Abstract: An illuminated confection assembly includes a light device, a light transmission element attached to the light device, and an edible confection attached to the light transmission element. The confection has an interior portion that is adapted and constructed to receive light from the light device via the light transmission element. The confection further includes a light passage arrangement which permits light to pass from the interior portion of the confection to the ambient atmosphere and thus be generally observable. The confection can be transparent or translucent, or may be opaque with light passages formed therein. In various embodiments, the confection assembly can include a tube with a reflective inner coating, a confection specifically designed to fit tightly on the tube, a light bulb, a battery, and a switch.

Abstract: A support assembly in a decorative structure includes at least two suspended elements. The support assembly includes a support tube having a hollow interior and opposed end portions. In an embodiment, a pair of selectively removable adjustment are adapted to interlock with a respective end portion of the support tube. A flexible, elongate support element is secured between each of the clips and the respective end portions of the support tube. The elongate support element has two ends, each of the ends being adapted for attachment to a suspended element of the decorative structure. The adjustment clips can be adapted to fit over the end portions of the support tube, which can be constructed as a hollow cylindrical tube. In an illustrated embodiment, the adjustment clips comprise annular cylindrical members having an inner diameter approximately equal to an outer diameter of the support tube. In another embodiment, the elongate support element is secured in slits on the respective ends of the support tube.

Abstract: A fragrant thermoplastic snow product for creating winter scenes and pleasing aromatic affects is set forth. The fragrant thermoplastic snow product includes a thermoplastic snow, and a fragrance applied to the thermoplastic snow. A method of manufacturing fragrant thermoplastic snow is also set forth. The method comprises the following steps. First, a batch of thermoplastic snow is provided. Next, a fragrance is mixed with the batch of thermoplastic snow. Finally, the batch of thermoplastic snow is dried.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring the volume of a contained fluid includes an exposure chamber adapted for exposure to head volume of a volume of the contained fluid. A displacement mechanism is connected to the exposure chamber such that the displacement mechanism is displaced in proportion to the amount of head volume in the contained fluid acting on the exposure chamber. A read mechanism is connected to the displacement mechanism. The read mechanism generates a signal corresponding to the amount of displacement of the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: A roller assembly including a frame member, a plurality of front roller members, and plurality of rear roller members corresponding in number to the plurality of front roller members is described. A plurality of walking beams are pivotably connected to the frame member. Each of the walking beams connects one of the front roller members with a respective one of the rear roller members. The front roller members and the rear roller members have respective radial axes. The front and rear roller members are mounted on the walking beams such that the radial axes of the front roller members are offset from the radial axes of the rear roller members. The frame member can include a generally rectangular outer frame, which can be fabricated from tubular steel. An attachment mechanism can be secured to the frame member to facilitate attachment of the roller assembly to an operating tow vehicle. A hitch mechanism can be secured to the frame member to facilitate attachment of the roller assembly to a second vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-element composite object composed from first, second, and third metal components is provided, wherein the first metal and the third metal are weld incompatible. The multi-element composite object includes a first component fabricated from a first metal. A second component, fabricated from a second metal, is brazed to the first component. A third component, fabricated from a third metal, is inertia welded to the second component. The first metal may be provided as a titanium alloy, e.g. a TiNi alloy. The second metal may be provided as low-carbon mild or alloy steel. The third metal may be provided as alloy steel, e.g., 9310 nickel alloy steel. In an embodiment, the multi-element composite object is a gear assembly, with the first element of the gear assembly object being a shaft and the third element of the gear assembly being a gear member with hardened teeth surfaces. The first and second components can be mechanically keyed together via an anti-rotational element.

Abstract: A ballasting device for swing sets having an expansible/expandable or semi-rigid body capable of holding a ballasting medium, preferably water, a means of attaching to a swing support and an integral safety padding system. One of the ballast's functions is to help prevent the swing from tipping. Another of its functions is to prevent injury due to impact with the swing set's leg supports. This ballast is designed to quickly and easily attach to existing, high volume, metal tubing swing sets. Through the use of this ballast, the swing set remains highly mobile when drained, yet in a substantially rigid position during use of the swing/ballast system. Integral padding is provided by the very existence of the ballast and its filler, both of which are considerably more pliable and soft than steel, aluminum or wood.

Abstract: An antler removal and collection device includes an antlered animal attractant holder adapted and constructed to hold an antlered animal attractant. The device also includes a flexible antler removal assembly mounted in proximity with the antlered animal attractant holder, the flexible antler removal assembly including at least one elastic antler removal element. The at least one elastic antler removal element is adapted and constructed to exert sufficient force to remove antlers that are ready to be shed by animals coming into proximity with the antlered animal attractant, but insufficient force to trap the antlered animal in the flexible antler removal assembly. The flexible antler removal assembly can include at least one frame assembly upon which the at least one elastic antler removal element is mounted. In an embodiment, the at least one frame assembly is provided as a pair of frame assemblies and a corresponding pair of elastic antler removal elements.

Abstract: A modular manifold is adapted for use with hydronic circulation systems including a plurality of first and second thermal exchange zones having respective zone supply and zone return lines. The modular manifold includes a plurality of modules, each of which includes a selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of each selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism is in fluid communication with a respective zone supply line of the zone of the hydronic circulation system. Each module further includes a common return conduit section secured to the selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism. A common supply conduit section is secured to the selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism of each module. The common supply conduit section is in fluid communication with the inlet of the selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-element composite object composed from first, second, and third metal components is provided, wherein the first metal and the third metal are weld incompatible. The multi-element composite object includes a first component fabricated from a first metal. A second component, fabricated from a second metal, is brazed to the first component A third component, fabricated from a third metal, is inertia welded to the second component . The first metal may be provided as a titanium alloy, e.g. a TiNi alloy. The second metal may be provided as low-carbon mild or alloy steel. The third metal may be provided as alloy steel, e.g., 9310 nickel alloy steel. In an embodiment, the multi-element composite object is a gear assembly, with the first element of the gear assembly object being a shaft and the third element of the gear assembly being a gear member with hardened teeth surfaces. The first and second components can be mechanically keyed together via an anti-rotational element.

Abstract: A toilet tissue roll dispensing and storage apparatus includes a box member defining an interior volume capable of containing at least one roll of toilet tissue and having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a door assembly, which has a movable door adapted to selectively cover the opening of the box member. A toilet tissue roll holding and dispensing mechanism is mounted on an exterior surface of the door. The box member is adapted to be mounted on a wall having an interior space and an exterior surface. In an embodiment, the box member can be mounted in the interior space of wall, and the door assembly can be mounted on the exterior surface of the wall. If the wall is of a type constructed of at least two wall studs spaced apart from one another, and the box member can be mounted between the wall studs. The roll holding and dispensing mechanism can include at least one bracket mounted to an exterior surface of the door, with a spindle supported by the bracket.

Abstract: A method of playing a gambling game involving two or more players. In a first step, the players agree on a unit of betting. Once the unit has been set, each player antes one betting unit. A standard five-card poker hand is dealt for each player, and one pea is distributed per hand. At this point, the players are permitted to see their hands and peas. If the number on the player's pea corresponds to one or more cards in the player's hand (ace+1 ball, deuce=2 ball, etc.). If not, the player returns the pea to the shaker. If the pea corresponds to one or more cards in the player's hand, the pea is retained. The order of play is determined in any suitable manner. Shooting begins when the first player “breaks the rack”. If a ball is not made, the shooter changes. If the shooter has scratched, he adds one unit of betting to the pot in addition to giving up his turn. If a ball is made, the shooter checks to determine if he has made, i.e.

Abstract: A fragrant thermoplastic snow product for creating winter scenes and pleasing aromatic affects is set forth. The fragrant thermoplastic snow product includes a thermoplastic snow, and a fragrance applied to the thermoplastic snow. A method of manufacturing fragrant thermoplastic snow is also set forth. The method comprises the following steps. First, a batch of thermoplastic snow is provided. Next, a fragrance is mixed with the batch of thermoplastic snow. Finally, the batch of thermoplastic snow is dried.

Abstract: An inflation valve assembly for temporarily connecting inflatable devices to sources of pressurized air is provided. The inflation valve assembly includes a valve coupling mechanism adapted for temporary connection to a source of pressurized air. An outlet nozzle is connected to the valve coupling mechanism. The outlet nozzle is adapted for relatively fluid-tight connection to a variety of inflatable devices. At least one grip member is secured between the valve coupling mechanism and the outlet nozzle. The grip member is adapted to orient the inflation valve assembly in a predetermined position when gripped by a user of the inflation valve assembly during inflation of an inflatable device. The valve coupling mechanism can be provided as a schrader valve. The outlet nozzle ca be configured as an annular frustoconical nozzle. The at least one grip member can be provided as a pair of grip members extending radially outwardly from the inflation valve assembly.

Abstract: A silicon wafer processing fixture is made by providing a first silicon member with an outwardly extending attachment element. A second silicon member is provided with an attachment element receiving portion receives the extending attachment element of the first member which are then fixedly secured. The step of fixedly securing the members together can be accomplished by providing a first transverse bore in the attachment element and a second transverse bore in the attachment element receiving portion. The two bores are aligned, and a locating pin is used to secure the elements together. Alternatively, laser energy can be applied or adhesive to fixedly secure the elements together.

Abstract: A method for fabricating elongate structural members from a unitary blank of crystalline material is provided. The blank has a predetermined length, width, and depth. A first substantially planar cut is made in the blank, the cut extending substantially along the entire length of the blank and substantially less than the entire width of the blank. At east one additional cut is made in the blank, the at least one additional cut extending in the same plane as the first cut, to cut the blank into two pieces. The step of making at least one additional cut can include making a plurality of additional cuts, in one embodiment at least three additional cuts. The cuts can be made using a rotary saw with a blade having diamond-coated cutting surfaces. The saw can be operated with the blade rotating at between 50 rpm and 50,000 rpm, preferably at approximately 4,000 rpm. The blank of crystalline material can be provided as a unitary blank of silicon material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating support members for wafer processing fixtures is disclosed. In the first step of the method, an elongate support member basic form is provided. The basic form has a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section and angular edges. Next, the edges of the support member basic form are machined to replace the angular edges with substantially arcuate edges. A plurality of wafer-retaining slots are cut along one side of the support member basic form. The support member basic form can include a front surface and a rear surface, with at least one angular edge occurring on each of the surfaces. The step of machining the edges of the support member basic form can be performed as machining the edges on the respective surfaces to radii of between 0.25″ and 5.25″. In an embodiment, the at least one angular edge occurring on the rear surface can be machined to a radius of approximately 1.