Abstract: The present invention relates to sewing patterns for use in producing sewn articles whereby a sewing pattern is selected from a collection of patterns. The selected pattern can then be modified as desired and the modified pattern, together with selected fabrics and accessories, can be ordered and delivered to a desired location.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for brazing work pieces together and which eliminates the disadvantages associated with conventional apparatus currently in use for brazing parts together. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the brazing apparatus comprises an electric connector for connecting to an electrical power source; at least two electrodes adapted for attaching to and providing electrical contact with the work pieces to be brazed together; means for converting the electric power being directed from the electrical power source into a low voltage, high current electric flow directed to the work pieces; and a control system for controlling the brazing operation. The brazing apparatus further comprises means for automatically controlling the time duration of the brazing operation and means for monitoring and automatically controlling the brazing temperature being generated along the interface between the work pieces.

Abstract: The present direction is directed to an article having a surface which operates as a substrate for receiving a no-slip surface or surface treatment and a method of applying the no-slip surface to the article. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the no-slip surface is formed from a conventional thermographic powder, such as a granular thermoplastic resin, which is deposited along the substrate. The powdered substrate is then subjected to heat sufficient to melt or soften the powder and adhere it onto the substrate. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the no-slip surface is formed using a static cling material to provide a removable no-slip surface.

Abstract: A multi-purpose farm apparatus capable of being easily transported and which can be used to perform a variety of tasks. The multi-purpose farm apparatus comprises a trailer, a combination baler and wood splitter and a hydraulic system mounted thereon. The combination baler and log splitter apparatus includes a baling portion having a baling chamber and a first gib assembly comprising a pressure platen and is mounted for reciprocal movement within said baling chamber. The combination baler and log splitter apparatus further includes a log splitting portion having a second gib assembly comprising a splitting wedge and is mounted to said trailer for reciprocal movement. The first gib assembly and the second gib assembly are mechanically coupled to the hydraulic system for effecting reciprocating movement of the first gib assembly and the second gib assembly. The hydraulic system further comprises a hydraulic motor for driving various farm machinery.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method for reducing tensile zones in the surface of a part comprising the steps of selecting a region of the part to be treated and programming a control unit of a burnishing apparatus to perform a burnishing operation, the burnishing operation being performed such that the density of burnishing and the magnitude of compression are varied to reduce the high tensile stress along the boundaries of the selected region. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the burnishing operation induces a deep layer of compression within the surface having associated cold working of less than about 5.0 percent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand held douche apparatus which can be used to direct a flow of water or a flow of water containing a medicated or cleansing solution for providing medication or for personal hygiene. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hand held douche apparatus comprises a mixing assembly, a diverter assembly for attaching to a suitable pressurized water source, and a spray assembly. The mixing assembly comprises a container for providing a reservoir for storing a medication solution or a liquid cleansing agent and a cap for attaching to the container and includes a first fluid passage having an inlet port for receiving a stream of pressurized water and an outlet port for directing the stream of pressurized water to the spray assembly and a second fluid passage for providing flow communication with the first fluid passage and the reservoir for inducing the medication solution or the liquid cleansing agent into the water stream.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method and an apparatus for implementing the method of inducing a layer of compressive residual stress along the surface of a part comprising the steps of selecting a region of the part to be treated; selecting the magnitude of compression and the residual stress distribution to be induced in the surface of the selected region of the part; exerting pressure against the surface of the selected region, the pressure being applied in a selected pattern along the surface to form zones of deformation having a deep layer of compressive stress; and varying the pressure being exerted against the surface to produce the desired residual stress distribution and magnitude of compression within the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermal insulating sleeve for a container that is easily converted from a generally planar configuration during periods of nonuse and into an expanded or open configuration for receiving a container during periods of use. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulating sleeve comprises a plurality of side panels defining a generally tubular body positioned about an imaginary longitudinal axis having an open first end and a second end forming a central cavity therein. Circumferential positioned about the open first end and equally spaced one from another, is a plurality of fingers that extend generally radially inwardly into the central cavity and are angled generally downwardly with respect to the tubular body and are effective for stabilizing the container within the central cavity and for providing an insulating layer of air between the container and the tubular body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for protecting the external body of an automobile from minor dents, scratches, and the like caused by the impingement of objects such as doors from adjacent vehicles, shopping carts, and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the automobile body protection apparatus comprises flexible convoluted tubing and means for removably attaching and for positioning the flexible convoluted tubing along the external surface of the automobile. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the automobile body protection apparatus includes means for locking the device to the automobile.

Abstract: This invention is directed to rain gutters and, more particularly, to a gutter system for use with a dwelling that is easy to clean by an individual standing on the ground thereby alleviating the need for a ladder or an individual climbing upon the roof with the inherent dangers therewith.

Abstract: A water-dispersible cooling and lubricating composition effective for use as a metal working fluid or a metal removal fluid. The composition comprises an oil and water emulsion prepared from a pre-emulsion concentrate having a high concentration of crude, degummed vegetable oil which can be combined with esters of such vegetable oil. The metal working fluid composition of the present invention is prepared by mixing the crude vegetable oil with alkyl esters as an antigumming agent, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a saponifier, a buffer, and a preservative to form a pre-emulsion concentrate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pre-emulsion concentrate further comprises a fragrance. To form the desired metal working fluid composition of the present invention, the pre-emulsion concentrate is mixed with water to form a stable metal working fluid composition of the present invention.

Abstract: An improved liquid membrane-forming curing composition and a method of curing fresh concrete. The curing composition is effective for providing a membrane layer over the exposed surfaces of fresh concrete for retaining the water of hydration therein for the proper curing of the concrete. In a preferred embodiment, the curing composition comprises a vegetable oil, preferably a non-refined vegetable oil such as coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, rapeseed (canola) oil, soya oil, sunflower oil, and mixtures thereof; a surfactant effective for providing a stable oil-in-water emulsion, a drying agent, and water.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting thrombin generation and of inhibiting complement activation by using a dermatan sulfate having at least 2 sulfate groups per disaccharide obtained by chemical sulfation of native dermatan sulfate. The resulting dermatan sulfate having an average molecular weight from about 5000 to 35000 Daltons is characterized by (i) a high content of L-iduronic->4,6-di-O-sulfated N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues, and (ii) a specific heparin cofactor II-mediated anti-thrombin activity, depending on average molecular weight, between about 25 to 125 U/mg.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated system for use in the determination of subsurface material properties of a specimen by X-ray diffraction, comprising a specimen support, a rotatable mounting and aligning fixture for mounting the specimen support onto the shaft of a motor driven positioning system, a chemical holding tank having a first half section having a chemical holding chamber for providing a chemical bath for removing surface material from the specimen and a second half section for providing a position for permitting X-ray diffraction measurement of the specimen, a chemical reservoir in fluid communication with the chemical holding chamber of chemical holding tank to provide a steady supply of chemical solution to the chemical holding chamber through a closed loop system, a neutralization tank for receiving contaminated rinse water from the chemical holding tank, and an electronic controller for controlling the cycling of the specimen between the chemical holding chamber and the positio

Abstract: A transmission brake disengagement apparatus for mounting on a drag racing car having a transmission brake safety switch and an infrared radiation actuated starting switch for providing an electrical signal to effect the disengagement of an electrically actuated transmission brake of a drag race car.

Abstract: A fusible link wire for use in an electric circuit comprising a fusible conductor for opening the circuit in response to a given current level, an inner electrical insulation layer surrounding the fusible conductor, a braided sheath positioned over the inner electrical insulation layer for increasing the structural strength of the insulation layer and for holding the inner electrical insulation layer in place in the event of a failure, and an outer protective coating surrounding the sheath and the inner electrical insulation layer for holding the sheath in place during handling or processing of the fusible link wire and for providing protection against the environment.

Abstract: Heat shrinkable tubing is disclosed which provides cushioning and vibration damping particularly useful for hand held power driven equipment. The tubing is extruded with internal ridges running along its entire length, which when heat shrunk on a substrate provides air pockets for cushioning and vibration damping. Embodiments disclosed include multiple layers of such material and multiple layers with smooth and texturized layers extruded concentrically on the primary vibration damping layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting conductive irregularities in an overwrapped ignition wire core during the manufacturing process thereof which preferably includes two conductive sheaves spaced preferably 24 inches apart about which the wire core is traversed and preferably two non-conductive sheaves for bending the wire core between the two conductive sheaves. A current is induced in the overwrapped wire core between the two conductive sheaves and is monitored by preferably a Newport Model Q90010, indicator/controller module or equivalent which includes means for converting the monitored current into a resistance reading which is compared against predetermined resistance end point limits. A numerical reading indicating resistance is displaced on the face of the inductor/controller module.

Abstract: A low cost verbal annunciator which uses a plurality of inexpensive cassette tape players in a central monitoring and control panel is disclosed. Each tape player has an individualized endless cassette tape for playing particular messages over a public address system in response to the occurence of particular monitored conditions. One embodiment for use with a plurality of unique sensors for monitoring a wire manufacturing process is disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer, reusable, washable diaper for infants having a substantially 100% cotton facing sheet for contacting the skin of the infant, at least one sheet of absorbing fibrous batt material for drawing and retaining moisture away from the skin of the infant, a flexible liquid impermeable material backing sheet, and a decorative outer cover. The sheets are stitched together using a quilting pattern to generally immobilize the fibers of the batt material sheets to maintain their position and thickness after repeated washing and drying cycles. The diaper is fastened in place on the infant by non-metallic fastening devices which fasten together on the backside of the diaper and out of sight and easy reach of the infant.