Abstract: A family of light-weight, durable, resilient tile spacers adapted for insertion into intersecting joint spaces between tile courses, and to be left in place after the spaces have been filled with grout. Each spacer has a plurality of thin-walled hollow limbs that project radially into the intersecting joint spaces. The side walls of the limbs are compressed by the tiles on either side of the joint spaces, the amount of compression being limited by the abutment of structural elements formed on the inner faces of the side walls with stops positioned within the limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, pairs of structural elements are mounted to the limbs' respective side walls. In another, pairs of structural elements are mounted to both of the limbs' side walls. Grout figs the submerged hollow limbs during the grouting process and upon curing permanently seals and immobilizes the spacer.

Abstract: A quartz carrier having spaced, parallel grooved rods for holding a batch of semi-conductor wafers edgewise in upstanding, spaced, parallel relation is formed with a pair of flat end plates supporting the ends of the rods. The ends of the end plates extend laterally outwardly of the rods and support a pair of inverted “U”-shaped carrier support members extending along the length of the carrier. A tool having an carrier engaging rod mounted to a handle allows the user to insert the carrier engaging rod into one of the carrier support members to support the weight of the carrier. A rod mounted to the handle extends beyond the length of the wafer supporting grooved rods and engages the ends of the end plates to limit the rotation of the carrier about the carrier support member, enabling the user to raise and manipulate the carrier by means of the handle.

Abstract: A therapeutic ankle and foot orthosis or brace includes a lower shell and an upper lateral shell which are movably coupled together by a pivot so that the shells accommodate the contour, size and shape of the user's foot and ankle. Cushions are included on the shells to provide comfort and straps with hook and pile fasteners are employed to detachably retain the combined shells on the ankle and foot of the user.

Abstract: A force-generating device employing a flared body and a surrounding shroud to define a duct of axially diminishing flow area defining a nozzle for accelerating and directing the discharge of a fluid at a cambered vane, a pressure dam depends from the bottom surface of the vane to entrap a portion of the fluid flowing chordwise along the bottom surface of the vane. A deflector formed on the enlarged end of the flared body and extending into the duct fluid outlet deflects the fluid stream to increase its velocity and direct it toward the vane. In another embodiment, a second deflector formed on the rim of the shroud and projecting into the duct deflects the discharge stream to further increase the velocity of the fluid stream and increase the angle of attack of the fluid stream impinging on the vane. In an alternative embodiment, the first shroud is enclosed in a second shroud to form a second duct of axially diminishing flow area defining a nozzle.

Abstract: A grout float, including a blade and a pair of core sections defining a handle. Interlocking male tapered bosses and female tapered receptacles join the core sections. Tapered tongues on the core sections pass through openings in upstanding flanges on the blade. The tapered tongues produce a wedging action with the flange openings whereby the locking union of the core sections also secures the handle rigidly to the blade. For comfort, the assembled handle and blade are encapsulated in an overmolded elastomeric liquid-tight sheath.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus includes a reaction chamber. A stream of contaminated gasses flows through the chamber. An elongated coronating electrode is positioned in the reaction chamber for producing a corona discharge within the chamber. A multi-stage Fitch generator connected to the electrode produces a high level, rapidly pulsating voltage in the electrode. Controlled amounts of an inert gas or inert gas-air mixture are combined with the contaminated gases to provide a high concentration of inert gas in the reaction chamber. In the inert gas-enriched atmosphere, the pulsating corona discharge produces a high concentration of metastable intermediates that greatly increase the rate of chemical conversion of the contaminants. Switching circuitry allows the pulsating voltage output of the Fitch generator to be superimposed on a constant direct current voltage in the electrode, setting up an electrostatic field in the reaction chamber for removing conversion byproducts from the gas stream.

Abstract: An improved disposable, cat litter box waste receptacle assembly with enclosure having a box tray (10) which in its use configuration accepts and holds a litter latrine (14). A latrine privacy enclosure cover (12) that has a cut out removable entry (16) is placed in the box tray (10) and over the litter latrine (14). The entire box assembly is made of recyclable paper products. Its interior surfaces are moisture resistant. In its shipping-inverted configuration the box assembly utilizes the box tray (10) as a top. The latrine privacy enclosure cover (12) functions as a shipping and transport container which houses a supply of litter latrines (14) each of which contain a quantity of absorbent litter (24). The assembly includes a carrying handle (18) and a closure device (20) which secure the assembly and its contents while in transport. The assembly includes all of the supplies required for its intended use.

Abstract: A device for storing and displaying a model airplane. A vertical member adapted for easy attachment to a wall has an outwardly extending tongue at its lower end for retaining and supporting the model on its nose. A pair of wing retaining brackets are rotatably and pivotably mounted to a horizontal cross member adjustably mounted to the upright member. The wing retaining brackets are free to orient themselves to conform with the sweep of the leading edges of the model's wings and with the wings' dihedral and serve to immobilize the model and maintain its fuselage upright. Means for positioning the wing retaining brackets allow the device to accommodate models of varying size and configuration, and can be adjusted to allow the weight of the model to be supported by the fuselage alone, or by both the wings and the fuselage.

Abstract: The opposed side walls and connecting end walls of this surface-mounted holder can be configured in virtually any desired shape to define a window conforming to a resiliently flexible sheet bearing a display. Inserted into the holder through an opening in one of the end walls, the display sheet is guided by a ramp into sliding engagement with a pair of slots formed in the side walls at a distance from the opening. A shoulder formed on the end wall adjacent said opening in alignment with the slots abuts the end of the display sheet and retains the display sheet in the holder. Adhesive strips are provided for securing the holder to a surface, such as the bumper of an automobile.

Abstract: A pliers-like hand tool for removing headed plastic fasteners having a stem releasably anchored below a surface incorporates a pair of pivotably joined, wedge-shaped jaws and their associated handles. A spring positioned between the handles maintains the jaws open in readiness for insertion under the head of a fastener. A bend in the jaws provides a fulcrum for applying leverage against the underside of the head of the fastener. A series of graduated opposed elongated grooves formed in the edges of the jaws and oriented normal to the top surface of the jaws allow the user to apply controlled gripping force to the stem of the fastener in the region, adjacent the head, most prone to fracture by bending, thereby effectively immobilizing the stem with respect to the head of the fastener and minimizing bending of the stem in the sensitive region.

Abstract: Electrical method for removing ecologically noxious substances from gases which includes an electrical precipitator having a reaction chamber through which a stream of the gases to be cleaned passes, and which includes an elongated electrode extending into said reaction chamber for producing a corona discharge within the chamber. The method of the invention includes a multi-stage Fitch generator connected to the electrode which produces a high level pulsating voltage superimposed on a constant direct current voltage. The pulsating voltage causes the electrode to produce the corona effect in the chamber, and the constant direct current voltage sets up an electrostatic field which removes unwanted products of the corona discharge from the gas stream passing through the chamber. The Fitch generator is adapted to provide pulsating voltages of sufficient amplitude and steepness to produce a high density, high energy corona discharge within the chamber.

Abstract: A portable helicopter landing pad especially suitable for deployment on an unprepared surface comprises a number of perforated metal mats which on being joined at their edges define a heliport of predetermined size and shape. Dual-purpose connectors releasably join adjacent mats to one another and anchor the edges of the mats to the underlying surface. If needed, moveable stiffening plates are provided for strengthening the assembled mats where the wheels or skids of the helicopter touch down. A rigid container is provided for transporting and storing the predetermined number of mats, connectors, and tools needed for a particular heliport. For larger installations, several containers are pre-packed to facilitate the transport and assembly of the required components. The container is designed to prevent the stacked mats, connectors, and tools from shifting while in transit. A removable cover retains the container's contents and further prevents them from slipping during storage and transport.

Abstract: A pleated construction for roll-up and pull-up window shades, and a pleated material for use as the window covering in such shades. The material comprises a facing layer of horizontally closely-pleated fabric that is tightly, adhesively bonded or fused to a backing layer of durable, pliable fabric so as to retain the pleats permanently. Preferably, the backing layer is coated or impregnated with a thermoplastic material that fuses the pleated fabric to it with the application of heat and pressure. The window covering is tacked, stapled, or adhered to a conventional spring-actuated roller or pull-up mounting apparatus and serves in the same manner as a covering made of conventional shade material. If desired, a liner may be applied to the rear side of the window covering to enhance its appearance and maintain the shape of the shade. Window coverings incorporating the subject material can be made up in any desired width and length for which facing and backing fabrics are available.