Abstract: A batting cage frame is constructed of two end subframes, each having a beam and two legs inclined with respect to the ground, and one midpoint subframe. The beam and legs of each subframe are composed of lengths of metal tubing held together with sleeve couplings and elbows. Edge cables for supporting an enclosure made of netting attach between eyebolts on the end subframes. The center section of each edge cable is a short length of chain that attaches to an eyebolt on the midpoint subframe. Each frame pivotably attaches to a foot that is secured to the ground with stakes. The end subframes incline away from each other. Anchor cables attached to the end subframes run down to a tie down ring. A tie down chain has a stake attached at each end. The tie down chain also attaches at its center to the tie down ring. Tension is created in the anchor cables and the edge cables by securing the stakes attached to the tie down chain into the ground.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator is disclosed. In one arrangement, a louvered window covering, such as a vertical or horizontal venetian blind, is provided with a thermal actuator to automatically rotate slats forming the louvered window covering between open and closed positions. The actuator includes at least one shape memory alloy spring that, when heated above a predetermined temperature, extends to engage and move a rack that drives a pinion gear. The pinion gear rotates, through a coupling mechanism, a rod extending the length of the blind. A second shape memory alloy spring may be installed to rotate the rod in the opposite direction. The rod intercouples the slats in a manner such that the rotation of the rod rotates the slats in unison between closed and open positions. The shape memory alloy spring may be heated with a current supplied by a controller in response to a predetermined environmental condition.

Abstract: A golf club head (H) having a head body (10) adapted to be secured to a club shaft (12) includes a first vertically oriented surface (14) that defines a ball striking face containing a sweet spot (16) thereon. A first sighting indicia (42) has a plurality of stepped surfaces (46) having an elongated longitudinal axis (52) extending parallel to the first vertically oriented surface (14). A second sighting indicia (44) has an elongated slender stripe (54) having a longitudinal axis (56) perpendicular to the elongated longitudinal axis (52) of the stepped surfaces (46) and intersecting the sweet spot (16). The first and second sighting indicia (42, 44) enable a user 58) of the club to visually align the sweet spot (16) of the first vertically oriented surface (14) relative to a golf ball (B) to be struck and a desired direction of travel 28) for the golfball (B).

Abstract: A piece of transparent material has a hollow form extending away from a planar surface. The hollow form has a crown section and a bill section, both sections having a common bottom face. The inner dimensions of the crown section correspond to the outer dimensions of the crown when the back half of the crown is folded in back of the front half of the crown. The inner dimensions of the bill section correspond to the outer dimensions of the bill. A baseball style cap fits within the cavity formed by the crown section and the bill section. Backing material contacts the window piece against its rear surface and can be seen through the window piece. A frame holds the window piece, the backing material, and a rigid back piece together. The entire structure is mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall, for displaying the cap. A secondary display area below the hollow form is created by removing some of the backing material.

Abstract: A modem-controller for auto switching and controlling the transmission and receiving of voice and error-free transmission of standard data signals, fax data signals and voice communications over telephone line service, radio frequency networks, satellite systems, as well as cellular telephone systems includes analog switches that receive control signals from the micro-controller for controlling and switching the audio or data path of an internal voice board and the analog signals from a modem to and from a radio frequency transceiver via a radio frequency transceiver interface/logic board, a cellular telephone transceiver via a cellular telephone transceiver interface, a telephone landline via a data access arrangement (DAA), a satellite system via a telephone landline through the DAA. A method selects the DAA which either connects to the telephone line, the satellite system or the cellular telephone, and another method bypasses the DAA, selects and controls radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios.

Abstract: A modem-controller for auto switching and controlling the transmission and receiving of voice and error-free transmission of standard data signals, fax data signals and voice communications over telephone line service, radio frequency networks, satellite systems, as well as cellular telephone systems includes analog switches that receive control signals from the micro-controller for controlling and switching the audio or data path of an internal voice board and the analog signals from a modem to and from a radio frequency transceiver via a radio frequency transceiver interface/logic board, a cellular telephone transceiver via a cellular telephone transceiver interface, a telephone landline via a data access arrangement (DAA), a satellite system via a telephone landline through the DAA. A method selects the DAA which either connects to the telephone line, the satellite system or the cellular telephone, and another method bypasses the DAA, selects and controls radio frequency telemetry modules or packet radios.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for suturing wounds (12) in a patient includes a first elongated hollow body (14) having a bore (16) therethrough. The hollow body (14) has a first end (18) adapted to receive a suturing element (20) and a second end (22) adapted to penetrate a tissue layer (24). A second elongated member (28) has a first end (30) and a second end (32) with an aperture (34). A first alignment device (38) is disposed with the first end (18) of the hollow body (14) and a second, cooperating alignment device (40) is disposed with the first end (30) of the second elongated member (28) such that the joining of the first alignment device (38) and the second alignment device (40) holds the hollow body bore (16) in alignment with the second elongated member aperture (34).

Abstract: A composition for use in refinishing optical discs comprises a mixture of volatile organic solvents having solubility parameters within a defined range, a chemically reactive nonvolatile binder, insoluble particulate material for polishing, and an immiscible phase forming an emulsion with the other components, thereby holding the particulate matter in suspension. Anionic surfactants are added to improve wetting, along with a conventional wetting agent. The mixture of solvents promotes reflow of the disc surface, while the binder fills in deformations and provides a permanent protective coating.

Abstract: A system (A) for making shrink packaging (P) that is adapted to receive an article (O) to be packaged is disclosed including a conveyer (250) for moving a rigid substrate pallet member (250) beneath a flexible wrapping feed (252) that extends a flexible wrapping material (172) over a top surface (254) of the rigid substrate. An extension assembly (256) extends a desired length of the flexible wrapping material (172) from a flexible wrapping material supply (258) over the top surface (254) of the rigid substrate forming a pocket (178) between the top surface (254) of the rigid substrate and a bottom surface (180) of the flexible wrapping material (172). A trimmer (260) cuts the desired length of the extended flexible wrapping material (172) from the flexible wrapping material supply (258). The two opposing ends (174 and 176) of the length of the flexible wrapping material (172) is attached to the opposing ends (168 and 170) of the rigid substrate.

Abstract: A secure transaction card (C) accepted for transactions by a customer has usable customer identifying information (I). The card (C) has a card body (16) with an upper surface (18). The upper surface (18) has an indicator area (20) indicating that the secure transaction card (C) should not be accepted for a transaction by the customer. A layer (22) removable from the card body (16) is adapted to be superimposed over the indicator area (20) such that the secured transaction card (C) is in an acceptable state (24) when the removable layer (22) covers the indicator area (20) and in an unacceptable state (26) when the removable layer (22) is absent or damaged.

Abstract: A polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preform (11) having a capped cylindrical body (13), a threaded top and a collared neck (19) is preheated to soften the PET. The preform (11) is placed in a split mold (26) whose walls (27,29) are heated to a temperature between 150.degree. C. and 177.degree. C. A stretch rod (35) is inserted through the top of the preform (11), and stretches the preform (11) axially until the preform (11) is the length of the final product (49). The preform (11) is expanded using compressed ambient air, and is molded against the walls (27,29) of the mold (26). The air is vented, and dry nitrogen at a temperature below -50.degree. C. is injected into the molded preform (47) to purge and cool the molded preform (47) while maintaining pressure of at least 520 kPag. The molded preform (47) is held against the mold (26) for a predetermined time, during which the outer and inner surfaces of the molded preform (11) are annealed, and the molded preform (47) transforms into the final product (49).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for draining used oil from a motor (M) having a drain hole (12). A valved drain plug (P) is removably mounted in the drain hole (12). A transportable lubricant drain container (C) is adapted to be positioned beneath the vehicle (V) to be drained. The drain container (C) has a handle (16) that is adjustable to correctly position the container (C) beneath the drain hole (12) of the motor (M) depending on the type of vehicle (V). The valved drain plug (P) can be remotely operated to open a passageway (22) through which the used oil drains from the motor (M).

Abstract: A rotatable drum forms an airtight seal with a door. A vacuum line connects the interior of the drum to a vacuum pump. A shutoff valve closes the vacuum line to the pump. A pressure equalization valve connects the drum to the outside atmosphere. A bearing supports the drum, in combination with the vacuum line. Infrared lamps heat clothes placed inside the drum. The vacuum pump reduces the air pressure in the drum below atmospheric pressure, reducing the evaporation temperature of the water in the clothes. A heat sensor measures the temperature of the air leaving the drum. Solenoid-driven purge valves allow air to enter the drum in short bursts, thus aiding the drying of the clothes.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the hydrogen sulfide concentration in an acid gas stream and the hydraulic loading of a sulfur recovery unit of the type having an absorber for contacting a sour gas stream with an absorbent, a regenerator for regenerating the absorbent to form an acid gas stream and a recycle system. Embodiments using multiple absorbers and/or multiple regenerators are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for removal of contaminate(s) from a gas stream in an oil or gas refinery using an absorber-regenerator process wherein a portion of the contaminate rich overhead gas from the regenerator is utilized to increase the partial pressure of the contaminate at the absorber so as to enhance selective absorption of the contaminate(s).

Abstract: Cans can be loaded into the automated recycling center by placing the cans into an input slot on the front of an outer container. The cans then fall into a chute, where air pressure from a blower blows the cans upward and rearward through the chute to a shredder. Cans and other items that are unacceptable will fall out of the chute into a primary rejection chute, and then to an exit slot on the side of the container. Items that are only slightly too heavy will be blown upward, but will fall into a secondary rejection chute, and then to the exit slot. Cans that are acceptable will be blown to a shredder are the rearward end of the chute. The shredded cans fall into a collection box, mounted on wheels, and supported by a load cell scale. The scale weighs the shredded cans, and the center calculates the proper payment and issues a receipt and payment. Doors on the side of the container can be opened and the collection box removed for easy removal of the shredded aluminum.