Abstract: A batting helmet includes an adjustable circumferential head band that allows the helmet to be worn by individuals with a wide range of head sizes while maintaining a constant air gap between the wearers head and the interior padding of the helmet. This air gap increases the elapsed time between impact of a ball with the helmet and impact between the helmet and its padding and the wearers head, thereby allowing for increased dispersion of energy through the shell of the helmet.

Abstract: A conveyor includes an assembly for bridging the gap at the end of a conveyor section. It includes an idler roller at the end of the conveyor section. The idler roller is seated in upwardly open slots and can lift completely out of the conveyor frame if an article becomes entrapped between the idler roller and the conveyor belt, in order to release the article.

Abstract: A molded piston includes a base plate, having a plurality of holes, and a polymeric material molded around the base plate and extending through the holes so as to form a mechanical bond between the base plate and the polymeric material. The molded piston preferably includes integral seals in its outer circumferential surface and integral standoffs on its end surfaces. In some preferred embodiments, the molded piston also includes a magnet which creates a magnetic field in the area of the piston.

Abstract: A water purification system and a cleaning system and method for periodically flushing reverse osmosis water purification systems to rid the system of decontamination and other pollutants that build up during use. The system include a pair of containers in liquid communication, a first plurality of liquid conduits defining a looped path for passing liquid from the first container to a membrane and back to the first container, while a second plurality of liquid conduits defines a path for the liquid in the second container to the product side of the membrane.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention pertains to a post mix multi-station dispensing apparatus which is isolated from the fluctuations experienced in using outside supplies of water. The apparatus is provided with a single reservoir of water and, associated with each serving station, a hopper storing powder flavorant, a metering device for metering the flavorant, a holding tank for holding a beverage to be dispensed at a predetermined rate at the associated serving station, and a water delivery system. While a beverage is being dispensed from the holding tank, the water delivery system delivers water from said reservoir at a rate essentially the same as the predetermined rate to a mixing area where the water and powder flavorant is mixed in a predetermined ration of powder flavorant-to-water ratio. This newly mixed beverage is added to the holding tank at the same rate as the beverage is being dispensed.

Abstract: A martial arts striking device using a pair of spaced and heavy duty spring assemblies with a top bracket having a centered opening for receiving an upright post supporting a resilient striking bag. The lower ends of the spring assemblies are secured to a bottom bracket, which is fastened to a firm footing such as a floor. The wire making up the springs are of such a diameter that the springs have a low spring constant, meaning the springs are highly resistive to impacts against the bag and will return to an upright position without undue oscillation.

Abstract: In a belt conveyor system utilizing a floating sealing skirt to prevent spillage of bulk materials from the belt, a plurality of mechanisms is used to exert a downward pressure along the top of the sealing skirt. This pressure forces the sealing skirt against the belt, and-thus maintains the seal between the sealing skirt and belt along the entire length of the skirt.

Abstract: A method has been found to improve the efficiency of a cyclone system for a fluidized bed. The typical plurality of cyclones arranged in series in communication with the fluidized bed is replaced by a plurality of similarly-sized cyclones arranged in parallel, so that the residence time in each of the cyclones is greater than it was in the original system, thereby greatly improving the recovery of particulate material while greatly reducing the energy consumption of the system.

Abstract: An asphalt plant includes a rotary dryer, a rotary mixer, a conduit for transferring gas from the mixer to the dryer, and a flame arrester in the conduit adjacent to the dryer to prevent a fire from propagating from the dryer back through the conduit.

Abstract: A removable dam provides a way to prevent liquid insulation from interfering with electrical components and from squirting out an opening in the jacket of a hot water heater.

Abstract: A rotatable drum arrangement, wherein the drum is mounted on support rings such that circumferential expansion and contraction of the drum relative to said support rings does not adversely affect the mounting. In a preferred embodiment, drum blocks are mounted to the drum, and corresponding ring blocks are mounted to the support ring. The side surfaces of adjacent drum blocks and ring blocks support the weight of the drum on the ring. In this arrangement, gaps may be maintained between the drum and support ring that allow for expansion and contraction of the drum. In the preferred embodiment, there is also a drive sprocket mounted on the drum with a sprocket mounting arrangement that also accommodates expansion and contraction of the drum.

Abstract: A gravity feed storage rack includes two different types of roller strips. Heavy duty roller strips are located in the back to absorb the impact of products being dropped on the back of the rack. Regular duty roller strips extend to the front of the rack so that products can roll forward to the front of the rack. The heavy duty roller strips may lie behind the regular roller strips or may lie between the regular roller strips in the rear portion of the rack.

Abstract: An envelope for retreading tires includes a valve which does not require the use of wicking material or other additions between the valve and the tire tread. This is accomplished by providing grooves in the bottom surface of the base of the valve, providing a flat ring surrounding the central hole on the bottom surface of the base of the valve, and providing internal passages from the grooves to the central hole. The valve base and stem are preferably made from two pieces which are joined together.

Abstract: A pillow for alleviating lower back pain includes an under-knee portion, which holds an individual's knee in flexion when he is lying on his back, and a between-knee portion, which holds the individual's knees a spaced distance apart when he is lying on his side. The under-knee and between-knee portions are connected by a flexible web that permits automatic adjustment of the relative positions of the two pillow portions to accommodate different sizes of users.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning a device using ozonated water.