Abstract: A joint and method for connecting elongated members end to end in which outer sleeves are anchored in blind holes extending in from each end face and a threaded rod is advanced into threaded nut receptacles affixed to the inside end of each sleeve to draw the end faces into abutment.

Abstract: A method is provided which provides functionality for doctors and staff to remotely electronically download a “virtual sample cabinet” software program from a central server onto their desktop computers or mobile technology devices to allow them to centrally search, review product information and insurance coverage, print or electronically send prescription drug sample vouchers and co-pay savings coupons to selected pharmacies. This eliminates the need for physician offices to manage and house physical drug samples, as well as offers a more convenient and efficient way to allocate, dispense and monitor needed drug samples and coupons for savings to their patients. Additionally, the method helps patients to enroll into further savings on refills for their on-going medications through automatically scheduled coupons that are emailed (or mailed) to the patients thereby promoting more affordable compliance to their prescribed therapies.

Abstract: A base support assembly for the cargo bed of a pickup truck mounted on the truck including a pair of parallel side by side slotted side guide rails installed on a respective cargo bed sidewall and a pair of U-shaped end support frames each having a pair of legs pivotally mounted to each of the opposite ends of the side guide rails so as to able to be swung up to an erect position or lowered down position after the base support assembly is installed on the pickup truck cargo bed side walls. An elongated slotted top guide rail may be connected at either end to the top of each end support frame. The end frames can be collapsed into a support for a rigid tonneau cover by lowering the end support frames.

Abstract: A double chain saw arrangement which has diametrically oppositely extending chain saws powered by a single motor driving two sprockets on said hub, each engaged with an associated chain saw chains on each chain saw bar mounted to the hub. A series of hooked capture pieces project from one side of the chain saw bars in a plane parallel to the chain saw bars, which pieces act to cause brush and limbs to be captured and forced into contact with the saw chains to be cut thereby.

Abstract: A device for removing liquid or solid contaminants such as oil or dust dispersed in air in which an air flow is directed through a space formed by a spiral wall in a cyclonic chamber condenses the particles or droplet which drops down into a collection chamber below the cyclonic chamber while the cleaned air passes out through an outlet extending back up through the cyclonic chamber. A baffle plate array is located at the bottom of the collection chamber composed of spaced apart shallowly inclined partially overlapping plates which captures any cyclonic air flow at the bottom of the collection chamber. This removes contaminants which would otherwise accumulate at the center of the bottom of the collection chamber and be entrained in the air exiting the device.

Abstract: A pick and method for obtaining a bright sound from a strummed instrument and in particular a guitar, the pick having a plurality of points about its rounded perimeter arranged in a uniform series to form a serrated edge, which points are sized and spaced so that a plurality of points substantially simultaneously engage a string when strummed, producing a bright chorus sound.

Abstract: A rope or line clamping device, including an assembly of two interfit tubular molded plastic members each having an internal web which are juxtaposed with each other and formed with elongated holes offset from the rotary axis of the members so that the holes progressively become more misaligned upon relative rotation of the members in a direction reducing the overlapping of the two holes, with a ratchet mechanism holding the members in relatively rotated positions to hold the rope or line segments clamped together until the ratchet mechanism is selectively released allowing reverse relative rotation.

Abstract: A flowing water display including a transparent upright backwall panel covering a graphic art sheet and water sprayed from a spray tube against a forward surface of the panel to cause a down flow of water thereover, with an open topped reservoir tank disposed beneath the panel to collect said water down flow, which is recirculated by a pump drawing water out of the reservoir tank and pumping water back into the spray tube. A pair of removable side channels and top channel frame the graphic art image and conceal the spray tube and plumbing connection to the pump. The components of a wall mounted version allow separate mounting to make a wall mount easier for large size displays.

Abstract: A knee bolster installation for an automotive vehicle includes a bridge plate extending across a space receiving a steering column in front of the driver's knee or a glove box in front of a passenger's knees and having a knee impact absorber structure attached behind each end of the bridge plate. Each knee impact absorber structure has diverging front and back walls having a curved top wall and a curved generally horizontal intermediate web extending between the front and back walls, and a curved bottom wall connecting the lower end of front and back walls together. A generally vertical stabilizer web connects the top wall and intermediate web together to restrain bulging when crushed to avoid horizontal collapse thereof during deformation.

Abstract: A displaceable drive ball safety element type torque limiter is installed in a variable speed AC motor drive crusher mill drive which can include a selective operable locking brake to hold the crusher components stationary during maintenance operations.

Abstract: A convertible broom having a broom head able to be selectively latched in either of two pivoted angular positions with respect to a broom handle. A latch mechanism includes a sleeve grip slidable on the handle to move a locking feature into and out of engagement with either of two locator features or pairs of locator features on a head bracket pivotally mounted to one end of the handle. On locator feature (or pair of features) is aligned with the locking feature with the broom head in a straight configuration, the other locator feature aligned with the locking feature with the broom head in a push broom configuration.

Abstract: A safety automobile bumper assembly includes energy absorbers interposed between a fascia and bumper beam comprised of a strip of deformable material formed with a loop with opposite curved ends deformed by relative movement of the fascia and bumper beam in an impact. Additional curved strip positions are provided by one or more additional loops or by one or more inner webs to increase energy absorbing capacity.

Abstract: A cap for the cargo bed of a pickup truck assembled on the truck including a base support frame comprised of a pair of parallel side by side slotted side guide rails and a hoop support frame pivotally mounted to each of the opposite ends of the side guide rails so as to able to be swung up to an erect position after the base support frame is installed on the pickup truck cargo bed side walls. An elongated slotted top guide rail is connected at either end to the top of each hoop support frame. Flexible side panels are inserted in respective slots on the side guide rails and top guide rail assuming a convex shape to cover the cargo bed. End panels close off either end of the cap, a rear panel may be hinged to the rear hoop support frame to be operable and may be transparent to provide a window. The hoop support frames and end panels may be adjustable in width to be matched to the cargo bed width.

Abstract: A formed metal piece is U-shaped to be fit to an outer edge of a framing stud, with a pair of side walls, at least one formed with a guide hole for accurately locating drilled holes for routing cables, etc. The front wall is sufficiently strong to provide nail shielding for protection of cables or pipes passed through the hole drilled in the stud. A series of pieces are installed in alignment prior to drilling the stud holes to speed the process. A cut out portion can be removed to optionally form a slot for installation as a nail shield reinforcement after the cables or piping is installed.

Abstract: A platen drive system and method of leveling platens in a forming station of a twin sheet thermoforming machine in which each platen is driven vertically by four independently operated drive units, each having an electric servo motor, the drive units arranged in two sub sets disposed on opposite sides of an associated platen. The platen is leveled during set up by individual operation of the servo motors.

Abstract: A two part plant container includes an outer tub part having a series of step indentations around its perimeter forming horizontal rest surfaces within the outer part which are located above a lower region forming a water reservoir space. The inner part has a bottom wall areas resting on the surfaces with the inner part nested within an upper region of the outer part. A drain hole is formed through a depressed area in one of the rest surface to set the maximum water level in the reservoir which is just below lower areas of the inner part bottom wall set at the same level as the drain hole. This insures that the soil in the inner part is never wet by the water in the reservoir to prevent wicking and waterlogging of the soil while leaving only a very short gap for the roots of a plant to grow across to reach the water. Handhold features are formed into the perimeter wall of the inner part allowing easy lift out. Ribs are formed into the inner part bottom wall to stiffen the same.

Abstract: A gutter cover installation for covering a roof eave gutter to prevent debris from entering the gutter includes a main portion of the gutter cover formed with a pattern of openings and an outer edge of the outer side of the gutter cover projecting out and down past an outer wall of the gutter to form a diverter preventing overflow from flowing over the outer surface of the gutter outer wall and thereby avoid staining the same. The gutter cover inner side is held up by segments formed on the inner side of the cover forming a channel which projects down below the main portion and is engaged with a mounting bracket installed within the gutter to be supported thereby. An elastomeric sealing strip is inserted into the channel and projects up and back into engagement with a drip edge or fascia installed at the roof eave.