Abstract: An abradable dry powder coating (22) composition for coating onto a surface (12) for subsequent curing to form into an abradable coating, including a powder (16) formed of uncured thermoset resin with at least 15 volume percent filler, wherein the filler does not substantially melt below the cure temperature of the resin. Method for making the coating composition includes melt-mixing the thermoset resin with at least 15 volume percent of filler, cooling the resulting mass composite, and then breaking the cooled mass composite into powder particles (16). Method of coating an article with an abradable coating includes applying the dry composite powder with the filler therein onto a substrate and curing the dry powder composition, preferably by electrostatic coating. An article is also disclosed which is coated with the abradable coating.

Abstract: A coating composition includes 1.5 to 4 weight percent of a film-forming acrylic resin having an average molecular weight of from about 235,000 to about 285,000; 4 to 8 weight percent of a film-forming acrylic resin having an average molecular weight of from about 175,000 to about 225,000; 1 to 3 weight percent of solid caustic; and 75 to 85 weight percent water. The film-forming acrylic resins may be copolymers of alpha-beta ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers and ethylenically unsaturated esters. A dried coating of the composition is water-soluble. A method for making the coating composition includes heating water from about 140 to about 200° F.

Abstract: A method for securing a raised appliqué to a substrate and the articles resulting therefrom. The preferred method includes various steps of digitizing an ornamental pattern into a computer format, then using that format to stitch, cut, and embroider an appliqué and wadding material onto a substrate, such that the appliqué is three dimensionally raised in portions by the wadding material, and the resulting combination of substrate, wadding material and appliqué material may then be sculpted out to form an attractive raised appliqué design suitable for use on any substrate, but especially garments, headwear and similar articles.

Abstract: A vehicular warning system for use by school buses and/or other emergency vehicles in rural, hilly, areas and extremely low population areas, which provides a short range radio transmission signal broadcast sequentially over all 40 channels of a citizens band radio acting as an audible signal to be picked up by any nearby CB radio turned on. The warning system comprises a transmitter means to be installed on school buses and/or other emergency vehicles that can warn truck drivers of an upcoming situation which would require the truck to slow down or stop. The present system finds special utility in hilly regions where a truck driver cannot see over the next hill, and consequently does not know if he needs to stop.

Abstract: A motorized mirror actuator is disclosed which includes a movable ramp having upwardly facing angled surfaces for urging a cam element in and out of the normal viewing position, thereby moving the rear view mirror into a position which will enable the driver to see his blind spot. A small electric motor is sufficient to drive the mirror in and out of the appropriate angle for viewing the “blind spot” for the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for separating and dispensing strips of self-adhesive articles, such as postage stamps, labels and other materials formed in strips. Elongated strips of these self-adhesive articles are wound into rolls and supported upon a waxy backing layer and require separation for use. The separating dispenser may be a two-part assembly having a housing and a closure for the housing, with a slot therethrough, which the elongated strips of self-adhesive articles are dispensed and advanced through complementary guide pins that frictionally hold the dispensed material. The device can separate a backing layer from stripped material when the backing layer and the stripped material are directed along different paths and only the backing layer is advanced through the guide pins. The mechanism of the present invention advantageously permits efficient production and operation. In addition to being economical and easy to use, this invention has obvious reliability advantages.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an article (10) by forming different portions of the article from different materials including using filler materials that are incorporated into a molten resin prior to forming the article. The selection of the resin and the filler materials impart differing properties to the article in the location where the materials were directed. The filler materials may include ceramic powders, clays, polymeric resins selected for their material properties, recycled materials, whisker materials and the like. The article may be subjected to an adhesion fluid, such as a gas or liquid, after formation in order to adhere all filler particles to the surrounding resin. If the adhesion treatment is acidic in nature, an optional step of neutralizing the article with hydroxides, carbonates or the like may be useful.

Abstract: A radio controlled robotic toy having a main body chassis with at least two middle legs and at least two corner legs attached to the chassis, the legs being interconnected and driven by a linkage drive arm which is, in turn, operated by a radio-controlled electric motor which has computer electronics and software to control and cause movement of the legs for propelling the toy forward and backward. A six-legged walking animatronic robot toy is one of the preferred embodiments, including a moving head with jaw pincers, six moving legs, which yields a versatile, durable, speedy robot toy.

Abstract: Devices and methods using freshening agents, such as perfumes, synthetic fragrances, deodorizers, fragrance fixing agents or mixtures thereof, for freshening the air exhausting from a vacuum cleaner during operation. One embodiment includes a thin, flexible sheet capable of being vacuumed into a vacuum cleaner, wherein the sheet has the freshening agent bound thereto. Methods for utilizing such a device are also disclosed. A second embodiment includes a disposable vacuum cleaner bag wherein at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner bag has the freshening agent bound thereto. A third embodiment includes a tubular collar to be affixed to the inlet tube of a vacuum cleaner, wherein the collar has the freshening agent bound thereto. The applied fragrance shall have a higher or greater impact on the olfactory senses of the vacuum cleaner operator than does the malodorous exhaust.

Abstract: A fishing tackle holder, including an elongated channel piece with lipped edges, a mounting bracket having either a substantially diamond-shaped or a round base portion for slidably mounting within the channel, a fastener to hold the mounting bracket in the channel, an adjuster to position a barrel sleeve which holds a fishing rod, and a lock down to hold the barrel sleeve in place. The fishing tackle holder may also include eyelets on the side of the barrel sleeve, with a securing cord to hold the fishing rod so that a fish will not pull the fishing rod out of the barrel sleeve.

Abstract: A semi-flexible vehicle headliner assembly and a method of installing the same are provided. The headliner assembly includes a headliner piece and a support unit. The headliner piece is bendable to permit variable shaping for installation. A method of installing the headliner assembly with an upper surface to the inside of a vehicle roof is provided which includes the steps of connecting a back side of a support unit to the inside of the vehicle roof and connecting the upper surface of the substrate to the roof of the vehicle temporarily until the substrate can be securely installed.

Abstract: A bearing mechanism including two substantially identical ball bearings, each having a longitudinal axis and an inner and an outer race with grooved surfaces facing each other in the races, said bearings being placed in a substantially parallel configuration once assembled in the resultant bearing mechanism, an inner tubular sleeve extending between and against the two substantially parallel ball bearings, said inner sleeve having a thickness and an outer diameter that substantially matches the dimensions of the inner and outer races of the ball bearings, and two bearing caps to be inserted through the two ball bearings, said bearing caps having a substantially tubular shape, each with a flange extending outwardly from one end of the tubular shaped bearing cap, the thickness of the flange matching the dimensions of the inner and/or outer race of the bearings such that, once assembled, the flanges contact the outside surfaces of the races of the substantially parallel ball bearings, thereby exerting a force on

Abstract: A fastener which includes an inner collar having an axial bore and a retractable projection projecting into the axial bore when the fastener is in a locked position and retractable out of the axial bore when the fastener is in a retracted position. The inner collar further has a tapered indentation in the outside surface. The fastener further includes an outer collar having an axial bore, the outer collar placed uniaxially and slidably over the inner collar and having a movable protuberance extending into the axial bore of the outer collar. The movable protuberance is shorter axially than the tapered indentation in the inner collar and is positioned in the tapered indentation. The fastener is in a locked position when the outer collar is in its resting position relative to the inner collar in which the movable protuberance is resting in the deepest portion of the tapered indentation. The fastener is in a retracted position when the outer collar is moved axially out of the resting position.

Abstract: A coating composition includes 1.5 to 4 weight percent of a film-forming acrylic resin having an average molecular weight of from about 235,000 to about 285,000; 4 to 8 weight percent of a film-forming acrylic resin having an average molecular weight of from about 175,00 to about 225,000; 1 to 3 weight percent of solid caustic; and 75 to 85 weight percent water. The film-forming acrylic resins may be copolymers of alpha-beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers and ethylenically unsaturated esters. A dried coating of the composition is water-soluble. A method for making the coating composition includes heating water from about 140 to about 200° F.

Abstract: Tonneau cover for placement on a pick-up truck bed, said tonneau cover being made of an energy recoverable foam capable of withstanding the torsional and rotational torque subjected to the truck bed during strenuous off-road conditions without the cover popping off or coming undone at any corner. Further in order to achieve this withstanding of torque and other forces, the cover is attached to the front of the truck bed by at least one hinge which is holding the cover onto the truck by its own independent suspension. This causes a “floating” effect of the cover on top of the truck bed while the truck is; being put to the test on off-road conditions, and allowing the cover to twist and turn during off-road operation. The top surface of the tonneau cover may have a smooth surface, while the underside may be textured like a snakeskin for crumbling upon a rear end collision. Use of the tonneau cover of the present invention results in a significant gas mileage increase.

Abstract: An electrical cable includes a solid-core wire; an outer sheath surrounding the solid-core wire; and a connector attached directly to each end of the cable. The electrical cable may have a code marked on the outer sheath of the cable near each end of the cable in which the code is individualized for that particular electrical cable. The code may also be marked at intervals along the length of the cable, for example about every one to five feet. The cable may have at least eight solid-core wires, each wire being at least 24 gauge or heavier; an outer sheath surrounding the at least eight solid-core wires; and a factory/field-attached RJ45 connector attached directly to each end of the cable, wherein each connection is factory or factory-quality tested. The cable may be at least 60 feet long.

Abstract: A compact lifter is disclosed which lifts a lifting platen by at least one actuating cylinder with a minimum number of posts or guide shafts to guide the platen as it is being lifted to ensure reliability and reproducibility, each of the posts being received by at least a pair of bearings on each post to hold the post steady and true in position during the lifting operation. The lifter can be in constructed in a two post or a four post configuration, among others. An enclosure is disclosed for completely enclosing the working mechanism to prevent environmental contaminants from entering the workings and damaging the machinery.