Abstract: A compact, lightweight latch (38) especially adapted for use with an emergency deployment oxygen mask container (20) is provided which is made up of a minimum of parts and which can be delatched in multiple ways. The latch (38) includes a latch assembly (40) designed to be mounted in the oxygen mask container box (22) and a cooperating latch pin (44) secured to a cover (24). The assembly (40) has a primary latch body (46) supporting a diaphragm (48), latch member (50) and shiftable piston (52); the latch member (50) includes a plurality of laterally displaceable, hook-shaped locking legs (86) configured to interfit with latch pin (44). The piston (52) is shiftable in opposite axial directions within latch member (52), and cooperating surfaces on the member (50) and piston (52) serve to positively displace the latching legs (86) in response to piston movement. During pneumatic operation, the piston (52) is shifted within latch member (50) under the influence of diaphragm (48).

Abstract: Biodegradable and edible composites for use as feed packaging containers are provided. Broadly, the composites are formed from a mixture comprising fiber mixed with a non-petroleum based, biodegradable adhesive formed by modifying a starch, protein, or protein-rich flour. The mixture has a moisture content of less than about 20% by weight, based upon the total weight of the mixture taken as 100% by weight. The mixture is then molded at pressures of from about 150-600 psi and temperatures of from about 150-500° F. to yield a final composite having a compressive strength of at least about 5 MPa. Preferred fibers include those derived from straw, corn stalks, sorghum stalks, soybean hulls, and peanut hulls. Preferred modifiers include NaOH, urea sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and guanidine hydrochloride.

Abstract: A supplemental warning apparatus for school buses which is mounted on the roof of the bus in a vertical plane spaced above the usual warning sign which is carried on the side of the bus, the warning apparatus including a display member carried by a base which display member is shiftable between a retracted position and an upright vertically extended warning position. The supplemental warning apparatus may be coupled with the warning sign assembly on the side of the school bus; the passenger door of the school bus; or may be directly operated by the driver of the bus, all to the end that a warning is given from the roof of the bus which can be seen by surrounding traffic when the view of the normal warning sign on the side of the bus is blocked by such traffic.

Abstract: A backpack cooler (10) designed to be worn on the back of a person includes a flexible enclosure (12) having backpack straps (14) affixed to the enclosure (12). The enclosure includes front, rear, side and bottom walls (18-24) and an openable top panel (26). The walls (18-24) and panel (26) include an outer fabric layer (28), inner foil facing (30) and thermal insulation (32) between the layer (28) and facing (30). A flexible, water-impervious synthetic resin liner (54) is situated within the enclosure (12). The cooler (10) may be equipped with external pockets (58, 60, 67, 72).

Abstract: A device is proposed for a milking stall (1) with at least one milking position (2) for an animal (3) and with at least one milking equipment which comprises a milking member (4,5) arranged to being attached to an animal for milking thereof. The device comprises a cabinet (9) which defines an inner space. The cabinet is arranged to comprise a driving arrangement for a remover (14), arranged to remove the milking member (4,5) from the animal (3) after the milking is finished, and an operating panel (11) which the milking equipment is controlled. The driving arrangement is positioned in the cabinet (9) at least at one of two predetermined driving positions which are adapted to a first operating position and a second operating position, respectively, of the cabinet in said stall (1).

Abstract: A preferred joint movement monitoring system (10) includes a carrier (18) configured for wearing by a subject about a wrist thereof and a plurality of position sensors (12, 14, 16) coupled with the carrier (18) for sensing various hand positions of the subject. The preferred carrier (18) is in the form of an elastic wrist band that encompasses the wrist and adjacent portions of the hand and forearm without covering any portions of the subject's fingers. The preferred sensors (12, 14, 16) include Hall effect sensors mounted to the carrier (18) on the forearm side of the wrist.

Abstract: A shock absorbing tow bar for connection between the accumulating trolley and load carriage of a power and free conveyor system is disclosed. The tow bar includes one component that is connectable to the accumulating trolley and another that is connectable to the intermediate trolley of the load carriage. Limited relative shifting is permitted between the components of the tow bar. Moreover, the components are threadably intercoupled so that such relative shifting requires a screwing or unscrewing action that serves to cushion movement between the accumulating trolley and load carriage.

Abstract: A scale dissolver composition and method for using the composition is provided. Broadly, the dissolver compositions are formed by adding a base such as ammonium hydroxide to a mixture comprising a salt of a chelating agent, a carbonate, and a component selected from the group consisting of organophosphorus compounds, carboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof. The preferred organophosphorus compound is aminotristmethylidine diphosphonic acid while the preferred chelating agent salt is EDTA tetrasodium salt. In use, the dissolver composition is preferably heated to a temperature of from about 100-170° F. and then contacted with the target scale. The compositions are particularly useful for removing barium sulfate and calcium sulfate scales from gas and oil well and pipeline equipment in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A shock absorbing tow bar for connection between the accumulating trolley and load carriage of a power and free conveyor system is disclosed. The tow bar includes one component that is connectable to the accumulating trolley and another that is connectable to the intermediate trolley of the load carriage. Limited relative shifting is permitted between the components of the tow bar. Moreover, the components are threadably intercoupled so that such relative shifting requires a screwing or unscrewing action that serves to cushion movement between the accumulating trolley and load carriage.

Abstract: A lock mechanisms for a fenestration assembly, such as a sliding door, includes a strike element preferably coupled with the door frame and a catch assembly preferably coupled with the fenestration member slidably supported within the frame. The catch assembly includes a catch having structure defining an element receiving slot. The catch is mounted for shifting among a plurality of positions including an engaged position in which the element is received within the slot and retained therein by the catch when the fenestration member is in a closed position, a disengaged position in which the element is disengaged by the catch when the fenestration member is shifted out of the closed position, and an intermediate position in which the element is received within the slot and the catch is positioned between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic entertainment product has an upright spindle that may be pushed into the ground for support until a coil in the spindle engages the top surface of the ground. The image of an upright dancing bull or other creature is secured to the spindle intermediate its opposite ends and is poised as if he were performing the steps of a Mexican hat dance. A pyrotechnic pinwheel resembling a sombrero is rotatably carried on the upper end of the spindle slightly above the head of the bull. When the pinwheel is ignited, it propels itself about the spindle like a spinning sombrero while emitting a colorful plume of sparks reminiscent of the energy, color, and excitement of the traditional Mexican hat dance.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to isolate and purify components required for bone-induction using extracts of Saos-2 cells or proteins released by Saos-2 cells into conditioned tissue culture medium. In addition, the present invention provides a method of augmenting bone growth locally comprising implanting the near osteoprogenitor cells the bone inducing agent isolated in the methods of the present invention, together with a mechanically suitable biodegradable carrier.

Abstract: A piston ventilator (10) includes a control circuit (80) for controlling the pressure to a patient circuit and thereby to the patient during patient inspiration. The control circuit (80) determines an error between the gas pressure and a set point pressure and in response, sends motor control signals to the motor (24) controlling the piston (22) to change the gas flow therefrom by the amount necessary so that the gas pressure substantially conforms to the set point pressure. More particularly, the motor control signals are a function of a proportion of the error, an integration of the error and the amount of leakage in the patient circuit at the current gas pressure. The set point is one of a plurality of set points on a pressure trajectory between a beginning pressure and a final target pressure during patient inspiration.

Abstract: An investment board game and game method are disclosed. The board includes an endless path along which the players' game pieces are moved. The path includes a plurality of stock spaces, each representing a stock and a stock purchase price. Upon moving to one of the stock spaces, the player is permitted to purchase shares of stock for that space. If shares are purchased, the player must draw a stock value card which has the potential of changing the closing value of the stock. The stock value cards are preferably arranged into low, medium and high risk card sets, with the player being limited to selecting from one of the sets depending on the present value of the stock. A plurality of personal risk spaces are dispersed among the stock spaces along the path, and a player who moves to one of these spaces must draw a personal risk card that is likely to monetarily award or penalize the player.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of producing hydrogen gas. The method comprises the steps of: providing in a reaction container a composition including respective quantities of particulate elemental magnesium, particulate elemental iron, an additional elemental metal selected from the group consisting of particulate elemental aluminum and particulate elemental zinc at a level of from about 1-10% by weight, an alkali metal salt and water; causing said composition to react in said container to generate hydrogen gas; and recovering said evolved hydrogen gas.