Abstract: A switchable fuel filter assembly with alternate fuel paths which carry fuel, respectively, through alternate fuel filters depending on the position of a valve member.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved method and process for printing plastic tag blanks for producing plastic identifier tags (such as cattle ear tags). By printing images on tag blanks using conventional ink jet printers and thereafter “welding” the image to be plastic of the printed tag blank, a durable image is provided all the tag without the need for undertaking conventional hot stamp printing with its associated costs, inconveniences, and even safety hazards as associated with the heated metallic print blocks of such conventional method.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting, and accommodating movement of patients with repetitive motion disorders. A chair of the present design will include a first sliding mechanism with carries a seat member along a range of motion relative to the over-all apparatus frame, and a second sliding mechanism for carrying the frame relative to a base. Either or both sliding mechanisms may be provided with shock absorbing or movement resistance features for further dampening a patient's movements.

Abstract: An improved fishing hook is provided. The fishing hook is made of a wear-resistant material of either: (a) 85% to 96% tungsten carbide and 4% to 15% cobalt, (b) 60% to 89% tungsten carbide, 4% to 28% tantalum carbide, 4% to 25% titanium carbide and 3% to 30% cobalt, or (c) 34% to 51% cobalt, 25% to 32% chromium, 14% to 21% tungsten, 2% to 4% carbon and one or more of the metals nickel, silicon, columbium, manganese and iron which, together, comprise no more than 16% of the material. For material “b”, preferably the composition contains about 5% to 13% cobalt, 65% to 89% tungsten carbide, titanium carbide and tantalum carbide which, together, are present in an amount no greater than 30% of the composition of the material. For material “c”, preferably the composition contains about 28% to 32% chromium, 43% to 48% cobalt, tungsten and one or more of nickel, silicon, iron, manganese, columbium and carbon which, together, are present in an amount no greater than 29% of the composition of the material.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis catheter having an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit. Each conduits are linearly mated and contoured to cooperatively define a substantially circular cross sectional profile along a medial, trans-abdominal segment, but separating perhaps in radial fashion on either end of the medial, trans-abdominal segment, on a distal end to join fluted fluid transport branches and on proximal ends to join fittings for fluid delivery and collection external of the patient.

Abstract: An antler scoring system for enabling efficient and accurate measurement of antlers. The antler scoring system includes a housing, a wheel member rotatably attached to the housing, a central processing unit within the housing in communication with the wheel member, a ruler extendably positioned within the housing, and an idler roller positioned within the neck of the housing opposite of the wheel member with the ruler positioned between thereof. When the idler roller is engaged, the ruler is measured by the wheel member. The ruler preferably includes an engaging member that has a side opening for receiving a portion of the ruler during measuring of the antler circumference and inside spread.

Abstract: A child's flotation swim garment which includes integral flotation panels. The panels include elongate indentations for facilitating movement and comfort for wearers, and overlying garment fabric is made to conform to the indentations of the flotation panels and present an outwardly visible indication of the contours of the underlying flotation panels.

Abstract: A modular electrical cord shield system, including snap-together cord shield segments through a central channel of which an electrical cord extends. Successive segments are joined to shield electrical cords of varying length by male and female junction structures at ends of each cord shield segment.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe, precise, and cost effective storage tank leak detection system. Embodiments include a highly precise quartz crystal type pressure transducer, secured in a vacuum and held at a constant temperature. Said transducer is used in combination with data correction and regression techniques to yield a storage tank leak detection system with an extremely low leak detection threshold. The storage tank leak detection system is thought to be most useful for detecting very small leaks in very large storage tanks, most likely above ground storage tanks.

Abstract: A serial, multi-unit hydraulic system which utilizes a single hydraulic fluid circuit each for extending and retracting all constituent hydraulic units. The fluid circuit for retraction of a remote hydraulic unit extends through intervening, primary hydraulic unit(s), and, after retraction of the remote hydraulic unit, provides retraction oil flow to primary hydraulic unit(s). Control valves effect a prescribed sequence of extension and retraction of the constituent hydraulic units, without involving separate, external control apparatuses.

Abstract: Fresh tea leaves or green tea are converted to black tea using tyrosinase oxidation which alters catechines (a group of green tea polyphenols) to theaflavins. Theaflavins are unique black tea polyphenols and a potential anti-sunburn and chemopreventive agents. The oxidation reaction is performed on leaves which contain moisture only in an amount that the oxidation reaction occurs under the conditions of temperature of 20-50° C., air or O2 (0.2 to 2 moles O2/kg dry tea) supply and pH 5.0 to 7.5 at localized sites on and within the tea leaf structure. The moisture is supplied by moistening fresh tea leaves or dry green tea to a limited degree with a proper amount and concentration of monophenol, catechol and polyphenol oxidases, and tyrosinase, or their combinations. Obtained black tea contains much more theaflavins than regular black tea, and is, therefore, a more healthful beverage than that produced through use of conventionally processed black tea.

Abstract: The invention is of a prefabricated niche kit and associated methods for installation and fireproofing/strengthening thereof. The kit includes a molded plastic niche and a template to facilitate marking the boundary of wall material to be cut away for forming a cavity into which the molded plastic niche will be placed in a wall. The niche may be molded to include any number of decorative features, and includes an outer flange which overlies and hides the boundaries of the cavity after a cutting operation. Once a cavity is formed in a wall, the prefabricated niche is simply slid into place, and secured using caulking or suitable adhesive.

Abstract: A dough-like filler material and method of use thereof. The dough-like filler is used (in lieu of more expensive, less easily handled filler materials) in the process of making plaster dental molds for dental or orthodontic use to fill voids in dental impression molds, voids which otherwise would allow for the formation of obstructive plaster accumulations in the resulting plaster dental mold.