Abstract: A backpack that has straps which may be repositioned, removed and replaced is designed to reduce muscle strain when the bag is carried by improving the balance of the load. Re-positioning the straps can enable a person to re-position the load closer to the center of the body to reduce the leverage exerted by an unbalanced load. An additional feature is that removable straps can be interchanged or replaced inexpensively with other straps that have different colors, trademarks, advertisements, or other indicia of support or affiliation. An advantage of the methods and apparatus shown is that the cost of replacing straps is inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing a backpack. The lower cost may make it possible for a business to furnish straps bearing its indicia as promotional items at a cost that is comparable to the cost of baseball-type hats, calendars, and similar items.

Abstract: What is shown is an animal blood anticoagulant compound useful in the meat packing industry generally, and in slaughterhouse operations, particularly. The anticoagulant is effective when diluted with water at higher dilution ratios than earlier anticoagulants. In some field trials, this anticoagulant was at least as effective as previously known commercial anticoagulants when diluted by an additional 30%. The present anticoagulant preparation concentrate is an aqueous mixture of soft water (55.0%-65.0/%, w/w); tetrasodium ethylene diamine tetraacetate (Na4EDTA) (0.5%-3.0%, w/w); sodium hexametaphosphate (17.0%-24.0%, w/w); citric acid (5.0%-9.0%, w/w); and sodium hydroxide (4.0%-7.0%, w/w) to obtain a balanced pH that provides optimal chelating and anticoagulant activity. Optimal anticoagulant performance has been found to occur in the range of between pH 6.6 and pH 7.2.

Abstract: A display is described that can be formed from a single sheet of card stock or other planar material. The display can be used as a greeting card, a photograph frame, a desk decoration, an award, a seasonal ornament that can be hung from a hook or loop and for other purposes. Spaced-apart, superimposed image panels are hinged or folded to spacers. The panels have apertures that define pictorial elements in profile. The spaced-apart panels may be placed in alignment and view in elevation to reveal a scene having substantial dimensionality. A different scene can be revealed when the display is made of unprinted plain card stock. It is possible, however, to print or emboss the display or to make it using colored papers. It is a particular advantage that the display can be manufactured in a continuous machine process using conventional stock-handling equipment. Another important feature of the article is that it can be stored or shipped flat and expanded when viewing is desired.

Abstract: A seamless siding made of vinyl, aluminum, or other sheet material strip is made by scoring flat material and punching fastener slots at the edges of the strip. The material is bent at the score lines to form a profile such as clap board or other desired style of siding. Fasteners through the slots hold the material to the wall while allowing the material to expand and contract in response to changing temperatures. The exposed surface may be embossed or textured as desired. The material provides a seamless siding with little waste compared to conventional wood siding products. No specialized expensive machinery, tools, or equipment is needed to carry out installation of this new siding product.

Abstract: A portable radial stacker having improved stability during radial travel and operation and improved highway transport characteristics is disclosed. Existing material handling conveyor components may be retrofitted to embody the invention. The invention enables operators to transport portable radial stackers over public highways in most states without the requirement of using an escort because the maximum overall width in the transport configuration is 11 feet--6 inches. In addition, the width extends to more than 22 feet when configured for stacking operation and radial travel which provides greater stability than previous conveyors. Hydraulic fold-down outriggers convert the system between the transport configuration and the stacking configuration in only a few minutes which affords a great savings in time and labor. Transport wheels are equipped with air brakes and the radial travel wheels can be fitted with hydraulically actuated direct drive.

Abstract: A view-changing display is made from one generally rectangular sheet of resilient planar material having a first side and a second side. At least one viewing window, graspable tab and slot through which the tab may slide are formed in the sheet, preferably by die cutting. The sheet is divided into a front panel, at least one sliding panel ending with a graspable tab, a biasing element preferably comprised of a resilient panel disposed between the front panel and each sliding panel, and an optional back panel preferably extending from the front panel opposite the biasing element. The second side of the sliding panel is folded to face the second side of the biasing element. The second side of the front panel is then folded to face the first side of the sliding panel and to mate the tab and slot. The second side of the optional back panel may be folded to face the first side of the biasing element. The display view is changed by pulling the tab which bows the biasing element and displaces the sliding panel.

Abstract: The invention discloses apparatus for grooming, leveling and conditioning athletic fields comprised of a leveling trowel having beveled ends. Soil is worked using elastomeric flails disposed into contact with the surface by a rigid weight bar pivotally mounted on the upper surface of the independently pivotable flails. The grooming apparatus may be mounted with a two or three-point hitch assembly or towed by a drawbar from any utility tractor or other landscape vehicle.

Abstract: A capo is disclosed that allows a musician to selectively engage any of the strings of a stringed musical instrument that has a neck and fingerboard. Multiple string contacting portions that can slide transversely to the neck of the musical instrument are provided. In addition, the pressure bar that applies pressure to the string contacting portions of the capo can slide transversely to the strings so that when fewer than all of the strings are to be engaged by the capo, it may be possible to remove the capo from the area in which the musician would desire to place the fingers in order to create the desired note. This capo is designed to allow the musician to straddle the capo with the fingers of the hand in order to play any note available on the instrument and to provide maximum flexibility in chord selection.

Abstract: Water damage to buildings which will use masonry cavity wall construction is prevented by placement of a masonry holding fluid conducting medium between the wythes of a masonry cavity wall during construction. The air space of a masonry cavity wall is substantially filled with fluid conducting medium such as a coarse polymer mesh which will hold masonry and prevent construction debris from entering the cavity air space while allowing air and water to flow with minimal resistance. Reliable drainage of moisture from the air space is assured because cavity wall drains or weeps will not become obstructed either during or after wall erection because the potential obstructions are excluded from the cavity air space by the fluid conducting medium. By assuring that the cavity wall air space and weeps do not become obstructed, potentially severe water damage is prevented. Mortar usage will be reduced and productivity increased by use of the mortar holding fluid conducting medium system disclosed by the inventor.