Abstract: A simulated log cabin structure, corner assembly and method are provided having advantages over conventional simulated log cabin structures. The structure has (i) a substrate wall layer, preferably an insulative board layer, (ii) spaced apart horizontal outer board layers, (iii) a mortar layer adhered to the substrate wall between the board layers, and (iv) a corner assembly having interconnecting alternating blocks. The structure may be quickly constructed by a method comprising (a) attaching insulative board to the exterior of a building frame, (b) applying mortar to the insulative board, (c) attaching horizontal boards to the frame in a spaced apart fashion to permit the mortar to be visible between the boards. The structure also has a corner assembly having interconnecting notched blocks having interior curved abutment faces for restricting horizontal movement of the blocks.

Abstract: A tool rack assembly is provided which permits compact storage of tools above a work bench area. The assembly has a frame and a plurality of panels. The frame may be attached to a workshop wall by securing the frame to wall studs. The panels each have a top pin which is positioned within a top hole of the frame, and each have a bottom pin which is positioned within a bottom hole of the frame. The top holes are preferably forwardly and downwardly sloped and have larger diameters than that of the top pins for each insertion of the top pins into the top holes and for gravitational biting of the top pins by the top holes. The top and bottom holes are preferably arranged in a V shaped orientation with forward most center holes. The assembly provides compact and convenient storage of tools and easy insertion and removal of the panels into the frame.

Abstract: The present invention involves a stenographic translation system which comprises (a) a stenographic processor device for converting lexical stroke symbols to first output units comprising language text words and sets of undefined lexical stroke symbols; (b) a speech recognition system using clusters of speech word models of a vocabulary to define word output units from speech, the units each having a system clock time value; (c) an output controller for outputting defined words by matching the output units within a time window and selecting a final output word or undefined symbol. A method is provided wherein a human speaker makes an utterance which is received essentially simultaneously by a stenographer and a speech recognition system. The stenographer manually applies first inputs to keys in a stenographic processor device to generate first outputs by using a scan chart with translations to define a word output from the stenographic processor.

Abstract: A necklace strand separation device and unit is provided for maintaining the separation of multiple chain strands and/or reducing the risk of chain entanglement for a wearer of multiple strands. The device has a shell and spaced apart openings and a pair of engagement members for holding the strands in sequential order and/or a narrow spaced apart openings for preventing the strands from bypassing each other within the openings. The unit has the device and a plurality of chains. The unit and device are useful for reducing the risk of chain entanglement for a wearer of multiple strands of necklaces.

Abstract: A water collection and distribution unit is provided for collecting a water stream and dividing the stream into a discharge stream and an outlet stream. The outlet stream has a predetermined desired flow rate. The unit has a box for receiving water, and the box has a discharge port and an outlet port. The unit has a self-locking gate for controlling the rate of discharge through the outlet port. The self-locking gate has a pair of spaced apart vertical tracks for receiving a plate which is vertically moveable within the tracks. A locking element is pivotally attached to the plate and has a finger which is received within a track for locking the plate into a position relative to the track. The track has a series of holes for receiving the finger at any of a plurality of vertical positions. A stop element limits the movement of the locking element to facilitate the locking function. The locking element may be rotated to a non-locking position to permit lowering of the plate.

Abstract: A jacket is provided which comprises (a) a fabric shell, (b) an electroluminescent film strip, (c) a battery and (d) an inverter. The shell comprises (i) a body section and (ii) a pair of sleeves. The body section includes (A) an internal pocket for carrying the battery and inverter, and (B) a retainer comprising a pair of retaining flaps which releasably retain the film strip. The releasable retention of the film by the flaps allows for the appearance of the film as an integral portion of the jacket and further allows for convenient separation of the film from the jacket for washing and drying of the jacket. The film may be easily repositioned under the flaps for retention by the shell. The jacket is useful for enhancing the visibility of the wearer to others at night, such as during night walking or running.

Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses is provided for sports training, and more specifically for training the player to keep the player's eyes on an approaching ball for batting or for swinging a racket. The pair of glasses, have a position adjustable pair of lenses each having an opaque peripheral region and a transparent central region. Initial adjustment of the lenses is achieved utilizing a removable cover element overlaying the transparent central region wherein the cover element has a viewing aperture. A method is provided wherein the player wears a pair of the glasses, adjusts the positions of the lenses to correspond to the positions of the pupillary disks of the player until the player can view a single focal element through each aperture, removing the cover elements from the lenses, and batting at a moving ball while wearing the eyeglasses.

Abstract: The battery powered smoke detector of the present invention is designed to provide an early warning of the presence of an environmental condition of fire or smoke to persons in remote areas of a building with respect to the location of the environmental condition. The smoke detector sensing the environmental condition emits an audible alarm of continuous tone, while emitting a frequency modulated radio signal directly to other like smoke detectors to activate their alarms in a manner indicative of the location of the smoke detector sensing the environmental alarm condition. Rechargeable light modules separate from the smoke detector are included that receive the frequency modulated radio signal from the smoke detector sensing the environmental alarm condition and illuminate paths of egress for the duration of the alarm condition or in case of 120VAC power failure. All components of the system are easy to install due to the modular design and conventional power sources.

Abstract: A gravitational separation device is provided and the process is provided involving a packed column containing a packing material and having a device for vibrating the packed column and the particles. The gravitational separation device allows for efficient and effective separation of solid particles having different densities. The process preferably involves conditioning an aqueous pulp of mineral ore with a dispersant and feeding the dispersed aqueous pulp into an inlet into an intermediate section of the packed column and forming a high density bed of high density particles in a lower portion of the column, and forming a low density bed of low density particles in an upper portion of the column. Tailings are removed from the upper end of the column and concentrated mineral ore having reduced levels of gangue are removed from the bottom of the column.

Abstract: Methods and mechanisms for encrusting a load of coal to minimize loss of coal dust during transport of a coal load are provided. The mechanisms involve a device, apparatus, and injection unit for applying a rotating stream of aqueous binder composition with sufficient hydraulic force into a load of coal to create a thick protective crust. The binder composition may contain conventional binding agents, but preferably contains wood fibers for formation of the crust. The crust minimizes loss of coal during transport by providing a protective shield against air currents.

Abstract: A system, device, regulator and process for gas blanketing under precise gas pressure control is provided herein exhibiting extreme pressure sensitivity, position flexibility, smooth gas shutoff, for regulating the pressure of liquid storage vessels having vapor phases therein, and optionally being useful for gas blanketing of other units requiring positive gas pressures therein, such as pressurized rooms, duct, housings, such as computer housing, and the like, at pre-selected pressures of between 0.01 inches of water column and 15 inches of water column, with pressure sensitivities responsive to pressure changes of 0.01 inches of water column within a predetermined pressure set point. The system is compact, self contained, and requires no external source of power other than the supply pressure, which can range from about 10 psig to 1,000 psig. The system, device and regulator are not position sensitive, and may be properly operated in any orientation.

Abstract: An aeration apparatus for keeping aquatic life alive includes a container for containing a body of water, aquatic life, and an air space. The aeration apparatus is designed for transport in a vehicle receiving locomotive power from an internal combustion engine having a vacuum line. The aeration apparatus has an exhaust tube which has an inlet in the air space and an outlet connected to the vacuum line for drawing air from the air space into the vacuum line thereby creating subatmospheric pressure in the air space. The apparatus also has an air tube which has an outlet in the water body and an inlet in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A thermoplastic blend composition is provided containing an aromatic polycarbonate and a hydroxy functional graft copolymer. The compositions exhibit reduced gloss and are useful as molding resins.

Abstract: Thermoplastic blends of a polyamide having low amine end-group concentration and a polymer containing ester or carbonate linkages. The blends are useful in providing molded parts having improved properties such as improved impact strength.

Abstract: Improved blends of polyetherimide/liquid crystalline polymer are provided. The blends are obtained by melt blending amine terminated polyetherimide resin with liquid crystalline polyester resins and exhibit improved levels of tensile strength compared to blends of phthalic anhydride capped polyetherimide resin with liquid crystalline polyester resin. The blends are useful as molding compositions.

Abstract: A glass filled copolyether-polyester resin composition is provided exhibiting improved tensile and flexural strength as well as high impact strength. The improved properties are obtained by employing a glass fiber reinforcing agent comprising an epoxy functional cyanurate or isocyanurate. The compositions are useful for making molded fiber reinforced thermoplastic articles.

Abstract: A method for twin sheet forming layers high heat distortion temperature thermoplastic materials. The process employs a low heat distortion temperature thermoplastic material layer disposed between the layers of high heat distortion temperature material layer to permit adhesion therebetween at moderate temperatures to reduce thermal degradation. The structures made therefrom are useful as aircraft ducting.

Abstract: A method for thermostamping thermoplastic composites involves the steps of (a) convection heating of the composite to the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic; (b) radio frequency heating of the composite from the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic to the desired stamping temperature; and (c) stamping of the composite into the desired shaped article. The method provides for improved temperature uniformity throughout the composite prior to stamping thereof resulting in more uniform parts.

Abstract: Novel polyphenylene ether-polyamide compositions having improved compatibility, elongation and impact properties as well as improved processability are prepared comprising one or more polyphenylene ethers, one or more polyamides and a property improving silane derivative compound having in the molecule both (a) at least one silicon bonded to a carbon through an oxygen link and (b) at least one ethylenic carbon-carbon double bond or carbon-carbon triple bond and/or functional group selected from the group consisting of an amine group or a mercepto group, with the proviso that the functional group is not directly bonded to a silicon atom. These compositions may further comprise a polymeric impact modifier therefore and/or an inorganic reinforcing additive and/or other polymers including alkenyl aromatic polymers.

Abstract: A process for the production of butanediol from the hydrogenation of .gamma.-butyrolactone is provided. The process involves passing vaporized .gamma.-butyrolactone, water and hydrogen over a copper zinc catalyst. The incorporation of water with the .gamma.-butyrolactone and hydrogen results in increased productivity of butanediol.