Abstract: An endoluminal graft which is both expandable and supportive is provided either in a longitudinal form or in a bifurcated form. The graft expands between a first diameter and a second, larger diameter. The support component is an expandable stent endoprosthesis. A cover, liner, or a liner, or both a cover and a liner are applied to the endoprosthesis in the form of a stretchable wall material that is porous, elastomeric and biocompatible in order to allow normal cellular invasion upon implantation, without stenosis, when the expandable and supportive graft is at its second diameter. Preferably, the elastomeric wall material is a polycarbonate urethane.

Abstract: In combination with a lading tie-down strap a shield for protecting the strap where it passes cover a corner of lading stacked on the flatbed of a cargo vehicle, e.g. a bulkhead railway flatcar. At least one end of each lading tie-down strap will be wound on a winch mounted on a side of the flatbed. The shields are formed from pieces of fabric or the like which are foldable into sleeves embracing the tie-down straps. When embracing a tie-down strap a shield sleeve must be sufficiently flexible so as to be windable on a winch along with the strap. Strips of Velcro-tape on the shields serve to releasably retain the shields on the tie-down straps.

Abstract: A decorative lighting assembly has the form of a grid or lattice in which a plurality of wires form a baseline and first and second branches of the assembly. The second wire branches intersect with both the baseline and first wire branches at nodes of the assembly. Light sockets are connected to selected wires of the nodes. The wires and light sockets are maintained in place at their respective nodes by enclosing at least some of the intersecting wires with a tying wire and forming a knot in the wire proximate to the light socket so that the knot and light socket are inhibited from significant movement relative to each other.

Abstract: A reel-type slot machine includes a microprocessor driven game control circuit for randomly determining a game result and three reel assemblies each including a symbol-bearing reel driven by a stepper motor for displaying the game results. The stepper motors each include a permanent magnet rotor and four stator windings which respond to quadrature phase motor drive signals generated by the game control circuit to incrementally rotate the reels. A reel motion monitoring circuit senses back EMF on each stator winding to generate an error signal which inhibits play in the event a motor fails to respond to an applied drive signal or a reel is moved by tampering.

Abstract: A leaf spring for use in a suspension system is disclosed which includes an eye for attachment with the frame member on one side of a vehicle chassis. A front cantilever portion of the leaf spring extends from the eye to a predetermined point of the leaf spring. A rear cantilever portion extends from the predetermined point to its own endpoint which is positioned in close proximity to the end of the leaf spring. The front cantilever portion of the leaf spring has a relatively high spring rate and the rear cantilever portion has a relatively low spring rate to provide comfortable riding conditions for the vehicle and roll stability for the suspension system while eliminating the practical necessity of implementing auxiliary roll stabilizers within the suspension system.

Abstract: A weather resistant mineral feed in the form of free-flowing granules is produced in a series of steps comprising (1) mixing a liquid binder with a relatively coarse granular feed ingredient to form damp binder coated granules, (2) while damp, the binder-coated granules are mixed with a trace mineral base mix, (3) the granules with their outer layers of trace minerals are mixed with substances which impart water-resistant sheaths thereto, and (4) dusting powder is applied to complete the formation of the trace mineral premix granules. The premix granules are mixed with coarse granular macromineral feed ingredients, iron oxide and a water-resistant coating solution to form weather-resistant mineral feed granules. The water-resistant sheathes are formed by mixing the product of step (2) with a fatty acid and depositing thereon a metal oxide with which it reacts.

Abstract: A control system for remotely controlling the application of electric power to a plurality of electric apparatuses includes a radio transmitting device at a central location, and a radio receiving device and a control unit at each electrical apparatus location. Programming signals designating the operating protocol or mode and the location of the electrical apparatus are transmitted by a radio programming signal to the control unit associated with each electrical apparatus. Subsequently, timing reference signals are transmitted to the control units of all electrical apparatus. Each control unit interprets and responds to the timing signals in accordance with previously received programming signals to control the application of electric power to the electrical apparatus in accordance with a predetermined operating protocol.

Abstract: A keeper-equipped snap hook includes a guard member which can be readily positioned by a user in either a closed position or an open position. In the closed position the keeper is secured in a U-shaped channel provided by the guard member to protect the keeper from unintended or inadvertent actuation. In the open position the keeper is exposed for ready activation to an open position by the user to either install the snap hook on or remove the snap hook from a D-ring or the like. A cam actuator in the hook body and a camming surface on the guard member interact to bias the guard member in the open and closed positions for ease of use during installation or removal of the snap hook.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for improving the quality of pale, soft and exudative meat by treating meat with transglutaminase enzyme. The invention is particularly well suited for manufactured pork and turkey breast products such as canned or packaged hams and turkey breasts. The manufactured meat products have reduced cooking purge, improved binding of the muscle pieces and firmer texture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonically energized slitting of a slab of confectionery material wherein a slitting tool incorporates a plurality of slitting knives spaced apart in accordance with the desired width of the product, which strips are further processed by transverse cutting and/or molding or other processing steps such as chocolate enrobing to provide improved confectionery products.

Abstract: A portable insulated case is provided which has insulative properties and which can function as a so-called cooler in order to help maintain a temperature within the container which is lower than room temperature. Such devices can also be used for maintaining a warmed environment. The top panel of the case has at least one receptacle or pocket depending from it and into the container. This receptacle closely holds a can, bottle or the like. The case thus functions as a holder for an open drink can, for example, while also having an externally accessible receptacle which assists in keeping it cool or warm as the case may be.

Abstract: Bacon products having very low fat contents are provided from high fat sources which can include pork trimmings. The bacon products are made from a composite of two low-fat meat components. One of the low-fat meat components is processed from high-fat content meat trimmings which are comminuted, heated and centrifuged, preferably in conjunction with being phosphated, under specific processing conditions. The second low-fat component is desinewed to remove substantial amounts of fat associated with the sinew that is mechanically removed from whole muscle tissue. The bacon product has a total fat content of not greater than about 5 percent by weight.

Abstract: A trailer and method of adjusting the dimensions of the trailer are disclosed in which the trailer includes an elongate deck having a surface for receiving and supporting equipment loads thereon for transport. The trailer includes rotatably movable platforms along its edges which are rotatable between a first position presenting a minimum trailer width and a second position presenting an enlarged, maximum trailer width. When rotated to the maximum width position, the platforms also form a support surface which is of reduced height to maximize the height of equipment loads which may be supported and transported upon the trailer.

Abstract: A reclosable, hermetically-sealed flexible package which has an inner, hermetic pool seal and a reclosure seal comprised of interlocking closure strips is provided with a tamper-evident feature located peripheral to the reclosure seal. The tamper-evident feature must be visibly disrupted to gain access to the reclosure seal.

Abstract: A fluid flow control for controlling the speed of a piston in a fluid power cylinder is disclosed in which the flow control is located within the confines of the cylinder and includes a rotatable disk having tearshaped slots for communication of the exhaust fluid through the disk and out of the cylinder through discharge ports. Rotation of the disk to selectively position greater or lesser width portions of the tearshaped slot relative to an exhaust discharge opening in the cylinder permits selective, variable adjustment and throttling of the exhaust fluid to control the speed of movement of the piston in the cylinder.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis is provided which presents an endoprosthesis body of a plurality of full-circle helical sections exhibiting a repeating pattern of undulations that follow a generally helical axis. Adjacent full-circle windings each have at least one bridging junction joining together apex-like portions of adjacent full-circle sections. In a preferred arrangement, a plurality of these bridging junctions define a substantially in-line helical pattern of bridging junctions along the endoprosthesis or stent. One, two, three or more of these substantially in-line helical patterns can be provided. Also provided is a procedure by which the endoprosthesis or stent is implanted by deployment with a suitable device, the deployment expanding the pattern of undulations in a uniform manner to provide an especially consistent support surface throughout the endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A printing material for ink-jet printing methods has a support and a dye-receiving coating, and an upper coating which includes finely divided particles of an inorganic pigment and/or filler exhibiting cationic charge centers is disposed on the dye-receiving coating.

Abstract: A load bearing container is provided which is made from a non-glass material and yet possesses the top load column strength of a glass container or bottle. The container includes a diagonally oriented molded ring profile composed of alternatingly outwardly protruding curved sections and inwardly curved channels which have root radii large enough to avoid accordion-like collapsing at the molded ring profile. The container includes a shoulder section having generally opposing edge profiles which are of unequal lengths. The container is suitable for hot-filling and will avoid buckling and deformation during cooling, storage, stacking, transporting, display and use.

Abstract: A poultry loading apparatus for transporting poultry from a confinement area such as a poultry house to a transport vehicle to allow transport of poultry from farm-to-farm or from farm-to-processing plant. The mobile poultry loading apparatus includes a conveyor system whereby poultry ride from a confinement area to the transport vehicle during loading. The conveying system includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from a coop during the loading process. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.