Abstract: A new and improved bulk sandwich package and method of packaging and merchandising is provided. A plurality of sandwiches are individually wrapped in gas permeable wrap and then bulk packaged in a modified atmosphere process, refrigerated and distributed to store locations or merchandisers where the bulk packages are refrigerated until needed, opened and placed in a refrigerated merchandiser for sale. The refrigerated merchandiser therefore provides consumers with a deli-style sandwich in stores without kitchen facilities, and permits the self-service purchase of the pre-assembled sandwiches.

Abstract: A tufting machine having a yarn feed roll attachment wherein the rolls are driven by a chain drive and having an adjustable tension applying device including a housing having a yoke defined by two arms separated by a slot. The arms of the yoke include planar interior surfaces which cooperate with a planar support plate and at least one connector which locates the housing of the device in a fixed position relative to the support plate. At a second end of the housing is a guide which preferably rotates about a guide axis. The guide axis is preferably perpendicular to the plane of the support plate, when installed.

Abstract: A handle for a carpet sample board is described comprising two grommets, each with an outer flange to cover the hole cut in the sample board, an arcuate section defining an ovular hand opening and thereby provide a comfortable grip while simultaneously preventing fraying of the hole in the board. The grommets are joined about the hole in the sample board by mating male and female plugs.

Abstract: A method, system and sprayer for applying adhesives, or other coatings, is disclosed herein including a positive displacement pump having an inlet connected through a dispensing nozzle to a reducible volume container. The reducible volume container may be located in a more rigid container such as a cardboard box. As the positive displacement pump is operated, a suction on the collapsible container is drawn by the positive displacement pump. The pump may pump adhesives, or any other fluid material, preferably into an attached hose and through a bayonet type spray wand. The spray wand may have a replaceable tip to alter the spray coverage and may be activated by a trigger.

Abstract: The present invention provides the method for placing the patient's wrist in traction to alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The preferred apparatus utilizes a harness to connect the patient's hand to a traction device and a stabilizing attachment to restrain the patient's arm in an anatomically neutral position while isolating the patient's soldier and elbow from the traction device.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in rehabilitation of a patient with a weight bearing restriction on one or both legs includes a pair of vertically movable horizontally elongated platforms and a pair of corresponding vertically fixed platforms. The movable platforms are connected to a mechanism which applies an upwardly directed preselected force so that as the patient walks with a foot on the movable platform, the movable platform will descend if the patient places a greater weight corresponding to the preselected force. A patient may walk with both feet on movable platforms in which case the weights may be selected for each platform or the patient may walk with one foot on the movable platform and one foot on a fixed platform. The platforms move in a vertical plane arcuately in one embodiment and in a vertical plane linearly in a second embodiment. The weights may be moved relatively to the pivot point and, in addition, the movable platform may be locked in its upward position in this latter embodiment.

Abstract: An air diffuser plenum for use with climate control systems to direct air to desired locations within the interior of a building. An inlet receives air from the climate control system. Within the air diffuser plenum is a cavity which receives the incoming air. The bottom of the housing has a deflector which is formed from the interior sides of a bottom portion of the diffuser. The deflector directs air from the cavity to outlets connected to the sides of the diffuser. Since the deflector is formed from the opposing sides of the bottom portion of the diffuser, there is no need for a separate bottom plate to hold a diffuser insert in place. Additionally, the deflector may extend a distance beyond the side wall intersection to direct air in direction.

Abstract: A chromatography column has valve and method for filling it with a slurry of media, the valve utilizing a piston to compact the slurry in the column. The piston moves through a cavity in communication with both a slurry inlet and slurry ports which are in communication with the interior of the chromatography column. The piston assists in compacting the slurry within the column. The method of filling the column does not require disassembly of the column. The piston may also be utilized to change the valve position from a slurry fill position to a normal operation position or other position.

Abstract: A tool, such as an adjustable wrench, has an adjustment mechanism to allow the operator to alter the angle of the tool head with respect to at least a portion of the tool handle. The adjustment mechanism, in a preferred embodiment, utilizes a pair of wings, one or both of which may be pushed rearwardly along the handle to disengage the locking mechanism from the tool head to allow for an operator to alter the angle of the tool head with respect to the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism has at least two teeth which engage a toothed hub which faces rearwardly of a pivot point on the tool head and is held into position by a spring when not disengaged by an operator.

Abstract: A hand-held pneumatic yarn splicing device has a splicing chamber into which a pair of yarn ends to be spliced together may be placed, the chamber having at least one air inlet extending into the chamber for directing air from a high pressure source external of the device into the chamber. The chamber is interchangeable with other chambers and has a pair of projections extending from the wall of the chamber to break up the twist of highly twisted and heat set yarns which are to be spliced together by the action of the high pressure air. The chamber is cylindrical and has a center axial bore and the projections extend radially from the inner wall of the chamber.

Abstract: The invention is a fibrin glue that avoids the use of fibrinogen and thus eliminates the need for premixing and premature clot formation. The fibrin glue of the invention comprises thrombin, thromboplastin and calcium and may have clotting Factors, VII, IX and X, and the like. The invention also comprises a biosealant for use with the fibrin glue without fibrinogen or for use alone. The biosealant is a two component mixture of gelatin/resorcinol and glyoxal/glutaraldehyde/4-(p-maleimidophenyl) butyric acid. The two components are mixed on use.

Abstract: A boat wake enhancer is described comprising a water tank mounted at the rear of an inboard motor boat, wherein the tank can be filled and emptied while the boat is in use. When filled, a more desirable wake is provided for water skiing and when emptied, the boat will plane more easily and generate a smaller wake.

Abstract: A coupler attached to the articulating arm linkage of an excavator may be coupled to a bucket or other work implement, the coupler having a rotator carried between and rotatable relative to a pair of body parts. The rotator has an elongated channel for receiving a pin of the work implement and carries a crank which may be manually turned or moved by a hydraulic cylinder to drive the rotator. In one position, the channel is open for permitting entry and removal of the pin and in other positions is closed to lock the pin from exiting. The coupler includes another pin receiving slot so that a second pin of the work implement may be received. The slot and the channel of the rotator in the open position are inclined relative to one another. The crank in one embodiment has a number of projections for cooperating with elements of a hand operated lever to drive the rotator. When the hand operated lever is not in use, it may be stored conveniently within the coupler to serve as a locking device.