Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional article by thermal spraying utilizes a plurality of masks having a support layer with a removable liner thereon and a cut-away portion. The masks correspond to cross-sections normal to a centerline through the object. A set of masks defines all cross-sections through the object. A first mask is placed above a work surface and sprayed with a deposition material forming a first layer portion of the deposition material within the cut-out and second layer portion on the liner. The liner and second layer portion of deposition material thereon are removed. A second mask is placed over the remaining support portion of the first mask and sprayed with deposition material therein. Then the liner portion of the second mask and deposition material therein are removed. This process is repeated until the three dimensional article is formed. Then the mask support portions surrounding the article are removed from the article.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure in which pleats of a first pleated material are joined to corresponding pleats of a second pleated material by a plurality of ribbons is provided. The first and second pleated materials are positioned so that a pleat of the first pleated material is directed toward and in line with a corresponding pleat of the second pleated material. Opposite pleats of first and second material are thus facing one another and spaced a selected distance apart. A ribbon is affixed to each pair of opposed pleats so that a first portion of the ribbon is affixed to the pleat of first material, a second portion of the ribbon is affixed to the pleat of second material and the portion of the ribbon lying between the first portion and the second portion is disposed in the spaced between the first material and second material. The ribbon has one or more perforations located between the first portion and the second portion for lift cords to run through.

Abstract: An arch-shaped window blind assembly that uses pleated blind fabric placed between two bars pivotably connected by a slotted hinge. The blind assembly travels through the open and closed positions by the use of a slide that is connected to one of the bars. A cord is tied to the slide and the cord is knotted. The cord and knot travel through a channel in a track. In another embodiment, a spring load friction catch is provided on the end of at least one bar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions from the products of combustion is provided in which a vortex generator introduces natural gas, or other fluid fuel into the upper portion of a combustion device. The fuel introduced forms vortices, such as vortex rings, and the fuel reacts with the nitrogen oxide in the combustion products to form ammonia-like compounds, hydrogen cyanide and similar compounds, and nitrogen. The ammonia and cyanide-like fragments react with additional amounts of nitrogen oxide in the combustion products to form nitrogen gas, water vapor and carbon dioxide. The vortex rings can be controlled and will maintain their integrity longer than puffs or simple jets of fuel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shade, a bottomrail therefor and a method for the manufacture thereof. The shade is pleated and has the two sections forming each rear projecting pleat secured together to form a rear projecting tab. Cord holes are formed in each of the tabs. A generally triangular in cross section bottomrail is provided which is designed to assist in offsetting and disguising the roll of the shade caused by the fabric resilience. The generally triangular bottomrail includes a housing comprised of a main body having a cavity therein and a tongue extending in a direction opposite the rear face of the shade body. The tongue has a termination point at one end opposite the main body and the housing further includes a leaf extending from the termination point of the tongue to the main body with the leaf forming a side of the generally triangular bottomrail. The housing additional includes a cord receiving arrangement mounted therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and retrieving any prior state of a computer system is provided. Upon installation of the system, a base image corresponding to the initial state of the computer system is established and stored on a storage device. The system monitors changes to the state of the host and subsequently stores at least some of these changes on the storage device. These changes are then mapped by location of the stored changes in an address table to enable subsequent retrieval of any selected changes. When the address table becomes full, at least one differential image of the state of the system is subsequently created by compiling all changes to the base image which occurred between creation of the base image and the selected time. A virtual image may thus be created of data stored on the storage device, as such data existed at a predetermined prior point in time, from which data and files may be retrieved and written to the host disk.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus of the type which can be connected to a vehicle having a hydraulic system is disclosed comprising a base, a telescope arm support pivotably attached to the base in a manner to allow 360.degree. rotation of the telescoping arm support, and a telescope arm pivotably attached at one end to the telescope arm support in a manner to allow vertical movement of an opposite end of the arm. A load gripping mechanism having at least two gripping plates is attached to the opposite end of the telescope arm. First hydraulic structure are attached to the gripping plates for moving the plates together to grasp an object and for moving the plates apart to release the object and attachment structure are provided for pivotably attaching the support plates to the telescope arm in a manner to permit pivotable movement of the plates in first and second vertical planes which intersect at right angles.

Abstract: An aquatic exercising device including a handle member having first and second ends having first and second resistance members operatively affixed thereto. The resistance members are connected by flat panels of variable width which enable resistance to be adapted to the strength and capability of the user. Movement of the aquatic exercising device through a body of water produces a resistance to enhance the exercising capability of an individual utilizing the device. The device may be filled with water through removable caps at each end and used as a gravity weight for exercising. The device may also be emptied of water and used for flotation or buoyancy resistance exercises.

Abstract: A replaceable fluid container is described for use in a plunger-type fluid dispenser of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,518. The fluid container is generally rectangular in shape and has a recess in the top surface from which a neck extends. The neck and an associated closure are sized to terminate flush with a plane containing the top surface of the container and is positioned for alignment with specific elements of the dispenser. The container, either alone or in conjunction with a spacer, preferably has a width of a intergral multiple of about 21/8 inches, a height of about 91/4 inches, and a depth of about 5 to about 61/2 inches.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant metal alloy having improved formability and workability is disclosed which alloy contains in weight percent about 25% to 45% nickel, about 12% to 32% chromium, of at least one of 0.1% to 2.0% columbium, 0.2% to 4.0% tantalum, and 0.05% to 1.0% vanadium, up to about 0.20% carbon, about 0.05% to 0.50% nitrogen, about 0.001% to 0.02% boron and the balance being iron plus impurities and wherein the carbon and nitrogen content are controlled so that the amount of free carbon and nitrogen defined as ##EQU1## is greater than 0.14% and less than 0.29%. The alloy may also include in limited amounts one of aluminum, titanium, silicon, manganese, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, zirconium, yttrium, cerium and other rare earth metals.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus and method for repelling insects through the generation of only far infrared electro-magnetic waves in the range 50 microns to 1000 microns in length.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for positioning and securing at least one target board at a particular height and angle for the practice of martial arts. A frame having at least one rail is utilized to adjustably mount a target support, which is retained in position on the rail by a clamp. The target support preferably has two sides, each extending from a rail. The sides are sized and positioned to receive and restrain at least one target board. The sides have a spring property which allows them to be forced apart and a target board to be inserted therebetween. The sides thus tend to spring back toward the original position to hold the target board. Clips are mounted on the sides and are located at the distal ends of the wing members. The clips are adapted to position and support the target board with relation to the sides.

Abstract: A scrubbing sponge is disclosed which has a body and projecting extending from the body which are of greater density and preferably frusto-conical in shape. The mold for the sponge is preferably a two piece mold, one of which contains vented cavities which define the projections.

Abstract: An improved cylinder for pumps of the type where a plunger moves within a cylinder forcing fluid through a port in a cap fitted into one end of the cylinder. A multiple diameter cap encircled by a multiple diameter sleeve transmits the pressure force acting on the largest surface area of the cap through the sleeve to a smaller area acting on the packing seal. Since the pressure multiplied by the area is a constant, a higher pressure is applied to a smaller area at the seals; and with a higher pressure acting on the seals than existing in the working fluid, a seal is created to prevent passage of the fluid.