Abstract: A card shuffler apparatus operative to combine a plurality of stacks of unshuffled cards into a single stack of shuffled cards. The card shuffler apparatus includes a card feeder compartment, a card receiver compartment, a deflector structure and a card ejector mechanism. The card ejector mechanism is operative to eject at least a single card in each stack of unshuffled cards disposed in the card feeder compartment into the deflector structure. Ejected ones of the cards mix in the card deflector structure and deflect into the card receiver compartment thereby forming the single stack of shuffled cards. Also, a method for combining a plurality of stacks of unshuffled cards into a single stack of shuffled cards is described.

Abstract: A collapsible void filler is provided which, when in an expanded state, prevents relative movement between cargo during transit. The void filler is formed as a pair of side panels, a pair of bases secured to the side panels, and at least one beam structure located in the interior defined by the side panels and the two bases. The side panels include side panel portions which fold about a longitudinal axis when the void filler is collapsed. The bases, which may be formed from one or more base panels, extend transversely between the side panels and move toward and way from one another when the void filler is collapsed and expanded. The beam structures may have several different configurations, each of which has a pair of beam panels hingedly connected to the bases and foldable with respect to one another. The beam structures operate to support the side panels against transverse compression when the void filler is expanded. The void filler is preferably made from a unitary piece of material.

Abstract: A card shuffler apparatus is adapted to be placed on a horizontal support surface and is operative to combine a plurality of stacks of unshuffled cards into a single stack of shuffled cards. Each stack of unshuffled cards has at least two cards. The card shuffler apparatus includes a card feeder compartment, a card receiver compartment, a deflector structure and a card ejector mechanism. The card feeder compartment is sized to accommodate the plurality of stacks of unshuffled cards in a juxtaposed relationship. The card receiver compartment is sized to accommodate the single stack of shuffled cards and is disposed below the card feeder compartment. The deflector structure defines a chute which is disposed between and in communication with the card feeder compartment and the card receiver compartment. The card ejector mechanism is associated with the card feeder compartment and is operative to eject at least a single card in each stack of unshuffled cards disposed in the card feeder compartment into the chute.

Abstract: A splatter guard device is adapted for use inside a cooking chamber of a conventional microwave oven to inhibit splattering of cooking foodstuffs about the cooking chamber. The splatter guard device comprises a cover and a support structure. The cover is sized to extend longitudinally and laterally within the cooking chamber of the microwave oven to at least cover the cooking foodstuffs. The support structure is adapted to be secured in a manner within the cooking chamber of the microwave oven so that the support structure is operative to releasably retain the cover above and proximate to the cooking foodstuffs to inhibit splattering of the cooking foodstuffs about the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A key control device comprises a primary key, a primary lock, a secondary key, a secondary lock, and a mechanical drive. The primary lock operably receives the primary key and is keyed such that when the primary key is inserted into the primary lock, it becomes movable between a primary key release state and a primary key capture state. The secondary lock operably receives the secondary key and is keyed such that when the secondary key is received by the secondary lock it becomes movable between a secondary key release state and a secondary key capture state. The mechanical drive interconnects the primary and secondary locks such that when the primary lock moves from its primary key release state to its primary key capture state, the secondary lock simultaneously moves from its secondary key capture state to its secondary key release state and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for necking tubular members such as cans utilizes an inner die that expands to support a neck portion to be formed by an outer die that travels around the neck. The inner die has a plurality of first die elements which may be retracted after the neck is formed so that the inner die may be removed. Selected ones of these first die elements nest with the others in the retracted state. Drive assemblies operate each of the inner and outer dies, and the drive assembly for the inner die operates to differentially drive the first die elements to allow nesting to occur. Preferably, the inner drive assembly employs a reciprocally retracting cam, and the first die elements have cam followers to allow reciprocation. A wedge cam can be used to support the first die element sin the expanded configuration, and a wedge drive moves the wedge cam into and out of position.

Abstract: An anti-theft apparatus to prevent "car jacking" includes a transmitter carried by the driver and a receiver and a switch circuit installed in the vehicle such that, when the receiver fails to detect the signal broadcast by the transmitter, the switch circuit disables the vehicle for operation. Timer circuitry is disclosed to cause the disablement only after a selected period that the broadcast signal is lost. An event detector, such as a switch circuit connected to the door light switch circuit of the vehicle, may be used to arm the disable circuit for a selected period so that disablement occurs only when the transmitter and receiver are separated beyond their communication range during a defined time interval following the occurrent of the event.

Abstract: An isolation gasket is provided for interposition between joined pieces of a flow line. The gasket has a gasket body which electrically isolates the pieces from one another. In one embodiment the gasket has a pair of composite, insulative linings laminated on opposite sides of a metal core. An endless channel on each side of the gasket body surrounds a central flow opening and is formed of a depth sufficient to extend through the insulative lining and into the metal core. The outer sidewall of each endless channel is at an acute angle to its bottom wall, and the inner sidewall is at an angle of at least ninety degrees with respect to the bottom wall. The channels may be opposed to or offset from one another. Different channel cross-sections are described. An alternative gasket body may eliminate the metal core and be either a laminated composite body or of integral construction.

Abstract: A carriage assembly for suspending and supporting trench shields in an excavated trench has an axle member that spans the trench, a wheel assembly on each end of the axle member, a pair of bracket elements on the axle member and a support member depending from each bracket element for connection to a trench shield. The wheel assemblies have wheels that rotate with respect to the bracket elements and engage the surface of the ground laterally adjacent the trench. Adjustments are provided to selectively vary the spacing of the wheels and the bracket elements.

Abstract: A pry device adapted for removing a lid from a container comprises a first lever member, a second lever member and a fulcrum element interconnecting the first and second lever members for relative pivotal movement therebetween. The first lever member has a first handle portion and a first lip portion opposite the first handle portion. The first lip portion is configured to engage an edge portion of the lid when the lid is secured to the container. The second lever member has a second handle portion and a second lip portion opposite the second handle portion. The second lip portion is configured to engage a flange on the container. The first and second lip portions are movable between a contracted position and an expanded position. In the contracted position, the first and second lip portions are at a first distance sufficiently to respectfully engage the edge portion of the lid and the flange.

Abstract: A method to detoxify municipal sewage sludge containing heavy metals comprises the steps of mixing sewage sludge, at least one catalytic oxidant such as a ferric salt, at least one regenerative oxidant and an acid to form a reacting slurry having a solids fraction and a liquid fraction and, after a suitable retention time, separating the solids fraction from the liquid fraction. The reacting slurry is maintained during its retention time at a pH range between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 and at an oxidation reduction potential of, at least, +400 milivolts. The heavy metals originally absorbed into the solids fraction of the sewage sludge solubilize into the liquid fraction of the reacting slurry. Thereafter, the reacting slurry is discharged into a conventional solids/liquid separating device so that the metal-laden liquid fraction becomes separated from the solids fraction which is now substantially bar ren of heavy metals.

Abstract: A header assembly comprises a plurality of substantially V-shaped, slotted troughs disposed in a substantially parallel relationship and interconnected perpendicularly to a manifold. Each trough comprises two substantially parallel, rigid side walls, two rigid end plates and two oblique walls which converge and attach to define an apex of the V-shaped trough. A plurality of alternating spacing elements and slots extends longitudinally along the length of the trough and equidistantly and obliquely along both oblique walls at the apex of the trough. Each trough contains a fiberglass-woven cord extending along the length of the trough and is disposed above the spacing elements and slots and in contact with both oblique walls.

Abstract: A hanging garment bag is transformable into a valet by unfolding said garment bag and retaining the unzipped closure panels in an open, upright configuration with a retainer assembly. The retainer assembly comprises a tubular housing, two telescopic subassemblies and two attachment subassemblies. The tubular housing is encased in a fabric-like sleeve sewn to a top gusset panel within a clothing compartment. Each telescopic subassembly comprises a first telescopic arm member which slideably retracts into and slideably extends outwardly from the tubular housing and a second telescopic arm member which slideably retracts into and slideably extends outwardly from the first telescopic arm member. Each end portion of the second telescopic arm members has an attachment subassembly for releaseable attachment of the retainer assembly to the closure panels of the garment bag.

Abstract: A plate for an evaporative heat exchanger is stamped from a laminate material comprising a thin sheet of light-weight, heat conductive, formable metal such as aluminum superimposed on and attached to a thin sheet of wicking material. Stamping the laminate material simultaneously cuts the plate into a substantially square, pre-determined size, forms a series of ribs and corresponding recesses into the plate and blanks square notches into each corner of the plate to define four edges. The ribs are spaced apart in a substantially parallel manner, appear substantially semicircular in configuration and extend longitudinally and substantially across the plate. A method to fabricate said plate is also described.

Abstract: YA firearm carrying case, as it appears closed, comprises an outer fabric shell encasing two aluminum support walls positioned in a substantially parallel relationship and spaced-apart by two convoluted, interlocking foam beddings. The outer shell includes a three-sided zipper gusset and one-sided hinging gusset sewn along two side panels of the firearm carrying case. Opening the outer shell forms two identical half pieces, each defining a cavity within the firearm carrying case.