Abstract: A veined cutting tool for producing holes in various materials is disclosed. The veined cutting tool includes a tungsten carbide body using a sintered abrasive particulate such as diamond (PCD) or Cubic Boron Nitrite (PCBN). The cutting tool shields a portion of the PCD or PCBN edge on the cutting side to reduce the overall length of the exposed PCD or PCBN to prevent the cutting edge from chipping and increase the service life of the cutting tool.

Abstract: A system of interlocking, rigid or semi-rigid, components which when connected provide a modular, easy-to-install, direct, decorative, lighting system.

Abstract: An improved saddle tee for branching a conduit from a main line is disclosed. The saddle tee includes a base unit that defines an opening for receiving a tap and interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line. The tap may include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface to rotate the tap to drive the tap into the main line. The tool interface could be secured to a power tool to enable rapid driving of the saddle tee into the main line. The saddle tee may also include offset arcuate interlocking jaws to enable the jaws to interlock around the main line with ease. Optional interface surfaces on the tap and base unit enable the tap and base unit to interlock to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit.

Abstract: A pavement milling sled upholds a rotating pavement milling drum during travel over pavement preselected for milling. Coplanar lower faces of laterally-separated left and right runners configured for sliding travel on the surface of the pavement define a sled floor. A milling frame mounted between the runners circumscribes a milling region, wherein rotation of the milling drum dislodges pavement located in the path the sled below the sled floor, pulverizes dislodged pavement, and deposits pulverized pavement to the rear of the sled. Left and right milling region sidewalls extend upwardly from the sled floor on opposite sides of the milling region. A guard plate is secured between the milling region sidewalls forward of the milling region at a distance above the sled floor. A discharge baffle extends between the milling region sidewalls at the back of the milling region in close proximity to the sled floor.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: The electrical pin installation apparatus provides a user with a real time video display of the process of pinning an electrical connector body. Such real time video display substantially improves the user's ability to accurately and effectively install electrical pins into electrical connectors without the attendant electrical test equipment and fixturing of prior art devices. The apparatus assists in the pinning process by providing various prompts and guides to guide the user in error-proof pin installation. The apparatus further includes built-in electrical pin insertion and retention load assessment to assure proper insertion and retention loads are applied during the pin installation process. Additionally, the apparatus may include storage of manufacturing data as it is inputted into the apparatus.

Abstract: A system of interlocking, rigid or semi-rigid, components which when connected provide a modular, easy-to-install, direct, decorative, lighting system.

Abstract: A post-deployment, position-stabilized curtain airbag has a top edge from which an inflatable safety cushion is supported by a vehicle for deployment into a vehicle passenger compartment between occupant and occupant enclosure. A fill chamber is secured to the top edge of the safety cushion. An inflatable structural member is mechanically connected to the safety cushion. The fill chamber directs pressurized gas into the safety cushion and the structural member. The structural member deploys into the passenger compartment between the safety cushion and occupant enclosure limiting outboard displacement of the safety cushion. The structural member fully deploys after the safety cushion. Another structural member deploys along the top edge of the safety cushion limiting pivoting of the safety cushion there relative to the fill chamber. Pressurized gas enters each structural member through auxiliary passageways having oppositely directed entrances and outlets.

Abstract: A snow melter that may be used to melt snow. The snow melter includes a dump tank for receiving a quantity of snow to be melted. The melter also includes a melt tank and a heat exchanger. The melt tank separate from the dump tank. The heat exchanger heats the water in the melt tank. Water heated by the melt tank is allowed to flow from the melt tank into the dump tank to melt the snow in the dump tank. Doors may also be added to the dump tank to facilitate the removal of debris from the dump tank after use. Further, the dump tank may also have an inclinable floor to further facilitate the removal of debris from the dump tank after use.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape.

Abstract: Marketing and delivering financial coaching services involves sponsoring a website pertaining to financial coaching services, engaging an electronic communications media partner to direct potential customers to the website, and calculating a behavior-based quality rating reflecting the business opportunity value of the potential customer. When the quality rating exceeds a predetermined threshold, the potential customer is associated to an assigned sales agent who determines an interest rating reflecting the importance of the financial coaching services to the potential customer. When the interest rating exceeds a predetermined threshold, the potential customer is associated to an assigned enroller who determines a readiness rating reflecting the willingness of the potential customer to purchase financial coaching services.

Abstract: An inflator capable of directing inflation gas into the cushion of an airbag module is thrust neutral during shipping, handling and installation. The inflator's thrust-neutral feature can be rendered inoperable for use with the airbag module. A thrust-balancing portion of the inflator has a circumferentially continuous sidewall that encloses an elongated passageway and has a proximal end configured to receive inflation gas from the inflator and a distal end configured to release a primary portion of the inflation gas into the cushion. In the event of unintended discharge during shipping or handling, an elongated secondary discharge aperture formed through the sidewall releases to the exterior of the thrust-balancing portion a secondary portion of the inflation gas that imposes thrust on the inflator directed oppositely from thrust imposed by release of the primary portion of the inflation gas stabilizing the inflator during shipping, handling and installation.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape.

Abstract: An inflator includes a generant chamber that houses a quantity of gas generant. The chamber has a plurality of gas exit holes that are positioned along the length of the generant chamber. A filter is added exterior of the chamber. In fact, the filter may be positioned on the exterior of the generant chamber. Straps may encircle the inflator. The straps are attached to studs that will operate to mount the inflator. The position of the straps may be adjusted and tailored to apportion the amount of inflation gas that is directed into each chamber of a multi-chambered or two-chambered airbag.

Abstract: A cordless vibratory pile driver (“vibro”) may use one or more batteries to provide the requisite power. The cordless vibro may sit in a stand that also recharges the unit while it is in the stand when the device is not in use. The replaceable batteries are mounted as part of the suppressor housing on top of the housing that contains the eccentrics. The batteries are balanced on both sides to distribute the weight evenly. A small battery powered electric hydraulic pump sits in the suppressor housing to provide oil to open and close the jaws. A digital hand held remote control sends the necessary signals to the machine to open and close the jaw and to start and stop the vibration.

Abstract: A deployable inflator that includes a quantity of gas generant. The generant is designed to produce a supply of inflation gas during deployment of the inflator. The inflator includes a first burst disk and a second burst disk. The first and second burst disks are separated by a cavity. The inflator also includes an opening (or multiple openings). During deployment, the inflation gas flows into the cavity via the opening(s) and ruptures the first burst disk to allow inflation gas to escape the inflator. The second burst disk ruptures after the pressure in the cavity drops sufficiently below the pressure on the other side of the second burst disk. This inflator reduces the initial onset rate of deployment.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid into a tank, such as a fuel tank on heavy equipment. An inlet valve includes a head portion for making connection with a nozzle, a receiver attached thereto and a piston which closes against a face in the head portion. A float valve includes a float and a valve which seals when a predetermined fluid level is reached. A bleed line is used to connect the receiver to the float valve. The unique design allows placement of the float valve at any desired height within the tank, and placement of the bleed line inside or outside of the tank as may be desired for the application.

Abstract: An extruded aluminum bottom-load ceiling used in conjunction with cleanrooms comprises main tees and cross tees with removable flanges. The tees are connected via cam-lock devices or splice bars and may be hung on a 4?×4? or 8?×8? configuration. The tees also include hammerhead-nut slots used to suspend the tees from the building structure above and hang AMHS hangers from the tees. Grid stiffeners are included to increase the carrying capacity of the tees.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic cup is designed such that it may be used as part of an airbag initiator. In some embodiments, the cup comprises a cylindrical portion and a dome that is attached to a first end of the cylindrical portion. A cruciform is also added to the cup. The cruciform is positioned at the apex of the dome. In some embodiments, the cruciform comprises one or more petals. Other embodiments may be designed in which deployment of the initiator causes gas to be directed out of the pyrotechnic cup via the apex of the dome.

Abstract: An improved saddle tee for branching a conduit from a main line is disclosed. The saddle tee includes a base unit that defines an opening for receiving a tap and interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line. The tap may include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface to rotate the tap to drive the tap into the main line. The tool interface could be secured to a power tool to enable rapid driving of the saddle tee into the main line. The saddle tee may also include offset arcuate interlocking jaws to enable the jaws to interlock around the main line with ease. Optional interface surfaces on the tap and base unit enable the tap and base unit to interlock to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit.