Abstract: An electric grill which vaporizes grease and juices and sears the food being cooked. The grill has two sets of heating elements, one located directly beneath the cooking surface and the second located proximate a smoker box. The grease and juices fall from the food located on the cooking surface onto the bottom of the grill which channels the grease and juices into the smoker box. The bottom of the grill also functions as a reflector plate to redirect heat towards the cooking surface. The grease, juices, and, optionally, wood chips may vaporized and smoked by the heating element located proximate the smoker box. A printed circuit board regulates the current passing through the heating elements.

Abstract: A method for processing digitized ultrasonic signals originating from an ultrasonic probe for the storage and later reconstruction of the ultrasonic signals from the stored data. Each half-wave from the digitized data is stored as the maximum amplitude, polarity sign, and location on the time axis of the wave. Reconstruction of the signal from the stored data is effected by constructing a series of 180.degree. cosine curves from the stored data and connecting each successive cosine curve with the previous cosine curve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining caloric expenditure of a subject. The apparatus includes a modified heat flow sensor having an overlay and/or conductive layer for measuring the evaporative heat loss component, in addition to substantially total heat loss, for the subject.

Abstract: Components for assembling furniture, particularly wrought iron tables. The components include a structure for attaching furniture legs to the main body of the furniture, an apparatus for affixing a glass or other insert into a furniture top, and a member for reducing noise caused by flexing in the furniture top, or in the case of an insert, a member for cushioning and supporting the insert.

Abstract: An indicator for a gauge, such as a floor scale. The indicator includes a semi-circular dial and a two-pronged needle indicator that is free to rotate 360.degree. within the gauge with only one of the two prongs being used at a time.

Abstract: A flexible, electric heating pad having a self-limiting heating element is provided. The heating element includes a pair of relatively spaced conductors surrounded by a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material. A layer of electrically insulating material surrounds the PTC material. The PTC material includes a polyolefin resin having a relatively low flexural modulus. The heating element is disposed in a generally serpentine configuration within passages formed in the covering material of the heating pad. The passages are formed by joining together layers of covering material using ultrasonic welding or other suitable ways. The temperature of the heating element is controlled using controller circuit which utilizes a solid state timed interval control circuit. A safety circuit is provided for non-resettably disconnecting electrical power from the heating element if short or open circuit conditions occur therein.

Abstract: Patio furniture, for indoor or outdoor use, is formed by frame members made of aluminum tubular extrusions or similar materials. A plurality of straps or a one piece panel with several straps forms a seat and a back for the furniture. Each end of the strap is self-locked into a slot in the frame members. The locking element is either a shear formed tab which slides into the slot of the frame members and which is an integral part of the tang of each strap, or the locking element is an external fastener, such as a canoe clip, a screw, or a Christmas tree clip which is inserted through the end of the strap and into circular holes in the frame members.

Abstract: An improved crank handle assembly for a shade umbrella suitable for patio or beach use, which has a bolt and a crank formed as a unitary member where the head of the bolt is insert molded into the hub of the crank in its manufacture. An annular spacer is mounted on each end of the bolt. An end of the bolt has a reduced threaded portion, which receives a washer and a nut, and the main body of the bolt forms a shoulder adjacent to the threaded portion. The washer abuts against the shoulder and one of the spacers at one end of the bolt. Tightening of the nut causes the washer to bottom out against the shoulder, and the annular spacers to abut against the umbrella pole applying a predetermined amount of compressive force to the crank handle assembly and the umbrella pole.