Abstract: An attachment mechanism for mounting fan blades to a ceiling fan, characterized in that a ring is attached to the bottom of the motor housing, the ring having a plurality of dovetailed recesses spaced equally apart. A tongue is located on an end of each fan blade, the tongue having a corresponding dovetail shape such that the tongue can be inserted into a recess. A biasing member is located between the recess and tongue to provide a bias that prevents undue vibration.

Abstract: An art table having a top surface, two ends, and a lower tray. Each end has two legs. A brace is placed at each end supporting a plurality of holders, where drawing materials can be placed. Wheels are attached to two legs of one end. A paper dispenser is placed under the top surface and holds a roll of paper, so that paper can be fed over the top surface for drawing. The lower tray serves as a brace to provide extra support for the table and also serves as a holding place for extra papers and drawing materials.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for making a roll of tissue using opposingly located adhesive applicators that apply adhesive to opposingly located anilox rolls. Adhesive is transferred from the anilox rolls to opposingly located print rolls. The print rolls apply a void-free layer of adhesive to opposing sides of a central ply which passes between the print rolls. As the central ply passes between opposingly located nip rolls, at least one additional ply is laminated to one side of the central ply and at least one other ply is laminated to the opposing side of the central ply.

Abstract: An electronic device that is attached to a mixing machine for calculating the weight of the material being mixed and the number of auger revolutions that has occurred during the mixing process, and a method therefor. The electronic device can display the weight and auger revolutions, and store such information in the device memory or an external memory. The data relating to mixing a particular batch of ingredients can be stored in the memory and used to determine operator productivity and mixer maintenance schedules. An alarm alerts the mixer operator when a predetermined number of revolutions has occurred.

Abstract: This invention relates to formulations for the prevention of infection and/or abnormal conditions of mucosae and/or skin caused by any pathogen and/or any disease, and more particularly for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections specially HIV and HSV. This invention also relates to formulations for the treatment of infection and/or abnormal conditions of skin and/or mucosae and more particularly for the treatment of herpetic lesions. The formulations could be used as a prophylactic agent to prevent accidental infection of health care workers. The formulations could be used for the healing and/or treatment of burn wounds and prevention of further infection. This invention also relates to the development of a unique vaginal/ano-rectal applicator for the uniform delivery of any topical formulations to treat and/or prevent any infection and/or abnormal conditions of mucosa cavity caused by any pathogen and/or disease.

Abstract: An underwater diving mask comprising a face piece formed of suitable material so as to substantially conform to the contour of a diver's face, and a strap for releasably securing the face piece against the diver's face. The face piece has at least one opening formed in the forward part thereof for receiving a lens therein. The lens has an inner surface that is substantially flat (i.e. planar), and an outer surface that is slightly convex to thereby compensate for the magnification problem caused by the different indices of refraction between water and air. Preferably, the diopter value of the convex outer surface of the lens is between 0 and 1.0 so as to remove the lens from the domain of corrective lenses. A secondary corrective lens can, however, be affixed to the planar inner surface of the lens for those divers who would otherwise require corrective lenses.

Abstract: An article piercing end effector for an industrial robot. The end effector includes a mounting bracket designed to be coupled to the arm of a robot. Positioned on the bracket is an actuator that is coupled to and controls the movement of a first plate. The first plate is supported by two guide rods coupled to the actuator. The first plate includes a plurality of pairs of opposed forks removably mounted to its underside of the first plate. Positioned below the first plate is a second plate with a plurality of holes generally aligned with the tips of each of the pair of opposed forks. The second plate is fixedly attached to the mounting bracket by standoff rods. When the first plate is moved by the actuator toward the second plate, the forks extending from the first plate travel through the holes in the second plate, which holes are chamfered for easy operation. The tips of the forks thus move towards each other to pierce items of interest, such as baked goods positioned below the second plate.

Abstract: A spill and leak containment system for a liquid electrolyte battery such as a zinc-bromine battery. The system includes one-piece, electrolyte reservoirs with pump mountings and other openings positioned at or near the tops of each reservoir. Positioning the openings at the tops of the reservoirs reduces the amount of electrolyte that might spill out of them, in the event of a leak or breach in the seal between the opening and the component mounted therein. The pump openings are surrounded by sumps, which will catch and contain liquid if there is a leak. To help contain vapor leaks, the invention also includes a vapor recovery system coupled to reservoir when it is filled with or emptied of electrolyte. The vapor recovery system allows for an exchange of vapors to occur between an electrolyte container and the battery reservoir while electrolyte fluid is being transferred.

Abstract: An end effector for handling stacks of plastic cups, dishes, and similar items. The end effector includes a bracket for coupling the end effector to the end of a robot arm. A main plate or body with a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of apertures is connected to the bracket and supports the major components of the end effector. The end effector includes at least one bay positioned in the bottom side of the main body. Within each bay is a multiple-piece blade support block that helps guide the blades located within the bay. One or more roller blocks are positioned at predetermined points along the length of the bay, preferably between two pieces of the blade support block. Each roller block has an arcuate track that holds a roller assembly. Each roller assembly has a link which extends through one of the apertures in the main body. Each roller assembly is also coupled to a curved blade. One or more linear actuators are positioned on the top side of the main body.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing or treating atherosclerosis are provided in which a blood vessel susceptible to or containing atherosclerotic plaque is subjected to a low-frequency electrical impulse at an effective rate and amplitude to prevent or impede the establishment or decrease the size of the plaque in the vessel. The system can be implanted into the body of a patient or applied externally to the skin.

Abstract: A stabilizing fixture particularly suited for use with a robot end effector and holding relatively flexible components while they are cut, trimmed, or otherwise machined by the end effector. The fixture includes a chassis with wheels and a plurality of upwardly projecting posts that support an upper frame. The upper frame defines a platform for supporting, aligning, and stabilizing a flexible workpiece. The frame includes a two L-shaped brackets to support the workpiece and one or more vacuum-powered suction cups for tightly gripping and holding the workpiece against the brackets.

Abstract: A silo having a conventional tubular construction including a plurality of openings in one sidewall thereof and covered by a U-shaped housing to form an access chute. Attached to the outside of this U-shaped housing is a second housing to form a discharge chute between the outside of the U-shaped housing and the inside of the second housing. Side openings are formed in the side of the U-shaped housing facing the discharge chute. A funnel is provided to receive the silage from the conventional silo unloader disposed within the silo, and direct it from the access chute, where it is propelled by the silo unloader, into the discharge chute, where it can fall to the bottom of the silo without silage buildup in the access chute. Doors are provided over the side openings which are biased toward the closed position and automatically forced and held open upon insertion of the funnel in the appropriate side openings.