Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating two pieces of material involves edge bonding. The method includes the steps of: placing pieces of a first material into a fixture on a work platform, depositing a powder adhesive onto an edge zone of each first material piece, curing the adhesive to a form ready for bonding, placing pieces of a second material into the fixture such that each sits above a piece of the first material, applying heat and pressure to the fixture to press each piece of first material against each piece of second material, and removing the finished pieces from the fixture. The method utilizes a rotatable table carrying six equiangularly-positioned fixtures, as well as six workstations positioned equiangularly around the table.

Abstract: A shoulder pad assembly for contact sports such as hockey is described. Two separate shoulder assemblies, in the form of generally U-shaped shoulder bands, are each pivotally connected fore and aft to chest and back pieces. Preferably the pivotal connections are co-axial, so that there are just two pivot points, namely fore and aft pivot points centrally located on the chest and back pieces, thus generally defining a V-shape for the shoulder portions of the pad. Preferably, the flexibility is limited by the use of a pivot clip at each pivot point, the pivot clip having at least one post disposed from the pivot axis and projecting from the clip through an arcuate slot in each shoulder band, the arcuate slots being of finite length such that further pivoting is prevented once the post reaches an end of the slot.

Abstract: An in-line skate is shown, including a rigid plastic chassis having a main portion and integral wing portions extending upwardly therefrom on either side adjacent the heel end of the chassis, with an integral heel portion between the wing portions. The main portion, heel portion and wing portions together define a heel box area. A plastic boot is secured to the chassis inside the wing portions and against the heel portion, and extends forwardly along the chassis. A plastic cuff wraps around either side and the rear above the boot, and is pivotally connected to each wing portion. A soft flexible padded sock-like liner is positionable inside the boot and the cuff.

Abstract: A clothes hanger constructed of plastic has an integral identification compartment formed by a tag frame. A hook section adapted to support the hanger in use is connected to one side of the tag frame. A pair of arms for supporting clothing are also integrally connected to the tag frame, each arm extending from the frame at an equal distance from where the hook section is connected. The outer ends of the arms are connected by a cross-member. A cover, connected by an integral hinge to the tag frame, has a series of peripheral projections each fitting into a slot on one side of the tag frame to hold the cover against that side of the frame. An identification tag is positionable between the tag frame and the cover such that information on the tag is visible in the window of the frame. The hanger may be utilized by an individual wishing to more easily identify his/her clothing, or by an institution wishing to reduce the number of hangers removed from its premises.

Abstract: A salt spreader mounting assembly that attaches to the rear of a utility vehicle such as a conventional pick-up truck is described. The salt spreader mounting assembly includes a frame which attaches to the vehicle, and pivoting connections between the frame and the vehicle such that the frame can swing horizontally thereby permitting access to the rear of the vehicle, without interference with the tailgate. The frame supports a compatible salt spreader/hopper unit. The assembly allows a combination spreader/hopper to be swung away from the vehicle from at least one of its sides, thereby allowing direct access to the rear cargo area via the tailgate. The assembly is easily installed or removed and requires limited modification to the vehicle.

Abstract: The water-saving devices for a toilet is of the type which float up and down on the overflow tube, where downward movement of the device brings it into contact with the flapper valve at the bottom of the toilet tank in order to close it prematurely, thereby reducing the amount of water used for the flush. Upper and lower opposing cup shapes are integrally mounted around respective cylindrical sleeves, the sleeves being adapted to slide one within the other to adjust the spacing between the opposing cup shapes. One sleeve has an inset area with a longitudinal row of spaced holes or indentations. The other sleeve has an elongated tongue having a raised dimple which engages one of the spaced holes or indentations to set the spacing between cup shapes. A number of ribs or vanes are molded as part of the upper cup, and act to deflect the float rod to reduce any possibility of the float rod catching under the upper cup.

Abstract: The invention provides a cochlear response audiometer, and new methods for signal generation, detection and processing. The invention preferably uses bone conducted sound, applied to the mastoid, forehead, or any other place with good mechanical contact to the skull, via a vibrator. The bone conducted sound stimulates the cochlea via the skull. The stimulus also produces a sound in the ear canal, but at a very low level, so there is no high level stimulus signal and ringing travelling toward the cochlea at the same time as the cochlear response is travelling back into the ear canal. The responses from the cochlea are recorded, preferably by using a differential amplifier input circuit for the microphone when air-borne response signals are used, and the responses are processed in a way which compensates for the stimulus artefact, by subtracting a scaled-down version of the cochlear response to a large stimulus from the cochlear response to a moderate stimulus.

Abstract: An archery bow hanger is capable of holding a bow or bows vertically and in parallel spaced relation to a door or wall on which the hanger is mounted. A mounting means may take the form of a U-shaped hook member which extends around the top edge of a door. The hook member is sufficiently thin that, when the door is closed, the hook member is able to sit between the door and its adjacent frame. The hook member is connected to one end of an extension member that extends away from the door, and a horizontal bar is connected to the other end of the extension member. A bow is held on the horizontal bar such that its respective limb and string extend on opposite sides of the bar. Several alternate mounting means are described. The hanger allows a bow to be vertically mounted such that the limb of the bow is directed away from the door or wall on which the hanger is mounted, adjustments to the bow being thereby facilitated.

Abstract: A fish gaff apparatus has a hook member and a pole member. The hook member has a nook portion and a cover portion that is biased to assume different positions relative to the hook portion. The cover portion in a first position extends between both ends of the hook portion to prevent injury by the hook end of the latter. The cover portion in a second position holds the hook member on the pole member. Using the pole member, the hook member is inserted into a fish. The pole member is then moved relative to the hook member to disconnect those two members, and the bias between the two portions of the hook member moves the cover portion back toward its first position to press against the fish. The hook member may be constructed from a single length of wire.

Abstract: The smoke generator produces smoke from combustible matter, such as sawdust or particulated wood, under a controlled set of smoke generation parameters which can be varied over a range of operating set-points. The pyrolysis and partial combustion phases of smoke generation are physically separated and are independently controlled. A controlled rate of sawdust or other combustible matter is fed into an air-excluded pyrolysis chamber in which the pyrolysis temperature is controlled by means of an adjustable power supply to a heating element in the pyrolysis chamber. The ash remaining after pyrolysis of the combustible matter is continuously removed from the pyrolysis chamber. Pyrolytic gases generated by thermal destruction of combustible matter in the pyrolysis chamber are removed to a second chamber where a controlled rate of air is injected with the hot pyrolytic gases to achieve a desired level of partial combustion.

Abstract: A frozen dessert such as ice cream, and a process for manufacturing same, are described. The chocolate or other flavoring composition is injected into the stream of semi-frozen dessert in the form of a pumpable semi-liquid which freezes into ribbons or strands upon contact with the dessert. The fat and oil fractions of the flavoring composition are formulated so that the composition can be conditioned from a solid or semi-solid paste into a high-viscosity semi-liquid composition which can be pumped with a positive-delivery pump, and so that as soon as the composition is cooled a few degrees by being in direct contact with the ice cream, the viscosity rises rapidly and the composition once again becomes a solid or semi-solid. The conditioning can be accomplished in one of at least two ways. Firstly, the flavoring composition can be conditioned from the temperature at which is is a semi-solid paste, to a few degrees above that temperature.

Abstract: A mast track clutch assembly allows the longitudinal position of the mast of a windsurfing sailing board to be adjusted by means of a foot pedal. The mast is attached to the clutch assembly, which is movable in a longitudinal track on the sailing board. The clutch assembly includes a pressure plate that is biased to retain the assembly at one position on the track. A foot pedal is operable to move the pressure plate against the bias, allowing the longitudinal position of the mast on the board to be adjusted by the board user while the board is in motion.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a new method for manufacturing yarns using recycled cotton waste and a new type of recycled cotton yarn. Various types of cotton waste materials such as manufacturing by-products and post-consumer material are used in conjunction with virgin yarns to produce recycled yarns of sufficient quality to be used for garment manufacture.

Abstract: A plastic building element is described which permits a variety of play structures to be assembled. The main building element is a dish-shaped molded plastic part, having a bottom, integral lower side walls projecting generally upwardly from the outer periphery of the bottom to define a lower portion of one nominal diameter, integral generally horizontal portions projecting outwardly from the top of the lower side walls, and integral upper side walls projecting generally upwardly from the outer periphery of the horizontal portion to define an upper portion having a substantially larger nominal diameter. Preferably, the side walls are defined by a number of generally rectangular panels defining a polygonal shape for the building element as viewed in horizontal section. In the preferred embodiment, the structure is hexagonal.

Abstract: A molding apparatus utilizes two conventional single-injection molding machines and a rotatable disk positioned between those machines. The disk has four workstations, a first one and a second one opposite respective molding machines, and a third one at which molded items are removed. The molding apparatus has the advantages of lower cost and greater flexibility over double-injection molding machines.

Abstract: A marking tile is disclosed, for use in conjunction with pedestrian platforms and walkways. The preferred embodiment of the tile has a plurality of buttons or longitudinal strips projecting upwardly therefrom to provide a distinctively textured upper surface. The upward projections are of a lower height adjacent each exposed edge than elsewhere on the tile. An integral flange, vertical or angled away from the vertical, projects downwardly from each exposed edge. The edges of the tile which are exposed to pedestrian traffic may have a downwardly angled portion such that the height of the upper surface of the tile at the exposed edge is substantially at the height of the lower surface of the rest of the tile, so that the edge may be installed flush with the platform or walkway if the surface of the platform or walkway is bevelled beneath the angled portion. The button surfaces and the surface of the tile between the buttons are provided with a plurality of small upward projections to texture the surfaces.