Abstract: A key code generating engine strips extenders and other unwanted characters from a file or product name, truncates the remainder to a set maximum, appends the result to an identifier and provides a version suffix. The key code then is associated with other information about the file or product, such as a description, version, size, and a location identifier such as an address, telephone number or Internet web site URL. The resulting record is collated into a plurality of databases accessible through the Internet and searchable by key code or boolean keyword strings to locate files for downloading or vendors' web pages for ordering or learning more about a product. Multiple database systems segregated by subject matter can provide users a virtual card catalog of products and their respective upgrades, patches and add-ons.

Abstract: A retractable caster system comprises a rectangular, steel box defining a chamber, a plurality of which may be attached to the bottom of a storage container to elevate the container above a surface upon which it rests. Inside the chamber, a caster is mounted to a hinged plate which pivots near the bottom of one sidewall of the chamber. The plate articulates between a substantially vertical position, with the caster fully retracted into the chamber, and a horizontal position with the caster wheel protruding beneath the chamber. A coiled spring biases the plate toward a vertical position, and an automatic locking mechanism holds the caster in its extended position. The caster may be raised and lowered without separately supporting the weight of the container.

Abstract: An infant prop comprises a cylindrical core covered with a flannel sheath. The core is approximately two inches in diameter and sufficiently long to form a U-shaped arch reaching around a sleeping infant. It comprises a flexible shell filled with plastic prills or other beads sufficient to maintain its shape but with enough space inside to allow folding and flexibility. The flannel sheath includes an opening for inserting the shell at one end and attachment means for a pacifier disposed facing the infant's mouth, while the other end of the prop reaches around the infant's legs and extends along its back to keep the infant lying on its side. In an alternate embodiment, the prop is shortened to approximately the length of an infant and placed on one side of the infant, while a second, unconnected props is used on the infant's other side. The shells of the alternate embodiment are filled to compaction with prills and thereby relatively inflexible.

Abstract: A wheel for small vehicles and similar applications is provided, the wheel having a molded hub concentric about its axis, said hub having a single, precision bushing journaled within the hub concentric about said axis. Two thread guards sandwich the wheel, the guards having shanks which meet in the middle of the bushing and affix the guards to the wheel by friction. The guards may have a variety of axle channel diameters for various applications for the same wheel. The guards include wheel cover shields on their distal extremes which widen the effective diameter of the enclosed bushing and protect it from contamination.

Abstract: A collapsible, pop-up plenum for central heating and air conditioning equipment folds substantially flat for shipping and storage. The plenum's planar sidewalls form a rectangular box having an open input end. An endwall opposite the input end is attached by one edge to one sidewall and adapted to swing open and lay against said sidewall, allowing the plenum to fold flat for storage and transportation. A metallic, flanged collar adapted to attach the input end to the equipment cabinet is hinged to collapse with the plenum. Tightness of the plenum's metallized, elastic skin causes the plenum to spring open when released from its wrapping, facilitating assembly and installation.

Abstract: A ratchet handle of generally spherical shape, the handle having an embedded ratchet mechanism near one surface, the drive post of which is accessible through a diametrical channel extending from the opposite side of the sphere. An extension rod inserted into the channel mates with the drive post and extends beyond the opposite surface of the handle a selected distance to a socket wrench which may be used to drive a fastener of corresponding size. Supplemental male and female post recesses accept additional extension rods serving as lever handles and fixed, non-ratcheted drives.

Abstract: A garment hanger comprises a smooth rod shaped into a substantially horizontal arm coupled to a central, vertical hook. The horizontal arm is substantially the length necessary to span the garment being displayed. Coupled to one end of the arm is a shoulder portion looping back to near the middle of the arm, where the hook extends vertically upward and rearward from the shoulder and arm. The hook is angled such that it settles slightly to one side when loaded and hanging, encouraging garments to overlap when disposed along a hanger bar, but leaving a substantial portion of each garment exposed to frontal view.

Abstract: A buffer solution comprising one or more metal salts, preferably monobasic potassium phosphate and/or monosodium phosphate, dissolved in water creates a rinse having a pH near that of human skin. The buffer solution in various concentrations and compositions is adapted for routine use by professional and casual users of cement to rinse their skin and tools, as a spray-on application for skin and clothes, and as a pre-wash for laundry. The buffer solution may include other metal salts, preferably manganese sulfate, further to reduce hexavalent chromium carried into the rinse from cement. A pH color indicator such as phenolphthalein also may be included to signal when the buffer solution becomes ineffective from prolonged use.

Abstract: A mobile underflow spill recovery unit provides a barrier to pollutants floating in runoff water which otherwise finds its way into storm drains and streams. The mobile underflow spill recovery unit includes a dam disposed between limiting sidewalls, and a baffle spanning between the sidewalls above the dam. The baffle's lower limit extends below the height of the dam, forming a weir channel between the baffle and the dam. Floating pollutants become trapped against the baffle while hydraulic pressure allows subsurface stream water to flow through the weir channel and over the dam. In one embodiment, a plurality of portable emergency dam units may be bolted together and installed through a temporary dirt levee built across a flowing stream or ditch to capture pollutants spilled upstream. In another embodiment, the conventional curb-level inlet to a storm sewer catch basin is replaced by a surface grate which drops runoff water into a chamber buried adjacent the catch basin.

Abstract: A folding chair comprises a front, scissors-like X-structure formed by two pivotally coupled rigid members, the lower ends of which form front feet and the upper ends of which form front seat corners of the chair. Rearward the scissors structure, an inverted Y-structure includes a pair of downwardly depending rear legs diverging from a central hinge to form rear feet and a stile pivotally coupled to the hinge and extending upwardly opposite the legs. Two spindles link the front feet to an apex coupled to the hinge by a tether, and two lateral braces link the rear feet to the front seat corners, the braces and the spindles being pivotally coupled together where they cross. The stile opposite the hinge includes a transverse rail from which is suspended a hammock seat extending downward to the front seat corners on the scissors structure. The chair folds to a tight bundle for carrying, the hammock seat doubling as a shoulder sling.

Abstract: Improved method of applying guide markings to a writing surface such as posterboard. The guide markings are visually perceptible at a writing distance away from the posterboard, and substantially imperceptible at a viewing distance away from the--writing surface.