Abstract: A protective hat for children and adults comprises a head-enveloping member constructed of a core of impact absorbent foam, encapsulated within a shell of textile fabric material, the textile fabric material providing the inner and outer surfaces of the hat. The core is so constructed as to provide for conformity to the shape of head of the wearer, and to allow for ventilation. The bulk and density of the foam core is such that in sizes for children, the hat provides significant buoyancy.

Abstract: A building structure of particular utility in wooden roof structures comprises an inner sheathing member, a membrane affixed to and overlaying the inner sheathing member, and an openwork member overlaying the membrane and supporting shingles away from the inner sheathing member. A method of installing a wooden roof structure so as to retard deterioration due to entrapped moisture involves affixing to a deck a layer of roofing felt, positioning over the felt an openwork matrix leaving multiple vapor flow paths therethrough, and affixing over the matrix a layer of shingles.

Abstract: A vacuum package is made of flexible laminate capable of being stored as roll stock. The laminate comprises laminated inner and outer layers providing desired mechanical properties, secured together at patterned areas to facilitate the passage of gas between the layers, and is provided with a hand peelable sealing strip at an area which, when the laminate is formed into a bag and the mouth sealed, extends around the periphery of the mouth of the package. When the laminate is formed into a bag, the application of vacuum to the interior of the bag results in the inner layer conforming to the contours of the contents, while ambient air between the layers enables the outer layer to maintain a desirable and aesthetically pleasing smooth surface texture.

Abstract: A process for two phase vacuum extraction of contaminants from the ground involves vacuum withdrawal of liquid and gaseous phases as a common stream, separation of the liquid and gaseous phases, and subsequent treatment of the separated liquid and gases to produce clean effluents. Two phase vacuum extraction employs a single vacuum generating device to remove contaminants in both the liquid stream and soil gases through a single well casing.

Abstract: An adjustable base for use with a rail post or section provides an upwardly facing socket portion and an adjustable wedge element associated with the socket portion. A screw associated with the wedge element and the base serves to adjust the position of the wedge relative to the base and to project the wedge into engagement with a post received in the socket portion.

Abstract: A rail system for stairs, balconies and the like utilizes standardized components to facilitate rapid and inexpensive assembly. The rail system includes rail sections including upper and lower rails, joined by posts. Transitions comprising connector and corner members accommodate changes in the rake and direction of adjacent rail sections, and provide a continuous upper rail. Connectors and base elements, which also facilitate ease of assembly and adjustment, are disclosed.

Abstract: A garment waistband construction is provided. The waistband construction employs a strip of composite fabric comprising a nonwoven fabric having a layer of monofilament yarns of about 150 to about 1,050 denier attached thereto. The monofilament yarns are oriented along the width of the composite fabric strip.

Abstract: A vacuum package is made of flexible laminate capable of being stored as roll stock. The laminate comprises laminated inner and outer layers providing desired mechanical properties, secured together at patterned areas to facilitate the passage of gas between the layers, and is provided with a hand peelable sealing strip at an area which, when the laminate is formed into a bag and the mouth sealed, extends around the periphery of the mouth of the package. When the laminate is formed into a bag, the application of vacuum to the interior of the bag results in the inner layer conforming to the contours of the contents, while ambient air between the layers enables the outer layer to maintain a desirable and aesthetically pleasing smooth surface texture.

Abstract: An improved means for venting building attics has an opening along the peak of a roof, and cap shingles are spaced from the underlying roof portions by an elongated, relatively thin vent. The vent comprises a matting, or matrix of randomly convoluted polymeric filaments heat bonded to a porous, sheet material layer. The sheet material layer overlies the peak opening and is wrapped around the edges of the filament matrix, to prevent entry of foreign material into the matrix, as well as into the attic, while permitting flow of ventilating air, through the peak opening and outwardly beneath the cap shingles.

Abstract: A storage holder for computer diskettes includes a page-like member of a size corresponding generally to that of a loose-leaf page and adapted to be used with a binder of the loose-leaf type. The page-like member provides recesses for receiving diskettes, access to which is through openings dimensioned to correspond with the dimensions of the diskettes. Engagement of the diskettes with the recesses is positive and by snap action, to prevent the diskettes from inadvertently falling from the holder regardless of the holder's position and orientation.

Abstract: A jump ball comprising an inflatable flexible ball body and a rigid annular plate, the ball body being confined when the ball body is in its inflated condition, and coupling between the ball body and annular plate being accomplished by means of interlocking and mutually confining male and female parts. The female part is preferably a groove in which the male part fits. The groove is preferably present in the ball body.

Abstract: A sawbuck is constructed of short lengths of lumber, and comprises a horizontal rail member disposed between and interconnecting a pair of end supports. The end supports are made up of metal brackets, which provide angularly disposed sockets for arms and legs and an additional socket for an end of the rail member. The brackets are fabricated from sheet metal, preferably joined by rivets or the like.

Abstract: A releasable door hold-open mechanism, for use with a door closer, is disclosed. The mechanism employs a latch assembly, mounted in a track which defines a predetermined path for a slider shoe associated with a door closer arm. The latch assembly employs a pair of reciprocable rollers, associated with a solenoid activated clevis. When the solenoid is actuated, the clevis maintains the rollers in a latching position, in which they can capture and hold a wedge associated with the slider shoe. Deactivation of the solenoid permits release of the wedge, and the force of the solenoid can also be overcome manually to release the wedge. The latch assembly is selectively positionable in a broad range of positions within the track, to determine the angular position of the door at which holding occurs.

Abstract: A bath cabinet employs a fully concealed hinge and opening device, so that only the mirrored face of the door is seen on the front of the cabinet. The hinge bar is universal for left or right hand application and is affixed to the mirrored door. A cam arrangement, associated with the frame of the cabinet and a bumper mounted on the door, serves to selectively move the door out of the plane in which it rests when fully closed, to facilitate further opening of the door by grasping of an exposed edge.

Abstract: A 3-25 mm metal plate 22, 27, usually ferrous, is welded by a heavy-duty laser (5-25 kw) which melts through the plate and into a support member 24, 31 below to give a unitary weld. A gas supply to the laser beam focus is provided such that on the one hand the plasma is retained at least partially near the weld pool to give good energy transfer and on the other the plasma does not all escape.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the presence, in an area served by a water supply line, of unwanted water indicative of a malfunction. The apparatus responds to the sensing of water by operating a remote solenoid-actuated valve, to shut off the water supply. Three operative conditions of the apparatus, "standby", "alarm" and "manual remote shut off", are provided, enabling an operator to selectively actuate the valve independently of the sensor.

Abstract: A non-resin treated fusible interlining fabric comprises, in a woven embodiment, high wet modulus rayon in the warp and filling, and in a knit embodiment, high wet modulus rayon in a weft-inserted yarn. Non-woven fabric using high wet modulus rayon is also disclosed. The fabrics provide improved dimensional control, hand, drape, bond strength and fusing performance.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring electrical energy to and from living tissue comprises a glove of thin, flexible elastomeric material, which carries electrodes, electrically connected to a connector disposed at the cuff of the glove. The connector permits the electrodes to be electrically connected to a source of electrical energy or to a load, so that electrical energy may be applied to or drawn from living tissue.