Abstract: A combination helmet and body protection device for use in sports such as American football and other hazardous activities such as driving, cycling, hockey, riot control, and fire fighting to protect the human body from potentially crippling forces applied to the head and upper body, comprising an upper torso section having internal padding attached thereto, an outer helmet which can be securely connected to the upper torso section so that the outer helmet cannot rotate with respect thereto and which can be easily removed from the upper torso section, and an inner helmet section which fits securely on the wearer's head and which allows rotation of the wearer's head inside the outer helmet section.

Abstract: A container used for transporting dry bulk product which can be loaded and unloaded using a pneumatic mechanism and without need for tipping the container, comprising a plurality of hoppers, an external frame, a unique method of connecting the hoppers to the frame using skirt rings at the ends of the frame and side sills, and internal stiffeners between the hoppers, all of which act to provide sufficient strength to the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anti-reflection and UV rejection coating. The coating comprises at least eight layers wherein adjoining layers alternate between high and low refractive index materials. The layer adjacent an article on which the coating is formed has a high refractive index greater than about 2.10 at a wavelength of about 520 nanometers and greater than about 2.50 at a wavelength of about 330 nanometers. The index of refraction of the low refractive index material is less than about 1.50 at a wavelength of about 520 nanometers. The two layers of low refractive index material nearest the article each have an optical thickness at a wavelength of about 330 nm of about one-quarter wavelength.

Abstract: An improved hydrostatic transmission which is compact, reliable and economical to manufacture, including a novel means for reducing the speed of the input to the transaxle using both hydraulics and mechanical gearing; an improved differential which is stronger and less complicated than prior art designs; a more effective and efficient means for braking the transaxle, an improved means for hydraulically bypassing the hydrostatic transmission and a unique check valve arrangement for maintaining oil pressure within the hydrostatic transmission.

Abstract: An improved hydrostatic transmission which is compact, reliable and economical to manufacture, including a novel means for reducing the speed of the input to the transaxle using both hydraulics and mechanical gearing; an improved differential which is stronger and less complicated than prior art designs; a more effective and efficient means for braking the transaxle, an improved means for hydraulically bypassing the hydrostatic transmission and a unique check valve arrangement for maintaining oil pressure within the hydrostatic transmission.

Abstract: A magnetic three-dimensional analysis system for use as a tool in the demonstration of hairdressing techniques by an instructor and to aid a student in learning and practicing such techniques. In one form, the system includes four magnetic grid head forms: a left profile grid head form, a right profile grid head form, a front section grid head form, and back section grid head form. The grid head forms have flat backs which are magnetized so they can be attached to a magnetic blackboard or metal sheet. The system also includes numerous flat magnetic or adhesive strips with pointed ends. The strips are cut to certain lengths and color coded to represent different hairdressing techniques. In a preferred embodiment, a grid head form is attached to a magnetic board and the flat magnetic strips are then attached to the board around the grid head form to both define cutting lines and show proper hair length for a plurality of prescribed hair styles.

Abstract: A method of etching a glass sheet using a curtain coater includes supporting the sheet at its periphery and in a generally horizontal position such that it may sag under its own weight. Sagging causes the uppermost surface of the glass sheet to assume a generally concave form. Etchant solution applied to the uppermost surface flows over the glass to form a nonuniform layer on the uppermost surface. The layer has a minimum thickness at the periphery of the glass sheet. Etchant solution is applied to the glass using a curtain coater designed to handle a corrosive etchant solution. The sheet of glass is supported on a frame including a seal to prevent etchant solution from contacting a second surface of the glass.

Abstract: A transaxle with a hydrostatic transmission which is compact, reliable and economical to manufacture, including a novel means for hydraulically reducing the speed of the input to the transaxle; an improved differential which is stronger and less complicated than prior art designs; a longer lasting, more effective means of preventing oil leakage from the axle shafts in the transaxle housing; a center section for the hydrostatic transmission supporting the output drive shaft, eliminating the need for additional bearing support; an improved means for hydraulically bypassing the hydrostatic transmission and a unique check valve arrangement for maintaining oil pressure within the hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission also includes a pump and a motor whose orientation to one another may be varied according to the space requirements dictated by the size and configuration of the vehicle through the use of a helical gear.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for simultaneously etching only one side of at least two sheets of glass to reduce specular reflectance on the etched side while improving resolution and process efficiency. In the process, two face to face sheets of glass are aligned and a seal is formed to render the adjacent inside faces of the glass sheets substantially fluid-tight during the etching process. The sealed sheets are then transferred to an etching bath where their outside faces are etched, but their inside faces are not visibly etched.

Abstract: A telescoping container structure which comprises a plurality of pieces which may be temporarily secured to one another and shipped in a flat form, and a method of manufacturing the same. When assembled, the pieces of the container telescope relative to one another and may be secured to one another at any position to create a container of infinitely variable volume.

Abstract: A cross-over type tweezer is disclosed for use in orthodontic work and other areas where a small item must be held securely and precisely. The tweezer includes a gripping jaw with members formed transversely to the main axis of the tweezers to assist in holding small items such as orthodontic braces.

Abstract: An A.C. powered smoke detector with supervision circuit for back-up battery. The circuit periodically and automatically, checks the power capacity of the back-up battery by momentarily disabling the D.C. power supply from applying D.C. voltage on a D.C. voltage bus while simultaneously applying a test load to the battery. If the test load voltage is too low, a low battery power capacity indication is provided. In one embodiment, the D.C. power supply is disabled by electrically disconnecting it from the battery. In another embodiment, a switch applies to effectively by pass the D.C. power supply and enable the application of the test load.

Abstract: A micro processor based Lighting Control System and Module is disclosed which controls lighting circuits to operate at reduced power levels to obtain the most efficient lighting level for a given task to obtain conservation of energy and a financial savings. After the control is set by the user for a selected lighting level reduction, a selected power is applied; and, the system, through its micro processor and control circuitry, continuously monitors the power applied, and maintains a desired power level to maintain the lighting level desired.

Abstract: A means for locking a quick-release mechanism on a bicycle wheel hub is disclosed. The means comprises a locking body with two openings formed therein, with the body being, in a preferred embodiment, in the shape of a flat plate. The skewer rod of a bicycle wheel axle or the axle itself is inserted through one of the openings and the shackle of a lock through the other opening, in a manner to prevent the lever arm of the quick-release mechanism from being rotated without the lock being removed.

Abstract: A table skirt clip for securing a table skirt to a table, with a top portion made of clear plastic which is molded to a flexible metal bottom portion. Connecting means formed on the bottom on portion allow secure joinder of the metal and the plastic. This invention has the advantage of a clear plastic top while being adjustable to fit tables of different thicknesses. A method of making a table skirt clip formed of diverse materials, namely a plastic top and a flexible metal bottom, which provides transparency to table top and flexibility for mounting on the table edge.

Abstract: A strain gauge assembly of the type having an elongate flexible member (12) with attached strain gauges (36, 38) has forces applied thereto at points (48, 50) spaced from its central neutral plane (52) by means including members mounted to a foot (10) and force receiving (14) members for non-sliding lateral movement relative thereto. In another embodiment strain gauges are attached to a flexible diaphragm (68) which is in communication with a fluid contained within a flexible sealed container (78) that is restrained against lateral movement by a hollow restraint member (62) therearound but which has a portion (80) protruding from a lower open end (66) thereof to receive a load to pressurize the fluid for flexing the diaphragm (68).

Abstract: A collapsible bin includes a bottom (12) having an integral peripheral flange (24), a rear panel (16) and a pair of side panels (14). The rear panel has C-shaped channels (44) on opposite ends and integral offsets (46) along lower edges while the side panels have C-shaped channels (42) on rear edges and offsets (32) along lower edges so that the panels can be interconnected by telescoping the channels into each other and connected to the bottom by the offsets being telescoped onto the free edge of the flange.