Abstract: A panel system includes a first skin, a second skin, a web core constructed from sheet material for securing the skins together in a spaced, sandwich relationship, and a connecting means for affixing the web core within the skins. The web core includes a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members having longitudinally spaced projections extending therefrom and further having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein. The web core further includes a plurality of spaced-apart, transverse cross members each having spaced slots therein receiving the longitudinal members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between the first and second skins. The grid is connected to the skins utilizing the projections, which extend through slits in the skins in one embodiment to facilitate welding or otherwise bonding the components. In a second embodiment the projections present mounting ears that receive fasteners that extend through the skins.

Abstract: An ice fishing bucket for organizing and transporting ice fishing rods and tackle. The invention includes a plastic bucket with a removable lid, the lid having a large hole cut in it and a foam ring fitted around the inner periphery of the hole. Slits are cut radially along the inner circumference of the foam ring for securing fishing rods. A foam disk with holes for receiving the handle ends of ice fishing rods is fitted into the bottom of the bucket. The holes are spaced in vertical alignment with the slits in the foam ring above. To organize the fishing rods, the handle of a rod is placed in one of the holes in the foam disk and the rod is then pushed into the corresponding slit in the foam ring on the bucket lid. Friction between the rod and the slits in the foam ring holds the rods in place. Other items such as tackle and lures may be placed in the center of the bucket.

Abstract: A mechanism for engaging a chuck to a chuck body includes a bore within the chuck body having first and second opposed channels in communication therewith. A shaft extending from the chuck is configured for seating in the bore and includes two opposed vanes for seating in the channels. The vanes are depressible allowing for initial bore penetration and seating of the chuck shaft into the bore. Upon seating the vanes are biased into the channels locking the chuck shaft in the bore. A tool provides for depression of the vanes allowing for removal of the seated chuck shaft from the bore. Alternative mechanisms for locking a chuck, chuck body and a driven shaft are disclosed.

Abstract: A railroad car cover actuator automatically opens and closes the hatch covers of a railroad car. The actuator includes a camming device mounted to a railroad car along a longitudinal axis on which a car cover is hingedly mounted. A first inflatable hose for opening the railroad car cover is attached at one end to the cover and at another end to the car and extends partially around the camming device in a taut position when the car cover is closed. A second inflatable hose for closing the railroad car cover is also attached at one and to the cover and at another end to the car and extends from the cover in a relaxed position when the car cover is closed. Upon inflation of either the opening or closing hose, the diameter of the camming device effectively increases because the reach of the hose shortens to apply a lifting force to the cover causing it to open or close, respectively.

Abstract: A compressed air distribution and battery recharger is provided in a tool bar handle for a tool cabinet. The tool cabinet handle provides outlets for compressed air which is regulated, dried and lubricated for use with pneumatic tools along with a battery charger for recharging power packs for portable electric tools.

Abstract: A method for laser engraving a three-dimensional image into a workpiece according to color shades found in an original piece of artwork. The original piece of artwork is separated into a plurality of illustrations with each illustration corresponding to a particular layer of material to be removed from the workpiece in accordance with a selected color shade found in the original artwork. The illustrations are sequentially read by laser system program software which translates the lines on each illustration into signals corresponding to laser paths. The signals are received by the laser system control assembly for directing the laser beam along the workpiece in a layer-by-layer relationship corresponding to the sequentially read illustrations. The use of the plurality of illustrations allows for a layer-by-layer removal of material in the workpiece in correspondence with the various color shades on the original piece of artwork.

Abstract: Decorated nails and methods therefor preferably using tissue paper and metallic foils. Crumbled pieces of metallic foil or pieces of tissue paper are mixed with a substantially clear polish and applied to a nail with the pieces in an overlapping relationship or immediately adjacent one another to present a textured or stained-glass effect, respectively. Alternatively, a thin layer of a metallic foil or tissue paper may be affixed to the nail over an adhesive layer. A substantially clear top sealing layer is applied over the decorated nail.

Abstract: A pre-cast concrete form for cast-in-place beams and columns and a method of forming the same. The form includes a form body having a channel through a length thereof and a shear bonding key along the length, the channel being adapted to receive cast-in-place concrete therein to form a beam or column. The shear bonding key is integrally formed in the body and has a grooved portion and a ribbed portion for bonding the cast-in-place concrete to the form body. The form body may further include a reinforcing stirrup tie cast therein and extending into the channel, adapted to secure the form body to an opposed form body. The form body may include a plurality of shear bonding keys and reinforcing stirrup ties spaced apart along the length thereof.

Abstract: A method for establishing a thermal interface between an electrical component and a heat sink including the selection of a compound having a melt temperature above the normal operating temperature of the component. The electrical component initially reaches an initial operating temperature sufficient to deform or melt the compound and fill the spaces between the mating surfaces of the component and heat sink. Upon cooling, a solidified thermal joint is permanently established which precludes the component from heating beyond its normal operating temperature upon subsequent operation. As the normal operating temperature of the component is below the melt point of the compound, the compound remains in a solid state. The compound is selected so as to deform only during initial component operation so as to avoid the problems of liquefaction.

Abstract: A fire resistant carpet backing formulation has five components of: a) a polyurethane dispersion; b) fire retardant components having at least a) ammonium polyphosphate, b) melamine, and c) a char former; c) solvents including water; d) filler, pigment and grinding aids; and e) surfactants. Preferred char formers are pentaerythritol and polysaccharides. The polyurethane dispersion is present in about 18-30% by weight, the fire retardant components of part (b) are present in about 39-61% by weight and the solvents of part (c) are present in about 9-25% by weight in the preferred embodiments. Nylon carpets made with this backing are fire retardant and meet the airline standards for fire safety.

Abstract: A managed feeding apparatus that limits access to feed by livestock according to operator-selected positions which allows the operator to control the amount of feed available and the time the feed is available to the livestock, and reduces waste of the feed.

Abstract: A safety mirror system includes a housing mounted to a rear surface of a truck, the housing including an electrically operated drive train therein. A bracket includes a first end coupled to the drive train and a second end having the mirror mounted thereto. The drive train includes a motor which is operable by a driver operable switch in the electrical circuit. Upon switch operation the drive train will pivot the mirror between a position in which the mirror is behind the truck to a position at which the mirror is displaced from the side of the truck and angled towards the blind spot behind the rear of the truck. At this displaced position the driver can view the image of the dead space in the displaced rear mirror. The displaced mirror can be pivoted to a storage position adjacent the truck when not in use. Stop lugs within the drive train physically preclude movement of the mirror beyond the storage or displaced positions as well as cease current delivery to the drive train at these positions.

Abstract: An automotive window cover system comprises a windshield shade having a plurality of panels which jointly cover the extent of the windshield. Fastener strips are releasably joined along the joints between the adjacent panels so as to maintain the panels in place. First and second struts are pivotally attached to each upper panel and engage knobs on the lower panels so as to span the panels and provide rigidity thereto. The system further comprises a side window panel adapted to fit within the frame about a side window of a vehicle. The side window panel includes screened apertures therein and sub-panels which releasably cover such apertures. Removal of the sub-panels allows for passage of air through the screened apertures. A rear vent window shade fits within the rear vent window frame and includes a screen normally extending from the perimeter. Upon opening the rear vent window the screen bridges the gap between the open rear vent window and the vehicle to preclude passage of elements, e.g.

Abstract: A trolley unit for a conveyor system comprises first and second releasably engageable trolley half sections. First and second shafts extend from one of said trolley sections and through the other trolley section to provide a pivot axis for an end of upstream and downstream trolley connecting cables. A third shaft provides a support bar for a load attachment hanger. Upon releasable attachment of the trolley halves an integral trolley unit with central housing houses the pivot shafts with the cables extending therefrom. The integral trolley unit is easily dismantled allowing for easy maintenance. A turn sheave includes a cable seat and plurality of trolley seats which inhibit inward deflection of the seated cables and trolleys when the trolleys are moving about a corner of the conveyor system as defined by a change in a horizontal direction of the support rail.

Abstract: A vehicle warning device presents a visual display of unsafe inclinations of the vehicle. A bubble level has a map thereon which presents a plurality of safety vehicle inclinations within its confines. The appearance of a bubble level adjacent the map perimeter the map readily indicates to the vehicle occupant that an unsafe inclination of the vehicle is about to occur so that corrective action can be taken. The map is constructed to reflect various angles of inclination of a vehicle depending on the slope of the underlying vehicle support surface and the angle of approach/departure of the vehicle up or down the surface.

Abstract: A urine collection kit includes a flexible mounting strip positioned atop the toilet bowl rim for clamping thereto by the toilet seat. A plastic bag is attached to the mounting strip and depends into the toilet bowl upon strip clamping. Urine flow is directed towards a collection cup releasably seated within a port in the bottom of the bag. Adjacent the port are a plurality of slots and a second discharge port for passage of urine overflow therethrough to preclude urine back splash onto a seated patient. The second discharge port includes a tube depending below the cup to preclude urine flow thereon. The front portion of the bag includes additional slots allowing for a collapsed storage position.

Abstract: An improved breast implant prosthesis provides fastening components to anchor the implant to retroglandular or retromuscular tissue and secure the implant in place. Location markers are also provided to ensure correct orientation of the prosthesis during the augmentation mammaplasty procedure and provide postoperative orientation information without the use of invasive procedures.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder comprises a base for placement on a ground support surface and having an offset channel extending between first and second ends of the base. A first arm is pivotally mounted to the first end of the base between a first transport position within the channel and a second support position extending upwardly from the channel. A second arm is pivotally mounted to the second end of the base and is pivotal between a first transport position within the channel and a second support position extending upwardly from the channel. A cradle is attached to each of the first and second arms for supporting portions of the fishing rod when the first and second arms are in their second support positions. The offset base in the channel positions the first and second arms and cradles thereon in an over/under relationship within the confines of the base. Nubs within the base releasably engage notches in the cradles to maintain the arms at the transport and support positions.