Abstract: A briefcase has front, center and rear panels dividing its interior into first and second compartments, the first of which has an accordion file positioned therewithin. A first cover embodiment overlaps the accordion file to close it off, while a second cover embodiment overlaps both first and second compartments. Each cover embodiment has either a U-shaped bight or a rectangular window to allow a handle attached to the briefcase to extend past the cover when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A roller for moving one of ink and water through a printing press is disclosed as an elastomeric covering on a solid journal. The elastomeric covering includes spiral lands and valleys adjacent the lands having depths ranging from 0.002 to 0.004 inch for ducting water, and ranging from 0.002 to 0.015 inch for ducting ink. At valley depths of greater than 0.015, ink is carried solely on the lands for the purpose of lubricating the ductor system. One embodiment includes reversed spiral land and valley end segments that direct ink inwardly from the ends of the rollers to prevent ink buildup at those positions on a ductor roller.

Abstract: A shaft-mounted bushing for connecting a rotating member to a shaft. The bushing includes a frame receiving a hub rotatably mounted therein. The hub includes an opening at one end thereof for receiving a shaft from the one end thereof. The hub includes a tapered portion which converges inwardly from the one end of the hub and toward the other end thereof. A sleeve is mounted into the hub from the one end of the hub and between the tapered portion of the hub and the cylindrical shaft. The outer portion of the sleeve converges inwardly from the one end of the hub and engages the hub. The sleeve presents an inward portion which is coaxial with and parallel to the cylindrical shaft for engaging the shaft in force transmitting relation ship therewith. The bushing assembly is completed by drawing the sleeve into the hub by way of a fastener located at the other end of the hub.

Abstract: A bakery icing spreader includes an elongate spine or handle portion sized for ease of grasping by a baker. A plurality of tines depend in spaced relation and like direction from said handle and are sufficiently long and have sufficient surface area to retain icing thereon for a time after the tines are dipped in a bakery icing pan. The loaded spreader is then manually passed over pieces of bakery baked on batch-type trays and a stream of icing falls onto the bakery in any pattern manipulated by a user.

Abstract: An improved birdbath made of molded plastic is disclosed as including a generally circular water retaining tray portion having a central hub including thereon means for suspending the tray a hanger, and means on the hub for mounting a pedestal mounting thereto and supporting said tray portion from below. The means for suspending the central tray portion include a hook having a plurality of strands depending therefrom, with the distal ends of the strands matingly releaseably engaging the hub portion of the central tray. A threaded mounting in the central hub portion is adapted to mount thereon in inverse relation, a standard two liter refreshment bottle made of molded plastic. The strands are adapted to fit around the two liter bottle, and a mounting ring maintains the strands and bottle in a preferred orientation to each other. At the bottom of the central hub, a pipe mounting socket is adapted to be threadedly engaged by a 3/4 inch I.P.S. pedestal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fitting a replacement corona wire onto a corona wire cartridge is disclosed wherein the assembly includes a pair of hook type terminals, rivets to mount those terminals onto a cartridge frame, a replacement corona wire having a loop at each end, with one loop through one hook terminal and the opposing loop through one end of a double hook ended coil spring. The opposing coil spring hook end is mounted on the opposing hook end terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fitting a replacement corona wire onto a corona wire cartridge is disclosed wherein the assembly includes a pair of hook type terminals, rivets to mount those terminals onto a cartridge frame, a replacement corona wire having a loop at each end, with one loop through one hook terminal and the opposing loop through one end of a double hook ended coil spring. The opposing coil spring hook end is mounted on the opposing hook end terminal.

Abstract: A system for controlling the start-up sequence of an electric motor includes a contactor relay for supplying polyphase operating voltage to the motor. A plurality of output circuits are respectively coupled between the motor and the relay contacts. Each output circuit is responsive to an output control signal applied to an input thereof for applying the operating voltage to the motor. An acceleration ramp generator is responsive to a motor control circuit which energizes the relay for providing a first signal which gradually rises upon the initial activation thereof. A phase control ramp generator is responsive to the application of the polyphase operating voltage to provide a second signal which decreases from a given level upon the initial application of the operating voltage. A plurality of comparators are provided each comparator having first and second inputs respectively coupled to receive each phase control ramp generator signal and the acceleration ramp generator signal.

Abstract: An improved method for carrying out multiple laboratory processes including hybridization, cell growth and chromatographic separations including steps of: providing a laboratory apparatus having a hollow recessed chamber and a removable cover sized to be slidably retained in at least a portion of the hollow recessed chamber for providing a variable volume chamber. Inserting a sandwich including a membrane having DNA fragments bound thereto, and a porous non-reactive filter on either side of the membrane into the chamber and inserting the slidable cover, a distance sufficient to provide a minimum volume chamber for the sandwich. Delivering a pre-hybridization solution to the chamber by utilizing a fluid administration kit in fluid communication with the chamber and pre-hybridizing the DNA fragments at a desired temperature. Removing the pre-hybridization solution from the chamber by the fluid administration kit.

Abstract: An improved carrier strap assembly for carrying a plurality of fishing rods and reels includes a first elongate strap or spine member having opposed adjustable size loops at each end thereof. A second strap means is mounted perpendicularly to said first strap means and slidably therealong the one of the opposed end loops. A third strap means is mounted slidably along the first strap means between the two end loops. Both the second and third strap means are fitted with hook and loop fasteners provided for selectably releasable engagement of one side of the strap means to the other side thereof. In the operation, the bottom loop on the first strap is enlarged until it fits around the fishing rod handles under the reels and then is cinched up until snug. At the opposite end of the first strap, the top loop on the first strap is adjusted in size until the second strap is positioned to extend around the upper end of the fishing poles under the first full eyelet on the rod.

Abstract: An improved capacitance bridge type liquid level control system for use in refrigeration applications is disclosed which provides improved apparatus for sealing the probe in its mounting and for insulating same against the condenser reservoir stand pipe in which it is mounted. Improved sealing between the probe and probe body is accomplished through an annular PTFE seal which when compressed pushes inwardly to seal a tubular PTFE insulation against annular ridges in the side of the probe rod proper. The improved probe rod shape also maintains a proper stabilized axial alignment between the probe rod and the probe body.

Abstract: A portable bed assembly for use on a pick up truck, camper, station wagon or other recreational vehicle includes an elongate framework having a width designed to fit between rear wheel wells on a motor vehicle, and a length which fits snugly within the vehicle when the rear thereof is closed. The portable bed is mounted on rollers which ride on rails mounted on the original deck or bed of the motor vehicle. The framework includes a pair of foldable leg assemblies with one mounted on each end of the portable bed assembly. A locking mechanism maintains the portable bed assembly in mounted position along the rails on the original motor vehicle bed or rear deck. When the locking mechanism is released and the rear of the motor vehicle is opened, or the tailgate is positioned horizontally, the portable bed assembly will roll outwardly of the back of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An improved laboratory chamber apparatus capable of carrying out multiple laboratory processes including hybridization, cell growth, and chromatographic separations, among others, includes a low profile base having a minimum volume chamber positioned therein. The chamber includes a selectably removable cover which is capable of providing access to and sealingly closing the hollow chamber. In the preferred embodiment, the cover is disc shaped so as to be able to sealingly engage a side wall of a low profile hollow cylindrical chamber and is insertable into the chamber to an adjustable depth to minimize the chamber volume, while allowing a variation of that volume depending upon the number of filters, membranes, or other accessories placed in the chamber. The hollow cylindrical chamber further includes opposed input and outuput ports, the input port providing for measured input of experimental solutions, wash solutions, etc.

Abstract: An improved thigh muscle stretching device includes a central spine or post having a seat bottom on one end thereof, and an elongate worm gear mounted for free rotation adjacent the opposing end of the spine. A movable housing is threadedly received on the worm gear, and a pair of elongate rod members are dual-plane pivotally mounted on opposing sides of the housing. The distal ends of the rod members are adapted for receiving the legs of a user. Rotation of the worm gear is controlled by a multiple-plane pivoting handle positioned for user operation.

Abstract: A garment carrier of the type including a generally rectangular outer panel and a like sized generally rectangular inner panel joined along their respective peripheries to the opposed sides of an elongate side panel extending around the peripheries of the outside and inside panels, with the garment carrier being foldable along a mid portion spine extending transversely of the outside panel. User carrying means including handles and/straps are fixable to the spine in a manner known in the art. The outside panel of the garment carrier includes a plurality of pockets positioned thereon with each pocket including an opening associated therewith, and a means for selectively closing said opening mounted adjacent each opening.