couples into a standard threaded insert in the arrow shaft. The broad head ferrule will not experience the load at impact that is typical to existing broad head styles due to the reinforcement of the arrow shaft by an arrow shaft insert located concentrically and internally beneath the overshaft broadhead ferrule.

Above-ground fuel tank system   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
In an above ground fuel storage system, a containment vessel is selected to resist impact shock, as well as deformation from fire's heat and internal hydraulic pressures in the presence of such heat. The fuel delivery input port, the fuel tank, all fuel lines and dispensing equipment are mounted fully enclosed within the confines of the containment vessel. The containment vessel may be transportable or be permanently emplaced on use site. Solar energy is utilized to allow operation in undeveloped areas. A remote control device permits system shut down to be initiated from a distance.

Board game apparatus   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A game device consisting of a playing board having a "driving" track around the center of the board. The board has multiple lanes, each divided into successive discrete areas bearing players' instructions. The game also includes at least one listing, adapted to have numbered tokens placed thereon, of numbered "defensive driving" tactics. Playing pieces are provided including pieces in the form of cars for movement around the "driving" track in accordance with the roll of a die and game instructions. The players "solve" a plurality of picture cards, each depicting a unique traffic situation calling for certain of the said listed "defensive driving" tactics; and consecutively numbered tokens are provided for selection of the correct tactics in the correct order; and instruction cards are provided for use depending upon the correctness of tactics selected by the player.

Board game apparatus   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A game device consisting of a rectangular playing board incorporating twenty-seven playing areas or squares arranged in nine rows and three columns. The board is visibly marked for division in three equal sectors of nine squares each. There are two sets of nine playing pieces or tokens marked with the numerals "1", "2", and"3", so that each of two players at opposite ends of the board longitudinally may place pieces on the equal sector near that player, the row nearest the player having the highest numbered tokens, the next row having the next highest numbered tokens, and the third row having the lowest numbered tokens, whereby pieces are moved forward in play either directly or diagonally or both according to the numeral indicated on the particular token.

Utility desk   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A portable utility desk for bed-patient and other uses including a flat, rectangular surface having a semicircular notch on one side thereof for adapting to the body of the user and providing for attachment of legs to the surface to be usable in a multiplicity of positions and further providing a book-holder structure for holding a book in stationary position on the flat surface.

Expandable camper apparatus   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
An expandable camper apparatus for use with a pick-up truck, the apparatus including a false floor for the pick-up bed with storage space therebeneath in which is stored a hinged, foldable floor member for a tent. To use the apparatus, the floor member is essentially removed from the pick-up bed, unfolded, and becomes the floor of a large tent constructed adjacent to the rear of the pick-up truck.

Vehicle Trailer   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A vehicle trailer for attachment to automobiles and the like having a luggage-type form in its closed position but being adapted by structure and hinge location to open to a first alternative position of a tool trailer and a second alternative position of a standard utility trailer.

WATER VEHICLE   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A Water Vehicle having a motorcycle-type body and supported on three pontoons detachably connected to said body, and including rudder steering operable by handlebars wherein a braking mechanism is connected to the steering mechanism to provide braking by moving the rudders in opposite directions.

VEHICLE DATA RECORDER   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
Vehicle data recorder system including method and apparatus which, without constant attention of the operator, makes a printed recording of the velocity, direction of travel of each vehicle actuating the recorder and the time of day each vehicle actuates the recorder. One preferred embodiment has concentric printing platens which move relative to one another and relative to a printing zone so that the current time of day and the velocity of the actuating vehicle are simultaneously disposed within the printing zone. A clock mechanism determines the position of the time of day platen so that the correct time of day is in the printing zone. Spaced vehicle sensors serially sense a moving vehicle and generate an electrical signal which causes the velocity printing platen to move until the vehicle velocity is within the printing zone. A predetermined sequence of activation of the sensors causes the direction of travel of be printed. A total vehicle count is accumulated on a tabular readout. Another presently preferred embodiment converts the vehicle speed and time of day into encoded pulses which actuate a punch or printer to encode punch tape or print out with the data described above.

Automatic Dump System for Contaminants Collected In a Slurry Processing Sump   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
An automatic dump system for use with a slurry processing sump is disclosed. It has a flushing chamber and a collection chamber attached to the lower end of the sump. A flushing fluid is supplied to the flushing chamber to deflect relatively heavy contaminating materials into the collection chamber, and provide resistance to settlement of relatively light slurry materials. Both the flushing chamber and the collection chamber have valves which are controlled by an actuation means to periodically discharge collected contaminating materials without interrupting sump operation.

LINEAR MOTION INDICATOR   (PDF ,  Text only,  Figure 1)
A linear motion indicator for use on power-driven machinery. The indicator has a slidable plunger that communicates with the movable portion of the machine. A hydraulic system, responsive to movement of the plunger, includes a resiliently compressible slave piston proximate a delineated scale.