Abstract: A method for chemically milling sheet metal to form three-dimensional objects comprising masking the sheet metal by selectively applying a resist material to opposite sides of the sheet metal to form a design, applying an etchant to the masked metal which erodes the metal according to the design, and simultaneously forming connecting tabs and score lines. The tabs and score lines allow certain design portions to be bent to different planes to form the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A traction mat having a plurality of pins captivated in a resilient mat, each pin having a head on each of the opposing ends, and a washer between the head and the mat. The mat provides increased traction to a vehicle stuck in snow and the like by seizing both the tire and the ground with the heads of each pin in pivotal action, as the washer pivots and locks the heads in a gripping position for the increased traction. A rigid steel start plate of a width less than the width of the tire is attached to one end of the mat for providing initial impetus to position the mat under the tire.

Abstract: A trap for the control of rodents comprising a compartment having two spaced parallel electrodes in the compartment interior in close proximity to a bait holder. The investigation of the bait causes the body of the rodent to come into contact with the electrodes and be electrocuted. Baffles are placed in the compartment between the electrodes and the compartment opening to prevent fingers or other objects from coming into accidental contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the return of discardable containers and associated elements on which complementary identifying indicia are placed on at least two portions of the container, one indicium being on a removable closure means, a second indicium being on another selected area of the container. The consumer may retain the closure portion upon its removal, return the container to a redemption center and subsequently compare and match the closure indicia with the second indicia in a lottery drawing of indicia from like containers returned to the redemption center.

Abstract: An improved flipper bar used with a pinball game apparatus allowing increased challenges for skilled players and increased unpredictability in ball trajectory for unskilled players, comprising a cantilevered arm having a series of undulations on one side and disposed perpendicular to the playing field.

Abstract: A freeze dryer for rapidly and efficiently drying tissue specimens, having a source of heat independent of the cover and mounted for efficient heat transfer to a copper support plate having a substantially flat top surface. A specimen plate is machined from aluminum to have a recessed bottom surface which is matable with the support plate for maximum physical contact. The specimen plate has peripheral walls of a thickness and a height that will eliminate substantially all heat differentials between different portions of the specimen plate interior caused by external variations to allow effective control of the temperature of the specimen plate.

Abstract: A connector fitting for securing vehicles on transporters is provided by the present invention, including outwardly extending projections or ears which receive a bolt for carrying the end links of a pair of tensioning chains in a manner greatly reducing the wear and stress on both the fitting and chains, caused by movement of the vehicles during transit.

Abstract: A medical-surgical method and apparatus for facilitating the replacement of ostomy appliances. A hollow cylinder, filled with sterile absorbant material is used to center the sealing ring prior to the replacement of the ostomy appliance.

Abstract: An improved low cost screen printing apparatus for printing on both flat and curvilinear objects. Two vertically aligned shafts support the printing head and, by following the pivotal motion of a rocker arm, raise and lower the printing head relative to the object being printed with a straight vertical displacement, resulting from the controlled movement of the upper shaft by the rocker arm which drives the upper shaft through an elongated slot. The squeegee assembly operates in a timed relationship with the raising and lowering of the screen head to alternatively raise and lower the squeegee assembly concurrently with the raising and lowering of the screen so that the squeegee and flood bar are retained in an operative position and parallel to the screen surface during both print and flood cycles. When the screen and squeegee assembly are in the raised position, the squeegee assembly and screen frame are selectively connectable to a reciprocating carriage, for printing either curvilinear or flat objects.

Abstract: A foot operated percussion musical instrument is provided by the present invention in which two pairs of cymbals are mounted in an adjustable framework one above the other, and are movable in unison by operation of a single foot pedal.

Abstract: A multi-station pinball game is provided by the present invention having a rotatable playfield controlled by a programmable microprocessor which selectively indexes the playfield to each individual station, in a desired order, for sequential play of the game by several players seated around the playfield at their individual playing stations.

Abstract: A two-way voice controlled communication system for use with a protective helmet. The communication system includes a transmitting circuit which is normally off, and which is voice actuated, and a receiving circuit which is normally on. The transmitting circuit includes a microphone and an electronic switch which turns the transmitting circuit on and the receiving circuit off in response to the presence of an output from the microphone, and turns the transmitting circuit off and the receiving circuit on substantially immediately in response to the absence of a microphone output. Thus the system approximates two-way real-time communication by permitting one user of the system to interrupt the speech of another user of the system. The system is designed primarily for far field communication, that is, omnidirectional communication where the spatial positioning of one communication system relative to a second communication system is essentially independent of the distance between the two systems.

Abstract: A means of detachably connecting a plurality of containers in an integral facing relationship is provided by the present invention, wherein up to four separate containers may be internally secured together to form a compact multi-unit package.

Abstract: A lubricant for improved performance in glass molding. The lubricant is smokeless, odorless, non-toxic and non-combustible. It is applied infrequently, such as once a shift or less. The lubricant is carbon monofluoride (CF.sub.x).sub.n wherein "x" is about 0.7 or, preferably, above 1.00. Novel methods of application of the lubricant are disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable drape for a surgical overhead table; the drape is liquid-proof and covers the entire surface of the associated table. Also, the drape is of a construction which will prevent the passage of any bacteria through the surface area of the drape.

Abstract: An improved sectional mold for forming a large figure from snow, such as a snowman. Each section extends from the top of the mold assembly to its base and has flanges on the mold section periphery, each of which flanges is joined to the flange of an adjacent mold section by a U-shaped fastening clip. Large openings in one of the mold sections and at the top of the mold assembly admit snow for forming the desired figure.

Abstract: An improved defrosting means for a condenser in a freeze drying apparatus including a thermocouple for monitoring the condenser temperature during a freeze drying cycle, and an electric cartridge heater for defrosting the condenser after the freeze drying process, both of which are insertable into the structure of the condenser. The cartridge heater, in association with a highly-conductive woven mesh disposed in the interior of the condenser, provides for a uniform distribution of thermal energy throughout the condenser to quickly and efficiently cause layers of ice and frost on the outer surfaces of the condenser to break up and drop away.

Abstract: A manual stoppering container assembly having a central shaft which is threadedly secured to a handle on an upper portion and fixedly secured to a stoppering plate at a lower portion. The handle is rotatably secured in the cover plate for imparting reciprocal motion to the stoppering plate. The stoppering plate is guided by tracks in the container body. The cover plate is fluid-tightly mounted on a container body, so that the downward movement of the stoppering plate may force a plug into a sample vial while the container assembly is under vacuum.

Abstract: A continuous form pinwheel, having pins and a platen formed of a durable plastic material, the pins being closely fitted in their seats for the exclusion of foreign matter, having a unique cam follower and radiused at their lower end. The tips of the pins may be formed of steel, thereby eliminating wear on the two major wear areas of the pin. The plastic material contributes to a low coefficient of friction and thus long life.