Abstract: A fiber includes at least a first portion extending axially and including a shear thickening fluid. The fiber further includes at least a second portion extending radially outwardly from the first portion. The second portion extends axially and radially encompasses the first portion over a length thereof. The shear thickening fluid may, for example, include particles suspended in a liquid phase. The second portion may, for example, include an abrasion resistant material. The fiber may further include at least a third portion extending axially and positioned radially inward of the first portion. The third portion may, for example, include a material having a higher strength than the second portion.

Abstract: A locking device for use with first and second mold plates, comprising an upper block including an axial cavity adapted to receive an upper projection end and adapted to be affixed to a first mold plate; a projection having upper and lower projection ends; a base adapted to be secured to a second mold plate, including a longitudinal bore adapted to receive at least one roller actuator assembly and at least one biasing element therein, and a projection receiving bore adapted to receive the lower projection end; at least one roller actuator assembly adapted to mechanically engage the lower projection end; a plurality of biasing elements, each adapted to mechanically engage a roller actuator assembly and a retention plate; and a plurality of retention plates adapted to be secured to the base and retain at least one roller actuator assembly and at least one biasing element within the longitudinal bore.

Abstract: One embodiment of a locking device for first and second mold plates of an injection molding machine comprises a base attached to the first mold plate, the base having first and second bores extending therethrough, the first and second bores having first and second bore centerlines, respectively, wherein the first bore centerline substantially intersects the second bore centerline, an actuator having an actuator first end, wherein the actuator is within the first bore, a member which at least partly covers the first bore, a biasing element between the actuator and the member, a block attached to the second mold plate, the block having a projection with projection first and second ends and a projection longitudinal axis, wherein the projection first end is substantially rigidly connected to the block, wherein the projection second end fits within the second bore, the projection second end comprising a projection contact surface.

Abstract: A novel safety device for step ladders. This safety device is fabricated and positioned so as to deter, dissuade and deny the ladder user access to the unsupported top step of a step ladder while allowing the user to an aloft tool organizer for pre-loading job materials thereby eliminating the need to repeatedly climb up and down the ladder carrying materials. More people are killed doing construction work every year than in any other occupation and falls are the biggest killer of employees in the construction industry, many of these falls involve the improper use of ladders. Falls are the leading cause of death in and around the home, according to the National Safety Council, there are thousands of people die from falls around the home each year and many suffer disabling injuries many of these also involve ladders. At work or at home, these accidents invariably occur because the victims violate the basic rules of ladder safety.

Abstract: A decorative housing for an object such as calculator has a unique appearance that enhances its functionality. To reduce the desk area of the calculator when not in use, the calculator shrinks in size when in the closed position. The decorative housing opens in an automatic smooth slow motion kinetic deployment when ready to use. It includes a whimsical design with kinetic features that can amuse the user.

Abstract: A calculator which generally possesses a flat, compact and portable housing construction, and which includes a calculator lid mechanism which pivots a flat cover of the calculator in a predetermined controlled manner between a first position causing the flat cover to form a lid which overlies a calculator display, and a second operational position in which the cover is pivoted towards the rear of the calculator so as to form a stand for tilting the calculator into an upwardly inclined ergonomic position relative to a horizontal support surface during intended use thereof.

Abstract: A superior room air freshener is disclosed having a short distance of travel from point of entry to egress for the delivery of a volatile liquid refreshener. The device is battery operated and can be wall mounted or displayed on a table.