Abstract: The present invention pertains to a golf tee comprising a stem portion and a top portion connected to the stem portion, the top portion includes an upper surface that opposes the stem and having a convex shape, free of an adhesive layer or material that anchors the ball on the upper surface against uneven ground. The golf tee minimizes friction and other impeding forces between the tee and the ball by reducing an area of contact between the tee and the ball, while preventing the player from installing the golf tee other than vertically into the ground, or horizontal to the Earth's surface, thereby preventing the golf player from having to alter his or her posture and stroke according to the mounting of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a golf tee comprising a stem portion and a top portion connected to the stem portion, the top portion includes an upper surface that opposes the stem and having a convex shape, free of an adhesive layer or material that anchors the ball on the upper surface against uneven ground. The golf tee minimizes friction and other impeding forces between the tee and the ball by reducing an area of contact between the tee and the ball, while preventing the player from installing the golf tee other than vertically into the ground, or horizontal to the Earth's surface, thereby preventing the golf player from having to alter his or her posture and stroke according to the mounting of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a golf tee comprising a stem portion and a top portion connected to the stem portion, the top portion includes an upper surface that opposes the stem and having a convex shape, free of an adhesive layer or material that anchors the ball on the upper surface against uneven ground. The golf tee minimizes friction and other impeding forces between the tee and the ball by reducing an area of contact between the tee and the ball, while preventing the player from installing the golf tee other than vertically into the ground, or horizontal to the Earth's surface, thereby preventing the golf player from having to alter his or her posture and stroke according to the mounting of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a golf tee comprising a stem portion and a top portion connected to the stem portion, the top portion includes an upper surface that opposes the stem and having a convex shape, free of an adhesive layer or material that anchors the ball on the upper surface against uneven ground. The golf tee minimizes friction and other impeding forces between the tee and the ball by reducing an area of contact between the tee and the ball, while preventing the player from installing the golf tee other than vertically into the ground, or horizontal to the Earth's surface, thereby preventing the golf player from having to alter his or her posture and stroke according to the mounting of the ball.

Abstract: A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the cigar, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Once the cigar puller is removed from the tobacco fill material, a flavorant and/or aromatic can be infused into the less dense tobacco fill material which is provided upon the removal of the cigar puller.

Abstract: An energy attenuation device for a fluid-conveying line, and a method for attenuating energy in such a line, are provided. The device includes one or more hose sections disposed in the fluid-conveying line, and at least one spring disposed in at least a portion of each of the hose sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for inhibiting the formation of inlet vortices in a turbofan engine/nacelle installation 10 for use with an aircraft. The present invention redirects fan air from a fan air bypass duct 16, in a generally downward direction from the outer nacelle 18 in order to generate an air curtain 48 for inhibiting inlet vortex formation.

Abstract: A chair is provided with a seat which is rotatable and translatable with respect to its pedestal. Specifically, the chair includes a support pinion on top of the pedestal and a bearing surface mounted on the underside of the seat. The pinion has bearings on its upper surface which contact the bearing surface to support the seat. The seat also has a pair of racks mounted on it, the racks including recesses which interlock with complementary bosses on the support pinion to inhibit movement of the seat with respect to the pedestal. A pair of grips are attached, one to each rack, such that lifting either grip disengages both racks from the pinion allowing the seat to translate and rotate via the bearings on the support pinion and the bearing surface.

Abstract: The specification discloses an access flooring panel having improved load-bearing strength and a relatively simple construction. The panel includes a generally planar metal pan and a concrete core cast thereon. The pan includes a plurality of tabs encapsulated within the concrete and bent upwardly from the pan and radially inwardly with respect to the panel. Consequently, radially outwardly directed horizontal shear forces exerted on the tabs by the core when loads are placed on the panel exert a pushing, rather than a pulling or tearing, force on the tabs. In a preferred embodiment, the pan includes an integral side wall and return flange extending about the core to protect the core and to strengthen the panel.

Abstract: A vehicle which is automatically driven along a predetermined guide path has easily accessible manually operated switches for arresting the movement of and for restarting the vehicle. The switches have elongated switch elements which extend along the sides of the vehicles. The elongated switch for restarting the vehicle is recessed with respect to the switch that arrests the movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance mechanism for guiding a vehicle along a surface by means of an invisible guide line containing fluorescent material comprises an ultraviolet lamp that causes the guide line to fluoresce and emit visible light; photocell sensors mounted in the vehicle and adapted to sense the visible radiation and produce an error output signal proportional to the variation of vehicle position from a predetermined lateral position with respect to the guide line; and a control device in the vehicle adapted to steer the vehicle in response to the error signal so as to cause the vehicle to follow the guide line. An automatic contrast control circuit eliminates the effect of background illumination in the output signal and produces a constant closed loop gain with respect to the signal received from the guide line. Modulation circuitry and appropriate filters further reduce the effects of background illumination and improve the reliability and line detecting ability of the guide system.