Abstract: A folding softbox is disclosed including a collapsible frame that is provided in a manner of an umbrella frame, i.e., a central post with ribs that projects outwardly from a first end of the post and curve toward a second end of the post. A strut extends between a mid-span portion of each rib and the post to hold the ribs away from the post in an operative position. The inner ends of the struts are interconnected and are selectively slidable coaxially about the post. When the inner ends of the struts are slid toward the second end of the post, the outer ends of the struts are pulled inwardly toward the post and, thus, pull the ribs inwardly toward the post into a second or collapsed position. The folding softbox includes a mounting apparatus adapted for releasably connecting to any of a wide variety of light sources.

Abstract: A coating system for ferrous and nonferrous metal substrates that provides cathodic protection from corrosion by coating with inherently conductive polymers and sacrificial anodic metal particles. The coating system is formed by a process that includes premixing of the inherently conductive polymer with the anodic metal particles to form a inherently conductive polymer/metal particle complex.

Abstract: An ergonomic die buffer comprises a load-bearing base having a central axis extending longitudinally through the midpoint of the load-bearing base. The load-bearing base also comprises a longitudinal axis that may be coaxial with the central axis of the load-bearing base or displaced therefrom. A neck portion is operatively connected to the base and a foot is connected to the neck portion. The neck comprises a central axis, such that the neck is connected to the base coaxially with the longitudinal axis. When the longitudinal axis is displaced from the central axis of the load-bearing base, there is greater contract between the topside surface area of the base and the associated die. The foot comprises at least one flat surface in order to provide greater surface contact between the topside of the base and an associated die. The die buffer may be secured to an associated die either by magnets or through a spring-loaded mechanism.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for high intensity infrared burn-off of contaminants on articles moving continuously through an in-line production process.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting structural supports from damage when impacted by an object such as a moving vehicle is provided. The apparatus has a shaped component which in the preferred embodiment is a semi-cylindrical component having a body defined by a wall, a top, and a base. The wall has at least one flat wall face and surrounds a hollow interior. An indentation for receiving a structural support is present in at least one flat wall face. A means for securing the shaped component to the structural support and for firmly seating one component at its flat wall face against the second component at its flat wall face when two components are present. Preferably, each component has a plurality of impact absorbing indentations, each having an aperture, a base and a wall extending from the base to an aperture mouth. These indentations function to re-distribute the energy of impact when a collusion occurs between the apparatus and a moving object.

Abstract: A photographic umbrella includes a skeletal frame and both a reflective inner surface and a diffusive inner surface secured in relation to the frame. The frame defines an inner concavity or recess that opens at a mouth portion. A first cover member made from fabric or other suitable material is secured to the frame, and an inner surface of the first cover member conforms generally to the shape of the inner concavity. This inner surface of the first cover member includes a highly reflective surface. A second, translucent cover member is placed in covering relation with the reflective inner surface of the first cover member so that the second cover member at least substantially covers the reflective inner surface. Thus, the second cover member diffuses light incident thereon and the reflective inner surface reflects light that passes through the second cover member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for transporting materials from a shipping end to a receiving end. The device is a slip sheet formed from a flat sheet of material having a flat portion with four side edges. One of the side edges has a compressible tab portion that extends outwardly therefrom. The compressible tab portion has an elliptical lip and an upper lip that forms a convex air foil-type cross-sectional area. The compressible tab portion is canted upwardly from a plane defined by the flat portion of the slip sheet. The slip sheet can be used in combination with a captive pallet to transport materials. Further, a method of transporting materials is disclosed whereby the shipping and receiving ends house the captive pallet whereby only the slip sheet is transported by a push-pull or fork-lift type truck.

Abstract: A shape for the central drive hole of a rotary mowing blade, such shape including two pairs of teeth extending off of a central hole substantially displaced 30° from the central axis of the mowing blade.

Abstract: A drainage pipe for use in a waterproofing system includes a plurality of openings. The drainage pipe includes a cleaning tube affixed to an interior surface of the drainage pipe. The tube has a plurality of spaced holes which allow fluid such as air or water to be forced out of the tube and clean debris from the drainage pipe. A garden hose, air hose or other fluid source can be attached to the tube.

Abstract: A clear plasto-elastomeric material comprising a thermoplastic, an elastomer or a copolymer or a blend thereof, mineral or vegetable oil, or a mixture thereof, and a fire retarding agent, is disclosed. This material has a combination of resiliency and shock absorption and is exceptionally hydro-slimy. Footwear made of this material has a high degree of comfort and shock absorption, slides made with the lining of this material are more efficient than water slides, and candles made with this material are freestanding, unbreakable, and have a very long burning time. The candles have been enhanced with photochromic, thermochromic, iridescent, fluorescent, and phosphorescent materials and with combinations thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing an unvulcanized tire tread from a storage device (14) includes the step of inverting the tread (12) and transporting it to a roller conveyor in a single step. The tread (12) is picked up by a vacuum bar (80) fitted with a series of suction cups (76). Individual suction cups (76) can be selectively supplied with vacuum depending on the length of the tread (12). After the suction cups (76) have engaged the tread, the tread is raised from the storage device (14), inverted through 180 degrees, and then set onto a special slotted roller conveyor (130). The slotted roller conveyor (130) has a center slot (142) to receive the vacuum bar (80) as it passes therethrough. Side slots (144,146) in the conveyor receive arms (90,92) attached to the vacuum bar (80).

Abstract: A coating system for ferrous and nonferrous metal substrates that provides cathodic protection from corrosion by coating with inherently conductive polymers and sacrificial anodic metal particles. The coating system is formed by a process that includes premixing of the inherently conductive polymer with the anodic metal particles to form a inherently conductive polymer/metal particle complex.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel utilizes control of cord length, rather than cord tension, as the control parameter. The apparatus includes a mandrel with an inflatable diaphragm mounted on an outer surface of the mandrel. The diaphragm is selectively inflatable via a control valve and source of pressurized fluid for dynamically adjusting a circumference of the mandrel in response to a control input. The control input reads a tension in the cord being wound. The cord is positively fed to the mandrel according to a defined algorithm based on the mandrel's shape, circumference and rotational speed, rather than by demand feed of the cord. The apparatus includes a positive feed control capstan which is electronically geared. The apparatus further includes a cord-laying wheel which isolates radially directed forces from circumferentially-directed forces.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching sound suppressors or other auxiliary attachments, such as a grenade launcher, to a weapon having a flash suppressor mounted on the end of a gun barrel. The adapter includes an adapter pilot specific to the caliber of weapon. Interchangeable adapter pilots allow a single adapter system to be utilized on various weapons having different calibers.

Abstract: A building system comprising interlocking log-like construction members to be used with or without screw-like fasteners. Various real-sized structures such as cabins, play-houses and tool sheds may be formed by perpendicular arrangement of recessed surfaces formed in the log-like members. A fastening system allows semi-permanent attachment of adjacent log-like members using a flanged fastener having an axial threaded recess and an axial threaded extension. When two fasteners are axially aligned, the axial threaded extension of one fastener may be engaged in the axial threaded recess of the other. The fasteners extend through holes in the recessed surfaces of the log-like members and thereby secure adjacent log-like members together.

Abstract: A water rescue device which can be easily secured to the arm of a victim, thereby, enabling the victim to be pulled from the water without having to grasp onto the device is provided. The water rescue device has a floatation member with an aperture extending therethrough to receive the victim's arm, a belt having an adjustment means to allow the belt to be secured to the victim's arm, an attachment means for securing the belt to the floatation member and a rescue line attached to the adjustment means. A rescuer, while holding onto the rescue line, can throw the flotation member to the victim. The victim can place his or her arm through the aperture in the flotation member. Once the victim has placed his or her arm through the aperture, the rescuer can pull on the rescue line causing the adjustment means to secure the belt to the victim's arm. And, then the rescuer can use the rescue line to pull the victim from the water.

Abstract: An article for forming a freezable substance includes a body having at least one cavity. The cavity has an open top, an open bottom and side walls therebetween. The top has a maximum width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the cavity. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire 10 for use in aircraft landing applications is provided. The tire includes a breaker assembly 20, 20A, 20B having circumferentially extending layers of cord fabric and wear strips to enhance performance. In one embodiment, the wear strips are rubber and are provided as central portions 26, 44 of breaker layers 24, 40 with cord fabric extensions 30, 48 on either side. In a second embodiment, the wear strips are thin, narrow rubber strips 72 imposed between adjacent cord fabric breaker layers 56, 60, 64, 68. In a third embodiment, the wear strips are narrow cord fabric strips 92 imposed between adjacent cord fabric layers 80, 84, 88.

Abstract: A microprocessor to control and to prevent failure in mechanisms, particularly those that perform timed intervals of work. The microprocessor controls the length of each interval of work, and limits the mechanism to perform only a predetermined number of work intervals, after which it deactivates the device, allowing the mechanism to reactivate only after entry of a coded number or operation of a key switch. The microprocessor monitors all functions of the mechanism and includes a first failsafe circuit that shuts down the mechanism in the event of malfunction. A second failsafe circuit monitors the first failsafe circuit, and bypasses it to shut down the mechanism in the event of malfunction in the first failsafe circuit.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant and method for maintaining proper lumbar spine curvature and intervertebral disc spacing where a degenerative disc has been removed. The one-piece implant comprises a hollow body having an access passage for insertion of bone graft material into the intervertebral space after the implant has been affixed to adjacent vertebrae. The implant provides a pair of screw-receiving passages that are oppositely inclined relative to a central plane. In one embodiment, the screw-receiving passages enable the head of an orthopedic screw to be retained entirely within the access passage. A spinal fusion implant embodied in the present invention may be inserted anteriorally or laterally.