Abstract: The present invention provides alternative scroll-type yarn feed attachments for tufting machines characterized by independent servo-motor control of sets of yarn feed rolls, and a software design system to facilitate use of the attachment to produce novel patterns and photo images.

Abstract: This invention utilizes two solvents, DMSO and d-limonene, to aid in the processing of cured rubber or hydrocarbon elastomers into crumb, without altering the physical properties of the elastomer. After the rubber has been sufficiently softened it is ground and the elastomers are washed and separated from any other components.

Abstract: A container assembly has a lid which connects to an open ended container. The container has a wall which defines a cavity therein and has an outer surface with a plurality of outwardly directed teeth and at least outwardly directed thread. The teeth are located intermediate the threads and a top of the container wall. The lid has an outer wall with inwardly directed teeth which cooperate with the outwardly directed teeth on the exterior surface of the container. The lid also has a first opening in a ridge which allows at least a portion of a tamper indicator to extend therethrough, the tamper indicator, when installed, is biased toward a center of the lid in a first position so that a leg is brought into contact with the teeth on the container. The lid may not be removed without breaking a portion of the tamper indicator. Additionally, the teeth and leg may be configured to allow for the lid to be tightened relative to the container in the first position, but not loosened.

Abstract: A connector head for a retractor blade provides connector head adapted to cooperate with a first and a second side loading socket. The connector head includes a first and a second loading portion, the second loading portion located above the first loading portion. A cap is preferably located between the first and second loading portions to separate the first and second loading portions from one another. The first loading portion includes a base which rests on a ledge surface of the retractor blade. The base and the cap may have sloped edges to assist in locating a socket between shoulders of the cap and base. The first loading portion has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the base an cap to define a first channel. The second loading portion has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cap and top to provide a second channel. Two sockets from separate retractor instruments may connect to the connector head at the same time.

Abstract: An electrode assembly has an inner conductor removably connected to an insulating layer. The inner electrode is removable so that the discharge tip may be replaced without destroying the insulating layer and thus reused. In the preferred embodiment external threads on the inner conductor cooperate with internal threads in a bore of the insulating layer to fixably secure the insulating layer in a desired position relative to the inner conductor and discharge electrode tip. The discharge electrode is located colinearly with a grounded electrode tip spaced by a spark gap. The grounded electrode tip is also configured to be easily removed from the electrode assembly for replacement when degraded.

Abstract: A rearward viewing system having at least one mirror mounted by a bracket to an exterior portion of a vehicle. The bracket locates the mirror above the roof and forward of at least a portion of the windshield. A camera is directed toward the front of the vehicle at the mirror so that the mirror can provide a range of view of at least 60° and preferably more than 90° so that the normal blind spots of a driver are eliminated. A monitor receiving input from the camera provides a display for the driver.

Abstract: A novel composite microtubing with variable stiffness over the length of the tubing and continuous process for manufacturing the same is provided. By removing portions of one or more selected layers of the composite microtubing, varying the pick count of a braided layer, and changing the diameter over the length of the microtubing, the stiffness of the microtubing may be varied by a factor of 100 from proximal end to distal end. The continuous process allows a predetermined stiffness pattern to be repeated over a measured length for economical manufacture and results, if desired, in tubing of extremely small diameter and extremely thin tube walls.

Abstract: A tufting needle which has a transverse eye between the blade of the needle an the point and has a clearance above the eye in the blade on one side and has no yarn guide and protection groove on the opposite side. Also, disclosed is a conventional tufting needle which has the conventional yarn guide and protection groove.

Abstract: A texturizer is a base which provides a plurality of inlets directed to stations internal to the base. Each of the stations communicate internal to housings which have inserts therein. Receivers in the inserts receive air from the stations and direct the air towards distal ends of the housings through slots. Prior to reaching the distal ends of the inserts, passages through the inserts direct air to an internal bore in the insert and proximally out the insert bore. The insert bore extends all the way through the insert and through the housing so that yarn is pulled through the housing and crimped preferably at an impingement point in the insert.

Abstract: A device for securing and restraining the loops and tails of tied shoe laces prevents the laces from becoming loosened and untied. A tab is mounted on a tension band to permit the loops and tails to be passed between the tension band and the shoe tongue and the loops end tails held securing next to the tongue and facings of the shoe.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a decal removal apparatus provides a low pressure steam to a surface having a decal thereon at a decal area. The applicator has a plate having a seal connected to the bottom portion of the plate defining a cavity therein. An outlet communicates steam from a conduit into the cavity when to cavity is placed against the decal area. The low pressure steam moisturizes the adhesive connecting the decal to the vehicle so that the decal may then be relatively easy removed from the vehicle mechanically or otherwise.

Abstract: A dual chamber vial as formed having a body separated into two chambers by a baffle located in a cavity of the vial body. The baffle is oriented at an angle at about 30° and 60° relative to an axis extending perpendicularly through opposing parallel walls of the vial body. The baffle terminates intermediate the first and second ends of the body where slopes direct the fluid from the chambers to outlets. The outlets are initially closed with a key having a center post which extends along the center axis of the vial body providing an axis of rotation to allow twisting of the key relative to the body to place the vial outlets in an open configuration.

Abstract: Surgical retractor apparatus is shown having at least two independently operable clamping locations for receiving pivot balls therein. These two clamping locations lock and unlock their respective pivot balls independent of locking of the other pivot ball. Furthermore, the locking mechanisms utilized to lock the pivot balls also utilize the lock the angular position of the extension rod relative to the clamp. An adjuster intermediate the clamping positions allows for the movement of the clamping location relative to each other.

Abstract: This place is made of cellulosic material with a top and bottom planar surface and a peripheral edge. Approximately 75% of the bottom surface is covered with adhesive to keep small children from pulling the placemat off the surface it is adhering The top surface is liquid-resistant to keep it from functioning due to tears in the paper. The placemat is uniquely folded to ensure the operational side remains unexposed to the elements and to avoid using release tape for the adhesive. The placemat is also disposable making it convenient to use. The placemat is folded to be an individual package making it convenient to carry and distribute. The placemat is easy to place onto a surface and remove. The placemat is essential to keep young children from eating off of unsanitary surfaces and moving existing placemats with ease.

Abstract: A tension device is utilized for equalizing, or at least reducing differentials in tension across strands in a web. The device utilizes an overfeed roll which rotates faster than the speed of feeding the web. Strands at the desired tension, or less, slip about the exterior surface of the overfeed roll. Strands which are greater than the desired tension have sufficient friction to be rotated, at least temporarily, by the overfeed roll to thereby create slack in the higher tension strands to equalize the tension relative to the other strands. Feedback from feed rolls, support rolls, and/or the overfeed roll may be utilized to adjust the speed of the overfeed roll.

Abstract: A container assembly has a lid which connects to an open ended container. The container has a wall which defines a cavity therein and has an outer surface with a plurality of outwardly directed teeth and at least outwardly directed thread. The teeth are located intermediate the threads and a top of the container wall. The lid has an outer wall with an inwardly directed blade on a leg which cooperates with the outwardly directed teeth on the exterior surface of the container. The lid also has a cutout in a ridge which allows at least a portion of a locking member to extend therethrough, the locking member is normally biased toward a center of the lid in a first position so that the leg is brought into contact with the teeth on the container. The locking member can be moved to a second position to disengage the leg from the teeth to allow rotation in at least one direction.

Abstract: A tube holder on a creel receives a cardboard tube with a yam wound thereabout. The tube holder is preferably equipped with a tube stop at a non-feeding portion of the tube holder and a tube end protector which is preferably connected to the tube holder at a feeding end of the tube holder. The tube end protector is constructed at least partially out of a resilient material wherein the tube is placed over the tube end protector causing it to deflect until the cardboard tube is properly located on the tube holder wherein the tube end protector resumes its normal configuration and protects the line wound about the cardboard tube from any potential defects at the feeding end of the cardboard tube.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing and bottle having a neck ring with a first face having a distinguishing characteristic wherein the first face may be distinguished, and thus oriented, thereby orienting the soft drink bottle during the filling, labeling and/or packaging process. The first face is preferably planar so that it may cooperate with a guide so that the bottle may be rotated about a longitudinal axis extending through the bottle for either maintaining the orientation of the bottle or for changing the bottle orientation during various steps of the manufacturing and filling processes.

Abstract: A sun meter having a processor receiving a signal from a photocell. The processor first compares the signal to a first threshold to determine if it is daytime. If it is daytime, the processor then compares the signal to a second threshold to determine if the signal is greater than a value selected to correspond with direct sunlight. If the signal is greater than the second threshold, a counter counts. For each day of use, the amount of time of direct sun is tallied and may be displayed. An average amount of direct sun for a period of days may also be displayed. It is anticipated that a plurality of meters will be utilized in a specific area to determine the specific locations which receive the most direct sunlight and then know what plants will thrive and where to place such plants.

Abstract: A clamping device, preferably for use on a retractor support, has an upper clamp and a lower clamp. The clamps include a movable jaw and a fixed jaw pivotal between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration which both locks the clamps in a shut configuration and fixes the angular position of the clamps relative to one another. A drawbar and cam act together to compress the upper and lower clamps into a clamping or locking position.