Abstract: An encryption device includes a card with a grid comprising multiple rows and columns defining boxes for receiving individual characters. One of the columns or rows contains a master password or code character string. Other columns or rows contain encrypted character strings. The individual characters of the master password can be offset with respect to corresponding, individual characters of the encrypted character strings. A sleeve slidably, reciprocably receives the card and assists with aligning the characters of the master password and the characters of the encrypted character strings, which are visible through a window in the sleeve. A method of storing, encrypting and retrieving character strings utilizes the encryption device.

Abstract: In a thermoforming system for masked polymer substrate sheets, a temperature resistant, non-stick coating is applied to a sheet of a polymer substrate material. The coated sheet is positioned on a flexible platen positioned over a mold having a predetermined shape. Heat is applied until the polymer reaches a thermoforming temperature and softens, whereupon the platen is lowered to stretch over and cover the mold. When the sheet begins to conform to the mold, the heat is withdrawn and a second platen is lowered over the sheet to urge it into conformance with the mold. The temperature resistant coating can be applied over an existing polymer film masking, and rapidly cures to form a non-stick surface which prevents adhesion of the masked polymer sheet to the platen surfaces.

Abstract: The tufted surface covering includes a base formed from particles of a thermosetting polymer compound mixed with a particle binding agent causing a portion of the particles to bind together to form a self supporting web. The base is tufted with a tufting material. Thermosetting vulcanized natural and/or synthetic rubber compounds are employed. The polymer layer is tufted with a tufting material and heated to a temperature of from about 110° C. to about 220° C. at an elevated pressure of up to two tons per square inch, to cause the particles to bind together at elevated temperature and pressure to anchor and seal the tufts in place. Cross-linking agents and polar polymer containing compounds may be employed as particle binding agents. In another aspect of the invention, a second layer of particles of a thermosetting polymer mixed with a particle binding agent may be joined together with the particles of the first layer at elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An improved two-stage comminuting and dehydrating system is efficient, environmentally sound, and may be employed to process sticky materials. The system includes a pair of cyclone structures for comminuting and dehydrating. Injection ports are positioned for injection of viscid substances directly into the low pressure region of each cone. The secondary cyclone structure is equipped with a lower exit port. A single blower is coupled with the cyclone structures to form an air flow loop from the primary cone bottom to the secondary cone top and from the secondary cone top to the primary cone top. Airflow for cycling material between the cones is controlled by feedback from moisture and particle size monitoring devices in a collection unit coupled with the secondary cone.

Abstract: A teaching puzzle comprises a book in combination with a game board. The book includes a plurality of pages, each page having a written passage printed thereon and a respective puzzle piece removably attached thereto. Each puzzle piece has front and back sides with a respective first indicia on the back side related to the written passage. The game board has a display area with a piece receiving portion for each puzzle piece demarcated thereon, each piece receiving portion being marked with the same first indica as the back side of the respective puzzle piece.

Abstract: An automatic power factor correction system, for an electrical power installation drawing varying levels of reactive power, measures an electrical parameter of the power drawn by a load of a power installation which is capable of indicating a level of reactive power drawn by the load and couples a combination of capacitors to the power line to compensate for the level of reactive power indicated by the electrical parameter measured. In particular, the system measures the phase angle of the power drawn and calculates a combination of capacitors to connect to the power line to compensate for a measured level of reactive power.

Abstract: An articulated modular spinal fusion cage is implanted in the intervertebral space and adjusted in situ from an anterior access position to support adjacent vertebrae in normal curved alignment. The cage includes a first leg having a cylindrical pivot member and a second leg having a socket. The socket permits pivotal movement of the first leg with respect to the second leg to an anteriorly open, wedge-shaped orientation which may be selectively angularly adjusted. The laterally elongated socket and pivot member form a fulcrum that is positioned anteriorly from the posterior leg ends to enhance torsional stability and increase anterior preload. A driver is inserted through a bore in the socket and corresponding groove in the flange and is operable to engage a sloped interior surface of the first leg and to urge the anterior end upwardly by rotating the pivot member within the socket.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering a continuous stream of slurry at high flow rates demonstrates enhanced efficiency, economy and ease of operation. A stream of slurry is subject to continuous or continual measurement of flow rate and pulp density and the measurements are used to control the rate of addition of a flocculating agent to the slurry. The flocculated slurry is delivered to a dewatering unit where it is passed through a diffuser and evenly delivered to a tracking screen for filtering solids from a liquid filtrate. The pulp density of the filtrate may also be measured and used to control addition of a flocculating agent. The tracking screen is adjusted to achieve an angle of repose suited to the particular composition of the filter cake. The diffuser has a base having a horizontal section aspect ratio of from about 1:1 to about 4:1 and continuously changing vertically into an upper portion having a horizontal section with an aspect ratio of from about 40:1 to about 100:1.

Abstract: An unloader system is provided for a reciprocating gas compressor. The system includes an unloader valve assembly including a valve member controlling flow between compressor cylinder and a clearance bottle. Opening and closing of the valve member is controlled by manipulating a control pressure acting through a manifold against the stem of the valve member by means of a pressure regulator connected in series with a pressure source. When the pressure in the compressor cylinder acting on the heads of the poppet valve members exceeds the control pressure acting on the stems, the poppet valve members open, partially unloading the compressor.

Abstract: A load transporting trailer has modular construction with components that are readily separable for quick disassembly into light weight, packable, conventional luggage-sized elements. The trailer includes a pair of lateral frame sections, each including a folding wheel assembly adapted for folding relative to its associated frame section. A central frame section intercouples the lateral frame sections in side-by-side relationship. Alternatively, a pair of rectangular frame sections may be intercoupled with a hinge. A removable deck panel is installed in each frame section and a bike stand may be attached. The trailer includes a tow bar coupled with the frame for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle. The tow bar folds to form a tripod for supporting the trailer in an upright, parked position. A pair of castered legs is coupled with the aft portion of each frame section to permit rolling of the parked trailer.

Abstract: An improved two-stage comminuting and dehydrating system is efficient, environmentally sound, and may be employed to process sticky materials. The system includes a pair of cyclone structures for comminuting and dehydrating. Injection ports are positioned for injection of viscid substances directly into the low pressure region of each cone. The secondary cyclone structure is equipped with a lower exit port. A single blower is coupled with the cyclone structures to form an air flow loop from the primary cone bottom to the secondary cone top and from the secondary cone top to the primary cone top. Airflow for cycling material between the cones is controlled by feedback from moisture and particle size monitoring devices in a collection unit coupled with the secondary cone.

Abstract: A female incontinence device and method for placement of an intravaginal device for repositioning and supporting the prolapsed neck of the urinary bladder and realigning the urethra both vertically and laterally to approximate normal anatomical position enable a patient to remain stress-continent. The device includes an open, generally droplet-shaped base coupled with a pair of elongate spaced parallel legs shaped to extend in orthogonal relationship to the plane of the base in a predetermined configuration. Upon installation, the legs provide support for the anterior wall of the vagina and adjacent neck of the urinary bladder at a preconfigured variable distance from the posterior vaginal wall, as well as lateral and vertical alignment and support of the adjacent urethra. Alternatively, the base may be coupled with a single leg having a predetermined configuration which extends orthogonal to the plane of the base and is attached to the base at both ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implanting an articulated spinal fusion cage into the intervertebral space and adjusting the cage in situ to support the adjacent vertebrae in a normal curved alignment. The invention provides a greatly improved modular cage system having a base unit with a pair of sockets for receiving the ends of a pair of legs. The sockets permit pivotal movement of the legs about a posterior fulcrum from a closed, parallel insertion position to an anteriorly open, wedge-shaped orientation. The base has a threaded bore for receiving a driver, which is operable to urge the anterior ends of the legs apart as well as to support the front of the installed fusion cage. Interchangeable drivers are provided having various sized tips. The interior end surface of each leg unit includes a driver-receiving groove for providing torsional stability. Alternatively, a pair of pins and bores are provided on the inner surfaces of the opposed ends for receiving a driver tip.

Abstract: A laser based vehicle alignment kit is installed on an existing centerline gauge system to provide a pair of laser beams directed towards one end of a vehicle and a center laser which may be rotated 360° to simultaneously direct a beam towards the opposed end of the vehicle. The system includes a plurality of horizontal mounting bars, each equipped with structure for coupling with the center assembly of a centerline gauge and a pair of dependent blocks for leveling engagement with the gauge crossbars. One bar is equipped with a laser at each lateral end as well as a laser mounted above the center point of the gauge assembly. The center laser is rotatable 360° about an axis perpendicular with the bar. The remaining bars each include three upstanding transparent targets for sighting alignment with the lasers. The rotatable center laser is coupled with a scale and a series of stops for parallel or perpendicular alignment of the beam with respect to the lateral beams.