Abstract: Stringed musical instruments having three dimensional sound holes generally including a body portion having a top member known as a soundboard, side walls extending substantially perpendicular to the soundboard around the perimeter of the sound board and a back member substantially corresponding in shape and dimensions to the soundboard attached to the surface of the side walls distal to the soundboard to form an enclosed sound chamber. Stringed musical instruments having three dimensional sound holes further include a neck portion extending outwardly from the soundboard and the corresponding side wall, the neck portion preferably bilaterally dissecting the soundboard of the stringed musical instruments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary boat lift comprised of a housing in which a boat is able to enter and exit with little difficulty. The boat lift allows a boat to bypass various barriers in a efficient and safe manner by vertically lifting the boat out of one body of water, translating the boat horizontally over a desired barrier, and then vertically lowering the boat into a second body of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel end assembly wherein the constant velocity universal joint, the spindle, and the wheel flange are combined into an integral unit that is easy to install and service. The wheel end assembly comprises a steering knuckle including a bore, and a CV joint having an inner race coupled for rotation with an axle shaft. The CV joint includes an integral spindle supported for rotation within the bore of the steering knuckle by removable bearing assemblies. A wheel mounting flange is also formed integrally with the spindle and allows piloting of a non-offset brake rotor thereto. The wheel end assembly is less complex, lighter weight, and less expensive to manufacture. The arrangement also allows easier service and preload adjustment of the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A bi-directional one-way clutch which permits relative overrun or differentiation between a first torque transmitting shaft and a second torque transmitting shaft up to a predetermined level and, if the amount of relative overrun or differentiation between the first torque transmitting shaft and the second torque transmitting shaft this predetermined level, locks the first torque transmitting shaft and the second torque transmitting shaft together such that the first torque transmitting shaft and the second torque transmitting shaft rotate at substantially the same rotational speed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to chlorine-free extreme pressure metalworking fluid additives and lies in the recognition of the improved hydrolytic stability of alkanoic acid esters of cyclohexane dimethanol and other esters embodying similar structures. The various derivatives which are effective as extreme pressure additives include those which fall within the generic description ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 through R.sup.4 are independently selected from the group hydrogen and C.sub.1-24 hydrocarbyl groups and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently selected from the group C.sub.3-24 hydrocarbyl groups.

Abstract: An apparatus to contain a closed ecological system, wherein the apparatus includes a closed, air-tight chamber to contain an atmosphere. The chamber includes at least one access opening designed to allow plants, animals, raw materials, and other items to be placed within the chamber. The chamber includes a system for introducing oxygen and/or carbon dioxide into the chamber and for maintaining the oxygen and/or carbon dioxide at a predetermined concentration percentage of the atmosphere. Preferably, the closed ecological system of the present invention also includes a system for establishing a magnetic field within the chamber of a predetermined strength and orientation. The chamber may also include systems for elevating the atmospheric pressure within the chamber and for maintaining the atmosphere within the chamber at a predetermined temperature and humidity level.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a pulverulent material into a tire of a wheel assembly, through the valve stem thereof, without a large amount of operator time, effort, or intervention. The apparatus includes two main types of components--the mainframe component and one or more workstation components. Each workstation component serves as a location from which an operator of the apparatus introduces the pulverulent material into a tire and the mainframe component includes the a container for confining a predetermined amount of the pulverulent material and includes the other components required to dispense the pulverulent material into the container from a hopper or the like, and to evacuate the pulverulent material from the container and distribute the same out to a workstation through a suitable conduit where the pulverulent material is introduced into a tire. A method of introducing pulverulent material into a tire is also described.

Abstract: A cover for a sewer basin with a pump is provided with upper and lower members. The bowl-like lower member has a central cavity which may be closed in a water-tight fashion by placement of the upper member onto the lower member in a frictional fit. A flanged surface on the lower member allows it to be sealed in water-tight relationship over a maintenance entry into the basin. A control panel for the pump is mounted in the central cavity. Access may be had to the control panel without a need to open the basin, and access may be had to the basin interior without a need for opening the central cavity or the control panel housed therein.

Abstract: Electrical wire connector for a twisted pair of electrical wire ends, wherein the electrical wire connector has a heat-shrinkable inner portion which will provide a water-tight, electrically-insulating covering of the electrically-conductive junction after the electrical wire connector is applied and heated. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a heat-shrinkable inner portion is visually distinct from a non-heat-shrinkable outer portion, so that the action of the heat-shrinkable inner portion is visually observable.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool and method for repairing a sheet metal according which a dented portion of a sheet metal can be easily and appropriately pulled out with a minimal force. The tool has a simple structure and adapted to be used in the method. The tool includes an end of an operation shaft 1 having a given length serves as a handle portion 2, and an arc electrode 3 is affixed to the other end. A support stand 4 is attached to an end of the operational shaft 1. The support stand 4 may include a base 5 through which the operational shaft 1 is inserted and affixed thereto, a leg portion 6 extended from the base 5, and a seat portion 7 attached to the lower end of the leg portion 6. With the configuration as above, the arc electrode 3 is welded to a dented portion r of a sheet metal while the seat portion 7 is in contact with the sheet metal surface R, and the operation shaft 1 is tilted in that state, while the seat portion 7 is pressed against the sheet metal surface R.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydromechanical system for limiting differential speed between first and second rotating members of a vehicle drivetrain subassembly. The hydromechanical system comprises a casing disposed within a housing of the subassembly which is rotatably coupled to the first rotating member of the drivetrain subassembly. Hydraulic fluid is supplied from a sump within the drivetrain subassembly housing to a reversible hydraulic pump disposed within the casing, wherein the reversible hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid in response to relative rotation between the first and second rotating members. A piston assembly is disposed within the casing which includes a guide member, an actuating member and a chamber disposed therebetween, wherein the chamber receives the pumped hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: Storage organizers assembly having a plurality of dividers which divide a bottom enclosure into separate storage sections. At least some of the dividers are independently insertable and removable to create storage sections of various sizes and configurations. The top and bottom surfaces of the storage organizers include a plurality of curved surfaces to make the storage organizers more visually appealing and adding strength and reducing warpage of these surfaces. Storage organizers in accordance with the present invention also includes a latching arrangement which is easy to use and securely closes the storage organizers.

Abstract: A ball, inflatable with a gas using an inflation needle, has a substantially hollow gas-impervious skin with an aperture to allow passage of inflation air. A valve member is selectively seatable in the aperture for retaining the gas and allowing insertion of the inflation needle threrethrough and removable from the aperture to allow rapid release of the inflation gas. A radial flange formed at one end of the valve member allows for easy insertion and removal of the valve member from the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and processes wherein recycling of waste carpets and textiles is achieved by coating the individual yarn fibers with a low viscosity adhesive that is dispersed or dissolved in a suitable solvent to affect coverage of the fine fibers, and arranging the coated fibers in layers to affect the most desirable physical properties and then cured to provide a high modulus matrix for the coated fibers in the laminate structure. The fibers may be from unshredded or shredded waste carpets, shredded waste woven or non woven fabrics, fabric bits, and knitted fabrics. When the carpet is used in an as received condition, the face yarns, which may contain one or more components yarns, are coated and the carpets are arranged in a sandwich construction wherein the backings of the two carpets are placed back-to-back, e.g., (F-B-(B-F).sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive electronic component architecture employed in conjunction with various dielectric and combinations of dielectric materials to provide a differential and common mode filter for the suppression of electromagnetic emissions and surge protection. The architecture allows single or multiple components to be assembled within a single package such as an integrated circuit or connector. The component's architecture is dielectric independent and provides for integration of various electrical characteristics within a single component to perform the functions of filtering, fusing and surge suppression, alone or in combination.

Abstract: A quick-to-the-ground integrated vehicle leveling and stabilizing apparatus which may be easily and accurately connected to the underside of a vehicle and which may be extended to an operative position and retracted to a storage position with a minimum of operator time and effort. The components of the present invention are self-aligning so that upon being extended to the operative position, the components are automatically properly positioned for the subsequent leveling and stabilizing operations. The apparatus has integral components that need not be separated from the leveling and stabilizing apparatus itself when the apparatus is retracted to a storage position. Furthermore, the apparatus has increased strength and durability relative to known devices.

Abstract: A method for storing and retrieving image data across multiple storage media. The method of the present invention allows a large image file to be stored to one or more diskettes, magnetic tapes, fixed disk drives, CD-ROM's, a combination of the foregoing, or any other suitable storage media, without regard to the size of the image data file. When an image file has been stored in accordance with the storage method of the present invention, the file may be easily retrieved from the various storage locations. The image data may be stored such that upon the retrieval thereof, the various storage media utilized may be presented in any order without corruption of the image data. The image data are preferably compressed using any of a wide variety of compression algorithms, and the image may be represented in color, grey tones, or black and white. Also, various error checking algorithms may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention to ensure that all of the data are properly stored and/or retrieved.

Abstract: A cable marker used to identify associated cables. The cable marker is made of a weatherable polymeric material which remains flexible in variable temperature conditions. The cable marker is substantially elliptically shaped allowing the marker to adjust to fit cables of varying diameter. The cable marker has a plurality of sizing lugs and a diametrically opposed locking lug to facilitate sizing and locking of the cable marker to the cable. Engraving and foil printing permanently identify cables in addition to color coding.