Abstract: A pendant light assembly having a decorative globe with an internal light chamber, formed integrally of blown glass. The chamber is formed by reheating a portion of the blown glass globe and applying a partial vacuum to draw the glass inwardly. A secondary layer of glass inside the light chamber differs from the glass of the main globe in transparency, translucency and/or color; for example, the outer globe may be clear and the inner light chamber may be translucent to diffuse the light from the light source therein. The globe is suspended by a lighting assembly on the end of an electrical cord that is mounted to the lip of the opening into the internal light chamber. The connector assembly includes a clip mounted to the lighting element, having a plurality of flexible lobes that can be depressed to pass through the opening, and a cap threadingly mounted to the lighting element that can be tightened down to clamp the edges of the clip beneath the lip of the opening.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement comprising a calcium silicate and at least one phosphate compound. The phosphate compound is included in an amount sufficient to react a major portion of the calcium hydroxide that is produced during hydration of the cement to hydroxyapatite or other calcium phosphates. The phosphate compound is preferably a mono-calcium phosphate. The cement is useful in both bio-medical/dental and engineering applications. The calcium hydroxide is reacted by the phosphate to form hydroxiapatite or other calcium phosphate that is co-precipitated with the calcium silicate hydrate to form a composite-like structure on a nano-scale level. The reduced calcium hydroxide content in the set cement increases its strength and reduces its pH. The hydroxiapatite content and the reduced pH render the cement bio-active and suitable for use in medical and dental implants, for example, for replacement bone and tooth material. Due to its high strength, the cement may also be used for structural/engineering applications.

Abstract: A method for treating Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by administering at least one alky ester of imidazolecarboxylc acid, preferably methyl 4-imidazolecarboxylate. It is hypothesized that the treatment counters AD/ASD by maintaining the intracellular/extracellular osmolyte gradient in the central nervous system (CNS) within a substantially normal range. The methyl 4-imidazolecarboxylate may be administered orally, by inhaler, by injection or by transdermal application. When administered by transdermal application, the dosage range may be from about 0.01 mcg per day to about 3.0 mcg per day, preferably from about 0.1 mcg per day to about 0.3 mcg per day.

Abstract: An adjustable link assembly for use with a flat cross-section shock cord or other strap formed of elastomeric material. The adjustable link attaches the cord to a load-bearing member, such as a hook or other fitting, which may be formed integrally therewith. The link assembly includes a body member having an entrance/exit passage for the strap, and a sliding crossbar over which the free end of the strap is routed. When the main leg of the strap is tensioned, the crossbar is drawn against a stationary bridge piece of the body member, the crossbar and bridge piece having cooperating sloped surfaces that are angled in a reverse direction from a straight line path from the top of the crossbar to the opening of the entrance/exit passage. The cooperating faces thus force the strap into a reverse bend or kink, which locks the strap in position so long as the main leg of the strap is subjected to tension.

Abstract: A rack assembly for transportation and display of potted plants and similar articles. The rack includes vertical supports, and a plurality of trays that are slidingly supported on the posts. The trays are extensible from a retracted position in which the trays are arranged in compact, vertically spaced relationship for transportation, to a deployed position in which the trays extend on opposite sides in an alternating arrangement with increased vertical spacing, and are tilted to a downwardly angled orientation so that the plants can be readily viewed and accessed by customers and other personnel. The posts and trays are mounted on a mobile frame that includes stabilizer legs which prevent the assembly from tipping when the trays are in the deployed position. The posts and trays are removable from the frame, and can be broken down for storage.

Abstract: An aiming apparatus for shotguns, that aids in maintaining correct head position and alignment of the aiming eye with the rib of the shotgun. Warning sight elements are positioned below the upper edges of the rib and forward of rearwardly located blinders, so that the warning sight elements are obscured when the aiming eye is correctly positioned level with the upper surface of the rib but become visible when the aiming eye are incorrectly raised to an elevated position. The warning sight elements also emerge from behind sides of the blinders if the aiming eye is moved laterally to a position offset from the rib. A centerline aiming element is positioned atop the rib and is visible through an aperture when the aiming eye is in the correct position, but becomes obscured when the aiming eye is moved upwardly or laterally out of the correct position. The warning and aiming sight elements are formed of rods of light-gathering optic fiber and have contrasting colors, preferably red/orange and green.

Abstract: An electrical outlet box installation in which there is no exposed cover plate, only the operative portion of the electrical component is visible at the wall surface. The operative portion of the component may be an electrical outlet, jack, switch, knob, or light, for example. The body of the electrical component is housed within the outlet box, also referred to as a junction box, with the open side of the outlet box being covered by a plate assembly having an opening that closely surrounds the operative portion of the component. The surface of the plate assembly is covered with wallboard mud, or other wall finishing material, which is blended into the surrounding surface of the wall so that only the operative portion of the component is exposed. The wall covering may also be panelling, stone, tile or similar materials.

Abstract: A method for treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and related neurodegenerative conditions, using a histamine compound that is methylated in vitro prior to being introduced into the body of the patient. The histamine compound is suitably histamine diphosphate, and may be methylated in vitro by mixing in combination with at least one thiol compound in the presence of at least one methyl group donor compound. The thiol compound is suitably L-reduced glutathione and the methyl group donor is suitably betaine hydrochloride. The compounds are mixed vigorous in an acid environment, to create a shearing force that facilitates exchange of the methyl group from the donor compound to the histamine diphosphate. The resulting methylated histamine compound is suitably administered to the patient by transdermal application. The method also provides a medicament for treatment the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and related neurodegenerative conditions, and a method for preparation of such a medicament.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning diesel particulate filters. First and second nozzle members direct flows of compressed air into the axially-extending filter cells from both ends of the filter, the nozzle members being offset so as to avoid blowing directly towards one another. The flows from the nozzles impinge only one or a few cells at a time. The nozzle members are moved over the entirety of the first and second end faces of the filter. The nozzles may be translated on arms while the filter is rotated simultaneously on a turntable or rollers. The filter and nozzles are housed within a cabinet having one or more windows, which enable an operator to view the cleaning process and also to identify filters having damaged media. The dislodged particulate material is withdrawn from the cabinet by an exhaust duct system.

Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main sail, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the sail. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main sail in one direction or the other. The main sail is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main sail. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran.

Abstract: A spinning bristled roller assembly for the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner or other carpet cleaning apparatus. The roller assembly includes three bearings protected by a comprehensive thread guard system. The three bearing system, in combination with the structure of the tubular roller body and bearing housing provides an assembly having inherently improved balance characteristics that eliminate the prior need for dynamic balancing to ensure vibration-free operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring cargo between an upper, passenger deck and a lower, cargo deck of an aircraft. A lift platform raises palletized cargo from the lower deck through an opening formed in the upper deck. The drive mechanism is housed entirely within the lift platform itself. The platform is stabilized by flanking, scissors-action leg assemblies, that nest alongside the platform when stowed. The platform is stowed in the raised position, within the opening formed in the upper deck. Locking assemblies attach the lift platform to the sides of the opening so that the platform becomes a load-bearing structural component of the upper deck when stowed. A recess is formed in the lower deck for receiving the lift platform when lowered. A translating floor assembly having folding floor sections lowers to clear the recess, and then raises to define a floor surface over the opening when the lift platform is not in use.

Abstract: A clip system for use with tarps and other flexible sheet material. The system includes first and second parts that are rotatably mounted so as to be free to twist independently of one another, in response to wind or other forces. The first part may be a clip body having jaws for gripping a tarp or other flexible sheet material, and the second part may be an attachment fitting for engaging an article separate from the tarp. There may be a series of different attachment fittings that are interchangeably mountable to the clip body, such as a hook, a screw-on fitting for attachment to a bottle that forms a weight, or a fitting for attachment of a strap or shock cord, for example. The two pieces may be joined by a male coupler and a female receptacle that receives the coupler in locking engagement. The male coupler may have a plurality of resiliently flexible legs with beveled end surfaces that flex inwardly to pass through the opening of the female receptacle.

Abstract: A UV disinfectant system for treatment of water resident in a vessel. One or more UV lamps are mounted within the interior of the vessel so as to expose the water stored therein. The vessel may be, for example, a water tank, water heater, water filter or other component which holds a volume of water. A layer of photoreactive material may be formed on an inside surface of a wall of the vessel so as to be exposed to the UV radiation from the lamp. The photoreactive material may be tin dioxide, titanium dioxide, or other material that produces hydroxyl ions in response to UV exposure. The hydroxyl ions flow from the vessel into the piping and other components of the system so as to inhibit microbial action therein. The UV lamps may be mounted in quartz sleeves that surround the lamps for immersion in water and that are supported to protect the sleeves and lamps from vibration damage. The system may also be used to prevent freeze damage to the vessel and water system.

Abstract: An apparatus for detachably joining together a plurality of individual ammunition magazines to form a multiple magazine assembly in which the individual magazines are alternately insertable into the firearm. The apparatus includes a connector block with outwardly-directed mounting faces having locating features that form a sliding engagement with recesses in the bases of the magazines. A coupling piece mounts to an end of the connector block and includes projecting tab portions that enter cooperating recesses in the forward sides of the magazine so as to hold the magazines in place on the mounting faces of the connector block. An adjuster screw can be loosened to withdraw the retaining tabs so that the individual magazines can be placed or removed from the mounting faces of the connector block, and then tightened to hold the magazines firmly against the connector block to complete the assembly. The connector block may be triangular with mounting faces for three magazines.

Abstract: An electrical outlet box installation in which there is no exposed cover plate, only the operative portion of the electrical component is visible at the wall surface. The operative portion of the component may be an electrical outlet, jack, switch, knob, or light, for example. The body of the electrical component is housed within the outlet box, also referred to as a junction box, with the open side of the outlet box being covered by a plate assembly having an opening that closely surrounds the operative portion of the component. The surface of the plate assembly is covered with wallboard mud, or other wall finishing material, which is blended into the surrounding surface of the wall so that only the operative portion of the component is exposed. The plate assembly includes a projecting wall or lip around the opening, up to which the mud or other fill material is applied.

Abstract: A practice putting green that is adjustable to provide a playing surface having a variety of contours. The assembly is formed of a plurality of narrow transverse support members that are arranged as segments in side-to-side relationship to define an elongate playing path. Carpet, artificial turf or other flexible material is placed atop the support members to form the playing surface. Inwardly facing wedges are mounted under the ends of the support members and are slid from side-to-side so as to selectively tilt the members and adjust the contour of the playing surface. The wedges on each segment are joined by a transverse rod so that both will move simultaneously in response to pressure on one of the wedges. The support members have a tray-shaped configuration with upwardly extending end walls, so that in combination they define an elongate channel.