Abstract: An improved road marker with a one piece shell and recesses containing elongated members with an undercut relief is provided. The road marker contains a retroreflective lens and a bottom surface with a plurality of the recesses protruding into the shell. The cross section of the recesses can be in the shape of a circle, ellipse, triangle or any shaped polygon, and said cross section can vary as a function of the depth of the recess into the shell and the location of said recess on the bottom surface. The cross section of the elongated member in an axial direction can be in the shape of a circle, ellipse, triangle or any shaped polygon. The undercut relief can be in the form of threads, ridges or any type of indentation into the elongated member that provides a rough surface.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a pass-through between the passenger compartment and the cargo space of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a front portion, the front portion surrounding a front opening of a central aperture, and a flange extending rearward of the front portion, the flange surrounding the central aperture and defining a rear opening of the central aperture. A portion of the flange protrudes into the cargo space. The apparatus is mechanically associated with the seat so that, as the seat reclines, the apparatus moves in relation to the body of the vehicle, and the flange protrudes further into the cargo space as the seat is reclined.

Abstract: A neurological motor therapy suit includes a vest which is snugly, but removably, secured around the shoulders and chest of a patient. The vest completely encircles a portion of the upper torso of the patient and is constructed of a substantially non-elastic material. A pant garment is detachably secured to the patient so that the pant garment extends around both the hips of the patient as well as the upper portion of each thigh. The pant garment is also constructed of a substantially non-elastic material. A plurality of the elastic bands extend between and interconnect the vest and the pant garment. Optionally, the therapy suit includes a cap removably secured to the head of the patient, knee supports removably secured to the knees of the patient, and/or shoe supports. Elastic bands extend between the cap, knee support and shoe supports to other parts of the therapy suit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for refining 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and particularly to a method for refining 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid comprising recrystallizing crude 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid in the form of an amine salt using a solvent comprising a protic polar solvent selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, water, and a mixture thereof, and an acetate. In accordance with the invention, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid can be obtained with excellent purity and color, and at the same time, it can be obtained in an economical and environmentally friendly way because the acetate, which is a byproduct of the oxidation process, is used as a solvent.

Abstract: A complex is provided for the treatment of neurogenic conditions having the formula: where R1 is M is a metal ion Ca(II), Mg(II), Cu(II) or Ni(II); n is an integer 1 or 2; R is BBB peptide, transferrin, membrane transporter peptide, TAT peptide, bradykinin, beta-endorphin, bombesin, calcitonin, cholecystokinin, an enkephalin, dynorphin, insulin, gastrin, substance P, neurotensin, glucagon, secretin, somatostatin, motilin, vasopressin, oxytocin, prolactin, thyrotropin, an angiotensin, galanin, neuropeptide Y, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropnin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptidegluconate, L-lactate, L-leucine, L-tryptophan, and L-glutamate; and R is coupled to M through a carboxylate moiety. Magnesium(II) represents the preferred metal ion as magnesium is known to have neuroprotective effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage bin assembly that is disposable in an opening formed in a vehicle dashboard. The assembly includes a bin portion having a pivotable door that selectably allows access to an interior storage area. A lid is disposed on the bin portion and includes front and rear edges. A slot is formed within the lid that extends perpendicularly between the front and rear edges wherein a centering pin formed on the top edge of the door cooperates with the slot to cause the door to remain centered relative to the opening formed in the vehicle dashboard. The centering pin and slot are such that they are at all times hidden from the user's view when the storage bin door is being opened or closed.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting bracket having a mounting face and a pair of opposed upper arms. The assembly includes a first lever arm supported between the pair of mounting bracket upper arms at a first fixed pivot point. The assembly also includes a swing plate pivotally supported by the first lever arm at a second non-fixed pivot point located radially outboard from the first fixed pivot point, and having a mounting face, a pair of upper arms radially extending, a vertically extending lower arm and an outwardly extending pedal support arm. The assembly further includes a second lever arm pivotally attached to the swing plate lower arm at a third non-fixed pivot point at one end and another end pivotally attached to the mounting bracket at a fourth fixed pivot point. The assembly includes a pedal arm operatively attached to the swing plate with a pedal pad attached at a lower end.

Abstract: A heater assembly is described for mounting around a fluid flow channel in an injection molding apparatus. In one version, the heater assembly comprises: an inner tube made of a first heat conductive material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the inner tube having a selected longitudinal length, an inner surface, an outer surface; and a first ring having an inner surface engaged around the outer surface of the inner tube along a short selected length of the longitudinal length of the inner tube. The ring comprises a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The assembly also has a heater mechanism that heats the inner tube to a selected elevated temperature. Alternatively, the ring can be made from a shape memory alloy that causes the ring to reduce in diameter when the ring is heated above a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A support beam and a support frame for an office furniture system which can be used to mount and support a variety of furniture system components and electrical and communication equipment. The support beam has an elongate, hollow lower beam section with a top panel and vertical side panels. An elongate upper beam rail having a top extends parallel to and spaced-apart from the lower beam section. This rail has a plurality of post-receiving holes formed in its top for mounting other components such as a support wall. Spaced apart posts rigidly connect the beam rail to the lower beam section. Rail connecting devices are provided at opposite ends of the beam rail for rigidly connecting it to an adjacent end of another beam rail or to the support frame. The support frame has a horizontal metal beam and two elongate, hollow end frame sections extending downwardly from opposite ends of the beam. A raceway is rigidly mounted on a lower portion of this beam and extends downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A thermocoustic device includes a housing with a thermal core supported in the housing and having a first and a second surface. The thermal core includes a first heat exchanger defining the first surface of the thermal core and a second heat exchanger defining the second surface of the thermal core. A main chamber is in fluid communication with the first surface of the thermal core and a secondary multiplier chamber is in fluid communication with the second surface of the thermal core. A working volume of a gaseous working fluid fills the main chamber, the multiplier chamber, and the thermal core at a pressure. An equilibrium pressure is defined as the pressure of the working volume of gaseous working fluids with the thermoacoustic device is in a non-operating mode.

Abstract: Composite framing members for use in building construction include reinforced concrete columns and beams surrounded by a pair of steel shells. A layer of protective material is applied to the interior surface of at least one shell prior to assembly of the shell to provide the final integrated framing member with superior insulating or fire resistance and survivability characteristics. Additionally, the steel shells impart greater structural strength and integrity than the reinforced concrete columns and beams could alone. Furthermore, the concrete cores, aided by the protective coating, function as a heat sink, absorbing heat and allowing the entire framing member a longer structural life that it would have if the steel or concrete were used alone.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing an intermediate location of a baited fishing line to a weighted and fixed underwater line. The apparatus includes an interiorly hollowed and substantially rectangular elongated sleeve having first and second ends. An elongated slide exhibits axially and outwardly tapered side walls axially which are frictionally engageable within associated inner side walls of the sleeve proximate a first selected and open end of the sleeve, the intermediate location of the fishing line being pinchingly engaged between the slide and the sleeve interior. A further selected end of the sleeve engages the fixed underwater line. Upon a fish striking a baited and trailing end of the fishing line, a substantially linear applied force causes said slide to linearly eject outwardly from within said sleeve, releasing the fishing line therefrom.

Abstract: An oil separator that removes oil from ventilation gases flowing between a crankcase and an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The oil separator includes a housing, a wall and a diaphragm. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. The wall is cooperative with the housing to define a path through which the gases flow between the inlet and the outlet. The wall is movably coupled to the housing to effect a change in the height of the path. The diaphragm has a movable portion coupled to the wall. The diaphragm defines a substantially closed volume. The volume is open with the intake manifold so that pressure changes in the intake manifold causes corresponding displacement of the movable portion and the wall relative to the housing.

Abstract: A swim raft constructed of a three-dimensional shaped body exhibiting a substantially planar bottom, a curved side, and a sloping top. The body has an outer shell constructed of a polyester laminate shell material and which encapsulates an inner foam core. At least one decorative indicia is associated with the sloping top and includes an artificial grass applied over and across a predetermined area associated with the top. The decorative indicia further includes at least one structural object projecting from the sloping top selected from such as a flag pole, a miniaturized lighthouse and an artificial palm tree.

Abstract: Walking motion apparatus and methods for use thereof are provided for enabling paraplegic, quadriplegic, brain injured and various other handicapped patients to implement a natural walking motion while either supporting no weight, or alternately, a selected portion of their weight.

Abstract: A resealable plastic bag having a substantially planar shaped body exhibiting first and second opposing panels, sealingly connected along a pair of sides and with a bottom interconnecting the sides such that the body forms an interior receptacle volume. A pair of re-sealable bead portions are integrally formed into the planar shaped body and arranged at first and second opposing and extending locations along a top of the body. A header is integrally formed with the planar shaped body and in proximity to the bead portions. A perforation line is established between the header and resealable bead portions, in order to facilitate tear-away removal of the planar shaped body from the header. A sliding zipper is attached to the bag and in order to contain the resealable bead portions therebetween. A plurality of headers can be heat staked together and in order to support a like plurality of bags.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflection-type three-dimensional display system. The present invention comprises an image providing device that provides elemental images; an image displaying device that displays the elemental images; a projective lens system that is located along the same axis as the image providing device; and a concave mirror array that is located along the same axis as the projective lens system. The projective lens system projects the image that is displayed by the image displaying device to the concave mirror array, and the concave mirror array reflects and integrates the projected image and therefore displays the three-dimensional image.