Abstract: A method of fabricating a tread plate having alternating stripes incorporated thereon is disclosed. The tread plate is comprised of a base plate typically formed from a metallic extrusion. Alternating stripes of resinous material are placed on the base plate and are angularly positioned thereon with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base plate. The alternating stripes of resinous material have a coloring pigment incorporated therein permitting the alternating stripes of resinous material to provide a visual warning to individuals of the existence of a potentially hazardous condition or situation when the tread plate is installed in a particular location.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an impact and temperature resistant housing that also resists being removed from its fixed mounting position. Additionally, the present invention resists being fashioned into a weapon if it is removed from its mounted position. In general, the present invention comprises a base section, conical section, terminal support section, and corresponding center terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing the integrity of fuel tanks for leaks are disclosed. A microprocessor controls the pressurization of the fuel tank and then selectively allows the gas within the fuel tank to decay through any leaks within the tank or through the combination of the leaks within the tank and a reference orifice. By computing and comparing the time required for the tank pressure to decay between predetermined pressure levels due to any tank leaks with a standard decay time, a determination can be made whether the leakage rate through the tank is acceptable. Greater resolution, if necessary, is provided by computing the ratio of the time required for the tank pressure to decay between predetermined pressure levels through the combination of any tank leaks and a reference orifice versus only through the tank leaks and compares same against a standard ratio to determine whether the tank leakage rate is acceptable.

Abstract: A multiple pressure direct acting relief valve is disclosed. The multiple pressure relief valve comprises an actuating cylinder, a relief valve and an adjustment screw interconnecting the actuating cylinder and the relief valve. The relief valve includes a low pressure spring which biases a poppet valve arrangement permitting the poppet valve arrangement to be actuatable at a first pre-determined pressure. The actuating cylinder includes a piston that is biased by a high pressure spring causing an additional compressive force to be applied to the poppet valve arrangement through an actuating rod received through the adjustment screw. When pressure is applied to the piston within the actuating cylinder, an additional compressive force is applied by the high pressure spring and the actuator rod to the poppet valve arrangement causing the poppet valve arrangement to be actuatable at a second pre-determined pressure.

Abstract: A decorative clock comprising a ferrous (magnetic) base plate, a battery operated clock mechanism and decorative designs which may be in the form of a sheet containing a plurality of individual flexible permanent magnets is disclosed. Each individual flexible permanent magnet has an artistic design or feature thereon and can be magnetically attached to the front surface of the base plate so as to create an overall design. The number of overall designs that can be created by the selective placement of the individual permanent magnets on the base plate is virtually limitless. The individual permanent magnets can be readily changed and/or moved relative to one another so as to readily change the overall design on the base plate.

Abstract: The guard tour system of the present invention is comprised of a central computer which runs a computer program that enables a variety of electronic hardware components to function as the guard tour system. As a guard progresses through a guard tour, he or she uses a touch button reader to read information stored within a plurality of touch memory buttons located along the patrol route. At the end of the patrol, the guard places the touch button reader in a downloader that transfers the stored data to the central computer which processes the data and generates reports summarizing the patrol data. The computer program of the present invention provides a novel method of organizing security information in heirarchical categories. Further, the guard tour system of the present invention uses a novel method to determine the number of times a guard visited a location in a given time period.

Abstract: A drainage system for a structure which does not utilize gutters and/or downspouts is disclosed. The drainage system is comprised of a trough, a plurality of interconnected conduits received within the trough, a frame member received on the plurality of interconnected conduits and a grate member received on the frame member. The drainage system is installed directly under the eaves of the structure where gutters would typically be installed. Rain water and/or melted snow drips from the eaves and passes through openings between adjacent slats in the grate member into the plurality of interconnected conduits for passage therethrough to a pond or a storm sewer system. In this manner, the drainage system for the exterior of the structure does not require the use of gutters.

Abstract: A funnel-shaped concentrator that is attachable to the outlet of a standard cast iron burner is disclosed. The concentrator directs the flame produced by the burner toward the outlet of the concentrator causing the flame emanating therefrom to be directed toward the container being labeled. One or more layers of refractory insulating material are placed along the sides of the concentrator, the body of the burner and the top and bottom surfaces of the concentrator so as to minimize the amount of infrared radiation emanating therefrom. In this manner, the containers being labeled or on which a label has been affixed are exposed only to the flame being directed outwardly from the outlet of the concentrator and the amount of infrared radiation to which the containers is exposed is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is further directed to a refreshable display system with a flexible surface, with one application being a refreshable Braille display systems for use as a monitor for computer systems.

Abstract: An active steel repassivator for the rehabilitation of chloride contaminated reinforced concrete structures and a method for the application of same is disclosed. The active steel repassivator is comprised of a continuous phase, a distributed phase, and/or an aqueous solution of an amine. The continuous phase, also known as the carrier phase, is selected from organic strong volatile bases, salts of weak volatile acids and a non-ionic surfactant. The distributed phase includes an anion containing vanadium in the +4 or +5 state of oxidation. The aqueous solution of the amine acts as a co-inhibitor in the composition.

Abstract: An electronic ignition device for a gas grill is disclosed. The ignition device comprises a housing having a recess therein for the receipt of the battery and a cap with a rotatable clip therein to hold the old battery during the removal process from the recess and to hold the new battery during the insertion process into the recess. The clip and battery remain substantially stationary within the housing of the electronic ignition device as the cap is threadably received thereon. The terminals on the battery engage electrical contacts within the housing of the electronic ignition device after the battery has been inserted therein. An O-ring is provided between the cap and the housing to provide a seal therebetween protecting the electronic ignition device from the outside environment.

Abstract: A water flow control device that regulates the amount of water flowing through a shower head is disclosed. The device is interposed between the shower head and the water supply line and consists of a sensor and a solenoid that actuates and deactuates a water limiting valve connected in the water supply line. The device can increase or decrease the flow of water through the shower head depending upon the position of the person with respect to the shower head. In this manner, the amount of water used by a person when showering is conserved.

Abstract: An electronic fuel injector tester which permits fuel injectors to be tested when a car is at idle is disclosed. The fuel injector tester is in the form of a probe and detects the impact or vibration which occurs when the pintle within a fuel injector opens by using a piezoelectric transducer provided in the pistol-type handle of the tester. A light emitting diode provided in the pistol-type handle flashes each time the pintle within the fuel injector opens and the piezoelectric transducer emits an audible sound each time the pintle within the fuel injector opens. The fuel injector tester remains in the “sleep” mode when not in use and is activated by tapping the tester on a hard surface. When testing has been completed, the fuel injector tester automatically goes back into the “sleep” mode.

Abstract: A method and sensor for detecting strain using shape memory alloys is disclosed. The sensor comprises a substrate material, a flexible diaphragm provided on the substrate material and a thin film SMA material deposited on the flexible diaphragm. The thin film SMA material is capable of undergoing a phase transformation in response to a physical stimulus being applied thereto. During such a phase transformation, a change occurs in the electrical resistance of the thin film SMA material. By measuring the value of the electrical resistance of the thin film SMA material immediately before and after the thin film SMA material undergoes a phase transformation, the difference in the value of the electrical resistance can be determined and utilized to determine the magnitude of the physical stimulus that was applied to the thin film SMA material causing it to undergo a phase transformation.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescopically adjustable extension pole is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a collar member and a locking trigger mechanism preferably comprising a bottom trigger member and a top trigger member having a locking pin therein. The top trigger member grippingly engages the collar member which is attached to the outer sleeve of the pole. By depressing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally outwardly retracting the locking pin from an aperture in the inner sleeve permitting the length of the extension pole to be telescopically adjusted. By releasing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally inwardly causing the locking pin to be received within an aperture in the inner sleeve so as to interlock the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve at the approximate desired length of the extension pole.

Abstract: A paint roller frame which securely retains a paint roller cover thereon during painting and which permits the roller cover to be easily removed therefrom is disclosed. The paint roller frame includes a cage assembly comprising a cage body and oppositely disposed end caps having bores therein permitting the passage of the paint roller frame therethrough. The inboard end cap includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart longitudinally extending ribs which securely engage the inner surface of the paint roller cover during the painting process and which permit the easy removal of the roller cover therefrom when painting has been completed or when the roller cover needs replacement.

Abstract: A paint brush which incorporates a mixture of natural bristles and synthetic crinkle filaments is disclosed. The natural bristle can be hog bristle, or the like, and the synthetic crinkle filaments can be formed from a polyester resin and include a plurality of waves or crimps along their length. The paint brush retains its shape through use and the bristles do not become “floppy” when used with water-based paint. In addition, the paint brush provides excellent paint “pick-up” and release properties and has superior surface coverage capabilities.