Abstract: A soft tissue support particularly suited for the treatment of muscle injuries. The support is constructed of a thin highly elastic material having a four-way stretch capability. The material has outer layers of a nylon like material bonded to a thin inner layer of polyurethane material. The nylon like material provides for comfort and adds to the strength of the material. The inner layer is highly resilient and retains its elasticity. The support being of highly elastic, thin material readily conforms to the body portion to which it is fitted and applies a uniform compressive force to the body portion as the body portion changes in dimension due to muscle flexing. The support retains therapeutic body heat while still allowing breathability (air flow), due to its porosity to reduce perspiration build up.

Abstract: A tie down system for a cargo area of a carrier arranged to secure cargo in position. Multiple formed slots are formed in the side and end walls of the cargo area of the carrier. The slots are arranged to receive tie down devices to which securing devices utilized to hold the cargo in place may be secured. The slots are provided at intervals along the length and the height of the end and side walls to enable positioning a tie down device strategic to the cargo to be secured.

Abstract: A closed, low volume, pressurized cooling system for cooling beverages transported through conveying lines from a beverage source to a dispensing station. The pressurized, low gallonage coolant system has its coolant (water/glycol) cooled by a refrigeration system. The coolant is recirculated on a continuous basis and has a cooling line in contact with the beverage conveying lines to chill the beverages contained in the beverage conveying lines. A thermostat monitors the temperature of the coolant and the refrigeration unit runs only on demand. The coolant in the cooling system is pressurized by a bladder type pressure tank. The closed, pressurized coolant system minimizes separation and evaporization of the coolant and prevents contamination of the coolant.

Abstract: A device for preventing derailment of a bicycle chain of a bicycle. Upper and lower guide members are positioned strategic to a drive sprocket of the bicycle to guide and maintain the chain in engagement with the drive sprocket regardless of the tension of the chain. The upper and lower guides force the chain to be engaged a longer circumferential distance on the drive sprocket to prevent the chain from jumping off the drive sprocket. Circular guards are mounted on each side of the drive sprocket to protect the drive sprocket and the chain entrained thereon from impact. The spacing of the circular guards provides a channel for receiving the chain as it traverses the drive sprocket.

Abstract: A machine arranged to insert material to be composted into an elongate elastic bag. The machine is arranged to insert an elongate perforated pipe into the elongate elastic bag with the material. The perforated pipe is fed from an air tight container through a conduit into the bag. The machine may have an expander mechanism to enlarge the opening of the elastic bag with the expanding mechanism defining a tunnel through which the material will be forced into the bag. A reciprocating plunger movable within a channel or hopper forces the material into the elongate bag. The machine is arranged so that the composting process may commence when there is material available to only partially fill the bag. When a bag is filled partially, the plunger is moved to a position at the entry of the tunnel to seal the open end of the bag and a media may be applied to dispense the media into the material via the perforated pipe to commence the composting process.

Abstract: A dental chair attachment for supporting an implement such as a light assembly, a hand piece delivery device or other device. The attachment is arranged for the pivotal movement of the implement about a supporting post. The attachment is arranged so that the periphery of the post is not in contact with the pivoting member of the implement. Upper and lower collar bases secured to the post support an inner sleeve that has an internal diameter larger than the diameter of the post. An outer sleeve which supports the pivoting member is rotatively mounted to the inner sleeve. The pivoting member including the outer sleeve, as it pivots, does not contact the periphery of the supporting post. Resilient rings of the upper and lower collar bases are forced radially inward against the periphery of the post to secure the attachment to the post.

Abstract: A system for providing indirect lighting. The system has a U-shaped support that has an inner side with a mounting feature for readily mounting the U-shaped bracket to a surface such as a wall on hanging brackets. The bottom of the U-shaped support has a mounting feature for the mounting of a secondary bracket to support ancillary equipment such as drapery hardware, direct lighting systems and the like. A light source is mounted in the cavity of the U-shaped support to provide indirect lighting. The inner side and outer side of the U-shaped support are arranged to support a lens and a louver.

Abstract: A supporting bracket configured to support two planting pots. The bracket is substantially U-shaped and has extending base portions that support the base of a planting pot and has clips that engage the rim of the planting pot to secure the planting pot to the bracket. The bracket may be used singly or in multiples. Multiple brackets may be secured one to another by a simple fastener such as a bolt. The arrangement of the bracket provides for mounting the bracket or bracket assembly on a post, hanging the bracket or bracket assembly from a chain or similar device or simply mounting the bracket or bracket assembly onto a supporting member.

Abstract: A furnace for combustible fuels that incorporates a main igniter and an auxiliary back-up igniter for igniting the fuel. When power is applied to the main igniter, a sensor detects whether or not current flows through the main igniter. If there is current flow through the main igniter, the back-up igniter is isolated from the input power. If there is an absence of current flow through the main igniter, the power is switched to the auxiliary back-up igniter. A warning device is provided to alert a user when the power has been switched to the back-up igniter indicating that the main igniter is inoperable.

Abstract: A substance produced from a combination of acid based ingredients and a mole attracting herb. Placement of the substance into a mole tunnel attracts the mole and upon contact with the substance becomes repelled by the acid taste.

Abstract: Grain defect scanning takes into account a broad set of data representing both wood grain structure and wood grain image to provide a multi-dimensional scan vector for an inspection point with wide variation therein relative to defect types. A library of similarly structured multi-dimensional training set vectors developed during a preliminary training session with known defect types is referenced by multivariate pattern recognition analysis to classify a collection of scan vectors associated with an article under inspection. By statistically matching scan vectors with training set vectors under pattern recognition analysis, physical locations on a wood article are identified according to known defect types.

Abstract: An electronic three-dimensional viewing system. A monitor is positioned in front of each eye and an identical motion picture is displayed on each monitor. The displays are synchronized so that one of the displays slightly precedes the other. Controls are provided to control the degree of advance and also the darkness of the projection in one monitor relative to the other. Further controls provide slight image distortion, e.g., horizontal shifting, enlargement and reduction. The controls enable a viewer to adjust the three-dimensional affect created by the different configurations created for the images as seen by the two eyes of the viewer.

Abstract: A material that is a mixture of polystyrene beads, type III cement, an acrylic latex bond and water. The mixed material is placed in a mold and compressed prior to curing to increase the density, to provide a uniform surface finish and to increase the strength of the end product. The insulating value of the end product is substantially the same as a product formed without compressing the material.

Abstract: A hitch adapter with integral protective device that is suited for mounting to a conventional sleeve-type hitch. The protective device protects the hitch adapter from damage due to impacts with a ground surface. Depending brackets are fixedly attached to the hitch adapter, the brackets supporting the integral protective device. The periphery of the protective device is offset from the axis of the sleeve which is insertable into a socket of the sleeve-type hitch. A roller is mounted to the depending bracket to provide a contact member that will contact the surface of the ground and prevent the balance of the hitch from coming into contact with the ground. Alternatively, a skid plate is mounted on the dependent bracket to provide a contact member for protecting the hitch adapter.

Abstract: A machine for inserting baled material into an elongate elastic sheath. The machine has a moveable upper frame for enlarging the opening through which the bales will travel as they are inserted into the sheath. An elastic sheath is mounted on and surrounds radially moveable paddles and an end of a cradle. The paddles are moved radially outward to enlarge the opening of the sheath and thereby stretch the sheath. The cradle receives the bales to be inserted into a sheath and has a bale pusher for pushing the bales into the sheath. The bale pusher has ram extensions that are pivoted into a position to extend the reach of the pusher to facilitate inserting the last bale into the elastic sheath and through the machine. The machine is portable and has wheels that are mounted in one position for the bagging operation and are mounted in another position for transporting the machine.

Abstract: A conveyor system incorporating conveyors operating in conjunction for conveying, arranging, positioning and placing boards for feeding boards in an end to end arrangement to a processing station. The system includes a descrambler for feeding boards sequentially in a crosswise orientation onto a lug type conveyor. The lugs of the lug type conveyor conveys the boards through a scanner where the boards are scanned and the data input to a computer. A speed up conveyor cooperates with the lug conveyor to advance the board against a preceding lug of the lug conveyor which restrains the board. A board turner is provided to turn the board over if required. The speed up conveyor conveys the board onto a positioning conveyor and advances the board against a lug which retains the board in a determined position. Positioning pins advance the board onto a longitudinal conveyor which conveys the boards along their longitudinal length.

Abstract: A post and/or pole segment formed by filling a form with a composite mixture of a bonding agent and a filler material. The composite mixture is placed in a form in a fluid state and allowed to solidify. The form is retained as an integral member of the post and/or pole segment. The post and/or pole segments are arranged to be connected in an end to end arrangement to form a post or pole of extended length. The form and the composite mixture of the post and/or pole segment are of recycled material.

Abstract: A lumber piece conveyor including a conveyor chain having retaining lugs and overhead rollers for pressing the lumber pieces on to the retaining lugs. The overhead rollers independently descend and retract as the logs approach the rollers in sequence. The retracted position of each roller is established by the prior roller's position of initial engagement with a log. The retracted position can thus be established at a substantially consistent distance above the point of engagement regardless of the log diameter. Preferably a linkage has one end that is connected to the roller movement of a prior roller assembly and the other end dictates the pivotal positioning of a proximity switch. As the prior roller is moved into engagement, the linkage pivots the proximity switch. The proximity switch signals a computer that the subsequent roller is too high or too low and the roller is accordingly lowered or raised to the desired retracted position.

Abstract: A convertible repair device arranged to repair bulls-eye type cracks and elongate cracks in a laminated glass. The device has a stepped housing that has a large cylinder and a small cylinder. A piston is mounted in the housing and is movable in the cylinders. A mouth formed in the small cylinder is arranged to receive the filler material. The device is arranged to withdraw air from the bulls-eye type crack by moving the piston upward. When the air is withdrawn the piston is moved downward and the filler material flows into the crack. The piston has a thread form on its upper portion and a plunger projected into the thread form provides controlled movement of the piston without imparting a force on the surface of the laminated glass which is beneficial for filling elongate cracks.

Abstract: Pumping under the present invention includes movement of material, in a first embodiment fluid and in a second embodiment a piston assembly, between first and second positions including detection of said material at each position. Control circuitry and supporting mechanical and fluid coupling responsive to material position toggles the pump into alternate modes of operation driving the material toward each point. The pump arrangement has fewer moving parts than traditional pumps and enjoys higher reliability for its simplified design.