Abstract: A system and method for rivet setting comprising a micro-adjustable bucking bar coupled to a control system that measures the rivet head during the rivet setting process and stops the rivet gun when the rivet head achieves a desired head height above the work surface. In preferred embodiments, the control system also communicates the stage of the rivet driving cycle to the operators to expedite the rivet driving process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing a user to use the same mechanism to connect a container to another object and to open a normally-closed opening in the container. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a closure body having an opening therein; a stopper that closes the opening; and a carabiner that comprises a spine that is fixed to said body and a gate that is operably connected to said stopper. In use, this embodiment of the invention is operated by moving the gate to a full open position, which causes the stopper to move away from the opening.

Abstract: A seed treated with a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination and a seed assembly comprising a seed and a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination. The fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprises a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. In preferred embodiments, the invention produces an increase in plant yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn is achieved.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve for venting moisture from a window having at least two panes or lights, the panes or lights defining an air space therebetween, is provided. The valve includes: an elongated body having an interior passage formed lengthwise therein, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is adapted to be inserted directly through a window pane and into the air space formed between the panes; at least one resilient plate pivotally connected to the elongated body; wherein the resilient plate moves in response to changes in fluid pressure within the air space formed between the panes of the window, and wherein the movement of the plate opens the interior passage for allowing moisture-laden air to pass therethrough and out of the air space or closes the interior passage for preventing air from flowing back into the air space between the panes.

Abstract: An organizer and utility apparatus that can be attached to a chair comprises a generally horizontal elongate support which can be in the form of a tube or channeled block. The elongate support has one or more holder attachments that can be joined in a permanent fashion or mutually engaged and disengaged and located according to user preference. The elongate support can be supported directly on a desk, or with an attachable generally vertical support, supported above a floor or desk; Or with such attachable vertical support, engaged to a chair that has a chair attachment mechanism. If the organizer is either freestanding or attached to a chair, it can be converted into a work station by the use of an engageable plane-attachment accessory. If free standing, the vertical support is attached to a stand base. An embodiment of the apparatus has a wire conduit that permits electrical and electronics wire protection and management.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a material, such as a polymer composition, to a substrate, the method comprising mixing the material with a heated carrier gas stream, spraying the material through a nozzle, and radiant and convective heating of the material during transport. Preferred embodiments of the system and method can be used to spray polyetherimides, polyimides, polyamides, thermoset resins (e.g., and epoxies, polyesters and silicones), liquid crystal polymers, compositions comprising a blowing agent, compositions comprising a binder, compositions comprising a metallized material, compositions that produce an open cell foam, and compositions that produce a closed cell foam.

Abstract: Asymmetrical joint systems, structures having interlocking joints, methods of fabricating asymmetric joint systems and methods for fabricating structures having interlocking joints. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a structure that incorporates a rotational diamond-shaped bracing system. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of assembling such a structure.

Abstract: An expanding, exposed-blade arrow head and a method of its operation. In a preferred embodiment, the arrow head comprises: a ferrule comprising three blade holders and having a longitudinal cavity having a bottom; a tip comprising a piston that is slidably mounted in the longitudinal cavity, the tip having a front end having three slots; three blades, each of the blades having a forward end that is pivotably mounted in one of said slots and a body having a cutting edge, each body being slidably mounted in one of the blade holders; wherein the sliding of the piston in the longitudinal cavity toward the bottom causes the cutting edges to move outward.

Abstract: By using letters, this invention provides telephone numbers that contain the actual initials or name of the recipient. With business subscribers, each company's stock marker ticker symbol is their telephone number, such as ‘GE’ for General Electric. With most individual accounts, the telephone number consists of the subscriber's initials plus date of birth. Custom programming routes a call with the simple dialing input of only the recipient's initials or name. Only one well-defined area code is needed per State, such as ‘AZ’ for Arizona. The same number is used for landline, facsimile, internet, and cellular connections.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for coordinating apparel production. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a business model and system for the apparel industry in which production channels and marketing channels are comprehensively coordinated by a central operating center via the Internet. By interacting with a website, registered clients (e.g., apparel businesses, wholesalers, retailers, etc.) articulate what their specific detailed requirements are in terms of production, delivery and other aspects. Then, data on these clients' orders are forwarded to each of the production channels through the central operation center which performs the tasks of comprehensive coordination, management and business operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing filtered rainwater during wet weather, storing the filtered rainwater in an elevated storage tank, conveying the filtered rainwater by gravity to a toilet tank and controlling its introduction into the toilet tank. The apparatus preferably comprises an inline filter for installation in a horizontal or sloping section of a rain gutter, a storage tank that is mountable at an elevation higher than the elevation of the toilet tank, water transfer tubing or piping for conveyance of filtered rainwater to the storage tank, water supply tubing or piping for conveyance of stored water to the toilet tank, and a control valve for introducing the stored water into the toilet tank when it is needed. In a preferred embodiment, the components of the apparatus are provided to the consumer in the form of an easily installed kit.

Abstract: A method for mixing fluids and/or solids in a manner that can be varied from maintaining the integrity of fragile molecular and biological materials in the mixing vessel to homogenizing heavy aggregate material by supplying large amounts of energy. Variation in the manner of mixing is accomplished using an electronic controller to generate signals to control the frequency and amplitude of the motor(s), which drive an unbalanced shaft assembly to produce a linear vibratory motion. The motor may be a stepper motor, a linear motor or a DC continuous motor. By placing a sensor on the mixing vessel platform to provide feedback control of the mixing motor, the characteristics of agitation in the fluid or solid can be adjusted to optimize the degree of mixing and produce a high quality mixant.

Abstract: An apparatus and/or method for routing telephone calls to a communications device of a particular subscriber within an area code. A preferred embodiment is a system for routing a telephone call from a caller to a specific communications device situated in an area identified by an area code, said system comprising: means for assigning a first telephone number to a particular subscriber; and means for routing the telephone call to the specific communications device of the particular subscriber; wherein said area code is a two-character U.S. postal state abbreviation.

Abstract: A food service system and method utilizing a food carrier for the delivery of high quality meals that are hot and safe to eat. The food carrier preferably comprises a body having an interior, an exterior and an opening, said interior defining a compartment; sealing means disposed around said opening; a door that covers said opening, said door being configured to seal against said sealing means when a partial vacuum or pressure is created in said compartment; a passageway connecting said interior and said exterior; a valve on said passageway; and a dish configured to fit within said compartment. The method comprises collecting data on favorite prepared foods from pre-registered households in predetermined communities and utilizing the data to purchase, prepare and deliver, with the utmost convenience utilizing the food carrier, ready-to-eat dishes at affordable prices.

Abstract: An improved grommet assembly for repairing a sandal having a foot retainer attached to a sole at least one terminus of the foot retainer includes a flange having a cross-sectional width substantially greater than a cross-sectional width of the at least one terminus. A bore extends axially through the flange, defining an opening of sufficient size to accommodate insertion of the terminus therethrough. A securing mechanism adapted and constructed to secure the grommet to the at least one terminus. The flange can be used in association with a sandal repair kit.

Abstract: Asymmetrical joint systems, structures having interlocking joints, methods of fabricating asymmetric joint systems and methods for fabricating structures having interlocking joints. In a preferred embodiment, the invention a joint system comprising an asymmetrical mortise into which an asymmetrical tenon fits. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a quadrilateral structure that incorporates a diamond-shaped bracing system. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a quadrilateral structure that incorporates a rotational lockdown component.

Abstract: A bow sight comprising: a main body having a plurality of grooves; a first support structure having a first ring clamp that is linearly slidably mounted in one of said grooves; a first sight ring that is rotatably coupled to said first support structure; a first sight pin that is fixedly mounted on said first sight ring; a second support structure having a second ring clamp that is linearly slidably mounted in another of said grooves; a second sight ring that is rotatably coupled to said second support structure; and a second sight pin that is fixedly mounted on said second sight ring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the temperature and aromatically conditioning the air and surfaces within a bed environment. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a self-contained, forced air bed warmer or bed warmer/cooler and aromatic infuser which pre-heats, pre-cools and infuses aromatic influences into the interior sheets and covers of a bed to provide a controlled micro-environment that facilitates relaxation into restful sleep on cold or hot nights.

Abstract: A computerized method for representing a data record comprising: querying a data source to obtain data selected from the group consisting of a data element in a record, and metadata concerning the record; presenting in a display a record handle for manipulation of the record; presenting in the display a data item wherein the data item is a list of data items or a reference to another record; and, optionally, presenting on the display the metadata above the data item. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of retrieving one or more heterogeneous records from a plurality of databases for display and manipulation. The invention is also a grid control programmed to implement a disclosed method and is a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a disclosed method. The invention links the grid control of the invention with automatic query generation using hierarchical data schema trees.

Abstract: Fungal/bacterial antagonist combinations, a seed coated with one of the combinations and a plant protected from plant pathogens by one of the combinations. The invention is also a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprising a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) bacterial antagonist and its use for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. The invention also finds utility as a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination applied to the seed, stalk or leaf that results in an increase in plant yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn is achieved.