Abstract: A dunnage air bag is formed from two rectangular sheets. Each sheet is formed by a polyethylene layer adhesively bonded to a liner board layer. An air valve is mounted through one of the sheets to enable the dunnage air bag to be selectively filled with air. The sheets are disposed in overlying offset relation, with the polyethylene faces of the sheets in contact. A rectangular bladder is created by heat welding the polyethylene layers together, through the liner board layer, in a rectangular heat weld. Offset flaps of the sheets are then folded over on fold lines disposed interiorly of the heat weld and adhesively secured in order to reinforce the bladder and minimize stress on the heat weld. In alternative constructions, the polyethylene layer may be dimensionally smaller than the liner board layer such that a strip of liner board remains exposed along one or more peripheral edges of the polyethylene face of the laminate sheet.

Abstract: The mute and automatic restore device is an apparatus for communication receivers and the like, whereby voice or code conversations or messages emanating from the monitoring speaker can be muted by the push of a button and the apparatus will determine the end of the conversation or message by sensing a preset time delay, and will then automatically restore audio output, or provide for the output to be manually restored by the pushing of a second button. The apparatus can be built into a receiver, provided as a kit to be spliced into the receiver speaker wires, or built as an accessory with a speaker and case that can simply be plugged into the speaker jack of a receiver.

Abstract: A folding warning marker includes three tubular stays each having first upper ends joined together by torsional coil springs. A flexible, brightly colored and reflective fabric cover is received over the stays. The torsional coil springs bias each adjacent pair of the three stays apart, forming isosceles triangles such that the fabric cover forms a pyramidal configuration. An apex region of the flexible cover is reinforced to withstand the stress induced by the torsional coil springs. Lower ends of each of the tubular stays are received in respective pockets formed on an interior surface adjacent the lower peripheral edge of the fabric cover. The stays may be manually forced into a parallel relation to form a compact closed position of the warning marker for storage and transportation purposes. The warning marker may be retained in the closed position by a securing strap or a storage tube.

Abstract: An insulated beverage container holder includes a cylindrical hollow body portion connected to a cylindrical hollow cap by an integrally molded flexible plastic loop hinge. A hollow cylindrical insulating foam liner cup is dimensioned for removable insertion into the cylindrical body. The hollow interior of the liner cup is dimensioned to removably receive standard sized beverage containers, such as cans and bottles. An upstanding annular ledge on the open upper end face of the body cooperates with an annular step provided on the bottom end face of the cap to form a frictional closure. A thumb catch disposed on the cap, diametrically opposite the hinge, facilitates manual opening and closing the cap. A disk-shaped, thin, cylindrical end plate is integrally molded as a component of said cylindrical body proximate a bottom end face of the hollow body. The end plate forms a floor which supports a bottom surface of the liner cup.

Abstract: An earring includes a stem or post to be inserted through a pierced ear and an elongated head portion rotatably attached to the end of the stem. The stem is provided with an elongate slot in which the rotatable head portion is retained. During an insertion of the stem through a wearer's ear, the head portion is axially aligned with and substantially retained within the slot. After insertion, the head portion is rotatable into a position transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stem so as to effectively retain the earring in the wearer's ear without the necessity of utilizing a separate conventional fastener.

Abstract: A game caller of the type utilized to attract game animals, for example, turkeys, includes telescopically interfitting tubular mouthpiece and amplifier sections. The mouthpiece section has a conically tapered portion which cooperates in frictional locking fashion with an internally conically tapered bore formed in the amplifier portion. The tubular mouthpiece has a circular end face provided with a shallow conical taper. A circular air outlet aperture is formed in an off-center manner through the end face of the mouthpiece. A latex diaphragm covers the air outlet aperture and is adjustably secured in place by an elastic rubber ring received in a circumferential groove formed in the tubular mouthpiece, adjacent the circular end face. The air outlet aperture of the mouthpiece is disposed within a hollow interior portion of the amplifier section, such that the emitted sound waves are amplified and directed to exit through an open end of the amplifier section.

Abstract: This device provides simplified, effective and inexpensive constructions for transferring energy stored in torque springs (30) to the function of keys, valves, rings and levers of musical instruments. It is a rigid tube indented with a longitudinal groove (12) designed to serve as an axle supporting key mechanisms between permanent posts anchored to the body of a musical instrument. After groove tube (10) is passed through forward post (18a), it is introduced into key tubing (14), groove (12) tracks over bump or protuberance (28) in key tubing (14) and groove tube (10) proceeds into back permanent post (18b) where it rests. Groove tube (10) is now journalled fore and aft in permanent posts (18a) and (18b). In like process, groove tube (10) fills the hollow of key rod (16) and is journalled in forward post (18a). The solid end of key rod (16) is pivoted at rear post (18b). This system permits lengthwise movement, but prevents rotation of groove tube (10) within key tubing (14) or key rod (16).

Abstract: An aluminum furnace charging system including a movable charger assembly, a hydraulically operated ram assembly, a hydraulically operated elevator and aluminum furnace having a hydraulically operated door whereby aluminum billets and/or scrap aluminum loaded onto the elevator is automatically and quickly charged to the furnace so that heat loss from the furnace and escape of molten aluminum from within the furnace is minimized.

Abstract: A holder for a right triangular speed square, having a transverse flange extending along one side, includes a pair of side panels disposed in spaced, parallel relation which define a hollow interior having front, rear and bottom openings in the form of elongated slots. An inclined rear wall connects the side panels and separates the rear and bottom openings. Apertures in the side panels cooperate with rivets to secure the holder to a carpenter's apron. The rear wall abuts a side of the speed square forming the hypotenuse. An elongated, rectangular tubular portion formed along top edges of the side panels possesses a floor with a central opening communicating with the hollow interior portion and defining aligned, opposed, spaced ledge members which abut the transverse flange. A pair of upstanding tabs disposed on the ledge members adjacent the front opening, on opposite sides of the central opening, engage a leading edge of the transverse flange.

Abstract: An archery target has a free floating central core formed by a plurality of stacked sheets of a tightly woven nylon material. The sheets are oriented parallel to front and back faces of the target, and serve to absorb arrow impact without being penetrated. The central core is completely surrounded by compressed cotton molt packing disposed within a cardboard frame. The frame, compressed cotton, and central core, are contained within a moisture barrier formed by a polyethylene bag. A plurality of layers of nylon mesh are wrapped around the moisture barrier. The nylon mesh has openings greater than 1/4.times.1/4 inches, such that penetrating arrows are unlikely to hit and break strands of the mesh. The nylon mesh is covered by burlap fabric, upon which various target indicia may be provided. The target has a long service life and allows arrows to be easily removed.

Abstract: An automatic high pressure, frictionless, water and chemical vehicle washing device is self-contained and has a light weight aluminum frame which can be attached to a floor by adjustable leg supports or suspended from a ceiling, allowing it to be installed easily and quickly into any self-service or automatic car wash bay. The device is powered by relatively low air pressure and the spray washing head is movable in perpendicular directions allowing the spray head to seek any possible location within the boundaries of the machine itself. Photo-electric infra-red beams sense the presence of the vehicle being washed; relay signals to a programmable controller, and direct the spray head to seek the dimensions of various sized vehicles. Once the vehicle dimensions are established via communication between the photo-eye and the programmable controller, the machine maintains a safe but effective washing distance between the spray head and the vehicle surface of approximately fourteen inches.

Abstract: A first embodiment of an improved shampoo basin includes an integral spray rinse assembly positioned proximate a neck supporting portion of the basin. The spray rinse assembly facilitates the rinsing of a user's neck and hair in normally difficult to reach areas. Water temperature and pressure control are also provided, and the spray rinse may be selectively operated by a foot pedal arrangement. A modified embodiment of the basin is of a portable design which permits it to be attached to a conventional shampoo basin.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for constructing a roof on a structure using elongated roofing members, as well as the elongated roofing members. Elongated roofing members are produced, preferably near or on the structure, by continuously forming suitable male and female flanges on sheet metal material and periodically cutting the sheet metal material to predetermined lengths. The male and female flanges of adjacent elongated roofing members are interconnected by deflecting a portion of the female flange about the male flange to crimp the male flange between portions of the female flange. A plurality of clips having flanges may be interconnected with the structure, whereby the flanges are engageable, together with the male flanges, with the female flanges to provide for rapid simultaneous interconnection of both the female flange and the male flange with the structure.

Abstract: A suspension system for furniture and furniture incorporating such system whereby forces applied to the furniture are effectively dissipated or cushioned to afford comfortable conditions for a user of the furniture.

Abstract: An improved airstream heater comprising a heater housing with a heating chamber through which an airstream to be heated is forced by airstream movement means, air turbulence creating means within the heater housing to create controlled air turbulence within the heating chamber for rapid and uniform heating of the airstream, and a burner which disperses its flame so as to rapidly and uniformly heat the airstream.

Abstract: Improved method for the production of bio-gas incorporating a magnetic field to situate magnetotactic bacteria in the reactive zone of a bio-gas producing digester.