Abstract: The present invention relates to new and unique designs that improve and enhance the section properties of load bearing structural members, which have particular, but not exclusive, application in connection with aluminum extrusions for use in screened pool, patio and porch enclosures. The invention utilizes one or more reinforcing inserts or slats which attach to a structural member such as a hollow extruded beam to increase the effective wall thickness of the beam in the area where the slat is applied.

Abstract: A method of producing and using a solution, and the solution itself, for extending the shelf life of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables after they are harvested which includes the steps of extracting juice from the flowers, flowering plant parts, fruits or vegetables, filtering the juice, disintegrating the parts from which the juice is extracted, extracting an enzyme or enzymes from the parts using a solvent without the denaturing the enzymes, removing the parts and mixing the remaining ingredients with the extracted juice.

Abstract: A process for preparing a consumable beverage containing a natural dairy beverage additive in the form of agglomerated natural milk powder. The powder is combined with other ingredients, either prior to being placed in the vending machine or upon demand within the vending machine, for the subsequent creation of a consumable beverage which includes the natural dairy beverage additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved electrical power strip which will automatically energize and de-energize one or more devices which are plugged into the strip, upon receiving an electrical signal from the primary device, without the need for manual actuation of a switch on the electrical strip or an under monitor system by the user. This system senses the primary status of the power supply through a low voltage power tap connector which is plugged in any appropriate socket of the primary device (which may be a personal computer). The output signal triggers a synchronous transfer switch or relay which enables power to secondary devices (which may be a monitor, printer, scanner, sub woofer, modem, etc.), permitting them to be synchronously turned on or off depending on the computer system status (ON or OFF).

Abstract: The invention is a small, portable illumination device which is used to illuminate reading material or other material. The device contains a clip which a user can employ to attach the device to a book or other reading material. The clip holds the illuminating device in place relative to the material. The device uses either battery or alternating current as power and can be switched from one to the other by insertion or removal of a male plug of a 120V AC/DC adapter into or from a jack in the device. The device can be turned on or shut off when a user switches the ON-OFF switch. In addition, there is a countdown timer which the user can set to a desired number of minutes. Once the countdown timer starts, the device will illuminate the material for the number of minutes to which the user set the countdown timer. When the countdown timer reaches zero, the device shuts off automatically. A buzzer sounds when the countdown timer reaches two minutes.

Abstract: A projection screen comprising; a substrate having a generally flat forward surface; a diffusion layer formed of a plurality of generally equally spaced apart concave features forming micro lenses; a layer of reflective material deposited on a rearward facing surface of the diffusion layer; the diffusion layer laminated to the forward facing surface of the substrate so that the layer of reflective material is sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A self-draining, valve for fluid flow control. Upon removal of fluid supply pressure from the valve, the valve automatically reverts to a partially open state allowing fluid in the valve to drain. The disclosed valve is particularly useful in applications where draining of fluids with bio-matter or other contaminants is desired after removal of supply pressure in order to reduce contamination buildup and/or permit thorough cleaning.

Abstract: A sailboat sail and method of manufacture thereof, the sail material being chosen from a group of materials which lay substantially flat at all points when laid against a planar surface but which stretch under wind loading when attached to a sailboat to assume the conventional airfoil shape desirable of a sail. The sail has informational content such as advertising (eg: product photographs and logos) or other messages printed on or otherwise imparted thereto. One method of providing such a sail includes the steps of providing a flat sheet of stretchable material having physical properties capable of withstanding conventional wind load-induced forces in near-shore sailing conditions, printing on one or both sides of the sheet information content to be displayed while the sail is mounted upon a sailboat, and cutting the sheet into the shape of a sail. The steps of printing and cutting may be transposed.