Abstract: A gripper mechanism having at least one pair of opposing and co-acting gripper fingers that can be actuated to move from a non-gripping to a gripping position and vice versa upon application of a control signal to the gripper and the subsequent motion of the gripper actuator being applied to move the gripper fingers. The gripper provides an assembly to adjust the spacing between each of the pairs of opposing and co-acting gripper fingers, thus providing an adjustability feature to the gripper permitting thereby the ability of the gripper to grip parts of different sizes and of irregular geometries. One or more grippers as previously described may be incorporated with a material-handling apparatus having controls, power sources, platforms and other features appropriate to handle, orient, operate on, move and otherwise process parts in any fashion, where the gripper provides the apparatus with the adjustability to grip, hold, handle, orient and move parts of different sizes.

Abstract: An improved wood splitting maul wherein the striking edge is at an improved angle and the head unit has a substantially flat outward surface substantially perpendicular to a handle when the handle is assembled to the head unit. The improved angle makes the maul easier to use, more efficient, and provides less shock to a user's body. The improved angle is defined by a straight line essentially running along the length of the splitting edge (or hammer face) to a point at a pivot point defined between about the bottom end of the handle where the maul is grasped while in use and the approximate location of the elbow of the user of the maul and a line along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The exact degree or the absolute optimum value of the angle is a function of the handle length, the distance of the splitting edge (or hammer face) from the handle axis and the size of the user of the maul.

Abstract: A building system using prefabricated building panels preferably with a foam core and the fastening components and raceway components used therewith which may be substantially incorporated during prefabrication. An improved method for the assembling of a building or structure which building preferably uses foam core structural wall, floor, ceiling and roof panels. Locking mechanisms are used and integrated with a raceway system. The raceway system is comprised of components which are used in conjunction with the locking mechanisms to form utility carrying raceways and to securely connect wall panels together in edge-to-edge relationship to form walls including structural walls and curtain walls, roof panels to form the roof and to connect the wall panels and roof panels together to result in a complete structure. The raceway system is preferably included and integral with the locking mechanisms of the building system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging either a a shallow grit tank or a settling tank with waste water by means of a horizontal feed line and a horizontal drain line using the Coanda Effect. The waste water is pressured through a gap which directs the waste water stream onto a curved surface. Due to the Coanda Effect, the direction of the waste water is changed from downward when used in a shallow grit tank or changed from upward when used in a settling tank, to a substantially horizontal direction. The mineral constituents and the organic constituents of the waste water are consequently separated.

Abstract: A cleaning tool having a basic body which exhibits a handle and a holding device for the reception of a liquid-absorbing element for moistening an object to be wiped, most particularly a flat surface. The cleaning tool also has a mounting for a scraping element for sweeping the object in order to dry it, wherein the holding device is disposed between the mounting and the handle in such a way that, by changing the inclination of the basic body relative to the object, the latter can either be moistened or the moisture upon the object can be stripped off by the cleaning tool, and in a sweeping setting of the cleaning tool, the swept-off moisture being able to be absorbed by the liquid-absorbing element. The basic body may be pivotable relative to the handle from a first spring-loaded position into a second spring-loaded position. The scraping element may have two rubber lips. A wiping cloth, preferably having a cross section which is V-shaped, may be held by the holding device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a board game for two to four players relating to highway construction, the object of which is to be first to complete the sequence of operations of a highway construction project. An inner track on the game board depicts the operations of the construction project which must be completed in sequence by purchasing the necessary equipment for each operation. Completion of an operation earns a monetary draw from the bank and advancement to the next operation. An outer track and a random number selector provide random opportunities to purchase necessary equipment interdispersed with random mandatory supplemental instructions which may benefit or penalize the player. Players may sell or auction off used or surplus equipment. The game may include supplemental educational components.

Abstract: A plaque or medallion marker which is serially stackable and rotatably mountable onto a stake, rod or post for insertion into the ground or other base material. A second medallion and subsequently additional medallions may be stackably mounted onto stacking rods. The additional medallions may stackably mount at angles such as 30.degree., 45.degree., 60.degree. etc. from the vertical direction as measured from the top of the medallion. The medallion/markers may be used typically at grave sites or may be used to identify any region or site. The material is of such composition and finish so as to withstand weathering and to substantially retain the original aesthetic. More particularly the medallion is circular with defined regions or zones. There is an innermost zone representing the existence within the individual of the most fundamental interests of the individual during his/her lifetime and in which there may be placed appropriate indicia signifying such values and interests.

Abstract: A room temperature vulcanized silicone pad which is used in pad transfer printing on contact lenses with a special opaque ink which has been approved by the FDA and which results in a longer life span, better print quality, improved adhesion of the ink, more resistance to swelling from the ink, and is cheaper to manufacture. The silicone pad is manufactured from Dow Corning.RTM. HS III base resin, Dow Corning.RTM. HS III colored catalyst, Loctite.RTM. (Visilox.RTM.) V-50 silicone oil, and Loctite.RTM. (Visilox.RTM.) Vi-cure #2 stannous-tin-octuate in the approximate ratios of 100:10:17.5:0.1 at room temperature and then added to a suitable base for later attachment to a pad transfer printing machine.

Abstract: An improved versatile measuring device for measuring linear, and angular dimensions and defining relative positional parameters or coordinates between a plurality of lines, points, or surfaces on a plane and for determining and duplicating line lengths and relative angular positions of any number of lines, points or surfaces. The measuring device has protractor members each of which is rotatably and clampably attached to a connecting member which itself is linearly extendible and may also be altered to have a pivoting point about which a main arm and an extendible arm of the connecting member are pivotal and clampable with respect to each other. Each of the protractor ends also has an edge-guide slot substantially parallel to a scribe edge. Slideably mountable onto each of the edge-guide slots is at least one edge-guide pin each of which is positionally adjustable and securable within an edge-guide slot.

Abstract: This invention most generally relates to a method of and a device/apparatus for use in precipitating out suspended solids, particularly those found in septic tanks, and having the particular objectives, features and advantages of: 1) Special formed collection and support structure which will not restrict or inhibit the flow-through of liquid in a septic tank; 2) Liquid flow directing devices causing undulating and directed liquid flow; 3) Compatibility with existing septic tanks; 4) Collection panels with collection surfaces with-current and counter current to liquid flow within the tank and permitting cross current flow-through of the panels; 5) Special structure adaptable to be easily removed and cleaned. Even more particularly, the invention is directed to a septic tank maze apparatus comprising means for causing the incoming liquid having the suspended materials suspended therein to flow in an undulating path in a direction substantially parallel to collection surfaces of collection panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning textiles by means of FCHC-free solvents on a benzine basis, comprising a cleaning machine, distillation section, recovery section and drier, and is characterized by a means for injecting protective gas into the drier.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for central charging of circular tanks with sewage water by means of a vertical pipe and is distinguished by a centrally inserted horizontal circular control disc in the region of the transition from the vertical pipe to a smoothly continuously adjoining bell shaped component or body widening smoothly from a smaller diameter to a larger diameter and having a surface configuration substantially similar to the bell end of a trumpet or similar type of horn. The bell shaped component is attached or connected at the smaller diameter end to an end of the vertical pipe which end is configured to mate with the smaller diameter end of the bell shaped component. The outer periphery of the control disc and the inner surface of the vertical pipe, in the transition region defined to be the region where the bell shaped component connects with an end of the vertical pipe, forms an annular gap.

Abstract: An improved wood splitting maul wherein the striking edge is at an improved angle. The improved angle makes the maul easier to use, more efficient, and provides less shock to a user's body. The improved angle is defined by a straight line essentially running along the length of the splitting edge (or hammer face) to a point at a pivot point defined between about the bottom end of the handle where the maul is grasped while in use and the approximate location of the elbow of the user of the maul and a line along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The exact degree or the absolute optimum value of the angle is a function of the handle length, the distance of the splitting edge (or hammer face) from the handle axis and the size of the user of the maul. The efficiency is improved to such a degree that a handle of only 28 inches in length provides improved performance in the manual splitting of wood.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered panel, sometimes referred to as a stress skin panel, has a highly insulative multi-layered core located adjacent to one skin or alternatively located between two skins bonded to or otherwise rigidly affixed to the two outside surfaces of the core. The core of the multi-layered panel has a plurality of core layers which may be of the same or of different foam plastic materials. The layers of the core located adjacent to the panel skins provide a thermal barrier for the middle or second core layer which middle layer may be of a thermoplastic such as styrofoam and also may provide the means for bonding or securely affixing the panel skins to the surface of the multi-layered core. Borate, which is typically in the form of a powder (a borate compound used has been TIM-BOR.RTM. a product manufactured by U.S. Borax Corporation), may be incorporated, or encapsulated into selected layers or all of the layers of the panel core. Borates in the form of borate compounds similar to TIM-BOR.RTM.

Abstract: An improved portable mobile toy having at least one element attached to and suspended from an umbrella structure with an improved support system to which the umbrella structure is rotatably attached. The improvement comprises a clamping assembly which is adaptable and adjustable for attaching to a variety of fixtures such as chairs, tables, car windows, as well as to cribs and playpens. The support system includes a pair of beams which are connected to the clamping assembly. The beams are so connected to permit rotation and pivoting about the clamping assembly. The two beams are rotatable relative to each other and when in the selected relative position they are clamped so that they do not then move relative to each other. One of the pair of beams may be lengthwise adjustable and may be used by itself; that is, one end attaches to the umbrella portion and the other end to the clamping assembly.

Abstract: A multi-activity complex incorporates a plurality of activity floors, each of which has an associated playing surface and is selectively movable between a storage position, located below an event staging or activity area, and an in-use position located in the activity area. A system is provided for alternatively shifting the activity floors between the respective storage and in-use positions. The shifting system includes a lift assembly for vertically moving the activity floors into and out of the activity area and a second mechanism for laterally shifting the activity floors to and from a respective storage area disposed below and laterally outwardly of the activity area.

Abstract: An improved chain guide pulley or derailleur pulley for use with a bicycle rear derailleur system. The chain guide pulley has a guide sprocket portion and a bearing portion. The sprocket portion has, on a circular outer periphery, a plurality of teeth cut thereon. The teeth have dimensions so as to engage an endless drive chain and a cylindrical shaped inner peripheral surface defining thereby a bearing aperture. The bearing is dimensioned to be in an interfitting relationship with the guide sprocket and be attachable to the bicycle rear derailleur system. The teeth thickness dimension is not more than about three-fourths of a minimum distance between opposed pairs of roller link plates of the drive chain such that a less accurate alignment of the chain guide pulley with any one of the rear sprockets is required to effectively cause the drive chain to shift from any one of the sprockets to any other sprocket of the rear sprocket cluster.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making expanded foodstuffs which are extruded and cut, reduced pressure being applied at the nozzle outlet, said method being distinguished in that the cutting blades are set in such a manner that the surface of the cutting blades is configured in the manner of a ship's screw for generating reduced pressure at the point at which the extrudate emerges from the nozzle.

Abstract: A multi-activity complex incorporates a plurality of activity floors, each of which has an associated playing surface and is selectively movable between a storage position, located below an event staging or activity area, and an in-use position located in the activity area. A system is provided for alternatively shifting the activity floors between the respective storage and in-use positions. The shifting system includes a lift assembly for vertically moving the activity floors into and out of the activity area and a second mechanism for laterally shifting the activity floors to and from a respective storage area disposed below and laterally outwardly of the activity area.