Abstract: A method of magnetically-controllable, electroslag melting of titanium and titanium-based alloys is provided that includes the effect of an external radial magnetic field on the metallurgical melt. The field forms at least two adjoining melting layers which are rotated horizontally in opposite directions, and causes intralayer and meridional toroidal rotation of the melt. The uniform hydrodynamic structure of the melt over the total length of the ingot is stabilized by changing the melting voltage. The external radial magnetic field and the use of a fluoride-chloride flux improves the refinement of metal (by reducing harmful inclusions), condenses the metal structure, and provides high chemical and physical homogeneity of the metal ingot. This method is the most useful in the production of high strength titanium alloys including heavy metals (e.g., W, Mo, Cr and Fe).

Abstract: A mobile tower (10) designed for use as a hunting stand is provided and includes a wheeled mobile carriage (12) permanently affixed to and supporting a platform assembly (14). The platform assembly (14) includes a base (32) equipped with oblique earth-penetrating elements (39) as well as an upper housing (40). A pull tongue (16) is pivotally coupled to the carriage (12) or platform assembly (14) and is adapted for attachment to a towing vehicle. In use, the tower (10) is towed to an appropriate site and is erected by pivoting of the platform assembly (14) to an upright ground-engaging position by exerting a pushing force through the tongue (16).

Abstract: A cutting utensil is disclosed as including a wooden handle and a metal blade projecting outwardly from the handle. The handle includes a blade-receiving slot and an outer edge that circumscribes the slot and extends along the outer surface of the handle. The blade is partly received within the slot, and the outer edge of the handle is spaced from the blade to define a gap therebetween. The gap is filled with a synthetic resin material that bonds to the blade and handle. There consequently is no exposed metal-wood interface on the utensil, thereby eliminating the cracks and cavities normally associated with such an interface.

Abstract: A combined marine entertainment system and depth sounder (10) that more efficiently utilizes limited marine instrument panel space, that is more convenient and simple to operate, and that shares certain components and, therefore, is less expensive to manufacture and install. The apparatus includes a main unit (12) and a separate remote unit (14). The main unit includes a housing (16); an entertainment assembly including a display (20) and an entertainment component (18) positioned in the housing; and a depth sounder assembly including a depth display (48) positioned within the same housing as the entertainment assembly display and entertainment component.

Abstract: A medicament dispensing cell (12) is provided which is used in large, automated dispensing machines (10) to provide rapid and accurate dispensing of medicament dosage forms such as tablets (124), capsules, or pills. The cell (12) includes a housing (20) for storage of tablets (124) and includes a rotatable platen conveyor assembly (68) which moves the tablets (124) along a passageway (96) and through an outlet opening (36). The passageway (96) includes a restricted throat section (98) defined by a bushing (78) and an inclined roller (100). The roller (100) is oriented so as to prevent simultaneous passage of two tablets (124) through the throat section (98).

Abstract: A two part faucet gauge (20), having a gauge strip (22) with strip indicia (24) and a gauge cover (26) with cover indicia (28) is utilized to reduce the time and water wasted in adjusting water to a desired pressure and temperature. The gauge strip (22) includes a raised lip (40), so that it is attached with suction to a faucet support surface (30). The gauge cover (26) preferably comprises a hollow body (44) configured to receive a faucet knob (32) therein. An operator rotates the knob (32) and cover (26) until selected indicia (24,28) from the strip (22) and cover (26) are aligned. The selected indicia (24,28) correspond to the desired pressure and temperature of the water. In an alternate embodiment, the cover (26A) and strip (22A) comprise adhesively backed sheets.

Abstract: Polymer-metal ion composites and methods are provided for reversibly binding target compounds using such composites. Broadly, the composites comprise an amorphous polymer matrix having a plurality of channels with metal ion-ligand complexes immobilized therein. The composites are formed by polymerizing a polymeric moiety with a metal complex template in the presence of a solvent. The template is formed of a metal ion having a ligand bonded thereto as well as to polymer matrix. The metal ion and ligand are selected to yield a composite having a particular chemical and/or physical environment around the metal sites, depending upon the desired end use. Preferred metal ions include ions of the transition metals. The composites can be contacted with target compounds for reversibly binding the compounds. Exemplary compounds include those selected from the group consisting of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, compounds having an atom of P, S, or N, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved color selection process for assisting customers when shopping for floor, wall, or window coverings is disclosed. The color selection process includes: (a) the creation of a digital and graphic computer database that classifies a store's or other entity's entire product inventory according to internally harmonious color families, and (b) a visualization experience, using this database, computer graphics and a specially designed color room to give customers a more realistic preview of product(s) being considered.

Abstract: This invention relates to a relatively thin cladded graphic arts impression graphic arts impression die plate (20) having a steel layer (22) which is integral throughout the extent thereof with a layer of copper (24) or bronze. A relieved design-defining surface may be formed in the copper or bronze layer by a chemical etching process or by chemical milling. In the case of chemical etching of the graphic arts impression die plate (20), a design-defining layer of photo-resist is applied to the outer surface of the copper layer (24) or the bronze layer and the relieved design is formed in the copper or bronze layer using a conventional ferric chloride etching solution. The etched graphic arts impression die plate may be mounted on an etchant-resistant backing or magnetic support member (28) to present an assembly which increases the thickness of the die assembly sufficiently to permit use thereof on standard stamping and embossing equipment without modification of the die-supporting chase.

Abstract: A business form is provided which provides improved securement of a card inlaid within an opening of a surrounding ply. The card is inlaid within the opening whereby it is substantially coplanar to the ply, providing decreased thickness, and is temporarily held therein by a pair of elongated strips along respective and spaced edges of each opening and borders of each card, and also by patches applied intermittently between said strips and along other borders of each card. The application of the patches provides improved retention of the cards within their openings during processing such as printing, without substantially inhibiting the ability to print indicia on the back side of the cards intermediate the patches and the strips. The application of small, intermittent patches to hold the inlaid cards within the surrounding ply substantially increases the available area on the back side of the card while improving retention of the card during manufacturing.

Abstract: Improved, high-capacity extrusion systems (20, 220) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short extrusion runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The systems (20, 220) include an extruder assembly (21, 221) having a special, multiple-position die assembly (28), as well as an upstream preconditioner (24) and feed bin assembly (22). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder (78) is located between the preconditioner outlet (62) and extruder barrel inlet (90). A PLC-type controller (30) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder (78) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder (26) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible. In preferred forms, load cells (46, 72) are operatively coupled to the bin assembly (22) and preconditioner (24) so as to monitor material flow through the systems (20, 220).

Abstract: A versatile pouring system (10) reducible to constituent components having independent and combinatorial functionality. The pouring system (10) comprises a funnel (12), including a removable filter (26); a first spout (14); a second spout (16); and a cap (18). The funnel (12) is semi-rectangular with an offset neck (24) to securely receive and support common one quart fluid containers. The removable filter (26) is operatively positioned within the funnel neck (24) to trap and retain residue or debris. The spouts (14, 16) are of different lengths and are coupleable with the funnel (12), with one another, or with common wide or small-mouthed fluid containers. The cap (18) fits both spouts (14, 16). All four constituent components can be assembled into a single coherent unit for convenient storage.

Abstract: A circular saw having a driven shaft and mounting a blade-receiving arbor are adapted to carry a blade having a circular inner margin by the use of an arbor adaptor. The arbor adaptor is provided with a central aperture and a first engagement side having a central recess and a blade positioning ring. The central recess is sized and positioned to receive a mounting lug of the arbor therein with the blade positioning ring in radially surrounding relationship, the blade being received on the ring. A friction surface on the arbor adaptor serves to frictionally clamp the blade to the arbor. In some embodiments, a drive pin may be provided on the adaptor to fit within a complemental hole in the blade for rotatably driving the blade. A second engagement side opposite the first engagement side may be provided for using the arbor adaptor with a second, different saw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective plant treatment material comprising at least one pigment and having high reflectance of UV (280-400 nm), visible (400-700 um) and near infrared (700-800 nm) radiation, but allowing at least part transmission of radiation of 800-2500 nm, and to use of the material and method of treating plants.

Abstract: A quick attach-detach carburetor linkage (10) is provided to allow connection between an automobile throttle linkage (16) and a carburetor (14). The linkage (10) includes an elongated rod (18) with attachment assemblies (20, 22) at the forward and rearward ends thereof. The assembly (20) includes a shaft (28) having a reduced diameter extension (36) with a socket (38) formed therein, together with a throttle connector (12) including a ball screw (60) which is received within the socket (38). A tubular keeper (42) is supported on the extension (36) and has a generally U-shaped slot (46) formed therein and presenting differently sized ends (48, 50). A spring (54) engages the keeper (42). When the keeper is in its locking position, the smaller slot end (50) is disposed adjacent socket (30) and prevents separation of the ball screw (68) and socket (38).

Abstract: A filter mask is provided for use in environments of smoke and toxic gas which includes a filter element having a filling of shiftable bodies coated with a flowable, aloe vera extract having a gel-like viscosity and a retainer for holding the filter element over the mouth and nose of the wearer. The coating has a pH level which is alkaline which aids in the reduction of toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein inhaled by the wearer. The filter element is preferably replacably mounted to the retainer, and may be provided as a bag-like flexible fabric container adapted to shift so as to conform to the face of the wearer. The filter element itself is adaptable to a variety of different uses for removing smoke particulates and toxic gases from air flowing therethrough.