Abstract: An existing pitching machine is retrofitted to realize the capability to deliver a variety of pitches, including change-up pitches. A retrofit kit includes an add-on plate that is bolted to a casting that is attached to a stand. A ball screw actuator is connected on one end to a compression plate assembly on the existing pitching machine and on the other end to the add-on plate. A control box has a plurality of speed and potentiometers. These potentiometers are used to move the pitching machine to a preset speed and angle combination. In some embodiments, a handheld control unit has buttons associated with preset speed and angle combinations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coating elongated medical devices, such as guidewires and catheters, incorporating infrared (IR) heating tools for curing the coating while the medical devices are still in place on the coating apparatus. Coating and curing may be accomplished evenly in a dipping machine by utilizing IR heaters having heating heads with openings, the heating heads being mounted for the extension of such elongated medical devices through their openings so that the heating heads are in generally surrounding juxtaposition to the elongated medical devices. The voltage supply to the IR heaters may be selectively adjusted so as to match the wavelength of the generated IR heat to the energy absorbing capability of the particular coating solution being utilized for proper timed absorption of the infrared energy.

Abstract: A snap line for use in applying powdered material to a surface. The line comprises at least one strand of material that has been coated with water repellent material. The line may be used in conjunction with powder that has also been coated with water repellent material. The line and the powder enable a user to apply lines to wet or damp surfaces in a normal fashion.

Abstract: An enclosure suitable for housing computer/network equipment for which controlled access is desirable. The enclosure has at least one, preferably two, enclosure doors secured by respective lock assemblies selected from a group consisting of a lock cylinder assembly, an electronic lock assembly, a quarter-turn latch assembly, a compression latch assembly, a folding T latch assembly, a lift and turn compression latch assembly, a pawl/cam action latch assembly, a multi-point latch assembly and a bolt assembly for securing to a rotary latch. Each lock assembly a securing mechanism, a lock actuating mechanism and a standard mounting plate so that the respective securing assemblies may be easily exchanged within a standardized opening in the respective enclosure doors. The respective lock actuating mechanisms are constructed and arranged to actuate the respective securing mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an immunostimulating agent that may be applied to various surgical devices to promote rapid healing and the ready acceptance and integration of the surgical devices with the body tissues at the surgical site.

Abstract: A two-ended ink stamper has at least one handle with at least two ends. A first frame and a second frame are provided, and each frame is disposed adjacent to a different one of the ends of the handle. Each frame extends in a different direction from the handle. At least two platens are respectively operatively attached to, and disposed within, one of the frames for selective movement within the frame between a non-marking position and a marking position. Each platen is secured to the handle and extends outward from a different end of the handle. Thus, moving the handle moves the platens relative to the frames and between non-marking and marking positions.

Abstract: Load-bearing devices, each including an overload indicator of the present invention interconnecting load bearing connectors, preferably elongated load bearing connectors are provided. In preferred embodiments, the load bearing connectors are chains, ropes, wire ropes, cables, straps and the like, preferably chain. The wire form overload indicator preferably includes a modified wire form link, preferably either a modified welded link or a modified quick link, generally having a first thickness and first and second elongated sides. The modified link preferably includes two elongated sides, one of which preferably has a portion having a diminished thickness narrower than the first thickness. The diminished thickness preferably has a generally predetermined load bearing capacity or capability and is calibrated to reduce the load bearing capacity or capability of the overload indicator.

Abstract: One-way chain for an aircraft tie-down, as well as a method of making one-way chain. The method preferably includes the steps of providing an unmodified welded chain having a plurality of welded links; feeding the unmodified chain into an automated shaping machine constructed and arranged to shape the welded links in separate shaping events; and individually shaping the welded links to form shaped links in a series of separate shaping events that shape the respective welded links so that a first width of a forward end of the respective shaped link is narrower than a second width of the greatest planar width of a rearward end of the respective shaped link; such that the forward end is sized to fit into a link receiving receptacle of a screw-type binder mechanism and the rearward end will not fit into the link receiving receptacle.

Abstract: A bait container for storing bait in water incorporates a perforated carriage that slides vertically within a housing. Raising the carriage extracts the bait from the water and obviates the need to immerse a hand in cold water. A post extends upward from the carriage. A door can be moved in a vertical plane to cover an access opening. A rigid link is fixed to the door and extends inward to pass through a slot in the post. The slot locks the door, raises the door, and limits or prevents over-raising of the door. The post is free-sliding so as to cause the door to close unless held open, reducing the likelihood of bait egress. The door can be locked in a closed position using a rotatable latch arrangement to protect further against bait egress.

Abstract: A system and method of forming differently sized and/or textured construction blocks from a single mold. The system includes a mold having a base and movable side walls that cooperate with the base to form a mold cavity, and one or more inserts that are configured to be positioned in the mold. The mold is arranged and oriented so that its side walls form the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces of each block. The inserts may be used individually or grouped together into predetermined sets to form different blocks, such as interior and end blocks, as well as cap stones.