Abstract: Disclosed is a combination hybrid splice sleeve which has a threaded end for making a mechanical joint with a male thread on a rebar end, and an opposite end open for receiving a second rebar, which need not be threaded, for making a grout joint between the sleeve and the second rebar. This sleeve has a tapering cross section between a wide end and a narrow end, with internal radial ridges of constant height spaced between the two opposite ends. A threaded cylindrical bore is axially aligned in the wide end for screwing to a first rebar. The narrow end is open for receiving a second rebar. Two grout ports open radially into the sleeve. The first grout port is near to the narrow end, and the second grout port is proximal to the threaded bore. The second grout port is of smaller aperture than the first grout port, for partially restricting out flow of grout injected through the first grout port, to encourage filling of the sleeve by building up some back pressure.

Abstract: A system for controlled delivery of test formulation adapted for emulating the effects of combustion products to a smoke detector under test has a tube with a diameter between approximately one-half inch and three inches and a length of at least twelve inches, the tube being mounted in alignement with the spray nozzle of the aerosol dispenser.

Abstract: Efficiency of low pressure gas plasma processes is increased by addition of small quantities of water vapor to the primary gas constituting the plasma. Treated fabrics and polymer films show decreased wetting angle and increased capillary absorption, which beneficially affects the material's susceptibility to dyeing and impregnation.

Abstract: A portable patient supporting seat that is not only comfortable but also controls the spine support by correct pelvis positioning. Ischial turerosity (protuberances) support the users body while sitting and elevate the anus from the seated height. A first advantage of the present invention that is a modular pad, is to provide a build up that assists the body in supporting the anus externally and relieving the load on the sphincter muscle. By varying the configuration and modifying the dimensions relief of the ischial tuberosity and coccyx pressure is achieved. Adding a back support to the present invention allows better support for some patients suffering low back pain as well as providing a support insert that may be used in wheel-chairs as well as in automobiles. The modular structure of the present invention is to provide configuration components that are interchangeable, yet each configuration being self contained.

Abstract: An improved method for imparting water and oil repellent surface properties to fabrics or paper includes pretreatment in a low pressure oxygen plasma in the presence of water vapor followed by plasma polymerization of methane in a high frequency glow discharge carried out in the same treatment chamber. The resultant polymer film formed on the material surface resists separation from the treated material even after prolonged immersion in water. The method is characterized by use of low cost and readily available starting monomer, by use of a single treatment unit for all stages of the process, reduced energy requirements and treatment time, and improved results over conventional processes.

Abstract: In a game suitable for casino play a two card hand is dealt to each player, who may then draw at least one additional card after placing a wager. The winning card hand is determined according to the following rules: the point value of each natural number card is its face value and all figure cards and jokers have a value of 1/2 point; any hand adding up to an integer plus 1/2 point wins over any hand adding up to an integer only value; as between hands adding up to an integer plus 1/2 point, the hand with the higher integer value wins; and all hands adding up to an integer value tie with each other.

Abstract: A tremor actuated cabinet door latch has a spring loaded arm held back by a weighted trip pin. The pin releases the arm in response to shaking of the cabinet, allowing the arm to engage a catch mounted on the cabinet door, to keep the door from swinging open during an earth tremor.

Abstract: A combination bicycle/ski carrier has a carrier frame attachable to an automobile, supports for one or more cycles, and ski carriers which are retractable when not in use to avoid damage to cycles on the carrier.

Abstract: Crop yields are improved by treatment of the plant seeds in a low temperature plasma discharge generated between spaced apart electrodes connected to a source of high frequency electrical power.

Abstract: Archival materials including paper manuscripts are preserved by a thin protective polymer film applied to the surface of the item by plasma polymerization of an organic monomer gas in a high frequency glow discharge. The polymer film protects the item against humidity and prevents widening of stroke lines due to ink spreading on the document. Microorganism growth is stopped by pretreatment of the document in a monoatomic gas plasma.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier for mounting to a trailer hitch on an automobile or the like, has a carrier frame for carrying one or more cycles, and a coupling assembly attached to the frame, the coupling assembly including first and second members adapted for insertion into the hitch and a screw adjustable for effecting relative displacement of the two members transversely to the hitch making a tight friction-fit of the coupling to keep the cycle carrier frame from wobbling on the hitch.

Abstract: A physical exercise machine is provided having a stepper exercise assembly and a climber exercise assembly which includes a pair of handles individually slidable on parallel tubular rails against the tension of spring elements contained within the rails. The rails are retractable into a tubular support member for collapsing the machine from an extended to a compact configuration.

Abstract: A fastener system for temporarily securing a reinforcing beam or the like to a poured concrete structural member includes an anchor to be set in poured concrete with an exposed handle portion free of said concrete, and a shaft with a slotted end for receiving the handle portion. A spring loaded pin in the slot retains the handle portion in interlocking engagement with the shaft. An opposite end of the shaft secures a strongback beam to the concrete structure.

Abstract: A mechanical drive for transporting a load attached to a load carrier element displaceable along a rotary threaded shaft between unthreaded ends of the shaft features precision end-of-travel positioning of the load and is improved to eliminate vibration of the load carrier element against the end of the thread on the rotating shaft thereby reducing wear of both the thread end and the load carrier.

Abstract: A hand tool for safely removing and installing the unitized jaw assembly in power sucker rod tongs has a tool head equipped with spring loaded paws for gripping the jaw assembly. A tool handle allows rotation of the tool head with the jaw assembly to protect the tool operator against injury when installing or removing the jaw assembly from the power tongs.

Abstract: A bayonet type socket improved for handling heavy currents of Halogen bulbs has a socket shell with one or more rivet shaped electrical contacts carried by an insulating disc supported on a main spring in the shell. Each rivet contact is movable on the disc and is driven by an auxiliary spring against the base of the light bulb to ensure positive electrical contact. A superior ground connection is provided by a separate grounding element fitted on the socket exterior.

Abstract: The threaded end of a concrete reinforcement bar is enlarged in diameter so that the thread bottom exceeds the diameter of the surface ribs of the rebar. A coupler sleeve can then be advanced past the end threading and over the rib area, until the rebar end protrudes from the coupler sleeve. This allows splicing of two rebars without axially turning either rebar. Alternatively, the thread bottom does not exceed the maximum diameter of the rib deformations of the rebar but an immediately adjacent rib segment is flattened without removing rib material to preserve the net cross-sectional area of the rebar and maintain the tensile strength of the rebar. A pilot nose of reduced diameter leads the threaded portion into the female thread to facilitate thread alignment and can support a free standing rebar on a female coupling before engaging the threads.

Abstract: A seat cushion is provided that comprises a baseboard having an upper surface bounded by a forward edge, a rear edge, and two sides. A number of pressurized cells or bladders are attached to the upper surface and arranged in rows between the forward and rear edges, the rows are spaced apart to define a central depression between the rows. The cells can be independently and selectively pressurized by a fluid such as air such that the support characteristics of the cells can be adjusted to a desired body support profile. The cells are also physically spaced and mechanically decoupled such that deformation of one cell under load is not significantly transmitted to an adjacent cell. The cell spacing is such to provide body support primarily against the buttocks and thighs and to reduce pressure against the coccyx, anal, ischial, and genital areas of a user. The rearmost cells in the rows can be spaced so as to provide an ischial cavity for relieving pressure on the ischial tuberosity areas of a user.

Abstract: An improved aerosol formulation for activating a smoke detector by emulating the effects of combustion products to test smoke detectors includes a propellant and an active ingredient consisting of one or more linear alkyl phthalate esters characterized by linear carbon chains of either seven or nine carbons in length, the alkyl phthalate esters being present in a proportion of between 10% and 1%.

Abstract: A screw starter has a generally cylindrical tubular sleeve sized for closely receiving the screw head, an open upper end, and an opposite lower end with a closure designed to hold the screw point centered in the sleeve, holding the screw perpendicular to the surface into which the screw is driven. The closure is ruputures to pass the screw and the starter is discarded after use. Diametrically opposed slots in the sleeve admit a wide screw driver blade into engagement with the screw head in the sleeve. Two sleeves can be joined end to end for starting a screw longer than either sleeve alone.