Abstract: This invention pertains to the field of foam compositions for application to the skin of a user. More specifically, the invention relates to foam compositions that act as a barrier to water, allergens, poisons, toxins and other skin irritants when applied to the skin of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the direction of ambient airflow and a method for the use thereof. The apparatus includes man-made or natural fibers that float when released into the air by a user. The direction of ambient airflow is determined by observing the direction of movement of the fibers from the point of release from the user's hand.

Abstract: A method for biological control of pest grasses such as crabgrass using the fungus Cochliobolus intermedius R. R. Nelson (anamorph Curvularia intermedia Boedijn). The fungus is applied to the grass in amounts effective to produce typical disease symptoms which kill or suppress, and thus control the grass. The fungus may be administered as a foliar application or as granules, either of which may include additives such as surfactants, glucose or starch to enhance the pathogenic action of the fungus. Four isolates of the fungus are on deposit with the Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. and with the patent collection of the International Mycological Institute in Surrey, UK and have been assigned the numbers 361688 (MT-5), 361689 (CG-L), 375263 (MT-6) and 375264 (MT-7).

Abstract: A driver type, hollow-bodied golf club head in which multiple parameters are controlled to be within defined ranges of values to enhance the performance and playability of the club. The parameters which are controlled include the club head's maximum dimensions, the position of the center-of-gravity, the size of striking face, and the position of the shaft attachment point.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing nondestructive magnetically testing and inspection of elongate objects. The apparatus concentrically surrounds the elongate object to be tested and includes means for inducing a magnetic field in the elongate object and a partial ferrous return path for the magnetic flux emanating from a pair of magnet arrays. The partial ferrous return path is engaged with a sensor for detecting variations or flaws in the elongate object.

Abstract: A ball pitching and throwing apparatus that is readily adaptable to propelling a variety of balls, including softballs and baseballs. The apparatus provides a self-contained portable power source, portability and ease of maintenance. The ball pitching apparatus, which includes a portable body, has a stand alone power source that is engaged to a propelling wheel by way of an axle. A ball is loaded into a feeder chute which directs the ball toward a space between the outer periphery of the propelling wheel and an, optionally adjustable, propulsion alignment. Upon contact with the both the outer periphery of the propelling wheel and the propulsion alignment, the ball is propelled from the apparatus. The initial trajectory of the ball can be changed by altering the disposition of an axle mounted pivot arm upon which is mounted the propulsion alignment.

Abstract: A method for the biological control of various weeds such as sicklepod using the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria. In a typical application, conidia of the fungus are applied with liquid surfactant to the weeds in amounts effective to produce typical plant lesions which kill or suppress, and thus control, the weeds. In another embodiment, phytotoxin produced by the fungus is used to control the weeds. In still another embodiment a synergistic combination of M. verrucaria and the fungus Alternaria cassiae is used to control sicklepod and in a fourth embodiment phytotoxin produced by M. verrucaria is used synergistically with A. cassiae to control sicklepod. A strain of M. verrucaria is on deposit with the Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. and with the patent collection of the International Mycological Institute in Surrey, UK and has been assigned the number IMI 368023.

Abstract: A method of isolating microorganisms and viruses, including phages, bacteriophages and cyanophages from an environment, particularly an aquatic environment, and propagating the isolated microorganisms or viruses for inoculum formulation. A specific target organism or selective growth medium is first immobilized in a stable substrate form such as sodium alginate gel pellets. The substrate containing the target organism or growth medium is then introduced into the environment to be sampled and microorganisms and/or viruses which are pathogenic to the immobilized target organism, or which can utilize the nutrient included in the growth medium, colonize the pellets. The colonizing microorganism or viral pathogens are removed from the gel pellets using standard laboratory techniques. One of the isolated pathogens, particularly an isolated viral pathogen, may be selected and propagated for inoculum formulation.

Abstract: A flag/banner display system comprising a generally horizontal, cantilever mounting of a first base strut from which is mounted a pivotal strut array adapted for supporting a flag/banner therefrom. The pivotal strut array is formed in angulated fashion that pivotally moves about the end of the cantilevered base strut to thereby permit economical and aesthetically pleasing flag/banner/signage mountings capable of moving in response to wind loading and facilitating the use of interchangeable flag/banners thereon.

Abstract: Tooling for injection molding a wax pattern in connection with investment casting of a metal wood golf club head, in which the golf club head is a positive duplicate of the wax pattern and has a body having an exterior, a hollow interior accessible through an orifice, a weld rim surrounding the orifice, and at least one gate disposed on the weld rim. The tooling includes collapsible core means having a shape complementary to the interior of the golf club head and the wax pattern. The collapsible core means may be disassembled and removed from a wax pattern formed around the core means. The tooling also includes a tooling body that defines a sealable wax pattern cavity that is complementary to the exterior of the golf club head and includes passage means to allow injection of molten wax into the cavity.

Abstract: A wax pattern for use in connection with investment casting of a metal wood golf club head, in which the golf club head is a positive duplicate of the wax pattern. The wax pattern includes a body having a hollow interior accessible through an orifice and a weld rim surrounding the orifice with gate forming means that include at least one gate disposed on the weld rim.

Abstract: A storage receptacle adapted to be received on a watch strap or jewelry band.

Abstract: A watch saddle for providing ventilation and spacing between a user's wrist and a wristwatch.

Abstract: A hinge-lock security system for preventing relative motion between a door and a door frame.

Abstract: A wedge assembly restraint, featuring clip stops and a flexible, resilient retainer clip, for restraining a wedge assembly in the clamping block of a pipe junction holder.

Abstract: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: An air bar for mounting in the ceiling system of a structure. The air bar is characterized by a pair of inwardly facing, angled and spaced air deflectors fitted with horizontally shaped top and bottom spacers at each end thereof. A barbell shaped pattern controller is laterally slidably mounted between the spacers and extends substantially throughout the length of the air deflectors, to deflect air flowing through the air bar and directionally distribute the air through an air slot between the air deflectors, into the structure.

Abstract: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is provided which comprises a flexible, collapsible fluid container in fluid communication with an adjustable volume multi-dose dispensing means.