Abstract: An article suitable for use in surface coverings such as laminate floorings, such articles having an upper planar decorative surface and a lower planar surface, and at least one male edge and at least one female edge. The male and female edges will interlock with corresponding female and male edges on a complimentary article. These male and female edges have profiles that provide the ability to interlock adjacent articles by approaching one article to the other at an angle, inserting the male edge into the female edge and causing the lower planar surfaces of the two articles to become coplanar, thus forming a gapless seam between the articles which can be formed, if desired, without glue and which can be, if desired, watertight.

Abstract: An ear-hook microphone headset device including a distinct microphone housing, an extension boom and ear-hook member for replacing handheld microphone systems. The microphone housing is designed to provide better sound quality and is rotatably secured to the extension boom. The ear-hook member of the invention is adjustable in size to provide support for the headset while accommodating users with different size ears and includes a recess to accommodate eyeglasses frames. Specifically, the ear-hook microphone headset is designed be secured to either the left or right ear of a user since the microphone housing can be rotated 180 degrees.

Abstract: A golf towel for cleaning a golfer's hands, golf ball, and equipment for attachment to the clothing of the golfer, having a first dry cleaning surface; a second moisturized cleaning element in the form of a moisture retaining region located inwardly of the dry cleaning surface on the towel. The towel may include a third abrasive cleaning surface for removal of hard to clean stains and dirt, and/or a fastener for attaching the towel to the clothing of a golfer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved golf club head having a ball striking face with vertical grooves and intermediate vertical land areas between the grooves. The club head includes a resonator system having specific resonant frequencies which are determined by the specific variable width and depth combinations of vertical grooves and specific variable widths of the land areas between the vertical grooves. This controls the harmonics and feedback of a golf club head when it is used to stroke or strike a ball. In accordance with the invention, having more land area between the vertical grooves, creates a lower frequency resonance when striking a golf ball resulting in more energy transfer to the ball from a greater surface contacting the ball. Having less land area where the vertical grooves are closer together, creates a higher frequency resonance and somewhat less energy is transferred to a golf ball struck by the club head, thereby providing a softer feel.

Abstract: A reinforcing hole punch including a reciprocating punch member supported for movement toward a base is disclosed. The reciprocating punch member is actuated to form a hole within a sheet of paper positioned on the base. The hole punch also includes a dispensing sleeve positioned about the punch member, defining a space between an inner wall of the dispensing sleeve and the punch member, in which reinforcing members are positioned for attachment to a sheet of paper when the punch member is actuated to form a hole within a sheet of paper.

Abstract: An electric power-generating assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a sill wall constructed within the bed of the waterway and at least one waterwheel-driven generating unit supported directly downstream of the sill wall. The waterwheel generating unit includes a waterwheel, a chute and an electric generating unit. The electric generator unit is mounted axially within the waterwheel and includes a rotor disposed axially within a stator and drive means operably connecting the waterwheel to the rotor.

Abstract: A jury paging notification system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of juror pagers to be carried by potential jurors and a pager control panel monitoring each of the plurality of juror pagers. In use, potential jurors carrying a juror pager are permitted to go on with their regular lives and leave the courthouse based upon the understanding that attendance at a courthouse is required within a specified time period after being paged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing sheets of polymeric surfacing, the sheets produced thereby, and the apparatus used to produce the sheets. The method includes providing a solid polymeric slab, and slicing the slab into sheets of surfacing. The sheets may include polymeric particles contained in a polymeric matrix. The particles may have a maximum linear dimension that is greater than the final thickness of the sheets, thereby resulting in an aesthetically pleasing “chunky” appearance. The apparatus used to slice the sheets produces a relatively smooth, uniform surface, and is capable of dramatically limiting the amount of variation in thickness within a finished sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for predicting an effective and safe laser light energy range for sub-epidermal laser surgery. The method is especially useful in controlling beam energy during the treatment of PWS. The method is accomplished by first impinging a measurement laser pulse on a predetermined treatment area, wherein the measurement laser pulse has an energy below a predetermined threshold of coagulation and below a predetermined threshold of skin damage. The thermal emission caused by the measurement laser pulse emanating from the treatment area is then detected and the delay time from the measurement laser pulse to the detection of the thermal emission is measured. The rise rate of the thermal emission is then measured. The layer thickness is then calculated based upon the delay time, wherein the layer thickness is substantially the epidermal thickness. An internal measurement temperature rise is calculated based upon the layer thickness and the rise rate.

Abstract: An installation system for installing a backsplash and countertop upon a horizontal support member. The system includes an elongated mounting bracket shaped for selective attachment to a vertical support surface. The elongated mounting bracket includes a mounting bracket retaining member. The system further includes a countertop and a backsplash, wherein the rear surface of the backsplash includes a backsplash retaining member shaped for selective attachment to the mounting bracket retaining member. In use, the elongated mounting bracket is secured to the vertical support surface adjacent the horizontal support member, the countertop is placed upon the horizontal support member with its rear edge adjacent the support surface and the mounting bracket retaining member engages the backsplash retaining member to securely retain the countertop and backsplash relative to the elongated mounting bracket, the vertical support surface and the horizontal support member.

Abstract: A rotary brush including an elongated handle and brush head and a rotary swivel joint between the handle and brush head allowing the brush to rotate to reach hard to access places when used for cleaning.

Abstract: The mowing apparatus includes a frame supported by a plurality of wheels enabling ready movement of the frame over a support surface and a cutting assembly secured to the frame. The cutting assembly includes a laterally extending housing rotatably supporting a cutting implement and a motor coupled to the cutting implement for rapidly rotating the cutting implement. The cutting assembly is pivotally secured to the frame for movement about a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molding with a built-in illumination member. The illumination member may be an ordinary light or series of lights, or a repeating message board made of light emitting diodes, or a compound that glows under ultraviolet light, or a compound that glows in the dark, or the like. The molding may be the front edge molding on a worktop.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a motorcycle into the bed of a conventional pick-up truck which only requires a single operator. The device includes a support frame mountable to the bed of a pick-up truck which supports at least one telescoping, pivotal ramp assembly. The ramp assembly includes first and second ramp members which are telescoped together so as to extend and form an elongated ramp. The first ramp section is pivotally secured at its rear end to the rear end of the support frame by a hinge. The hinge allows the first and second ramp members to pivot together and also functions to guide the second ramp member as it slides along a channel in the length of the first ramp member. A sled is coupled to the second ramp member for support the motorcycle loaded on the apparatus. In operation the motorcycle is secured to the sled and pulled up the second ramp member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a superabsorbent foam is provided. The method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound capable of forming a superabsorbent foam, stirring the reaction mixture, applying mechanical waves to the reaction mixture and repeating the stirring and applying a selected number of times thereby forming the superabsorbent foam.