Abstract: Acoustical tiles having incorporated therein microbicidal amounts of a microbicide are effective in inhibiting growth of micro-organisms (including viruses) in the tile pores and preventing spread of disease, cross-infections, and food contamination in facilities employing acoustical tiles.

Abstract: An intelligent automated battery multimeter system having data storing and multi-cell reading capabilities in a self-contained unit for automatically performing in-service DC load testing on battery cells without requiring the removal of battery chargers wherein the tester measures, records and displays load voltages, float voltages, internal cell resistance, intercell connection resistance and other cell integrity measurements. The battery tester is also computer compatible wherein it provides PC links for extracting data from the system and downloading it into computer networks.

Abstract: A height adjustable ladder tool accessory box for holding tools, hardware, supplies, paint containers, and the like for use on ladders, including step ladders and extension type ladders. The invention includes a tool and hardware box which removably attaches to a pair of support members. In one embodiment, the support members removably and adjustable slide into a pair of mounting brackets that attach to either side of a step ladder. In another embodiment, the tool accessory box is supported by a pair of support brackets that removably attach to either side of an extension ladder. The tool accessory box includes a removable opening lid that covers internal compartments for storing an assortment of tools, hardware, and supplies. The lid includes a series of external concentric raised rings to hold standard sized paint containers, and has a raised perimeter to retain articles set on the lid. The tool accessory box includes a handle and a plurality of external tool holders.

Abstract: A flag or banner is provided that has a balloon-like inflatable portion that can be made any shape or size to resemble a logo, basketball, football, decorative or ornamental shape or symbol, or any other symbol or three dimensional representation desired. The flag surface can have any desired accompanying indicia. The flag portion and inflatable portion can be integrally made as one piece. Alternately, the flag can have an opening sized and shaped to receive the inflatable portion. The inflatable portion can include an area of excess material for attaching to the flag portion adjacent the inner perimeter of the sized and shaped opening. The attachment of the inflatable portion to the flag portion can be by spot welding, and permits the flag portion to appear to emanate from the inflatable portion when the inflatable portion is fully inflated.

Abstract: A water jacketed exhaust pipe comprising an inner liner, an outer shell, and a spray ring. The inner liner includes an internally tapered section which clips the turbulence that occurs along the inner walls of the liner. As a result, fluid expelled from the spray ring will not migrate into the inner liner where it can cause severe corrosion. The inner liner is longer than the outer shell. The outer liner includes an internally tapered section which scatters the stream of water expelled from the spray ring and further redirects water onto the inner liner and into the center of the exhaust path. The redirected water particles are easily vaporized and in the process, extract a significant amount of heat from the exhaust system.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding folding clothing in a compact bag, particularly one suited for storage under seats or in overhead bins on commercial aircraft is disclosed. A two part folding panel is connected at one edge parallel to a hinge between two compartments of a suitcase. A hanger carrying an article of clothing is attached to a hook on the interior of a side wall opposite the hinge so that the clothing lays across the bottom of the compartment and portions of the folding panel. Two arcuate padded bars are provided over the hinge and over a fold line on the folding panel so that the clothing is wrapped around same with a relatively large radius of curvature when the first panel segment is folded along the fold line over the second panel segment, and the composite folded panel is then folded into one compartment of the suitcase.

Abstract: A voice coil adaptor ring and loudspeaker system of the moving coil type including a cone diaphragm supported by a frame, a voice coil former for supporting a voice coil, and a lower suspension for securing and centering the voice coil former in a magnetic gap while it is displaced by a magnetic circuit. The voice coil adaptor ring is mounted over the voice coil former and comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve having a ledge extending outward from said sleeve for supporting the cone and lower suspension; an inner glue flange projecting inward from the sleeve so as to define a diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the voice coil former whereby the sleeve, inner glue flange and voice coil former define a gap for receiving epoxies; and a plurality of venting passages in fluid communication with a cap volume defined by the cone and dust cap for venting hot air from the cap volume.

Abstract: A concentric tube suspension system and loudspeaker system of the moving coil type, including a diaphragm supported by a frame, a voice coil including a former and voice coil winding supported by the former, and a suspension system for stabilizing and centering the voice coil in a magnetic gap while it is linearly displaced by an electromagnetic motor. The suspension system generally comprises a tubular stabilizer attached to the bottom surface of the diaphragm so as to concentrically straddle the voice coil and electromagnetic motor, and a lower corrugated suspension attached at one end to the frame and at the other end to the lower end of the stabilizer, wherein the stabilizer and lower suspension provide a centering force below the traditional neck joint location on the voice coil.

Abstract: A drinking vessel having an open face slot defined by the wall of the vessel for holding a selected tile from a plurality of interchangeable tiles bearing indicia for conveying a selected message, wherein the tiles have dimensions corresponding to the dimension of the slot for slidably engaging the slot, and whereby the tiles each have indicia embodying a different written expression or design such as a generic human face which is neutral with respect to gender, race, or nationality, and which is adapted to reflect a particular human mood, feeling, condition, or disposition.

Abstract: A method for applying and reproducing an original visual image such as a computer generated image, an oil painting or photograph, onto various surfaces using silk screen ink techniques for a high resolution permanent image transformation, especially useful on objects having a course or toughened surface, such as a football, basketball, or the like, wherein an image is applied to a rough surface by an improved silk screening type method resulting in a high resolution image reproduced on the surface of a non-smooth material, and equally applicable to smooth surfaces such as industrial control panels and the like.

Abstract: A combination beach towel and pillow case comprising a towel, which can be made of fiber-reactive dyed velour on one side for a decorative pattern, and a rectangular panel sized in shape and connected at two edges to form a pillow receiving compartment. The panel is folded over itself, connected at two edges and attached to one end of the beach towel, and can occupy approximately one-twelfth the surface area of the beach towel. Alternately, two rectangular panels can be attached at three edges and connected to one end of the beach towel to form the pillow compartment. The pillow compartment includes a closure at the pillow receiving opening to capture the pillow and keep sand and dirt from entering the pillow compartment and reaching the pillow. The pillow can be easily removed from the pillow compartment providing for easy cleaning of the towel, and easy replacement of the pillow.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for thawing frozen food product utilizing desuperheated gas thawing medium near its saturation point. The transfer of the latent heat of condensation from the thawing medium to the frozen food product immediately condenses the thawing medium into a condensate liquid, after which it is recycled back through the refrigeration system. Since the thawing medium quickly condenses upon giving up energy to the frozen food product, it falls away from the upper surface of the thawing deck tube interiors, being replaced by additional gaseous thawing medium near its saturation point, which in turn condenses upon giving up heat, and the process continues until the food product is completely thawed. Since the state of the thawing medium is consistent throughout the thawing deck tubes, the temperature along the length of each of the tubes is uniform.

Abstract: A tandem bicycle is disclosed which comprises a frame in part, like that of a tandem bicycle with the rear like that of an adult tricycle particularly adapted to allow two people to propel the vehicle while offering the riders stability so that both occupants experience the physical benefits of propelling the vehicle. Upon an elongated frame, like that of a tandem bicycle, there are two seats, each one mounted behind a pair of handle members, one behind the other. There are also two pairs of pedals in position to be engaged by each rider. In the present invention, the mechanisms associated with the second or rear seat are operable and influence the propulsion and stopping of the vehicle, except for the rear handle members which may not be moved and do not influence steering.

Abstract: A hanging plant pot support apparatus is provided which supports a standard or conventional plant pot and a moisture barrier from a single point at the plant pot's base. The apparatus includes a single rod member, a plant pot base support nut, and a moisture barrier such as a drip or catch saucer or dish. The apparatus can hang plant pots that already contain soil and have plants growing therefrom.

Abstract: A method and system of issuing an electronic authorization and validation for pre-scheduled activities such as airline reservations to eliminate paper tickets. The passenger makes the reservation and allows a reservation operation center to charge the passengers credit card company. A reservation number is issued in the computer. The passenger utilizes a plastic I.D. card that accesses computer for validation purposes. An automatic teller machine, at the airport, allows the passenger to receive specific flight information, departure gate information and the like by the insertion of the I.D. card. A mobile airline communications system at the departure gate includes a cellular telephone network connected to a lap top computer and a magnetic card reader that provides validation of the reservation and payment to an airline employee at the departure which allows the passenger to board the aircraft.

Abstract: A roof tile hurricane clip formed by selectively bending a generally rectangular piece of material for preventing the nose of an overlapping tile from lifting in high winds. The invention comprises a clip body having a fastening end, a retaining end for retaining an angled lower edge portion of an overlapping tile, and a body portion therebetween. The clip fastening end may incorporate an elongated aperture for accommodating a conventional fastener therethrough for securing the clip to a roof tile such that the clip is subject to adjustment for retaining an overlapping roof tile edge of within certain tolerances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a table surface and side rail, including a replacement table surface or rail, and construction method, wherein the surface or side rail can have nearly any desired appearance, one example being marble, but that is light in weight and does not buckle or separate after construction. The table rail is made using a sandwiched construction method. In one embodiment, an under piece or under layer is provided, which may be a wood under piece, a relatively thin exterior surface layer is also provided, and is made of a suitable material to give a desired appearance, such as marble. A middle or interior layer is sandwiched between the under layer and the exterior layer. The middle layer is made of a gypsum board that does not absorb water and provides a buffer between the under and exterior layers. The sandwich is bonded together using a polyester resin.

Abstract: A combination toy and stool is provided that rotates and simultaneously lowers when a child sits on the seat. When the seat lowers fully, the invention can be used as a stool. The invention includes a stool seat that has a helically grooved or twisted central shaft extending below the seat, and a plurality of support shafts spaced about the central shaft also extending below the seat. The seat sets onto a pedestal that incorporates an upper and a lower member that rotate relative to each other similar to a "lazy susan". The upper pedestal member has a plurality of upward extending tubular members that receive the support shafts that extend below the seat. The lower pedestal member has an upward extending central shaft that extends through the center of the upper pedestal member and receives the twisted central shaft of the seat in a vertical aperture in the central shaft.