Abstract: The present invention relates to new and unique designs that improve and enhance the section properties of load bearing structural members, which have particular, but not exclusive, application in connection with aluminum extrusions for use in screened pool, patio and porch enclosures. The invention utilizes one or more reinforcing inserts or slats which attach to a structural member such as a hollow extruded beam to increase the effective wall thickness of the beam in the area where the slat is applied.

Abstract: A method of producing and using a solution, and the solution itself, for extending the shelf life of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables after they are harvested which includes the steps of extracting juice from the flowers, flowering plant parts, fruits or vegetables, filtering the juice, disintegrating the parts from which the juice is extracted, extracting an enzyme or enzymes from the parts using a solvent without the denaturing the enzymes, removing the parts and mixing the remaining ingredients with the extracted juice.

Abstract: A process for preparing a consumable beverage containing a natural dairy beverage additive in the form of agglomerated natural milk powder. The powder is combined with other ingredients, either prior to being placed in the vending machine or upon demand within the vending machine, for the subsequent creation of a consumable beverage which includes the natural dairy beverage additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved electrical power strip which will automatically energize and de-energize one or more devices which are plugged into the strip, upon receiving an electrical signal from the primary device, without the need for manual actuation of a switch on the electrical strip or an under monitor system by the user. This system senses the primary status of the power supply through a low voltage power tap connector which is plugged in any appropriate socket of the primary device (which may be a personal computer). The output signal triggers a synchronous transfer switch or relay which enables power to secondary devices (which may be a monitor, printer, scanner, sub woofer, modem, etc.), permitting them to be synchronously turned on or off depending on the computer system status (ON or OFF).

Abstract: The invention is a small, portable illumination device which is used to illuminate reading material or other material. The device contains a clip which a user can employ to attach the device to a book or other reading material. The clip holds the illuminating device in place relative to the material. The device uses either battery or alternating current as power and can be switched from one to the other by insertion or removal of a male plug of a 120V AC/DC adapter into or from a jack in the device. The device can be turned on or shut off when a user switches the ON-OFF switch. In addition, there is a countdown timer which the user can set to a desired number of minutes. Once the countdown timer starts, the device will illuminate the material for the number of minutes to which the user set the countdown timer. When the countdown timer reaches zero, the device shuts off automatically. A buzzer sounds when the countdown timer reaches two minutes.

Abstract: A projection screen comprising; a substrate having a generally flat forward surface; a diffusion layer formed of a plurality of generally equally spaced apart concave features forming micro lenses; a layer of reflective material deposited on a rearward facing surface of the diffusion layer; the diffusion layer laminated to the forward facing surface of the substrate so that the layer of reflective material is sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A waste receptacle or other household items are placed upon a movable shelf or drawer under the counter in a space covered by an openable door. The shelf or drawer is movable between a first, retracted, mounted position stowed within the cabinet and a second, deployed, position removed from the cabinet. The user can withdraw the shelf or drawer hands-free from the cabinet and place items within the waste receptacle or drawer by simply opening the cabinet door. To stow the tray or drawer, the user simply pushes the tray or drawer back within the cabinet, into the retracted position. A novel latch assembly retains the drawer or tray, and, hence the receptacle or other item(s), in the retracted position, and the door can be closed to conceal the same. Upon closing the door, a lever attached to the door causes the latch mechanism to unlatch, releasing the drawer, which then abuts against the cabinet door.

Abstract: A self-draining, valve for fluid flow control. Upon removal of fluid supply pressure from the valve, the valve automatically reverts to a partially open state allowing fluid in the valve to drain. The disclosed valve is particularly useful in applications where draining of fluids with bio-matter or other contaminants is desired after removal of supply pressure in order to reduce contamination buildup and/or permit thorough cleaning.

Abstract: A shower stall pan that includes an integrally molded threshold “curb” with reinforcing ribs to provide sufficient strength for direct installation into the shower structure. The reinforcing ribs are integrally molded into the shower pan structure, which includes the threshold curb. The use of reinforcing ribs under the curb obviates the requirement to use additional framing under the curb portion of the shower pan, and decreases the time, effort and skill required to install the shower pan and thereby decrease the time and effort in constructing a shower stall.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant enclosure adapted to be recessed below the ground which allows a covering lid to be placed about an opening at the upper end of the housing substantially parallel to the surrounding terrain. The housing is preferably cylindrically shaped, having a larger diameter at the bottom than at the top. However, the housing may take any desired shape, such as rectangular, elliptical, cubic, etc without departing from the intended scope of the invention. The housing also includes a supply of pressurized water which is hooked up to the supply of water previously utilized for the above-ground stored garden hose through any conventional plumbing arrangement. Preferably, valving is utilized within the housing, and a threaded male brass fitting supplied to attach the proximal end of the hose to within the housing.

Abstract: A sailboat sail and method of manufacture thereof, the sail material being chosen from a group of materials which lay substantially flat at all points when laid against a planar surface but which stretch under wind loading when attached to a sailboat to assume the conventional airfoil shape desirable of a sail. The sail has informational content such as advertising (eg: product photographs and logos) or other messages printed on or otherwise imparted thereto. One method of providing such a sail includes the steps of providing a flat sheet of stretchable material having physical properties capable of withstanding conventional wind load-induced forces in near-shore sailing conditions, printing on one or both sides of the sheet information content to be displayed while the sail is mounted upon a sailboat, and cutting the sheet into the shape of a sail. The steps of printing and cutting may be transposed.

Abstract: A high yield diamond and method of producing same. The diamond includes a plurality of main crown facets adjacent a table lying at an angle of between 23° and 40° relative to the table, a girdle, a plurality of upper pavilion facets below the girdle lying at an angle of between 45° and 80° relative to the girdle plane, and a plurality of lower pavilion facets formed between the upper pavilion facets and the culet. The upper pavilion facets extend from between one fifth to four fifths the height of the pavilion. The method is directed to a process for blocking the pavilion of the diamond prior to performing any brillianteering steps.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions containing resins (particularly linear crystal polymers) and carbon (particularly impervious graphite) that are made through injection molding and like processes. The compositions produced have enhanced anisotropic thermal conductivity, can have complex shapes as produced by molding that includes lost cores, and are corrosive resistant. The enhanced thermal conductivity can be utilized in applications such as heat exchangers.

Abstract: A fountain which allows interaction by the viewer which alters the fountain's water display. An apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a person viewing the fountain may provide a control indication which causes the fountain display to vary. The preferred embodiment uses an ultrasonic sensor to determine the height of a viewer's hand above a sensor and the water pressure delivered to the fountain is adjusted according to position of the viewer's hand. The invention may use a single or a plurality of sensors to control different groups of jets thereby allowing a large variety of fountain design options.