Abstract: A tent frame device comprising a hub from which radiates a multiplicity of ribs when the device is in use. The hub is provided with a multiplicity of retaining portions which extend in a tangential direction and which are spaced apart around the hub. A multiplicity of abutment portions are positioned outwardly of the retaining portions respectively. Respective rib-end portions are provided with respective recesses which are open in an intended upward direction and which receive the retaining portions respectively when the device is in use. The undersides of the rib-end portions abut the abutment portions. The invention extends to a tent frame comprising such a hub device and a multiplicity of ribs which radiate from the hub when the device is in use. It also extends to a frame having ribs which can each be folded at one or more joints having engagement means which maintain the relative orientation of the different parts of the rib.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful process for the production of a molten metal by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell having an electrolysis compartment, a metal recovery compartment, and a partition separating upper parts of said compartments, said process comprising: electrolysing in said electrolysis compartment an electrolyte containing a fused salt of said metal said salt being of greater density than said metal; continuously withdrawing the product metal mixed with said electrolyte in a stream from said electrolysis compartment to a top part of said metal recovery compartment; allowing said metal to form in said metal recovery compartment a pad floating on said electrolyte; maintaining said pad out of contact with said partition; and recovering said pad.

Abstract: An instrument kit includes a photometric instrument and a standardizing ampoule. The standardizing ampoule includes a machine readable code that is recognized by the instrument when the ampoule is inserted to initiate a standardizing routine. An analysis kit includes an optical filter assembly and a sample ampoule to be used with the instrument. The filter assembly also includes a machine readable code that is detected by the instrument when inserted to identify the particular test to be conducted by the instrument. The instrument automatically applies the relationship between detected light and concentration of a substance for the particular test and displays the sample concentration in numeric digital form. The instrument operates automatically, and there are no buttons or other external input devices.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to holographically mark an object in a way that the mark cannot be removed, reproduced, or transferred covertly. The mark can be read from a distance so that the part can be verified as the one and only original. The mark is applied to an undulating or rough surface of the object. The method requires that a reference wave be reflected from the surface and holographically recorded. This wave is then regenerated so that it travels in the opposite direction. This regenerated wave is itself reflected from the surface to form a collimated reference wave which, together with an object wave, is used to form the holographic mark. The recorded image cannot be observed without the presence of the surface itself.

Abstract: A method for applying a decal or graphic design to a foam substrate is provided. A decal or graphic design comprising polyethylene is provided on a web of carrier paper that is collected on a spool. The web is drawn through a hot stamp press equipped with a crowned silicone head that is heated to about 375.degree. F. The head presses the web to the substrate with a pressure of about 20 psi and a dwell of about 7 seconds, after which the web is removed from the substrate and is automatically advanced to the proper position for the next decal or graphic design to be applied.

Abstract: A terminal assembly is provided which is easy to assemble and disassemble. The assembly features male and female ceramic elements that interconnect and provide a passageway into which a terminal equipped with forward and rearward tabs is placed. After the terminal is positioned in the passageway, the forward tabs may be bent into a position at an angle to the terminal, thereby securing the terminal in place and holding the terminal assembly together. The male ceramic element is provided with a unique annular depression that reduces the amount of ceramic materials needed to make the assembly, while also providing the minimum surface spacing required by industry standards. In addition, the terminal assembly is provided with a v-shaped attachment element for conveniently attaching the assembly to a lead wire.

Abstract: An improved aquatic sports board is provided. The rail of the board is equipped with a plurality of apertures which are arranged in a pattern along the length of the rail. The apertures serve to reduce the drag on the bodyboard as it moves through the water.

Abstract: Thermally insulating pipe lagging comprising a tube of compact and flexible elastomer type material designed to come into contact with the pipe to be insulated and shaped on its inside surface to have a helical groove which provides between its adjacent turns a coil filled with air or gas when the lagging is put into place so as to surround said pipe.

Abstract: A nozzle for application of an extrudable material to a substrate optically couples an electromagnetic beam to the extrudable material. The nozzle forms a flow channel with a window at one end. The extrudable material is admitted to the flow channel such that it flows across the bottom surface of the window and through the flow channel. The nozzle is removably held in a head to permit replacement of the nozzle when worn or for installation of a nozzle having different characteristics for a different application.

Abstract: An improved shelving assembly for transporting and displaying goods on a carrier incorporates a cylindrical shoe with a rounded top and a lower flange that compliments the shape of a series of posts set into the bed of the carrier. The posts set into the bed of the carrier are preferably arranged so that the shelving units tilt inward toward the center of the truck bed, thereby reducing the shifting and spillage of items placed on the units while at the same time shifting the weight of the load toward the center of the carrier bed.

Abstract: A continuous process for making moldable foam beads comprising a non-crosslinked or crosslinked thermoplastic polymer foam are produced by mixing a composition comprising a non-crosslinkable or crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic polymer with a crosslinking agent, additives to achieve specific properties, a blowing agent, extruding the admixture under pressure, crosslinking, when applicable, the admixture under pressure, modulating the admixtures temperature to achieve the desired foaming properties, and then expanding the admixture in a zone of lower pressure to form a foam bead that can be molded.

Abstract: An improved conveyor track system is provided wherein the track segments are provided with longitudinal channels of T-shaped cross-section which are offset from the centerline of the track and which accept rectangular splice bars that are used to secure the track segments together. The system is provided with a series of yokes which are connected to the track segments by means of bolts and rectangular connectors disposed in the longitudinal channels of the track segments, and whose position on the track segments is adjustable in both a horizontal and vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the attitude of a mattress includes base elements for engaging the ledge of the side rails of a bed frame. A support bar extends between the base elements for supporting a box spring. The attitude of the mattress may be adjusted by moving the apparatus along the side rails.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a lightly crosslinked polyolefin foam and articles made therefrom is disclosed. According to the method, a polyolefin resin is lightly crosslinked, mixed with a blowing agent, forwarded as a molten gel admixture through an extruder, cooled, and expelled from a die into a zone of lower pressure, e.g., the atmosphere or a controlled pressure zone, to produce a uniform fine celled expanded shape.

Abstract: A saddle pad for use on horses or other animals which provides a stable and secure buffer between the animal and a saddle or harness. The pad of the present invention avoids the slippage and play (movement) associated with ordinary saddle pads by providing a layered saddle pad, the lowest layer of which is made of an open-celled foam from which the bottom surface skin has been stripped off. The open cells of the stripped foam come into direct contact with the back of the animal and act as miniature suction cups over the entire bottom of the pad providing good adhesion and preventing the pad (and hence, any saddle mounted on it) from slipping around while in use.

Abstract: A system for the storage of early baggage includes a storage conveyor with multiple tray carriers for receiving early bags from the baggage handling system, for example, of an airport and for discharging early bags onto the baggage handling system. The storage conveyor is arranged in a serpentine fashion for efficient use of horizontal space and includes evenly spaced entry and discharge stations. The system can deliver bags to the baggage handling system in a selected period of time to account for changes in flight departure times or changes in a passenger's travel plans.