Abstract: A high speed machine that inserts about twelve thousand sheets or stacks of sheets of paper per hour into the same number of envelopes. A first table delivers an elongate horizontal queue of thousands of envelopes to an envelope hopper. A second table, parallel to the first table, includes a plurality of independently-controllable sheet feeders and delivers individual groups of stacked sheets to an envelope insertion station that is transversely spaced apart from the envelope hopper. A third table is disposed transversely to the first two tables and includes the envelope insertion station. Clamps carried by an elongate sprocket chain mounted in the third table sequentially remove envelopes from the bottom of the envelope hopper and pull them past an envelope flap-opening structure to the envelope insertion station where the envelopes are opened by a puff of air.

Abstract: A device that enables a person positioned in a body of water to hold onto the exterior hull surface of a watercraft. A handle has a straight central part and a pair of parallel arms that are perpendicular to the central part and which extend from opposite ends of the central part in a common direction. Each of the parallel arms has a distal free end that engages a suction cup on its convex side. An O-ring is integrally formed with each suction cup on its concave side, and is positioned on the outermost peripheral edge of its associated suction cup. The O-ring increases the volumetric capacity of the suction cup and therefore increases the strength of the vacuum that holds the suction cup to the watercraft.

Abstract: A method for making a floor that slopes toward a drain includes the steps of enclosing a predetermined area of a flat support surface around the drain with upstanding border members, positioning an annular ring in closely spaced, concentric relation around the drain, arranging a plurality of straight form members in radial relation to the drain, connecting a radially innermost end of each form member to the annular ring so that the top edge of each form member is spaced downwardly from the plane of the drain by a distance equal to a tile thickness, and positioning an outermost end of each form member in abutting relation to the border member. Each form member has a height at its innermost end that is less than a height of its outermost end A cementitious material is poured into the predetermined area and the material is made flush with the respective top edges of the form members. An auxiliary form member is attachable to a trailing end of each form member to increase the versatility of the method.

Abstract: A graphic image is applied to a candle by depositing paper having a preprinted image atop a pool of molten wax for a few moments so that air is driven from the paper. The air-free paper is then positioned inside a candle mold and molten wax is poured into the mold. When the wax has cooled and the candle is removed from the mold, the paper is air bubble-free and is therefor transparent and not visible. The image is as clear as if it had been printed onto the candle. In a second embodiment, the image-bearing paper, after having been deposited atop a pool of molten wax for a few moments, is rolled into a cylindrical shape and placed concentrically into a candle mold having an interior diameter greater than the external diameter of the cylinder. Molten wax is then poured into the mold and the candle is removed when the wax has cooled.

Abstract: A socket has a gelatinous core to provide an enhanced cushioning effect for a residual limb. The gelatinous material is covered by a flexible inner cover that shields the skin of the residual limb from the gel and by a flexible outer cover that shields the inner wall of a prosthetic frame from the gel. The inner cover prevents the gel from absorbing body oils and therefore eliminates odors associated with liners formed of gelatinous materials. A self-inflating foam pad is positioned between the inner and outer covers to adjust the fit as needed when the residual limb changes in volume. The pad initially has substantially no air in its interstitial spaces and air is admitted when the patient opens a valve. This prevents over-pressurization of the pad because the maximum pressure that can be exerted by the pad is determined by the prosthetist when the patient is fitted with a prosthesis.

Abstract: A bailer that is substantially leak-free includes an improved valve assembly at its lowermost end. In a first embodiment, a valve body in the form of a hemispherical ball is mounted at the lowermost end of a straight valve stem. The hemispherical ball seats in a valve seat that matches the contour of the hemispherical exterior surface of the ball. In a second embodiment, the valve body and the matching valve seat are both frusto-conical in configuration. In a third embodiment, the valve body and matching valve seat are tapered downwardly to form an elongate, narrow slot. In a variation of each embodiment, a particle-collecting groove is formed in the valve seat so that particulate debris collects in the groove and does not defeat the full seating of the valve body in the matching valve seat. A fourth embodiment adds a guide member to the third embodiment structure to ensure seating of the downwardly tapering valve body in its valve seat.

Abstract: A corner lock for a mitered corner of a hollow door or window frame includes a pair of braces positioned in the interior of the door or window frame at each corner. The braces are interlocked with one another and extend from an outward part to an inward part of each corner. The first brace is directly attached to interior walls of outward horizontal and vertical parts of a door or window frame. The second brace has an outward end attached to the first brace and an inward end that abuttingly engages the inward corner of the door or window frame. A central screw extends through the first brace and bears against the second brace when advanced. The first brace bends into a convexity and the second brace bends into a concavity when the central screw is advanced. A rigid leg that forms a part of the second brace includes a base that bears against an inward corner when the central screw is advanced so that the mitered corner is strenghthened and locked against movement.

Abstract: A modular rotary wing aircraft includes a modular cockpit, central frame section, tailboom assembly, landing gear, flight control components and other modular parts so that those parts can be interchanged and interconnected to form differing helicopters to accommodate the requirement of differing tasks. A drive train platform is releasably mounted atop the fuselage formed by the interconnection of the cockpit, central frame section, and tailboom assembly. Modular hydraulic servos, a transmission and rotary propulsion unit, a gas turbine engine, and an engine oil cooling system are releasably mounted to the drive train platform. The drive train platform and all components mounted on it are removable as a unit from the fuselage so that inspection, repair, and maintenance can be performed at bench top level in a controlled environment.

Abstract: A warmer for treatment of the feet, neck, and lower back area includes a frame for holding a bladder. An open-cell foam-filled cushion is disposed within the bladder and a cover having opposite ends secured to the frame overlies the bladder so that the bladder holds its shape regardless of its orientation. An opening in a top wall of the bladder allows the charging of water into the bladder. The water fills the bladder and occupies the interstitial spaces of the cushion. The frame includes a flat base that is inclined slightly relative to a horizontal support surface and that flat base supports the bladder. The foam-filled bladder conforms to the soles of feet when the warmer is used as a foot rest. When used as a pillow, the bladder conforms to a person's head and neck, and it conforms to the lower back region when the warmer is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A chair for use by computer users includes a first platform for supporting a computer keyboard and a second platform for supporting a computer mouse. Both platforms are connected to a preselected armrest of the chair. The first platform is pivotally mounted in a horizontal plane so that it can be swung out of position to enable a user to get out of the chair and so that it can be swung back into its operable position when the user has reentered the chair. The first platform is also tiltable about a horizontal axis to enable the user to adjust its orientation to a comfortable position. The second platform is mounted to a left armrest to comfortably position the mouse for left-handed users and to a right armrest for right-handed users.

Abstract: A side-loading and discharging rack for use with vehicles includes a base that is permanently secured to a conventional luggage rack. A pivot interface member is pivotally secured to an outboard end of the base, a transversely disposed elongate slide member is slideably engaged by the pivot interface member, and a handle is attached to the outboard end of the elongate slide member. The elongate slide member has a storage position where its inboard end is retained by a bracket mounted on an inboard end of the base. When in the storage position, a first bias member urges the elongate slide member to slide in an inboard-to-outboard direction, but that sliding motion is prevented by a lock member having an outboard end that abuts against an inboard end of a stop member. A second bias member urges the stop member into blocking relation to the lock member when the elongate slide member is in its storage position.

Abstract: A substrate upon which an advertising message may be imprinted is secured in overlying relation to an overhead-opening type of truck or trailer rear door by an assembly that includes an elongate coil spring positioned on an interior side of the overhead door. The lowermost end of the spring is secured to the interior side of the door and the uppermost end of the coil spring is connected to a lower end of a winch by a nonstretchable strap. The upper end of the winch is connected by a nonstretchable strap to a rigid rod to which the upper end of the substrate is attached. Tightening the winch increases the tautness of the substrate and loosening the winch decreases the tautness. When properly adjusted, the substrate is taut throughout the entire door-raising and lowering procedure, even though the substrate is substantially nonstretchable and even though the opening of the door requires the substrate to extend a greater distance than when the door is closed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for grooming animals, particularly for the removal of loose hair and hair that is soon to become loose. In a first embodiment, a base has one or more slots that slideably receive a corresponding number of comb extensions. The comb extensions are transversely disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the base, are longitudinally spaced apart from one another, and are oriented at a common angle relative to the base. In a second embodiment, plural rows of transversely disposed tines are integrally formed with the base. In a third embodiment, the base and comb extensions are integrally formed with one another and the base is snap-fittingly engaged to a clip member having a handle that is integrally formed with it. Further embodiments include plural base sections that interlock with one another or which are interlocked together by a separate locking member to collectively form a base, wherein each base section carries a row of tines.

Abstract: A root feeding stake includes a funnel having a downspout that surmounts a first end of an elongate hollow tube. A second end of the elongate hollow tube is connected to a truncate hollow tube and a second end of the truncate hollow tube is connected to a leading section having a pointed end to facilitate its entry into soil. When installed, the leading section and the truncate hollow tube are below a ground surface and the funnel and elongate hollow tube are above the ground. Perforations are formed in the truncate hollow tube and a barrier is provided between the truncate hollow tube and the leading section so that water and liquid nutrients poured into the funnel flow through the downspout, the elongate hollow tube, and into the ground through the perforations. The perforations are formed in a predetermined sector of the truncate hollow tube to aim the water and liquid nutrients at the roots of a plant near which the stake is positioned.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and assembling a computer system from modular parts that are vertically stacked relative to one another. Each module has a predetermined geometrical configuration and interlocks only with other modules of the same geometrical configuration. Computer components are housed within modules of predetermined geometrical configuration so that a consumer purchasing a computer system by purchasing modules need only match module shapes to ensure component compatibility. A consumer may purchase a first module containing a computer component of the consumer's choice and complete a computer system of compatible components by purchasing additional modules having the same shape as the first module. In a preferred embodiment, each component is operated by a dedicated processing unit ("DPU") and operating system dedicated to it to avoid the limitations of computer systems that rely upon general purpose operating systems.

Abstract: An elongate side port of small circumferential extent is formed in a hollow bore needle of the type used for marking the location of a lesion or a tumor in a breast or soft tissue. A wire carrier housing an elongate flexible marking wire is slideably received within the hollow bore. The needle, wire carrier and wire are inserted into a breast or soft tissue so that the side port is facing a lesion. After position adjustments have been made, if needed, the wire is advanced so that its distal end is deflected through the side port by a radius formed in the distal end of the wire carrier. When extended, it marks the location of the lesion and anchors the wire against migration. If the position of the needle is then understood to be unsatisfactory, the marking wire is withdrawn through the side port and back into the wire carrier and the needle is withdrawn and then re-positioned.

Abstract: Items of furniture having interlocking parts formed of basic shapes include a chair formed of a circular back-support part, square legs, and a triangular seat. In a second embodiment, the back-support part of the chair is of octagonal form. In a third embodiment, a companion table has a circular tabletop and legs formed of squares with material-saving cut-outs formed in them. In all embodiments, the parts are slotted to receive slots of equal depth formed in mating parts so that the assembled furniture item is strong and stable. The furniture items have aesthetic appeal and teach children about basic shapes, the art of design, and the art of construction.

Abstract: A wheel protector has utility in protecting a wheel when a chemical solution is applied to a tire which is mounted upon the wheel where the solution lengthens the lifetime and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the tire. The wheel protector includes a flat, rectangular shield formed of a flexible material that partially surrounds the wheel during the application of the chemical solution to the tire. The shield is moved as needed to complete an application. The shield is formed of a resilient material and is curved to match the radius of the wheel when in us. A shape retainer, preferably formed of aluminum, is secured to the shield during use to prevent the shield from flattening out. The shield is secured to the shape retainer by a strip of hook and loop fastening material secured to the shield that mates with a complementary strip of hook and loop fastening material that is secured to the shape retainer.