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 performing the front squat exercise and a weight lifting device for distributing the load of a weight lifting barbell during the performance of the front squat exercise is provided which transfers a majority of the load of the barbell to the anterior deltoid muscle areas of the weight lifter. The weight lifting device of the present invention comprises a pair of barbell supports, each having a lower surface contoured to fit and conform to the anterior deltoid muscle areas of the weight lifter and an upper surface for attaching to the shaft of a barbell.

Abstract: The present device is directed to an improved chair, such as an office or a computer chair, for use by adults and which is easily convertible for use by children. The chair comprises a seat and an adult back rest secured to a chair frame. The seat includes a back portion, side portions, a generally flat recessed central portion forming a cavity, and an adult seating cushion nested within the cavity. The adult seating cushion is pivotally mounted for rotatably folding into and out of its nesting position within the cavity. Further nested within the cavity and positioned between the adult seating cushion and the recessed central portion of the seat is a child seat having a base plate and a child back support. The child seat is pivotally mounted for rotatably folding the child back support into and out of its nesting position within the cavity. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chair includes a foot support mounted to the seat for use by a child.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding articles from a fibrous slurry. The apparatus comprises a forming die manufactured from a water insoluble, porous, relatively rigid and easily shaped material having molding surface shaped to the contour of the article to be molded, a vacuum vessel for receiving the forming die, and an opening through the vacuum vessel for communicating with a vacuum means for applying suction through the forming die to draw the slurry against the molding surfaces to form a fiber layer having the configuration of the article to be molded.

Abstract: A catalytic converter having a catalytic core element comprising a rigid, foam-like, metallic material having interconnecting walls defining an open pattern of interconnected pores which join together to form irregular passages extending through the catalytic core element. The catalytic core element may be configured for placement within the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine or within a separate housing. The catalytic core element may be configured such that exhaust flow through the catalytic core element may be radial through the lateral portion of the catalytic core element and axial through the end of the catalytic core element.

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: An oil pickup device is provided which is adapted to replace the standard oil pump cover plate and pickup tube typically utilized for use with a conventional oil pump for an internal combustion engine. The oil pickup device comprises an oil pump mounting section having a front wall which complimentarily conforms with the mating surfaces of the pump housing to provide an oil seal and for segregating the discharge chamber of the oil pump, and an oil pickup section for extending into the oil contained in the engine supply reservoir formed within a conventional oil pan to provide a continuous supply of oil to the oil pump. The oil pickup device further includes an oil filter or screen positioned between the oil pump mounting section and the oil pickup section for filtering inlet oil to prevent particulate matter, such as dirt or metal shavings, from entering into the oil pump.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella having an improved rib linkage system which is effective for providing support for an umbrella canopy during normal operating conditions, which is capable of restoring the umbrella to a normal open water-shielding configuration after the canopy has been inverted by strong wind or a gust, which is relatively easy to operate, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and which has relatively good reliability for use during periods of sustained winds or gusts.

Abstract: The burnishing method and apparatus for implementing the method of the present invention utilizes a single-point burnishing process to provide deep compression with a minimal amount of cold working and surface hardening. In particular, the area to be burnished along the surface of a workpiece is defined and a freely rotating burnishing ball is forced against the surface of the workpiece to produce a zone of deformation having a deep layer of compression within the surface. The burnishing ball is then rolled over the surface in a substantially nonoverlapping pattern. A preferred embodiment of the burnishing apparatus for implementing the burnishing method comprises a socket having a tip member incorporating a ball seat, a burnishing ball disposed within the ball seat, a rod member integrally formed with the tip member; and a socket support for supporting the socket on a conventional tool holder.