Abstract: A safety shackle having a modified U-shaped design comprising first and second arms, first and second cusps, a first slot disposed between the first arm and the first cusp and a second slot disposed between the second arm and the second slot, and a working area disposed between the first and second cusps. A designated chain link is introduced with within one of the slots and is locked within the slot by orienting the contiguous chain links in a plane perpendicular to the designated chain link, thereby locking the chain link within the slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a winterfront composed of a porous material which restricts cold ram air but provides a continuous and uniform air flow across the full frontal area of a vehicle's grill and to its cooling system. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a porous winterfront bound within a frame suitable for mounting to the grill of a vehicle. In a second embodiment, the winterfront of the present invention is a composite structure having inner and outer screen layers secured to a mountable frame and a porous fibrous web disposed in a pocket between the two screen layers.

Abstract: A kit for framing pictures providing a user with a transparent or translucent overlay that may cover a picture in order to enhance its appearance and also to protect it from inadvertent contact with destructive substances such as water. The kit may provide a monolithic kit frame structure that consists of joined strips of a material such as glass, thermoplastic or epoxy which may be subject to coloring, texturing and sizing. The kit alternatively may provide the materials to form and join these customizable strips. The kit frame is directly affixable to a picture or may be used in addition to a standard picture frame. The kit further may comprise an additional viewing bubble to further enhance the appearance of a covered picture.

Abstract: A chemical delivery system for the direct delivery of a chemical from a drum to a process area comprising a pressurized tank having a pressure/vacuum lock closure, a drum containing a chemical to be dispensed housed within the pressurized tank, and a closed loop electronic feed back system for the controlled dispensing of the chemical from the drum to a process area without the use of a pumping system. The closed loop electronic feed back system monitors and controls the flow of chemical from the drum by regulating the pressure within the pressurized tank. In an alternative embodiment, a closed loop electro-pneumatic fluid control system is provided which controls or modulates a pneumatic output valve disposed between the drum and the process in order to regulate the chemical flow from the drum.

Abstract: A wind driven flying toy comprising a single guideline and an aerodynamic body slidably secured to the guideline, the aerodynamic body being capable of traversing the entire length single guideline in both directions by reacting with the action of wind power member even when the wind power is in a constant wind direction. The direction of the travel of the aerodynamic body can be modified by adjusting the orientation of the aerodynamic body and is not dependent upon a change in the direction of the wind. In addition, the direction of travel of the aerodynamic body along the single guideline can be reversed by rotation of a handle connected to the end of the guideline when the aerodynamic body is in contact with the handle.

Abstract: A tool-toting device for carrying and retaining a hand tool comprising a clip, a swivel element and a U-shaped hook, the clip being capable of attachment to a belt, such as a tool belt. The swivel element is swivelably connected to the clip by conventional means, such as a semi-tubular rivet such that it freely swivels about a 360.degree. axis, while the U-shaped hook is rotatably connected to the swivel element by means of a jam nut-acorn nut arrangement such that it is capable of rotating about a 360.degree. axis. In this manner, a tool hanging from the U-shaped hook will swivel about the 360.degree. axis, thereby maintaining its center of gravity as the user moves about a construction area. The user can re-position the hook for comfort and accessibility simply by rotating the hook about its axis.

Abstract: A sturdy, reusable and collapsible viewing instrument for assisting in viewing distant objects that is assembled from a blank. The blank comprises two pivoting frames in which ocular and objective lenses are affixed. Domains of the blank are foldable along pre-etched fold lines to form parallel sides of the viewing instrument. Ideally, the blank dimensions approximate those of a standard credit card so that the viewing instrument may be stored in one's wallet or purse.

Abstract: The lazer ball is a foamed ball or projectile which glows under particular lighting conditions and which can be fired through a standard air gun, such as a paint ball gun. The lazer ball can be prepared from any suitable foam material which is capable of being molded or extruded into a spherical shape, is compressible when pressure is applied to it and can return to its original shape when pressure is released. Other properties of the lazer ball include a density of between about 11.0 to about 15.0 pcf, a skin thickness of between about 0.015 and about 0.025" and a shore "A" durometer of between about 35.0 and 45.0. A preferred foam material is an integral skin urethane foam system. Standard foam systems may require chemical modification in order to meet the required surface properties.

Abstract: A three-piece safety lock for locking any size trailer safety chain to any size vehicle receiver hitch comprising a primary catch, a locking catch and a keeper element. The safety lock includes a positive self-locking mechanism, termed a keeper element, which ensures that any safety connection or attachment will not become detached from the safety lock, particularly while a vehicle is in transit. The keeper element is pivotably secured to and locks a primary catch and a locking catch. Both the primary catch and the locking catch are configured with corresponding catch openings for receiving the length of a chain or similar article. The primary catch also is provided with a cavity for receiving and locking a link of chain.

Abstract: A method of making an assembly package having an air tight cavity for housing an electronic element such as a GaAs semiconductor chip. The method includes the formation of a dielectric base by placing a placing a conductive lead frame comprising a frame pad and a plurality of conductive leads inside a die having a top interior surface and a bottom interior surface, injecting a thermally setting liquefied epoxy into die cavity, curing the epoxy and removing the die. The die includes at least one post which protrudes toward the die's top interior surface such that the top surface of the post presses the inner end of each of said plurality of conductive leads against the top interior surface of the die, and also includes a pin protruding from the die's top interior surface toward the post's top surface. The post firmly holds the conductive leads in a common level plane during the injection of the epoxy into the cavity while the use of the pin results in a the formation of a pin hole in the dielectric base.

Abstract: A writing instrument that may be secured or attached to an article, such as a credit card. The inventive writing instrument is configured in the form of a cylindrical casing having at least two opposingly biased resilient jaws or projections extending therefrom, a writing element disposed within said casing and a cap for covering the writing point of the writing element. A credit card or similar article can be easily and conveniently inserted between the resilient jaws or projections and will be securely retained therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing 16-Dehydropregnenolone acetate (16DPA) of the formula shown below ##STR1## which process comprises a) acetolysis of diosgenin of the formula shown below ##STR2## by heating in a pressure reactor in the presence of an acetylating agent and a non-polar solvent, maintaining the pressure in the reactor in the range of 4-6 kg/cm.sup.2 and at a temperature in the range of 200.degree.-250.degree. C. to produce pseudodiosgenine acetate of the formula shown below ##STR3## b) Oxidizing the so obtained pseudodiosgenin acetate to obtain diosone of the formula shown below ##STR4## and, c) Hydrolysis and degradation of the diosone so obtained to produce the said 16-Dehydropregnenolone acetate.

Abstract: A method of making an assembly package having an airtight cavity for housing an electrical element, such as a semiconductor chip. The method includes bonding a shell to a conductive base with a thermally setting alpha-staged epoxy resin which is characterized as being a gel in the uncured state at room temperature. The use of the alpha-staged epoxy resin, in contrast with the conventional beta-staged epoxy resin, results in an airtight cavity being formed without punctures or fissures in the epoxy resin. The method also provides a two-step heating process whereby the epoxy resin is cured at a first elevated temperature in the open atmosphere and further cured and stabilized at a second elevated temperature in a closed environment.

Abstract: A method of making an assembly having an air tight cavity for holding an element therein and having a plurality of thin and flat planar conductive leads extending outwardly from the cavity for providing electrically conductive paths from the element held within the cavity, and a conductive plate for supporting the circuitry, comprising (a) injecting a liquified thermosetting epoxy into a die and solidifying the epoxy by heat curing to form a dielectric frame that is configured such that the inner end and tip portions of the conductive leads are buried in the frame, the flat surfaces of the intermediate portions of the conductive leads are exposed in a common plane and the outer end portions of the conductive leads extend outside the epoxy, (b) bonding the bottom surface of the resulting dielectric frame to the outer periphery of the conductive base plate, (c) plating the exposed flat surfaces of the conductive leads and the conductive base plate with a conductive material, (d) connecting the circuitry dispose

Abstract: A golfing and batting aid is provided which enables a user to maintain a proper head position while executing the swinging of a golf club or baseball bat. The golfing and batting aid comprises a mouthpiece, a rigid support bar which is configured to extend away from the mouthpiece and towards the rear of the user's head and an inflexible connecting member which connects the rigid support element to the belt loop or waistband of a user. In operation, the user bites down on the mouthpiece and adjusts the connecting member such that it is sufficiently taut to prevent the user from moving his head while executing a swing.

Abstract: A vehicle back-up safety device comprising a sensing system for detecting the presence of an obstruction within a prescribed area behind the vehicle while a user is driving in reverse. In response to a signal from the sensing system signifying the presence of a an obstruction, a control means activates a pair of electrically-motivated plunger assemblies to force fluid into the vehicle's brake line system, thereby activating the vehicle's brakes.

Abstract: A tool-toting device facilitating the carrying and retention by a workman of a hand tool having a clip for attaching the device to a belt such as a workman's tool-belt. A rigid hook depends through fastening means from the clip and has the ability to swivel as the workman moves to maintain the center of gravity of a tool attached to the hook. Rigidity of the hook ensures that the workman will be able to replace the tool onto the toting device or to remove it therefrom singlehandedly. Further, the hook is rotatably positionable to permit the workman to position his tool in a comfortable fashion.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of devulcanized rubbers from a base material composed of scrap rubber products is provided which produces high grade, low viscosity rubber products. The process is carried out in at least two stages, the first stage comprising mixing a polymeric additive to the base material at elevated temperatures and the second stage comprising mixing unvulcanized virgin rubber with the mixture of base material and polymeric additive at elevated temperatures. The process also may comprise a preliminary stage in which a chemically modified epoxidized natural rubber is mixed with the base material at ambient temperature prior to the first stage.