Abstract: A matrix segment of sufficient size to cover the interproximal area of a tooth restoration is shaped for patient comfort, easy application, and easy removal. The smooth tapered shape of the segment sides provides adequate tooth coverage and minimizes potential gingival laceration. An aperture is located in the segment so that it may be conveniently pulled away after use with a string-like material, such as dental floss.

Abstract: An antifoulant patent includes the ingredient of cuprous sulfide or cupric sulfide, both of which offer a hostile surface to chelating algae while retaining a repelling effect on barnacles and mollusks. In one embodiment, the composition comprises from 40 to 75 percent by weight of cuprous sulfide; from 10 to 50 percent by weight of an epoxy resin; from 5 to 25 percent by weight of curing agents; and from 1 to 15 percent by weight of glass fibers. The antifoulant coating results in a colorfast surface and the preferred embodiment has been devised to have a stable black color.

Abstract: A group of modular planar structural foam sections are laid on the ground directly underneath the liner of an above-ground pool. The foam panels are cut so that they fit tightly side-by-side covering all areas within the frame. The joints between the panels are then filled by caulking and taped over to smooth the top surface of the joints. The result is an improved pool underlayment system which provides many advantages, including cushioning of swimmer impact to help prevent shallow diving injuries.

Abstract: A ceramic exhaust trap regenerator provides a push-pull heat channeling method of transferring heat to and through the ceramic monolith with a flow of super-heated air. The application of heat is controlled by pulling the hot air through the monolith and away from the downstream side of the monolith through a vacuum hose. The regeneration process is started and completely controlled by an off-board mobile regeneration console with the engine off. The console is a wheeled cart with attachments that include an air heater, vacuum and positive pressure air pumps with attaching hoses, a temperature-actuated relay, a particulate filter, process timers, a heat exchanger, a cooling fan, and an electrical controller.

Abstract: A foldable construction incorporates both structural and ornamental qualities into a single form. The construction is made of a single, die-cut, nearly rectangular, blank of flat foldable material which is pre-creased with a unique configuration of fold lines. The completed structure is characterized by a convex dome shape on at least the top side. When folded to create a pair of opposing dome shapes, construction may take the form of a very solid, somewhat spherical, sculpture shape. Each dome is radially sectioned in an equal pattern around the axis of the dome and each section of the dome includes a recess portion which interrupts the outer skin and forms a structural rib. An internal support block may be used between the sets of structural ribs of the opposing domes to provide additional axial support.

Abstract: A battery-operated rotating sign employs a mechanically efficient speed-reducing mechanism and a power controller to reduce power consumption and, hence, increase battery life. The device is particularly suited to a ceiling-mounted, vertically-suspended rotating sign. A resilient power transmission strand extends from the vertical shaft of the motor to the sign which hangs from the bottom end of the strand. The power controller includes electrical circuitry having a timer which cycles between "on" and "off" periods. During the "on" period, the rapidly turning motor shaft winds up the resilient strand; and during the "off" period, the energy stored in the strand is released to the sign which turns slowly at the opposite end of the strand. Additional energy savings are provided by a photodetector circuit which disconnects the battery at night when operation of the sign is not desired.

Abstract: A compact conveyor which passes sheets from a printer to a folder saves valuable floor space while providing the capability of accommodating a short intercopy gap. Sensing means on the conveyor detects the exit of each sheet from the printer and signals a temporary increase in the speed of the folder to a fast-fold operation. As the next sheet travels behind the faster moving first sheet, the intercopy gap between the sheets increases before the next sheet arrives at the folder. The arrival occurs after the first sheet has been completely folded, since the increased gap has provided sufficient time delay. When the first sheet is released from the folder, the folder speed returns to the original slower speed which is equalized with the printer. By adjusting the rate of the fast-fold mode, the gap between the sheets arriving at the folder can be regulated.

Abstract: A panel fastener includes a smooth-surface cylindrical shroud encompassing the periphery of the screw head. The shroud is freely rotatable about the shank of the screw and has sides extending down around the barrel which is affixed to a panel. The shroud is fitted to the screw by an internal flange which is yieldably held between the underside of the screw head and the end of a spring. The top edge of the protective shroud does not extend above the head of the screw. The components are dimensioned so that the sides of the shroud are held away from the top side of the panel when the screw is fully compressed. The fastener may be press-fit into a panel as an assembled unit by applying ram pressure to the top of the screw assembly and barrel.

Abstract: A machine combines metal rod chamfering and stamping operations into a single machining operation. Cutting the chamfer on the end of the rod is accomplished by a rotating cutting tool affixed to a chuck which rotates with a spindle about an axis co-linear with the axis of the workpiece. Both the chuck and the spindle contain a hollow bore along their rotational axes. This bore holds a stamping rod which is free to move axially within the spindle. A stamping impact unit is located at the opposite end of the spindle which acts upon the opposite end of the stamping rod. At the desired moment within the chamfering operation, the stamping rod is hammered into the end face of the workpiece by the impact unit. The imprint end of the stamping rod functions as a mechanical stop to locate the depth the workpiece is inserted into a clamping collet.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector panel standoff fastener includes a panel-mounted stud with an affixed cap nut which is captive within the cable end connector shell. The stud includes a knurled head which is pressed into the chassis panel from the inside out. The stud includes a knurled head sized so that excessive bulging of the panel cutout does not occur upon pressing the stud into the panel. The desired standoff height is maintained by an end wall within the cap nut which acts as a screw stop. Also, the stud may be internally threaded to receive a screw from the opposite side of the panel to fasten the connector receptacle to the panel. The invention may further include a locking device such as a plug inserted into the threads of the stud.

Abstract: A fastener particularly suited to affixing metal to plastic parts, such as fastening electrical connectors to plastic circuit board mounting housings, includes a head and an elongate shank with an internally threaded through-bore. Located directly beneath the head is a shoulder which extends along the outside of the shank a distance equal to the total width of the parts to be joined. A mid-section of the shank is of reduced diameter, creating a thin-walled area of the shank compared with the areas at either end. A bottom part of the fastener includes internal threads, said bottom part beginning at the end of the thin-walled, mid-section of the shank. The through-bore includes a step down to a reduced diameter at the end of said mid-section. Therefore, when axially compressed, the fastener repeatedly bulges outwardly at its weakest point which lies just beyond the shoulder. The parts to be joined are thus trapped between the head and this radial bulge of the shank.

Abstract: A circuit board fastener includes a tubular shank and a slideable expander pin which is pressed into a bore in the shank. A flange at the top seats the fastener against the member to be joined to the circuit board. The pin has an interference fit and remains within the bore, which is convergent at the bottom end of the fastener. When the expander pin is driven into the convergent bottom end of the bore, it expands that end of the shank to grip the inner wall of the circuit board aperture. The pin is moved by a simple pressing force into the bore, which is applied by a tool from above to install the fastener to the circuit board, or from below to disengage the fastener from the circuit board. The two-part fastener may be constructed from a unitary part which may be conveniently broken into the two mating components and assembled in one motion.

Abstract: A simplified two-piece, cartridge-type hydraulic valve provides increased valve seat area and improved hydrodynamics. The present valve is a plug-type valve in which the piston is integral with the valve stem, and the valve seat is inserted into the base at the bottom end of the gland. The stem is threadably fitted into the center of the gland, whereby turning the top of the stem moves the piston reciprocally between open and closed positions. Fluid flow enters through ports in the base of the piston and is directed upward past the valve seat area at the top of the piston. The piston ports are radially divergent from a center point at the bottom end of the piston to points around the circumference of the top end of the piston in the area of the valve seat. A tapered nose piece is included in the bottom of the gland in the center of the valve seat area in order to improve flow efficiency and reduce turbulence.

Abstract: A self-captivating screw becomes captive in a metal sheet, yet is freely rotatable after a simple pressing of the two parts. The screw is applied to the sheet by pressing against an anvil having a circular cavity in alignment with the panel aperture. The screw has an elongate shank with a head at one end and a threaded portion at the opposite end. The head and threaded portion are greater in diameter than the shank. The screw includes a displacer collar just beneath the head which, under pressure, deforms the metal sheet causing the cold flow of panel metal inward about the screw shank without gripping it tightly. The anvil cavity has a diameter greater than the major diameter of the screw threads, but less than the diameter of either the displacer collar or the minor diameter of the threads.

Abstract: A padded seat cushion support consists of large, vertical side cushions having extremely full and soft padding. When installed on a chair, such as a wheelchair, the cushions grip the sides of the occupant, including both sides of the occupant's head. The vertical side cushions are affixed to a central fabric panel which is fastened to the inside chair seat back by straps and also by a pocket at the rear of the panel which receives the top of the chair seat back. The vertical side cushions are slanted inward along the central panel to a top end of the panel where they are held on either side of the patient's head, thereby comfortably supporting the patient's head against unwanted lateral deflection.

Abstract: A gravity-steered grapple is created by retrofiting the boom plate of an excavator which has a longitudinally rotatable boom. The grapple includes a freely-turning, swivel joint with an axis of rotation which is offset from the center of the grapple jaws so that the center of mass of the load is likewise offset. By manipulating the angle of the boom plate with existing operator controls, the load can be steered about the swivel joint controllably through a horizontal 360-degree angle. The grapple also includes a jaw safety clamp which is movable between lock and release positions. The clamp is self-actuating and is moved into the lock position when an extension of the clamp contacts the load as the grapple is raised. The grapple is particularly useful in lifting and placing modular highway barriers.