Abstract: A variable flow sprinkler head having an inlet, an outlet and a nozzle, the nozzle having an orifice therein, the cross sectional area of the orifice being changeable by alternately inserting or removing a needle into the sprinkler head nozzle orifice. The needle diameter is sized to provide a predetermined flow rate reduction when the needle is inserted into the nozzle orifice. When the needle is removed full flow occurs. When the needle is inserted into the center of the nozzle orifice, the cross sectional area is effectively reduced by an amount equal to the cross sectional area of the needle. A linear actuator for the needle is centered above the outlet. The linear actuator may be either an electric solenoid or a hydraulic actuator. Alternatively, the linear actuator may provide a mechanism to allow the sprinkler to be operated between either of two preselected flow rates or in the alternative to be shut off completely.

Abstract: An illumination subsystem which is used in conjunction with a mechanical vision system and which has a plurality of intensity adjustable monochromatic light sources, at least two of which are of different wavelength illumination. An oblique illumination assembly is positioned off to the side of the video camera and is pointed at the subject to be viewed. A direct illumination assembly is positioned within the light path of the lens of the camera to facilitate direct illumination of the subject. The intensity of the emitters as well as there colors can be adjusted to provided optimum recognition for the mechanical vision system.

Abstract: A pivotal mounting bracket for positioning overhanging components includes a positive registration mechanism which ensures that the component is exactly positioned upon return to its working position after being pivoted to allow access to an underlying component. The registration system uses a spring to bias the base of the pivoting bracket into a conformantly shaped receiving recess in the main bracket base. The shape of the base of the pivotal bracket and the receiving recess in the main bracket base is selected to provide only a single position within a given range of possible positions in which the geometry's of the base of the pivotal bracket exactly line up with the geometry's of the main base bracket receiving recess.

Abstract: A fireplace wood holder which holds firewood in a vertical position so that the firewood's fibers and water-conducting channels are oriented substantially up and down to allow more complete burning and combustion, and therefore more efficient heat and mass transfer and subsequently a more efficient combustion of the wood. Additionally, the wood holder can be tilted into a filling position to provide a convenient method of adding fuel to the fire.

Abstract: A kick boat having: an integral frame and seat member which functions to comfortably support a user on a pair of inflatable pontoons; a pair of rigid wings attached to sides of the integral frame and seat member, where the wings include a concave lower surface having a radius approximately equal to the radius of the pontoons; the pair of pontoons, each being removeably attachable to the concave surface of one of the wings; and a backrest.

Abstract: A shield (50) for use in wave soldering processes to selectively affix solder to an area of circuit board (20), having one or more electronic components (21) on the solder side of the board, is disclosed. Shield (50) includes a generally planar base member (51) of low thermal conductivity which forms the foundation of shield (50). Marginally disposed registration ridges (54) are formed on the upper surface (52). Registration ridges (54) serve to hold circuit board (20) against shield (50) in a fixed position. Ridges (54) are positioned to closely receive the peripheral edges of circuit board (20). One or more solder flow openings (56) are formed through base member (51) extending from upper side (52) to lower side (53). Solder flow openings (56) are positioned to align with the selected areas of circuit board (20) to which solder is to be affixed. One or more recesses (55) are provided in the upper surface (52) of base member (51) to receive and shield electronic components (21).

Abstract: A dual composition bed liner (10) is disclosed which includes a unitary side, front wall member (11) and bottom bed panel (61) formed of a resilient plastic, such as polyethylene, and which has a rubber bed mat (18) held within a mat receiving recess in bed panel (61).

Abstract: An rotating air fireplace comprising a pedestal section, a fire enclosure, a truncated conical hood, and an adjustable baffle assembly. Adjusting the position of the baffle alters the inlet and outlet annular vortex and the size and intensity of the fire. Air is drawn into the fire chamber through an air inlet means located along the top end of the cylindrical fire enclosure. An air directing means is aligned with the air inlet means to impart a downward tangential flow through the fire enclosure that keeps the glass fire enclosure cool and clean. A free standing wood holding means rests on the pedestal section and is centered within the fire enclosure.

Abstract: A bee nest made from a plurality of bee board laminates held in close side by side relation by a permanent, flexible and lightproof backing material. The nest includes a mechanism for releasably opening and closing the nest at the front edges of the laminates.

Abstract: A shield (50) for use in wave soldering processes to selectively affix solder to an area of circuit board (20), having one or more electronic components (21) on the solder side of the board, is disclosed. Shield (50) includes a generally planar base member (51) of low thermal conductivity which forms the foundation of shield (50). Marginally disposed registration ridges (54) are formed on the upper surface (52). Registration ridges (54) serve to hold circuit board (20) against shield (50) in a fixed position. Ridges (54) are positioned to closely receive the peripheral edges of circuit board (20). One or more solder flow openings (56) are formed through base member (51) extending from upper side (52) to lower side (53). Solder flow openings (56) are positioned to align with the selected areas of circuit board (20) to which solder is to be affixed. One or more recesses (55) are provided in the upper surface (52) of base member (51) to receive and shield electronic components (21).

Abstract: A multi-purpose fencing tool which includes an elongated member (2) having a slidably adjustable flange (3) which may be positioned and fixed along the length of elongated member (2). Elongated member (2) includes one end having a point extending therefrom for engaging a link on a chain and the other end presents a flattened surface for tamping. Elongated member (2) also includes a plurality of holes along its length so that slidably adjustable flange (3) may be positioned along the length of elongated member (2) and fixed in its location. The tool may serve as a post puller, as an implement for tamping and compacting fill around a newly installed fence post, as an implement for assisting the fence builder in easily pulling fencing wire from a spool and as an implement for tensioning fencing wire prior to securing the wire to the post.

Abstract: An expandable keyboard with three degrees of freedom in the translation assembly which allows the lower keyboard section to move: forward, the second degree of freedom; up, the third degree of freedom; and out, the first degree of freedom, to expand the keyboard. In the collapsed position, the lower keyboard section rests below a fixed wrist support which forms a portion of the housing for the device.

Abstract: A prefinished corner bead for application to finished interior walls, which may be utilized on either inside corners or outside corners, and which may take on any number of different configurations, any of which would provide a recessed face which is configured to accept a variety of decorative or ornamental finish trims. The prefinished corner bead is manufactured in such a manner that an expansion joint is provided which helps eliminate cracking and displacement of finished wall surfaces due to the expansion and contraction of structural surfaces.

Abstract: A musical article of furniture, here jewelry armoire (10') which includes a pivotal lid (38') for activating and deactivating a musical movement (19). Mechanical spring wound musical movement (19) is attached to a supporting surface (14') which in turn is attached to lid (38'). Musical movement (19) includes a rotating shaft, also serving as the winding shaft (21), protruding through a top surface of supporting surface (14'). An ornament (34) is affixed to the shaft and the shaft is decoratively finished. Musical movement (19) is provided with a stop-and-start mechanism which includes a control arm (22') being positioned and configured to interfere with the back of housing (39') such that the mechanism will be activated when lid (38') is opened and will shut off when the lid is closed.