Abstract: A coordinate input device (e.g. mouse-like device or cursor-like device) includes an outer housing which is movable between a first position adapted for use by right-handed users, and a second position adapted for use by left-handed users. In such a manner, the coordinate input device is easily utilized by both right and left-handed users. In certain embodiments, a rotatable thumb or finger wheel may be provided in the coordinate input device for manipulation by the user in order to adjust a parameter of an image being written/drawn on a corresponding display screen by the coordinate input device.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use as a game of chance comprising a first set of elements (2) divisible into two or more visually distinguishable subsets (for example a set of balls divided into a plurality of colours), a second set of destinations divisible into two or more distinguishable subsets (for example a set of compartments on a wheel (23) formed by partitions (26) and divided into subsets distinguished by numerals) and means (10) for selecting at random one element (2b) from the first set (for example one ball) and associating the selected element at random with a destination (eg one compartment) of the second set.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and kit are provided for non-invasively freezing a content of a pipe. The method comprises the steps of applying a substantially continuous seal over an outside surface of a pipe at a location where a content of the pipe is to be frozen, covering a surface area of the pipe with a cover sheet in such a way that the substantially continuous seal separates the cover sheet from the surface area to define a cavity between the surface area and the cover sheet, and introducing a cryogenic fluid into the cavity to draw heat away from a content of the pipe, through the surface area. A periphery of the cavity is defined by the substantially continuous seal. The method advantageously provides an apparatus for freezing the content of the pipe. A kit can be used to assemble the apparatus. Advantageously, the method, apparatus 80, and kit provide a non-invasive way of freezing the pipe's content. There is no need to penetrate the wall of the pipe to insert any complex structures or mechanisms.

Abstract: A spray container storage and retrieval system including a holster for receiving a sleeve therein. The sleeve is designed so as to provide an efficient trigger guard for protecting against accidental discharge of spray containers receivable within the sleeve. In certain embodiments, an optional spring may be provided in a lower portion of the sleeve in order to bias the spray container upwardly therefrom when the holster is opened.

Abstract: A loading head for loading food articles into packaging includes a transfer conveyor in operable communication with a source of articles to be loaded. The transfer conveyor communicates the articles from an upper receiving position to a lower loading position. A first drive drives the transfer conveyor at a variable speed. A second drive oscillates the transfer conveyor between a first position and a second position. A controller is in operable association with the first and second drives for varying the driving speed of the transfer conveyor as a function of the position of the transfer conveyor. An article holder is disposed at the loading position for receipt of a transferred article.

Abstract: There are described notched single-edged thinning scissors which are easy to use, can be moved without damaging hairs remaining in spaces that are formed by closing the scissors, and can be readily removed from the hair. The notched single-edged thinning scissors includes a first piece having a plurality of teeth and a second piece which is attached to the first piece so as to be pivotable about a pivot and which forms spaces in clearances between the teeth when the first and second pieces are closed. Semi-circular notches are formed at uniform intervals along a lower portion of the second piece with reference to the pivot. A plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other are formed in a lower portion of the second piece with reference to the pivot. When the scissors are moved after the first and second pieces have been closed to cut the hair, the hair remaining in the clearances among the teeth are detached from the scissors without being damaged.

Abstract: A cryogenic tool capable of freezing the pipe content which otherwise flows through a pipe is provided to permit isolation of a repair site in the pipe. The cryogenic tool comprises a tool body and a cryogenic device. The tool body has a tip which is adapted for insertion through a wall of the pipe. The tip is of sufficient length to extend entirely through the wall of the pipe and into the pipe content. The cryogenic device is connected to the tip. The cryogenic device is adapted to reduce the temperature of the tip sufficiently to freeze the content of the pipe in the vicinity of the tip. Also provided is a method of freezing the content of a pipe to prevent flow through the pipe.

Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A blister pack for displaying pull chains which includes a transparent cover member having connecting first, second and third recesses for receiving a pull chain, the second recess having a holding region to lock the chain in place. The package further has a flat base member disposed over the cover member and completely covering the recesses. The cover member and the base member are joined together. A method of displaying pull chains in a display package, wherein the chain of a pull chain is locked into a holding region of a transparent cover member such that the knob of the pull chain is permitted to be displayed in a manner which more realistically portrays the appearance same would have when affixed to a ceiling fan.

Abstract: A fuel injection, ignition, and combustion system for use in a rotary internal combustion engine of the diesel type and method of power extraction is provided. The fuel combustion system includes a rotary engine with a prechamber disposed in a top center position of the engine housing. The prechamber includes means within the prechamber for maintaining a surface in the prechamber at a temperature sufficient to cause ignition of the fuel. In operation, unthrottled air is introduced into the housing and compressed in the top center position of the engine housing. Fuel is introduced into the prechamber via a fuel injector disposed within the prechamber which ignites due to the hot surface and initiates combustion. The engine continues to operate by retaining the surface of the prechamber at a high temperature which initiates subsequent combustion cycles.

Abstract: A powder atomizer comprises a pan, and an element journaled for rotation about an axis. The pan partially surrounds the element, and therewith defines a venturi into which powder is fed. The venturi has an inlet and a spaced outlet. A motor rotates the element within the pan in excess of the speed required to throw powder from the element by centrifugal force and draws gas through the venturi, so that powder fed into the element is atomized and produces a uniform cloud of particulate material. A nonconductive element minimizes the electrical charge on the pan, and thereby the resulting agglomerization of particulate material at the outlet.

Abstract: A multiple beam antenna system including a reflector that is at least partially parabolic in one dimension, a pair of dielectric lenses, and a pair of waveguides. Multiple received beams are received and reflected by the reflector into an orthogonal mode junction which separates signals of a first polarity from signals of a second orthogonal polarity. The signals of the first polarity are forwarded into a first waveguide and the orthogonal signals of the second polarity are forwarded into a second parallel waveguide. A plurality of satellites may be accessed simultaneously thus allowing the user to utilize both signals at the same time. In certain embodiments, each of the dielectric lenses may be of the bifocal type.

Abstract: A modular truck body includes a plurality of separate and independent modular compartments or modules. Each module is attached to vertical members of a corresponding subframe in order to efficiently attach the modules to the truck. In certain embodiments, immediately adjacent modules are not directly affixed to one another, so that one can easily be removed from the truck without affecting other modules thereon.

Abstract: A valve arrangement comprises a valve housing and a shutoff device. The valve housing has a flowthrough passage extending between an inflow opening and an outflow opening. The shutoff device is for closing the flowthrough passage. The shutoff device has a valve seat surrounding the flowthrough passage and a valve cone which is movable in an axial direction perpendicular to the valve seat between an open valve position and a closed valve position. The valve cone corresponds with the valve seat such that, in the closed valve position, sealing surfaces on the valve cone and valve seat come into metallically sealing contact and thus close off the flowthrough passage. Arranged between the valve seat and the valve cone is a soft-sealing seal arrangement which, in the closed valve position, provides an effective seal in addition to the metallic seal effected by the sealing surfaces. The soft-sealing seal arrangement has a sealing element retained on the valve seat.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a removably mounted process unit containing a photosensitive member and process units. A movable cover is connected to the process unit and shields an area of a periphery of the photosensitive member. The movable cover is caused to retract from its shielding position in response to rotational movement of the photosensitive member.

Abstract: A supplementary vehicle heater is provided which includes a bumer, a heat exchanger, a coolant conduit connected to the heat exchanger and a coolant pump connected to the conduit. There are controls which are operatively connected to the burner and the coolant pump which operate the heater in a first mode when the engine is stopped to preheat the engine or keep the engine warm. The controls operate the heater in a second mode when the engine is running to improve heating of vehicle interior. Preferably the controls include automatic controls which engine coolant temperature. The controls cause the burner and pump to function when the engine is running and the coolant temperature is below preset temperature.

Abstract: An improved method for packaging perishable goods comprises an inner insulating container that is quickly and easily formed from a flat sheet of metalized bubble pack material to a finished state that very closely approximates the size and dimensions of the carton. The constructed inner container can be quickly collapsed and reconstructed to improve the stackability and diminish the amount of space required to store the containers prior to use.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a door skin includes the steps of providing a wood composite flat blank. The blank is placed between the platens of a heated press, the platens being heated to a temperature sufficient to soften the resins in the blank and to thereby soften the blank. Sufficient pressure is applied to close the platens and thereafter the pressure is cyclically applied to increased pressure levels for thereby causing the blank to be deformed into a molded shape determined by the configuration of the platens. The molded blank is then removed from between the platens.