Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for parting and peeling-back the cover tape on a carrier tape (consisting of a component tape with pockets therein and cover tape thereover) in order to expose the component for retrieval by an automated assembly system. More specifically, the cover tape is parted along one edge, or slit in the middle for wider component tapes. The cover tape flap(s) created by the parting operation are then retracted back away from the region above the component, whereby the component is exposed for retrieval at the pick-up location. Subsequent to the pick-up location the carrier tape, with the parted cover tape flap(s) still attached thereto, is directed to a waste receptacle or similar disposal mechanism, avoiding the need for a separate cover tape take-up reel.

Abstract: An overhang bracket for preventing the discharge of debris from a structure which contains a bracket deck integrally connected to a bracket frame. The bracket deck and bracket frame preferably each has a length of from about 4 to about 15 feet. The bracket deck is preferably substantially L-shaped, with a horizontal and vertical surface disposed vis-a-vis each other at an angle of from about 60 to about 150 degrees; and it has a load capacity of from about 50 to about 1,000 pounds. The bracket frame contains at least two triangular braces. The bracket deck and/or the bracket frame contains an orifice which extends inwardly.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for the display and mailing of advertisements including a large transparent display window and a plurality of transparent pockets associated therewith for the purpose of providing cards or samples, and to such an apparatus that may be easily folded and sealed so as to provide its own mailing envelope and also having a plurality of holes along one edge so as to be suitable for storage in a binder notebook.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for holding sporting equipment. The rack includes a pair of U-shaped arms spaced apart from one another and in a generally equivalent horizontal position. At least one flexible longitudinal support is suspended between the arms and at least one flexible lateral support is suspended between opposing ends of each arm so that lateral and longitudinal supports, in combination, support the sporting equipment thereon without contacting the arms.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to partially counter normal gravitational force. The personnel lifting device is a paraballoon, a lighter-than-air gas-filled balloon having a harness to suspend a user therefrom. The paraballoon further includes a plurality of flaps extending therefrom in order to allow the paraballoon to be maneuvered during descent, wherein the paraballoon may be used as a component of an amusement. In addition, various applications and attachments and embodiments are described.

Abstract: A process for producing a colored wood product, comprising the steps of grinding wood in a mill until a wood compact is formed, sieving the wood compact, spraying the sieved wood compact with an aqueous solution of colorant, immersing the wood compact in a bath of aqueous solution of colorant while simultaneously moving the wood compact with a multiplicity of counterrotating augers, and then removing the wood compact from said bath.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package for storing oxygen sensitive goods which contains a gas permeable tray for holding the oxygen-sensitive goods and a gas permeable film wrapped over the tray. The tray is made from foam material; at least about 20 volume percent of said foam material is open cell foam. A hinged flap is connected to a wall of the tray and contains a receptacle in which a source of carbon dioxide (such as dry ice) may be disposed.

Abstract: A packaging system for preserving a perishable item which contains a gas permeable tray containing open-cell foam disposed within a sealed, oxygen-impermeable barrier bag. The open cells within the gas-permeable tray contain less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen, and the atmosphere within the sealed barrier bag contains less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for holding an elongate device such as a fishing rod, and includes a tube for receiving an end of the fishing rod to a depth effective to retain the fishing rod therein and, a leg brace for releasable attachment to a leg of the user. The tube is attached to the leg brace by an adjustable pivot coupling so that the attitude of the tube, and thus a device supported therein, can be adjusted relative to the leg of the user. The leg brace includes a shaped rigid member that partially surrounds the leg, and a plurality of straps. The straps are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the member and have one end attached to the member and a free end adapted to engage the opposite strap of the same pair to secure the member to the user's leg.

Abstract: A process for controlling a system for generating electricity which contains at least two compressors and two microturbines. Compressed gas from a pressure vessel is supplied to the first microturbine, and thereafter the pressure within the pressure vessel is measured. If the pressure is below a specified value, a first compressor is caused to operate to feed compressed gas to the pressure vessel. Thereafter, as the system needs require, a second compressor and, optionally, a third compressor is caused to furnish compressed gas to the pressure vessel. If the system pressure within the pressure vessel is too high, the third compressor is shut down and, if necessary, the second compressor and the first compressor are then sequentially shut down.

Abstract: A slag composition containing steelmaking slag and from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent of reducing agent. The steelmaking slag contains from about 25 to about 55 weight percent of calcium oxide, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of ferrous oxide, from about 5 to about 20 weight percent of magnesium oxide, from about 5 to about 20 weight percent of silicon oxide, and from about 0.5 to about 8 weight percent of manganese oxide. The reducing agent contains both calcium carbide and elemental aluminum. From about 5 to about 80 weight percent of the reducing agent is comprised of calcium carbide, and from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of such reducing agent is comprised of elemental aluminum.

Abstract: A process for stirring molten steel in a container. In this process, argon gas is introduced into the container at a flow rate of from about 0.005 to about 0.2 cubic feet of argon per ton of molten steel per minute, the extent to which said container is caused to vibrate is measured, analog signals are produced corresponding to the rate of flow of argon gas into said container, the analog signals are sampled at a rate of at least 800 times per second, the analog signals are converted to digital signals, the digital signals are transformed by subjecting them to fast Fourier transformation, and the transformed digital signals are evaluated.

Abstract: A brake system for rail cars which contains an air powered fluid system, a device for providing a separate source of brake force, and a manifold connected to the air powered fluid system and the device for providing a separate source of brake force; the manifold simultaneously delivers pressurized fluid to two movable cylinders under certain conditions and in response to fluid flow from either the air powered fluid system or the device for providing a separate source of brake force; but when both the device for providing a separate source of brake force and the air powered fluid system are delivering fluid flow to the manifold, the brake system contains a device for terminating the pressure from the separate source of brake force.

Abstract: An integral ring which is contains at least 35 weight percent of a precious metal selected from the group consisting of silver and gold and has a porosity of less than 0.1 percent, a Vickers pyramidal hardness of at least about 120, and a tensile strength at least about 60,000 pounds per square inch. The ring has an inner diameter of from about 0.55 to about 0.93 inches, and outer diameter of from about 0.61 to about 1.09 inches, a thickness of from about 0.03 to about 0.08 inches, and a circumference of from about 1.7 to about 3.5 inches. Disposed about and extending around the entire outer surface of the ring is a first annular groove and a second, spaced apart annular groove, and at least 10 adjoining recessed areas are disposed between and communicate with these annular grooves. Each of the first annular groove and the second annular groove has a width of from about 0.01 to about 0.02 inches and a depth of from about 0.008 to about 0.018 inches.

Abstract: A wild bird feeder with a transparent seed hopper, a skirt below the seed hopper, a base beneath the skirt, and a device for connecting the base and the skirt while maintaining a feeding gap between the base and the skirt. The feeding gap is formed by a top surface and a bottom surface, and the skirt contains a downwardly extending lip which extends downwardly at least to the top surface of the feeding gap.