Abstract: A carrier in the shape of a triangle for carrying multiple plastic bags with handles, shopping bags with handles, or items with carry handles, straps, bands, loops or hooks. The handle body uses a small opening in the top center of the grasping portion for the insertion of the items to be carried which is secured shut by the hand of the person carrying the handle. The lowest center point of the triangle shape allows the handles carried to settle at a central, low point, for a secure and balanced load carrying ability. The opposing faces of the handle body have an I shaped cross section for comfortable, secure carrying along with increased rigidity, strength, and a secure gripping surface. Two notches on the inner surface of the grasping portion of the handle allow for the attachment of a carrying strap to free the hands of the user.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for propelling particulate matter against a surface of a target material that includes: a mixing chamber having a chamber wall, a multi-conduit receiving port, a propellant-gas receiving conduit, and a discharge conduit. The gas delivery conduit extends from the propellant-gas receiving port into the chamber, a mixture discharge conduit extending from the mixture discharge port into the chamber, and a quantity of particulate matter inside the chamber. The disposable apparatus further includes a membrane capable of allowing a gas stream to pass through when the gas stream is flowing and seals the mixing chamber when the gas stream is not flowing. The membrane can be of a hemispherical shaped, molded piece that includes at least one slit to provide an opening when the gas stream is flowing.

Abstract: The present invention describes various methods and apparatus to increase efficiency and sales of a Newspaper Rack. At least one sensor is positioned within a Newspaper Rack to monitor when the remaining inventory of Newspapers reaches a predetermined quantity (including depleted). A logic circuit monitors when the sensor(s) change state then directs a signal to be transmitted to a central location. The central location may add time-stamping, reference the location, and compile the information into a database. The central location notifies the proper party to service the Newspaper Rack. The Newspaper Rack can include various mechanisms to stimulate customers into purchasing a Newspaper, such as a visual display or audible means. The stimulating information can be obtained and/or changed using wireless transmission to a receiver. The Newspaper Rack can include external monitoring devices to gather information for traffic flow, weather, or other desirable information.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow that is of low cost, thus disposable. The inflatable pillow taught is one fabricated from very low cost materials and of a very low cost fabrication process resulting in a disposable inflatable pillow. The present invention teaches a user comforted seam, the seam either placing the seam allowance within the gas enclosure or finished such as by rolling. The pillow is fabricated by an assembly process of bonding a section of the perimeter seal, inverting the inflatable pillow, then bonding the remaining seams. A sealable valve is assembled prior to the bonding of the final seams. Artwork can be added for a number of desires including advertising.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for maintaining a reliable operation of a flexible, self-conforming support system. The self-conforming support system utilizes a plurality of pins that move vertically within a series of apertures. The motion of the pins can be hindered with unwarranted material becoming lodged between the pins and the respective aperture. One scenario where this is highly probable is when using the self-conforming support system for supporting Printed Circuit Boards during a solder paste application process. The present invention utilizes a protective collar to deflect any excess solder paste from becoming lodged between any of the pins and the respective aperture. The collar is essentially an umbrella, and can be of a molded material, a pliant material, or machined into the pins. The collar can further include a pliant top which also protects the Printed Circuit Board from the pins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using the worldwide web portal site to provide, publish and maintain a database for missing/stolen items and missing persons/fugitives. The method and apparatus further utilize this database as a backbone for an internet portal, providing for automated contact of interested parties, automated e-commerce for replacement of assets, and immediate distribution of published information. The invention allows for extracting information from entered police reports to create an all encompassing database, and provides a method for deterring the selling of stolen items, increasing the potential of recovering stolen or missing items, and simplifying the claim processing process and finding missing persons and fugitives.

Abstract: A stepgate that increases the contained storage area of a vehicle and utilizes the tailgate as a stepgate to aid in lifting objects to the storage area of the vehicle. The stepgate adjusts horizontally, whereby this motion allows the stepgate to clear features of the vehicle as well as adjusting the position of an extension platform. The extension platform would adjust horizontally in conjunction with the tailgate to effectively increase the contained storage area of the vehicle. The stepgate, lift feature utilizes the tailgate as the lifting platform. The stepgate is designed where a bracket contacts the ground maintaining the lifting platform slightly above ground level. This allows the integration of the tailgate into the stepgate without subjecting the tailgate to any damage. The design further allows the tailgate to operate, function and remove in the same manner as the original vehicle.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for propelling particulate matter against a surface of a target material that includes: a mixing chamber having a chamber wall, a multi-conduit receiving port, a propellant-gas receiving conduit, and a discharge conduit. The gas delivery conduit extends from the propellant-gas receiving port into the chamber, a mixture discharge conduit extending from the mixture discharge port into the chamber, and a quantity of particulate matter inside the chamber. The disposable apparatus further includes a membrane capable of allowing a gas stream to pass through when the gas stream is flowing and seals the mixing chamber when the gas stream is not flowing. The membrane can be of a hemispherical shaped, molded piece that includes at least one slit to provide an opening when the gas stream is flowing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacture is disclosed for a fiber optic lighting device. The fiber optic lighting device is formed by adhering fiber optic strands onto a backing material in a radial pattern from a centralized illumination receiving port within a perimeter of the backing material. The centralized illumination receiving port of the fiber optic strands is where the illuminating source would transfer the illuminations into the fiber optic strands. The fiber optic strands can include a surface finish, which enhances the intensity of the light emitting from the fiber optic strands. The fiber optic lighting device can provide a non-linear sheared edge along the entire perimeter of the backing material.

Abstract: A plumbing valve cover is disclosed for use in conjunction with under-sink plumbing to avoid interference with the operation of a flexible spray nozzle hose used in conjunction with a spray nozzle. The plumbing valve cover may be coupled to the under-sink plumbing or cabinet wall. The plumbing valve cover may partially cover the under-sink plumbing and include clearances for multiple plumbing lines which may exit a supply valve. The plumbing valve cover may include markings to aid in sizing the cover to variations in the length of a supply line. The preferred embodiment would be a single piece, injection molded plastic apparatus which includes structural ribs and C-shaped mounting clips which mechanically couple the plumbing valve cover to the supply valve.

Abstract: The present invention describes various methods and apparatus to increase efficiency and sales of a Newspaper Rack. Several sensors are positioned throughout the Newspaper Rack to monitor when the remaining inventory reaches a predetermined quantity or is depleted. A logic circuit monitors the sensors and when the sensors change state, a signal is transmitted to a central location. The central location may add time-stamping, reference the location, and compile the information into a database. The central location notifies the proper party to service the Newspaper Rack. The Newspaper Rack can include various mechanisms to stimulate customers into purchasing a Newspaper, such as a visual display or audible means. The stimulating information can be obtained and/or changed using wireless transmission to a receiver. The Newspaper Rack can include external monitoring devices to gather information for traffic flow, weather, or other desirable information.

Abstract: An apparatus and accessories are disclosed for a flexible support apparatus 100, 900 using elongated support members 110 to support a face of a workpiece 10 and respective protrusions 335. The elongated support members 110 are arranged through at least one plane of perforated material 120, where the elongated support members 110 are profiled against the workpiece 10 and respective protrusions 335. The profile of the elongated support members 110 is created by contacting forces 132 generated by bringing the workpiece 330 and the plurality of elongated support members 110 together. A holding force is then applied to the elongated support members 110 to support the workpiece 10 against forces applied by a workstation. Fluid 902 is used to raise expansion members to raise the plurality of elongate support members 110. A perforated plate 920 is used to control the flow of fluid 902 between a fluid cavity 910 and the plurality of expansion members 904.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving drying of a module, tooling, and solder stencils via the introduction of acoustic pressure waves and/or vibrational energy to the module, tooling, or solder stencils. The acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the module through air or a vibrational interface medium. The acoustic pressure waves impinge on the water droplets to atomize the droplets on the surface of the module and in the cracks, crevices and hard to reach areas of connectors and other components, without undesirable heat. The acoustic energy may further be used to assist in cleaning solder stencils within an automated screen printer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying solder mask to an area respective of a plurality of receiving pads on a Printed Circuit Board. The solder mask can be at least partially removed during the component removal process exposing the conductor, via and annular ring. The exposed conductor, via and annular ring can cause defects and unreliable solder joints should the solder flow along the conductor and into the via. A small stencil can be used to apply solder mask in a desirable pattern to a selective area of a PCB. Alternatively, an elastomeric transferring apparatus can be used. Various methods can be included to assist in aligning the applicator to the desired area such as an overlaid, dual imaging system.

Abstract: The present invention describes various methods and apparatus to increase efficiency and sales of a Newspaper Rack. Several sensors are positioned throughout the Newspaper Rack to monitor when the remaining inventory reaches a predetermined quantity or is depleted. A logic circuit monitors the sensors and when the sensors change state, a signal is transmitted to a central location. The central location may add time-stamping, reference the location, and compile the information into a database. The central location notifies the proper party to service the Newspaper Rack. The Newspaper Rack can include various mechanisms to stimulate customers into purchasing a Newspaper, such as a visual display or audible means. The stimulating information can be obtained and/or changed using wireless transmission to a receiver. The Newspaper Rack can include external monitoring devices to gather information for traffic flow, weather, or other desirable information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the release of molten solder from a module via the introduction of acoustic pressure waves to the module and/or molten solder wave. The acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the module and/or solder wave through the air or reduced oxygen atmosphere. The acoustic pressure waves impinge on the molten solder and the module to reduce solder skips, bridges and icicles. The acoustic pressure waves are directed at the module/molten solder boundary to apply pressure to the boundary causing a shearing action. The shearing action causes the excess molten solder to fall, with the aid of gravity, into the molten solder bath.