Abstract: An interface device for packaging equipment comprises three bins arranged vertically and separated by gates located at the bottom of each bin. An infeed unit or conveyor feeds product into the receiver bin. A product counter in a logic unit counts the product fed into the receiver bin. The logic unit cycles the counted product into the buffer and discharge bins, respectively to provide an accumulator function. The logic unit cycles the discharge gate upon output of a flight sensor on the outfeed unit to deliver the counted product on the desired location of the outfeed unit. The device allows temporary differences between product flow rates between the infeed unit and the outfeed unit. No connections to the control system of the outfeed unit is required.

Abstract: An elastic belt allows blousing of the lower portion of an upper garment. The belt comprises a longitudinally stretchable strip which is wrapped around the torso of the body and secured with a hook-and-loop fastener component. The belt comprises an inner surface having a high coefficient of friction with the garment material. The outer surface of the belt comprises a matching hook-and-loop fastener component. The hem of the upper garment can be tucked under the inner surface of the belt from the lower side of the belt to form a bloused hem.

Abstract: A squirrel proof bird feeder comprises a frame 102, a feed chute 112 inside and fixed to frame 102, and a rotatable feed chute cover 114 disposed between frame 102 and feed chute 112. The feed chute has two feed trays 116, 117, and the feed chute cover has two perches 124, 125. Two weights 146, 152, bias the feed chute cover to the normal feeding position. When a bird or other animal exceeding a predetermined weight alights on the perch, the feed chute cover rotates, blocking access to the respective feed tray and dislodging the animal, Different feed may be used in each of the feed trays by use of a divider plate 113. The weights may be adjusted to discriminate different weight birds for each feed tray. A second embodiment of the feeder comprises a single feed tray and one weight.

Abstract: A blade assembly for weed trimmers for cutting heavy weeds, vines and underbrush comprises a seamless, one-piece, disk-shaped hub. Pivot pins attach two or more steel blades to the hub within a circumferential groove. The groove extends from the outside edge of the hub towards the center of the hub. The upper and lower portions of the hub above and below the groove support the blades vertically. The blades are free to pivot in a horizontal plane when they strike an object. The groove depth is at least one half of the blade width to provide vertical support. The blades are at least one half of the hub diameter. The blades are spaced equally around the circumference of the hub.

Abstract: An electrical safety device is disclosed which utilizes a sensor conductor configured in a continuous loop and disposed in an electrical component so as to sense overtemperature or mechanical damage over a length or wide area of the component. The sensor may be simple insulated or non insulated copper wire. A low voltage potential is maintained across the sensor conductor. The sensor circuitry includes ambient temperature compensation.

Abstract: An improved cooling apparatus for a protective helmet is disclosed. The cooling apparatus employs hook and loop fastener strips to secure the bladder to the helmet padding. The bladder is filled with a breakable pouch of encapsulated ammonium salt surrounded by water. An annular chamber in the bladder allows free communication of the cooling medium within the chamber to allow for differnet heat loads at different areas of the bladder.

Abstract: A flexible cable holder is disclosed comprising a flexible web with a plurality of edge fasteners along opposite edges of the web. The edge fasteners are engaged, forming an enclosed duct for retaining cables, wires and power cords. End fasteners are provided at the ends of the web for attaching adjacent cable holders end-to-end. The web is flexible allowing the cable holder to form bends without special fittings or devices. End fasteners may be connected to edge fasteners to form branch connections.

Abstract: An exercise and stress-relief device is disclosed comprising a bending tube and a cover. The bending tube comprises a spring and a friction element. Application of an increasing bending force results in the reduction of the radius of curvature of the device. Removal of the bending force results in the device maintaining its shape if the radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the critical radius of curvature. A reversed bending force is required to straighten the device at a radius of curvature greater than or equal to the critical value. At a radius of curvature less than the critical value, the device acts in a conventional spring manner. The preferred embodiment of the device comprises a resilient foam cover and end caps. It can be used as a hand exerciser in short lengths or an arm/upper torso exercise device in longer lengths. The device provides a stress-reduction function from its novel bending mode.

Abstract: A folding chair is disclosed which can be used on sloping or uneven terrain. Individually adjustable legs and leveling feet provide flexibility of use, comfort, and stability where ordinary folding chairs cannot be used. In an alternative embodiment, ball and socket leveling feet are used to level the feet and distribute the leg loads. Grooved resilient pads on the bottom of the feet prevent slippage on hard surfaces such as rock or concrete.

Abstract: A cutting table is disclosed which can be used to cut workpieces such as banners. The device comprises a hard-surfaced vacuum table, with a rectangular grid pattern of cutting grooves. One or more raised measuring guides allow quick and accurate alignment and measurement of workpieces. The device is designed for expansion by connection to one or more additional banner tables.

Abstract: A transportable golf bag is disclosed which comprises a pair of deployable wheel assemblies attached to the lower portion of a semi-rigid golf bag. The bag forms the structure of the device without requiring a separate frame or chassis. The wheel assemblies can be locked in a deployed or stored position. The stowed wheels are covered by a closable pocket. A deployable handle for pulling the bag, and a deployable leg for supporting the bag in an upright position can be stowed when not in use.

Abstract: A Sensory Stimulation Apparatus is disclosed with 9 stimulator beam which fits across the forehead and contains a stimulator belt with stimulator elements such as fingers. A rotating lever on one side of the forehead pulls the stimulator belt across the forehead; a return spring on the other side of the forehead pulls the stimulator belt back across the forehead. The strip onto which the stimulator fingers are formed can be attached by a hook and loop fastener which permits the user to replace the finger strip and thereby change the configuration of the stimulator fingers. The amount of contact pressure may be changed by an adjustable strap which supports the apparatus from the head. A voltage control permits user to alter the speed of the stimulation action. The apparatus may be easily reconfigured to stimulate other body parts by altering the shape of the stimulator beam and modifying the support strap to support the apparatus.

Abstract: An adaptor hub for attaching wheel ornaments is disclosed for use on wheels which are attached to the brake assembly by conventional lugs and lug nuts. The adaptor is attached to the wheel by threaded fasteners radially spaced about the wheel hub. A wheel ornament is threaded onto the adaptor. An adaptor cover is retained by the wheel ornament.

Abstract: A hair curler is disclosed which comprises a pretensioned helical spring covered by a foam rubber sleeve. A clamp is attached to one end of the curler which allows the hair to be curled around the body of the curler and the curler bent in a ring shape and retained in this shape by fixing the clamp to the curler body. The curler is heated by inserting a heating element in the center core of the curler. An alternative embodiment comprises a helical spring embedded in a hollow cylinder of a flexible material. The cylinder has a foam rubber sleeve and a clamp fixed to one end.

Abstract: A utility cart is disclosed for holding a collection bag. The device comprises a frame, a support ring, and an integral ring clamp for clamping the rim of the bag to the support ring. The cart may additionally comprise wheels for transporting the cart along the ground, and a pivoting handle for grasping the cart. The cart may be folded for convenient storage. An enclosed cover for the cart with an optional hose attachment for connection to an external vacuum or blower is disclosed.

Abstract: An aerobic hand held safety light is disclosed which improves the visibility of a walker, runner, or jogger at night or in periods of reduced visibility. The device is oblong in shape and incorporates a lighting means visible from the front, back, or sides. A switch is provided to activate the lighting means. The device includes an attaching means for various size weights to be attached to the device without obstructing the lighting means.

Abstract: A suspendible wallpaper applicator is disclosed for applying a rolled web on a wall surface. The device comprises an applicator tube containing the web roll, a longitudinal slot for dispensing the web, a longitudinal applicator lip for pressing the web to the wall surface and suspension spikes which can be pressed into the wall surface to hold the device on the wall without the attention of the user. Reclosable end caps are applied the the tube to retain the web roll in the tube when used in applying horizontal webs.

Abstract: A personal protection device is disclosed which utilizes a pressurized canister of non-lethal gas. The device comprises a barrel for holding the canister, a trigger, and a handle for holding and aiming the device. The handgun shape of the device results in strong tactile cues for quickly and accurately discharging the device. In the preferred embodiment, the barrel pivots for quickly loading and unloading. A compartment is provided in the handle for storing a spare cartridge. A safety is disclosed to prevent inadvertent discharge of the device.