Abstract: A game board apparatus for use by two teams of players is provided. The game board apparatus includes a grid of equal sized squares. Two of the squares represent starting points for each of the teams, respectively. Further, two adjacent clusters of squares form reserved areas for each of the two teams, respectively, which permits only the team that owns the reserved area to start a word within the reserved area. A bonus bridge dividing line is positioned between the two reserved areas. Bridging the two arrays emanating from the respective starting points and forming a word which crosses the bonus bridge dividing line yields additional bonus points.

Abstract: An improved dart flight with a stepped configuration on its leading and trailing edges is provided. The dart flight of the present invention enables a player to closely group darts with accuracy without unwanted deflection. The dart flight of the present invention includes a stepped configuration on the leading and trailing edges of both the horizontal and vertical vane components of the dart flight. When an incoming dart approaches a target in close proximity to a stationary dart already in the target, the leading stepped edge of the incoming dart communicates with the trailing stepped edge of the stationary dart to urge the dart flight on the incoming dart to be ejected from the shaft of the incoming dart. Since the dart flight is ejected, it cannot ride on the dart flight of the stationary dart to cause deflection and alteration of flight path. As a result, dart throwing accuracy can be maintained in close dart groupings.

Abstract: A converter mechanism is shown for converting a decorative button cover to another piece of jewelry. The converter has spaced plate members receivable on opposite sides of a U-shaped plate pivotally mounted on the button cover which is adapted, when in the open position, to slide beneath a button on either side of thread attaching the button to a garment. The button cover is then pivoted to a closed position locking the converter thereto. Selected attachment means, such as an ear ring clip, is integrally attached to the plate members to enable the piece of jewelry to be worn in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided for dispensing fluid condiment materials, such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise as well as other liquids such as medicated salves, lotions and ointments. The dispenser includes a tubular body with a spherical plunger element connected to a spreader paddle member disposed within a tubular body. Upon external manipulation of the tubular body, the spherical plunger and spreader paddle arrangement is urged toward a dispenser nozzle for release of condiment filling contained therein. The sanitary spreader paddle simultaneously protrudes from within the tubular body as condiment filling is being evacuated. As a result, the user may evacuate the entire volume of condiment filling within the dispenser as well as spread the deposited condiment filling on a food article to be eaten. In a medical application of the invention, the dispenser includes an integral applicator swab which is connected to the spreader paddle and resides within the plunger.

Abstract: A removable and yieldable hood ornament apparatus which includes a compact structure for easy transportability is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base member with an ornament emblem mounted thereto, the base member includes a plurality of transversely protruding key members for receipt by a plurality of locking members positioned within a housing disposed below the surface of the automobile hood. A spring biased floor maintains the protruding key members in their respective locking members. The short base member is inserted into the housing below the hood of the automobile against the forces of the spring and then rotated along its longitudinal axis to effect locking. The forces of the spring maintain the apparatus in a locked condition.

Abstract: An automated reconciliation system that permits instantaneous reconciliation of unsold product units. A pull tab, which contains hidden reconciliation data is affixed to a product unit. To reconcile the particular product unit, a vendor removes the pull tab strip thereby defacing and destroying the product unit to expose the reconciliation data needed for entry into a central computer system. Alternatively, concealed reconciliation data may be printed directly on the product or its packaging in a fashion which requires the product to be opened to expose the reconciliation data. Such an opened condition, with a broken seal or opened wrapping, renders the product unsaleable. The automated reconciliation system ensures that unsold product units which receive reconciliation credit and reimbursement are not fraudulently resold.

Abstract: Eyeglass hinge system and bolt therefore for connecting the bow to the frame, wherein a hinge element is provided having a threaded bore in which the thread is either metric or U.S. standard and wherein the diameter, pitch diameter, and pitch dimensions of the bolt are intermediate in size to the corresponding dimensions of the metric and U.S. standard threads in the bore.

Abstract: An automated reconciliation system that permits instantaneous reconciliation of unsold publications. A pull tab, which contains hidden reconciliation data is affixed to a publication. To reconcile the particular publication, a vendor removes the pull tab strip thereby defacing the publication to expose the reconciliation data needed for entry into a central computer system. The automated reconciliation system ensures that unsold publications which receive reconciliation credit and reimbursement are not fraudulently resold.

Abstract: A lead-free and bismuth-free solder alloy composition for electronic assembly applications having reduced toxicity. The alloy composition consists of, in weight percent, 93-98% tin, 1.5-3.5% silver, 0.2-2.0% copper, and 0.2-2.0% antimony. The alloy composition has a melting temperature of 210.degree.-215.degree. C. with superior wetting and mechanical strength making the alloy composition well suited for electronic circuit board manufacture and replacement of conventional tin-lead solders.

Abstract: A food condiment dispenser is provided for dispensing fluid condiment materials, such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. The dispenser includes a tubular body with a spherical plunger element connected to a spreader paddle member disposed within a tubular body. Upon external manipulation of the tubular body, the spherical plunger and spreader paddle arrangement is urged toward a dispenser nozzle for release of condiment filling contained therein. The sanitary spreader paddle simultaneously protrudes from within the tubular body as condiment filling is being evacuated. As a result, the user may evacuate the entire volume of condiment filling within the dispenser as well as spread the deposited condiment filling on a food article to be eaten.

Abstract: A seal wire heat control system adapted to record in memory the immediate history of the operation of the seal wire and to adjust the time duration of the application of voltage to the seal wire in accordance with a predetermined program. The application of heat is controlled according to the running history of the machine. At start up, a relatively long pulse of power is sent through the wire to make a seal for a predetermined number of times. When the count is reached, an intermediate pulse is provided to the wire for a predetermined number of times. When this count is reached, a short pulse is provided to the wire. A reset timer monitors idle time. If no seal is executed after a predetermined time, the entire system, including counters, resets to prepare for delivery of a long pulse to the wire. A safety timer is also provided for limiting the duration of power to the wire within the wire's safety threshold value.

Abstract: A wire winding and tying machine useful in the winding of steel wire strands or the like includes a tie stock dispenser that delivers a pre cut length of tie stock to a platform. A hanking unit picks up the tie stock and delivers it to a position above pre wound strands. The hanking unit includes rockable arms that press the tie stock ends about the wound strands to a position to engage a twister that winds the tie stock about the strands.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly adapted for use with an electronic device package such as a microprocessor having a grid array is shown having, in a first embodiment, a threaded base of a finned heat sink adapted to be received in a threaded bore of an adaptor which mounts onto the electronic device package. Desired thermal coupling is achieved by screwing down the heat sink in biasing engagement with the package. An alternate embodiment shows the heat sink which has a snap on flange to attach the heat sink to the adaptor.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser is shown having two mirror image housing halves formed with a main body portion capturing a spool of floss and an arcuately extending arm with floss guided from the spool through a locking station out of the housing to the free end of the arm and back into the housing along the arm and back through the locking station and out of the housing. A severing blade is provided to sever used portions of floss or selected lengths of fresh floss from the spool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously curing cross-linkable polymers in a ceramic or refractory tunnel whose interior surface is coated with a material exhibiting excellent emissivity. The ceramic tunnel is energized by a heat source consisting of nicrome or equivalent wires and when coated with a metallic oxide material such as titanium dioxide colored to a black hue, or equivalent high emissivity materials, the tunnel performs as a black body radiator.

Abstract: Rod cooling system for use in a rod rolling mill having a laying reel and a conveyor onto an entry portion of which the rod is deposited in overlapping offset rings, entry portion receiving substantial amounts of cooling air for rapid cooling of the rod, the conveyor having a grid for introducing cooling air under the rings for movement in a confined space thereunder and surfaces developing low pressure that draws ambient air through the rings.

Abstract: A security seal device is shown formed of plastic material generally in the shape of two hollow half cylinders connected together by a longitudinally extending living hinge and having apertured end faces. Spaced, opposed lips are formed in laterally extending shelves attached to each half and a locking pin is received between the lips and projections formed in the pin received in detents formed in the lips to lock the two halves together. The device is used by placing a joint formed between first and second members within one of the halves with the first and second members placed through respective end face apertures. The other half is then pivoted to close the cylinder and the locking pin is inserted. The device can then be reopened only through physical damage by breaking the seal.

Abstract: An interchangeable feeder in the form of a dish container has a central ant trap with a surrounding moat. The moat has drain holes for excess fluid and surrounding the moat is a feed trough. A cover with a central aperture encloses the feed trough and a plurality of apertures through the wall of the cover allow access to the feed trough. In one form the cover has at least one tray like depression for the reception of fruit or other material that will attract an insect.

Abstract: A cervical collar including front and back halves adapted to fit around the neck, and an adjustable strap for releasably securing the halves in position on the neck. The halves of the collar are made from a laminate having outer layers of a foamed polymeric material and an inner layer of a solid, non-foamed thermoplastic material. The foam layes provide padding and comfort, and the solid layers provide rigidity and support to immobilize the head and neck. In one embodiment there is provided a large hole in the front most portion of the collar to accommodate the Adam's apple. In another embodiment, the strap is attached to the back half by looping it through parallel slots formed in the rearmost portion of the collar which are narrower than the width of the strap adjacent the slots, and attached to the front half by stitching at the ends thereof.