Abstract: Adhesive laminates and their preparation. According to one embodiment, an adhesive laminate comprising a foamed pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a release liner applied thereto is prepared by applying hot pressure sensitive adhesive material in layer form to a release coated surface of a release paper or other release liner. Moisture is transferred from the release liner to the hot molten adhesive layer, causing the latter to foam. According to a second embodiment, a coextrudate comprising a thermoplastic carrier with an adhesive coating on one or both sides thereof is formed by the coextrusion of the adhesive taking place with the carrier over at least a short distance and at a temperature of about 350.degree. F.

Abstract: In various embodiments of a pulse dose and conservation oxygen delivery system, a control circuit, which is typically microprocessor based, monitors a differential pressure sensor coupled to a patient interface such as a cannula or a face mask. When a patient inhales, a negative pressure is detected at the patient interface point. This condition is sensed and an electrical signal corresponding to the condition is sent to the control circuit. The control circuit processes the signal and then energizes a valve, through driver circuitry, that connects the patient to the oxygen supply for a fixed period of time at a preselected amount. The control circuit continually monitors the pressure differentials at the patient interface and only delivers pulses of oxygen upon the inhalation of the patient. Oxygen delivery is based on a fixed volume of oxygen per breath which provides the advantage of a varying net volume being delivered to the patient per period of time depending on their respiratory rate.

Abstract: A pole top safety device in general comprises a housing including an inner sleeve member dimensioned to fit over the top of the utility pole. A securing mechanism for selectively securing the inner sleeve member onto the utility pole at least at a point below the top of the utility pole. An outer sleeve member is positioned around the inner sleeve member, with the outer sleeve member being rotationally supported on the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve member carries a beam member extending outwardly from the outer sleeve, with the beam member including attachment means at its distal end to which a fall arrest system is selectively attachable. Particularly, the beam member extends radially outward from a position adjacent the utility pole, with the safety device and particularly the inner sleeve and associated outer sleeve being attached to the pole at points both above and below the beam member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact driven tree transplanting device or tree spade wherein each of the excavation blades is connected to an impact device for generating and/or transferring a series of repetitive impacts or blows to the excavation blades so that the blades more easily enter the earth surrounding the base of a tree or another location. Specifically, the impact devices cause the blades to move more easily downward into the earth by cutting through roots and by breaking and/or displacing rocks and other obstructions. The present invention also includes the ability to lift a tree from the ground and transport the same to another location. Also, the present invention may be used in a non-impact driven mode where relatively loose soil or otherwise easily excavated soil conditions prevail.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-fire prevention device for use with a crossbow. The crossbow includes a trigger mechanism which may have a guide slot into which a bowstring is drawn and retained for firing. A pivotal string catch member is positioned relative to the trigger mechanism to selectively extend into a string catching position which will catch and retain the bowstring should it be released from the trigger mechanism without an arrow in a firing position in the crossbow. The string catch member may include an arrow contacting surface to engage an arrow positioned to be fired from the crossbow, wherein, movement of the arrow to the firing position causes the string catch member to be moved out of the string catching position. This allows selective release of the bowstring from the guide slot and prevents inadvertent release when no arrow is present in the firing position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for stabilizing a bow, to enable the archer/hunter to be more accurate while shooting and to enable an archer to properly balance a bow. The invention is attached to the bow by a threaded hole on the forearm. The balancing of the bow is accomplished by the use of a stabilizer which has an axially adjustable hydraulic cylinder or capsule. The hydraulic cylinder is axially movable within a housing and can be adjusted by a slot and/or locating holes to a desired position which enables the archer to balance the bow. Pistons, sealed and housed in a cylinder, move axially on the main stabilizer body to successfully control noise, vibration, bow movement, torque, and aids in achieving a smooth release of an arrow.

Abstract: An improved spline rack for use on a spline rack cutter is disclosed wherein the spline rack includes a plurality of teeth each having a top land surface that curves toward the inner tooth edge region, and the inner tooth edge region of each tooth includes a chamfer connecting the inner tooth edge region with the curved portion of the top land surface. In this manner, the exit radius of curvature of the inner top land surface may be maximized, while the chamfer prevents interference between the inner tooth edge region and the workpiece. A method of forming an improved spline rack is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressurizing liquid contained within a single, food-grade container or a series of such containers from an external source of gas, and for drafting liquid from the container (s). CO.sub.2 may be used to carbonate liquids such as beer or soft drinks, or alternatively air or inert gases may be used in conjunction with non-carbonated liquids such as wine.According to a preferred embodiment the disclosed apparatus, which may be used with a single container or each one of a series of containers, comprises a cap screwed onto the container neck and a nipple assembly attached to the neck via the cap. The nipple assembly includes a body section and a plurality of nipples attached thereto. Each nipple has an outer portion protruding externally of the container, an inner portion disposed within the container and an interior flow passage extending through both portions. An annular seal is disposed so as to prevent fluid leakage between the body section and the container neck.

Abstract: A probe system for monitoring chemical activity of a target chemical in an environment has first and second marker compounds each bonded to a common substrate to keep the respective markers in physical proximity. The first marker is a chemical that has a maximum emission intensity at a first wavelength, and it is chemically shielded from the environment being studied. The second marker is a chemical that, when in a first state, has a maximum emission intensity at a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and which, in a second state, does not have a maximum emission intensity at the second wavelength. The second marker is convertible between said states through chemical reaction with the target chemical. The common substrate is a carrier particle, the first marker being impregnated within the carrier particle and the second marker being chemically bonded to the exterior surface of the carrier particle.

Abstract: A class of soluble polymers having a rigid rod backbone, which when used to cast films, undergo a self-orientation process whereby the polymer backbone becomes more or less aligned parallel to the film surface. This in-plane orientation results in a film that displays negative birefringence. The degree of in-plane orientation and thus, the magnitude of the negative birefringence is controlled by varying the backbone linearity and rigidity of the class of polymers which includes polyesters, polyamides, poly(amide-imides) and poly(ester-imides) through selection of substituents in the polymer backbone chain. By increasing the polymer backbone linearity and rigidity, the degree of in-plane orientation and associated negative birefringence can be increased, and that conversely, by decreasing the polymer backbone linearity and rigidity, the negative birefringence can be decreased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a book for young readers designed to make reading more enjoyable. The book of the present invention preferably includes illustrations on at least some of the pages thereof. Additionally, edible candy is provided as a part of the book pages and may be positioned to form a part of an illustration found on a page. The candy is attached to or otherwise provided as a part of the book pages in a manner so that it may be easily removed from the book and eaten by the reader. In an alternative embodiment, the book pages may include holes formed therein and the candy may be provided on an insert designed to be placed behind the page so that the candy is in registry with the holes formed in the page and so that the candy extends out through the holes when the insert is placed immediately behind the page. In this manner, after the candy has been removed from book, the insert may be removed and replaced with another candy containing insert.

Abstract: An imaging table for medical examination and imaging procedures. A tilting imaging table comprises a rectangular base frame on wheels, a column extending upwardly from the base, and a tilt assembly which includes a pair of rotatable pivot arms at the top of the column. A radiolucent table top for imaging purposes is removably secured to the tilt assembly. At least two interchangeable radiolucent table tops, of different configurations and used for different medical imaging purposes, accompany the tilting imaging table and may be secured removably, one at a time, to the tilt assembly. This tilt assembly and any table mounted thereon are tiltable about a transverse axis between a head up position (e.g, 30.degree. head up) and a head down position (e.g., 30.degree. head down). Greater degree of tilt in one direction can be provided if desired. Also shown is a limit stop mechanism for retaining a tilting assembly including pivot arms in a horizontal position.

Abstract: An improved windshield wiper blade insert for mounting on a wiper blade carrier arm comprises a base portion, a shank portion and a wiping portion. The shank portion comprises an elastic response enhancing material. The material is preferably a metal that exhibits substantially total elastic recovery under the flexural stress and service conditions encountered by the wiper blade insert. In one embodiment, the shank portion contains a ribbon of spring metal with a thickness in the range of about 0.001 to about 0.004 inches. In a second embodiment, the elastic response member is an essentially rectangular solid formed from spring metal wire with a diameter in the range of about 0.001 to about 0.006 inches.

Abstract: An improved racquet stringing machine having a new table featuring a built-in glide bar groove, an improved string clamp, a new tip riser having integrated, threaded height adjustment, an adjustable throat riser carried by an internal sliding bar having improved position lock, and machine height adjustment by a foot operated mechanism.

Abstract: A vacuum operated speed range shifting mechanism for use in a drivetrain subassembly having input and output shafts, each being rotatably mounted within a support structure. The shifting mechanism comprises an annular shift sleeve surrounding and splined to the output shaft for rotation therewith, with the sleeve being axially moveable between first and second axial positions corresponding to low and high speed modes of operation of the drivetrain subassembly. The mechanism further includes a stationary annular housing disposed coaxially about the shift sleeve within the support structure. The housing is axially restrained by the support structure and defines an interior chamber. A flexible annular diaphragm is attached to the housing and disposed within the housing so as to divide the interior chamber into first and second annular cavities which are substantially hermetically sealed. A shift collar assembly is attached to the diaphragm and is disposed in surrounding relationship with the shift sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to crossword puzzle type games, and more particularly to an improved crossword puzzle game and method of creating an improved crossword puzzle type game wherein additional indicia is provided on the crossword puzzle answer grid to assist the game player in determining the correct answer to the ordinary written clues provided. The additional clues provided on the answer grid preferably take the form of added indicia within one or more of the squares that form the answer grid. For example, the added indicia may be in the form of different color squares, squares including designs therein, and any other suitable indicia. A key is provided such that a player can determine the meaning of each type of added indicia. The indicia can give a player clues to assist the player in completing the puzzle. For example, one type of indicia may indicate that a vowel is to be placed in a square, while another type of indicia may indicate that a consonant is to be placed in a square.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic clutch control mechanism for use in a vehicle transmission such as a four wheel drive transfer case which is utilized to control engagement of a clutch between two wheel drive, automatic ("on demand" four wheel drive), and "part-time" four wheel drive operating modes.