Abstract: A shrimp-straightening device provided for use in conjunction with a work surface (32) includes a unitary member (10) having an arcuate geometry defined by an outer surface (12), an inner surface (14), front and rear ends (16, 18), left and right lower edges (20, 22), and a handle (24). In operation, the device is manipulated over the back, or dorsal side, of the shrimp (30) in order to effect straightening of the shrimp.

Abstract: A portable boat cleat assembly (10) includes a cleat member (12) mounted to an upper surface (16) of a base member (14) and a cylindrical rod member (20) having an upper end (22) attached to the lower surface (18) of the base member, wherein the cylindrical rod member is sized and shaped for being snugly received within a rod-receiving cylinder (36) extending generally downward through an upper hull portion (30) into an interior hull space of a boat.

Abstract: A method and corresponding display apparatus is provided for translating UV radiation data into pictorial symbols representing recommended protective measures for preventing diseases of the skin and eyes, and communicating the recommended measures to a target audience by means of the display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a rotatable disk member (70) positioned between a base member (60) and a template member (80). The disk member is rotated via tab (72) such that UV exposure information 75 appearing through template member window (82) always corresponds to appropriate protective measure pictorials (77) appearing through template member window (84).

Abstract: A system is provided for forming an ice coating on the outer surface of blown glass tube-shaped glass pieces (30) of an art work. The blown glass tubes are attached to a support surface (36) such that opposing ends of each glass tube are positioned over apertures in the surface. Liquid coolant contained in a thermally insulated tank (10) is cooled by a compressor (12) and then forced through an inlet manifold subassembly (20, 24) into the glass tubes, and then returned through a return manifold subassembly (40,44) to the tank for re-circulation. The continuous flow of liquid coolant results in the formation of an ice coating on the outer surface of the blown glass tubes.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance (10) for treating anterior teeth of a patient includes a support structure (12, 14) having labial and lingual components for applying opposed forces to a set of targeted teeth. The labial component includes a labial arch (20) having an encapsulated (26) labial bow (34) and distal extending portions (27) extending through sleeves (18) attached to clasps (16), and compressed springs (25) disposed between hooked ends (22) of the wire and the sleeve ends (19). The lingual component includes a lingual rod (30) having a mushroom-shaped center (34) encapsulated in a hard acrylic body (35) and distal extending portions extending through sleeves (36). Compressed springs (40) are disposed between the sleeve end (38) and the hard body.

Abstract: A disposable lint glove (10) is constructed from a multi-layer sheet (30) which act as an integral glove packaging means. The glove has front and rear layers (12, 14) of plastic sheeting each having the form of a human hand and heat sealed about their respective peripheries to form a unitary glove having a hand-receiving opening (22). An adhesive coating (28) is disposed upon an outer surface (26) of the glove.

Abstract: A modified chess game known as Royal Chess is disclosed in which the traditional king and queen pawns are replaced by shield pawns (42, 42A) possessing the traditional moves and characteristics of traditional pawns (40), plus the ability to move laterally one file in either direction of their rank.

Abstract: A pedicure sandal (10) fabricated from a spongy foot form includes a base portion (12) having an outer perimeter shaped to accommodate a human foot and an integrally connected toe separating portion (18) selectively attached (20) to the base portion to form a plurality of toe-receiving loops (18a-e) for engaging and separating the wearers toes.

Abstract: A fluorescent lighting assembly includes an electrically conductive lighting fixture (10) having an electrical socket bar (20), a wireless ballast (30) having lamp circuitry, and lamp receiving sockets (28) mounted thereon. The assembly is adapted for lighting one or more fluorescent lamps (14). In operation, current driven through each fluorescent lamp is returned to the ballast via the fixture. The assembly includes ballast safety circuitry for preventing both electrical shock upon contact with the assembly and risk of fire due to a poor electrical joint within the lamp circuitry.

Abstract: An adjustable platform support assembly is provided for supporting a computer input device such as a keyboard, mouse or the like. Each support platform (40,50) is directly attached to a length of flexible gooseneck shaft (30,32) which, in turn, is attached to a coupling assembly (20). The coupling assembly is particularly designed to provide secure attachment to an arm of (12,14) of a chair (10). The assembly enables a computer operator to swivel and/or recline in the chair without having to readjust the platform position.

Abstract: A portable hand tool is provided for inserting a marker flag into the ground. The tool has a shaft (12) having a handle (30) attached at a first end, and a ground penetrating tip (14) extending from a second end. The ground penetrating tip has an aperture which extends longitudinally through shaft (12) and is adapted for receiving the stem portion of a marker flag. In operation, a portion (42) of the end of the flag stem is inserted in aperture (16). The flag stem is then bent back toward the tool shaft forming a U-shaped bend (44) in the flag stem. Following insertion into the ground, the bend acts as a barb to anchor the flag stem in the ground.

Abstract: A heatsink assembly (100) provides additional heat dissipation for a high-power integrated circuit package (102) contained within a communication product housing (130). There is an integral heatsink (104) protruding from the package. The heatsink frictionally mates with the first end (108) of a thermally conductive member (106). The second end (110) of the conductive member is magnetically-coupled to the rear surface (123) of a loudspeaker magnet (122). Tabs (111) extending away from the second end of the conductive member provide added mechanical support, preventing the second end from sliding against the rear surface of the magnet. Heat generated by the high-power device is transferred from the package heatsink, via the thermally conductive member, to the loudspeaker magnet such that heat is dissipated away from the package and toward the magnet.

Abstract: A hazardous gas detection system is integrated into a wireless communication device such as a two-way radio. The radio has housing (102) with an opening (104) for receiving external air. A bellows-like device (114) has a first side (116) which is attached to an audio speaker diaphragm (112) by a rigid interconnect element (126). A fixed second side (118) of the bellows has first and second ports, 120 and 122. Vibrations from the speaker diaphragm are transferred to the bellows, causing the bellows to expand and contract. During bellows expansion, air is sucked into a first port (120) of the bellows. As the bellows contracts, the air is forced out through a second port (122) of the bellows and directed toward a gas sensor (132) mounted on an internal surface (106) of the radio housing. A warning mechanism in communication with the gas sensor provides forewarning of dangerously high gas concentration levels.

Abstract: A resilient snap fitment member comprising a first spacing member extending from a surface of a mount. A lateral member extends from the first spacing member and is spaced from the mount. A second spacing member extends from the lateral member in the direction away from the surface and a cantilevered abutment member extends from the second spacing member co-acting with the mount to capture a mountable member such as a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package (10) comprises a semiconductor die (14) having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a substrate (16) for receiving the semiconductor die. The substrate should have an aperture(s) (18) below the semiconductor die for providing moisture relief during temperature excursions. An adhesive (20) applied to the substrate allows for mounting the semiconductor die to the substrate. Then, the semiconductor die is wirebonded to the substrate. Finally, an encapsulant (12) for sealing the top surface of the semiconductor die is formed over the semiconductor die and portions of the substrate.

Abstract: A stencil printing apparatus (100) is provided for printing a solder paste (108), through apertures (104) in a stencil (102), onto metallized portions of a printed circuit substrate (106). The printing apparatus contains a laser surface profiling device (114) which is used to produce 2- and 3-dimensional profiles of a portion of the surface of solder paste adjacent to a squeegee (110). Data is processed and sent to a controller (118) which is coupled to a solder paste dispenser (112). The controller automatically signals the dispenser (112) to dispense additional solder paste at deficient locations as needed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package (10) comprises a semiconductor die (12), and a substrate (14) having a through-cavity opening (22) for receiving the semiconductor die. The bottom side of the substrate has solder pads (24) arranged as a peripheral pad grid array. The semiconductor die is wire bonded (26) to the to the top side of the substrate. An encapsulant (16) seals the top surface of the semiconductor die and circuitry, and portions of the top side of the substrate. The bottom surface of the semiconductor die remains exposed to the atmosphere, eliminating moisture-related die attach delamination issues and improving heat transfer away from the semiconductor die. Furthermore, the reduced contribution of the semiconductor die to overall package height results in an ultra low profile package.