Abstract: A substantially closed baffle construction, filled thermal article comprises at least one baffle made with overlapping ribbons. A first ribbon is not attached to the inner surface of the lower layer in the overlapping portion and a second ribbon is not attached at the inner surface of the upper layer in the overlapping portion. The baffles are attached to either vertical channel baffles or to the sides of the article. This provides a self-closing gate that permits fill material to be placed within the baffle but does not allow it to migrate after the baffle portion is filled. The article of the present invention can be machine-washed.

Abstract: A replaceable blade skate comprises inexpensive, light, easily changed blades adapted to fit to multiple rocker curvatures. A torque limiting device provides for easy replacement and adjustment of blades by consumers. Replaceable toe and heel caps provide protection and color-coding. The sometimes undesirable gap between the boot and blade portion of the skate can be eliminated with the construction of the skate of the invention.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for monitoring and motivating user compliance for orthodontic headgear (24) of the type using a linear spring force module (22). The spring force module (22) includes first (38) and second opposite attachment members that are interconnected to provide spring tension when moved linearly apart. A position sensor (16)(18)(19) detects liner movement between the attachment members. A microprocessor (12) receives signals from the position sensor to determine wear duration, force magnitude, and whether such movement is sufficiently variable to be biological in origin or is attempted mimicry. Multiple determinations made by the processor are recorded over time to provide an evaluation of headgear wear compliance and to provide ongoing motivation for user compliance.

Abstract: An improved adjustable weightlifting apparatus is provided. The weightlifting apparatus includes a central frame portion that further includes first and second elongated supports. Additionally, the weightlifting apparatus includes one or more elongated handles. In addition, each handle includes a gripping portion and a connecting end that attaches to a corresponding end of one of the elongated supports of the central frame. The weightlifting apparatus further includes an elongated weight support bar that is attached to the lower ends of the first and second supports of the central frame. Weights may be retained by a sliding collar or similar means on the elongated handles, the weight support bar, or both as desired by the user and depending on the exercise chosen. In one preferred embodiment, each connecting end of the handles is pivotally attached to a corresponding top end of one of the supports of the central frame by a pivotable union.

Abstract: A cervical brace has a cervical anterior base (16) with an anterior distal neck-chin plate (1, 27) and a posterior-distal neck-chin plate (9, 28) that are extended over designedly wide areas of a user's shoulders (22) and joined together to provide broad-base support for an anterior-proximal neck-chin plate (2) and an inclined posterior-proximal neck-chin plate (10) with which cervical vertebrae (25) are held desirably in place from the cervical anterior base. A rigid thoracic bar (5) is extended adjustably upward from a chest plate (6) that is strapped to the user. Designedly cushioned and washable pads (3, 4, 7, 11, 12) are detachably fastened to the neck-chin plates and the chest plate. A selectively neck supporting method employs an incline action against a reciprocally inclined back of a person's head by forcing a front portion and a rear portion of the cervical anterior base together to provide a highly weight-supportive base on a broad portion of the person's shoulder area simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing bottom dross from molten zinc contained in a coating pot includes a pump, a traversing carriage for positioning the inlet of the pump in a desired horizontal location and a slide mechanism for positioning the inlet of the pump in a desired vertical location. The pump is moved in horizontal and vertical direction to remove the accumulated bottom dross. The bottom dross contained in molten zinc is pumped into a V-shaped channel and allowed to flow into either a removable basket or into a pre-melt pot. The pump of the present invention is a pedestal, centrifugal graphite pump powered by an air motor. The pump has a housing enclosing an impeller. The distance between the impeller and the inner wall of the housing is sufficiently large to avoid plugging by the bottom dross but sufficiently small to permit pumping.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lanthocin-containing tablet formulations for oral administration. The inventive formulations afford delivery of the lanthocin to the colon in amounts sufficient to treat diseases brought on by bacterial infection of the colon. Also provided is a process for preparation of the formulations.

Abstract: An improved laboratory instrument emulation network system is provided having instrument emulation stations and an instrument emulation network controller in which the emulation network system allows communication between the network controller and each instrument emulation station along a bi-directional, high-speed serial data communications network. The network system allows users at each emulation station to configure the station so as to emulate a certain instrument, i.e., voltmeter, pH meter, temperature meter, etc. The system performs real-time acquisition of raw data at each emulation station, transmits the raw data to the network controller in near-real time where it is converted into engineering units (e.g., volts, units of pH, degrees Celsius), then returns the converted data to the respective station and displays the data in either graphical or numerical format (or both), as the user selects. The converted data can also be transmitted to other emulation stations, if desired.

Abstract: A combination acoustic mode and electronic mode grand piano is provided including a hammer shank stop rail that intercepts the hammer shank when operating in its electronic mode, so that the hammer cannot complete its normal travel to strike its corresponding string(s) when its key is actuated. The positioning of the hammer shank stop rail is actuated by a user-operated control that, when placed into the "acoustic" mode, raises the hammer shank stop rail to a non-engaged position that does not interfere with the normal movements of the hammer shank. When in the "electronic" mode, the control lowers the hammer shank stop rail into an engaged position where it intercepts the hammer shanks of the piano, thereby preventing each hammer head from striking its respective string(s).

Abstract: A converter for providing an electrical signal according to the status of a light spot applied thereto, comprises: a sensor for sensing the light spot and generating a position current according to the position of the light spot sensed thereat; and an operating circuit for providing the sensor with an operating current when the light spot is sensed by the sensor and for outputting a status current corresponding to the operating current. The sensor comprises two electrodes each providing a current with magnitude determined according to the distance between it and the position of the light spot sensed thereat. The position current is obtained by subtracting the first electrode current from the second electrode current.

Abstract: An Objects Evaluation Matrix.TM. is provided which links together "objects" (i.e., areas in computer memory that serve as basic structural units of analysis) to create a complete (or partial) application program. A person can use a computer to graphically place objects into the Object Evaluation Matrix with automatic, semi-automatic, or manual connections among objects. It combines worksheet techniques with object programming techniques and with process control techniques, and creates the links between objects, object properties, and cell properties and presents all pertinent information in a special graphical representation. The main benefit is that very sophisticated process control applications can be created utilizing "drag and drop" techniques which use predefined or custom objects (typically Dynamically Linked Libraries) without any need for recompiling and/or coding.

Abstract: A candle embedded with metal particulates is provided that includes a candle body, one or more wick wells, and one or more wicks. The candle body is formed of a moldable and combustible material, such as paraffin or wax. Additionally, the candle body includes a plurality of metal particulates disposed within the moldable and combustible material. Each wick is disposed within a wick well which is essentially a region of moldable and combustible material that is devoid of metal particulates so as to promote more uniform burning of the candle. Preferably, the metal particulates are aluminum wedge shaped flakes. The function of the metal particulates is threefold: 1) they maintain the shape and size of the candle throughout its burn life; 2) they conduct heat from the flame throughout the candle body to permit melting and flowing of liquid wax throughout the candle body to the wicks; and 3) they reflect the candle flame light from the top surface of the candle.

Abstract: Envelopes for certified mail each comprising a panel and a flap constituting an integral, one-piece assembly of thin card stock with a fold line between the panel and the flap. When the panel of the panel and flap assembly comprises the rear panel of an envelope a removable return receipt card is formed therein by lines of perforations and is preprinted on both sides. A Certified Mail endorsement and a return receipt request are preprinted on the flap. A paper front panel is adhered to the inside surface of the rear panel. When the panel of the panel and flap assembly comprises the front panel of an envelope a removable return receipt card is formed in the flap by lines of perforations and is preprinted on both sides. A Certified Mail endorsement and return receipt request are preprinted on the front panel. A paper rear panel is adhered to the inside surface of the front panel. In both embodiments, the envelopes may be assembled individually or in the form of a continuous strip thereof.

Abstract: A ripening room is disclosed for ripening perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables, and more particularly bananas, in which the air flow and temperature are closely controlled by the room construction and by a cooling control system that achieves uniform ripening of the fruit regardless of the physical location of the fruit within the room. These desired results are accomplished using a minimum quantity of energy and cooling capacity by use of an improved cooling controller that gradually changes the temperature setpoint over time to allow the cooling (refrigeration) system to operate near its full capacity without any periods of intense cooling (due to sudden changes of the temperature setpoint, as in the prior art). The uniform ripening is also achieved by an improved air distribution system that provides a greater back pressure in portions of a ripening room that, in conventional designs, receives far too much air flow.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting comprising a test closure plug for the free end of a trap bushing mounted in the center port of a T-fitting constituting a part of a soil pipe and vent pipe assembly of a plumbing system the free end of the trap bushing is provided with an adapter having an adapter nut and washer. The washer is removed and the plug is inserted in the adapter opening. The plug is configured to close the adapter opening and make a seal therewith when held in place by the adapter nut. The plug enables pressure testing of the plumbing system or the maintenance of a head of water therein. Upon installation of a fixture with a trap, the nut is removed, the plug is removed, the adapter nut and washer are then used in common trade fashion to connect the trap to the trap bushing in fluid-tight fashion by way of a slip joint. The plug can be reused.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for measuring selective tissue conductance and temperature is described which can be used to assess pain, abnormal sensation or sympathetic dysfunction in a human being or animal. Two spaced-apart electrodes are mounted together for measuring conductance of tissue over a selected region. A temperature sensor is positioned adjacent the electrodes for measuring tissue temperature in the selected region. A circuit is provided for indicating measured temperature and conductance to a user for localizing a region of sympathetic nerve dysfunction. In preferred form, the device indicates measured temperature and conductance visually and/or audibly by utilizing a measurement of both selective tissue conductance and temperature together. A more specific and useful diagnosis of sympathetic nerve dysfunction may be made than through the use of sensing either conductance or temperature separately.

Abstract: The charge on a capacitor is supplied by a manual generator in a self-powered lock. The capacitor retains a reduced level charge after completion of the operation of the electronic lock controls that may serve as a capacitor pre-charge. The pre-charge reduces the amount of manual input to the generator required. The drain of the electronic control circuitry on the capacitor is disconnected responsive to a microprocessor command at the completion of microprocessor operations. The disconnection may occur at a higher level of charge voltage on the capacitor when the control is from the microprocessor without having to wait for charge decay to reach a disconnect or power down level based on charge voltage level.

Abstract: An electronic lock is provided with an emergency technique by which the lock may be possibly opened in the event that the electronic memory used to store the authorized combinations for operation in unlocking of the lock becomes corrupted, damaged or is unable to provide a valid read of storage locations containing combinations. Upon the determination that an invalid read has occurred and that the invalid read has been verified for at least a plurality of additional read cycles, the lock is conditioned to accept an otherwise inoperable master combination for purposes of opening the lock. Under the prescribed conditions, the master combination is capable of opening the lock and providing access to the interior of the container carrying the lock, thus permitting either replacement or repair of the lock and also simultaneously eliminating the need for drilling or other destructive access to the interior of the container.