Abstract: A method for chemically milling sheet metal to form three-dimensional objects comprising masking the sheet metal by selectively applying a resist material to opposite sides of the sheet metal to form a design, applying an etchant to the masked metal which erodes the metal according to the design, and simultaneously forming connecting tabs and score lines. The tabs and score lines allow certain design portions to be bent to different planes to form the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A traction mat having a plurality of pins captivated in a resilient mat, each pin having a head on each of the opposing ends, and a washer between the head and the mat. The mat provides increased traction to a vehicle stuck in snow and the like by seizing both the tire and the ground with the heads of each pin in pivotal action, as the washer pivots and locks the heads in a gripping position for the increased traction. A rigid steel start plate of a width less than the width of the tire is attached to one end of the mat for providing initial impetus to position the mat under the tire.

Abstract: A trap for the control of rodents comprising a compartment having two spaced parallel electrodes in the compartment interior in close proximity to a bait holder. The investigation of the bait causes the body of the rodent to come into contact with the electrodes and be electrocuted. Baffles are placed in the compartment between the electrodes and the compartment opening to prevent fingers or other objects from coming into accidental contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the return of discardable containers and associated elements on which complementary identifying indicia are placed on at least two portions of the container, one indicium being on a removable closure means, a second indicium being on another selected area of the container. The consumer may retain the closure portion upon its removal, return the container to a redemption center and subsequently compare and match the closure indicia with the second indicia in a lottery drawing of indicia from like containers returned to the redemption center.

Abstract: An improved flipper bar used with a pinball game apparatus allowing increased challenges for skilled players and increased unpredictability in ball trajectory for unskilled players, comprising a cantilevered arm having a series of undulations on one side and disposed perpendicular to the playing field.

Abstract: A freeze dryer for rapidly and efficiently drying tissue specimens, having a source of heat independent of the cover and mounted for efficient heat transfer to a copper support plate having a substantially flat top surface. A specimen plate is machined from aluminum to have a recessed bottom surface which is matable with the support plate for maximum physical contact. The specimen plate has peripheral walls of a thickness and a height that will eliminate substantially all heat differentials between different portions of the specimen plate interior caused by external variations to allow effective control of the temperature of the specimen plate.

Abstract: A medical-surgical method and apparatus for facilitating the replacement of ostomy appliances. A hollow cylinder, filled with sterile absorbant material is used to center the sealing ring prior to the replacement of the ostomy appliance.

Abstract: An improved low cost screen printing apparatus for printing on both flat and curvilinear objects. Two vertically aligned shafts support the printing head and, by following the pivotal motion of a rocker arm, raise and lower the printing head relative to the object being printed with a straight vertical displacement, resulting from the controlled movement of the upper shaft by the rocker arm which drives the upper shaft through an elongated slot. The squeegee assembly operates in a timed relationship with the raising and lowering of the screen head to alternatively raise and lower the squeegee assembly concurrently with the raising and lowering of the screen so that the squeegee and flood bar are retained in an operative position and parallel to the screen surface during both print and flood cycles. When the screen and squeegee assembly are in the raised position, the squeegee assembly and screen frame are selectively connectable to a reciprocating carriage, for printing either curvilinear or flat objects.

Abstract: A method and composition for the use of a cyanoacrylate resin and a silane-treated inorganic powder in direct bonding mount/bracket structures to teeth and other dental applications. The method and composition inhibit caries formation about the tooth structure interface and the adhesive is easily removed.

Abstract: A lubricant for improved performance in glass molding. The lubricant is smokeless, odorless, non-toxic and non-combustible. It is applied infrequently, such as once a shift or less. The lubricant is carbon monofluoride (CF.sub.x).sub.n wherein "x" is about 0.7 or, preferably, above 1.00. Novel methods of application of the lubricant are disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable drape for a surgical overhead table; the drape is liquid-proof and covers the entire surface of the associated table. Also, the drape is of a construction which will prevent the passage of any bacteria through the surface area of the drape.

Abstract: An improved sectional mold for forming a large figure from snow, such as a snowman. Each section extends from the top of the mold assembly to its base and has flanges on the mold section periphery, each of which flanges is joined to the flange of an adjacent mold section by a U-shaped fastening clip. Large openings in one of the mold sections and at the top of the mold assembly admit snow for forming the desired figure.

Abstract: A continuous form pinwheel, having pins and a platen formed of a durable plastic material, the pins being closely fitted in their seats for the exclusion of foreign matter, having a unique cam follower and radiused at their lower end. The tips of the pins may be formed of steel, thereby eliminating wear on the two major wear areas of the pin. The plastic material contributes to a low coefficient of friction and thus long life.

Abstract: A manual stoppering container assembly having a central shaft which is threadedly secured to a handle on an upper portion and fixedly secured to a stoppering plate at a lower portion. The handle is rotatably secured in the cover plate for imparting reciprocal motion to the stoppering plate. The stoppering plate is guided by tracks in the container body. The cover plate is fluid-tightly mounted on a container body, so that the downward movement of the stoppering plate may force a plug into a sample vial while the container assembly is under vacuum.

Abstract: A lightweight handle accessory particularly adapted to be mounted on the generally straight shaft of a work tool or other working or sporting implements, having a clamping portion partially surrounding the shaft or other surface to be gripped which cooperates with a flexible fastening means of variable diameter to frictionally engage the shaft and fixedly mount the handle accessory. A handle is mounted near the outward end of opposing lever arms to enable the operator to grip the assembly. The underside of the gripping portion is serrated and divided into mirror images with a central slot which allows flexing of the gripping portion to adapt to a wide variety of mounting surface sizes and tapers. The flexible fastening means may be easily disengaged from one shaft or implement and remounted on another differently sized shaft or implement without loss of holding power.

Abstract: The subject invention comprises systems for the automatic removal of waste hydrocarbons from water. Waste water enters a primary vessel through a baffled inlet chamber, allowing solids to fall to the bottom of a main collection chamber as the waste hydrocarbons float upwardly on the water in this chamber. The separated water flows out of the chamber into the sewer system or other discharge areas. When the oil level in the primary vessel reaches a predetermined level, a control system allows water to enter the bottom of the main collection chamber, closes off the normally open water discharge outlet. The entering water forces the waste hydrocarbon level upwardly, until gravity forces the waste hydrocarbons out the waste discharge outlet into a storage vessel. When the waste is completely discharged, normal waste waste flow-through is resumed. Upon filling the storage vessel with waste hydrocarbons, all operations are suspended until the stored hydrocarbons are pumped out.

Abstract: In the reconditioning or repair of worn out conveyor belts, such conveyor belt to be repaired is drawn at a high tension past a stationary knife edge to cut away a predetermined thickness and width of the top surface portion of the belt from the bottom reinforced portion of the belt. The height of the knife edge relative to the worn edge is adjustable thereby allowing a range of selected thicknesses to be cut for optimum results in repairing the belt in the worn areas.

Abstract: A shell freezer for the freezing of liquids in a container in a uniform layer on the interior walls of the container having belts rotating over rollers within a bath; rods are secured over the belts to act as stops for cylindrical containers placed on the belts, thereby causing the rotation of the containers. Underneath the rotating belt is a supportive platen which is covered with a fabric to allow smooth rotation of the belt while supporting a flask full of liquid. The bath may be tilted to a desired angle to allow more liquid to be frozen within a container. A novel heat exchanger cools the thermal transfer fluid which is circulated over the belts and back to the heat exchanger, to allow a minimum of such fluid in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a universal winding arbor including an arbor core adapted for use with a plurality of differently sized arbor blocks in winding transformers of different sizes. Each differently sized arbor block may be formed in a unique mold which includes a vertically adjustable side and horizontally adjustable side to vary the thickness and width respectively. The arbor core is centered within the mold and a liquid resin is allowed to cure in the mold to form the winding arbor.

Abstract: A front gun sight for use in combination with a conventional rear sight, including a front extended tapered sighting surface, having a center portion of a contrasting color to the side portions, allowing a quick and accurate aiming of the gun even under poor light conditions. The tapered sighting surface is secured to a tapered mount which itself may be attached on a gun barrel over an existing sight. The extended tapered sighting surface forms a linear sighting line allowing the rear sigt to be lined up with the top front of the tapered sighting surface to align the projectile path with the target.