Abstract: A lamp holder that can receive a discharge lamp has an insulating body that can work with an electrically conductive junction box. The junction box has a bottom, an opening opposite the bottom, and one or more sidewalls circumscribing the opening. The insulating body is sized to fit at least partially into the box, and has a flange sized to surmount and circumscribe the sidewalls that circumscribe the opening. The insulating body has (a) a cavity with a lamp entryway, and (b) a wire passageway providing access into the cavity. The wire passageway may travel partly underneath the cavity, or through a portion of the wall having a relatively greater wall thickness (or may travel otherwise.) A lamp contact is mounted in the cavity for electrically engaging the discharge lamp.

Abstract: Improved emission coating formulation, an electrode blank having the emission coating thereon, the electrode resulting from firing such a coated electrode blank, and the gas discharge electric devices utilizing such fired electrodes are claimed wherein the improvement is in the incorporation of iron oxide and/or cobalt oxide (a) into the emission coating formulation, (b) having a separate iron oxide and/or cobalt oxide coating layer on the electrode blank, or (c) firing the electrode blank with iron oxide and/or cobalt oxide being placed in the immediate environment of the coated electrode blank prior to firing the electrode.

Abstract: An additive for use in compounding rubber provides for improved process ability and enhanced resistance to cracking as a result of ozone exposure. The additive preferably comprises a polyethylene wax homopolymer having a number-average molecular weight number (Mn) of approximately 1000-1100 and melt viscosity of 20-40 mPas. The additive can be used in the manufacture of tires, belts, hoses, air springs and roofing membranes.

Abstract: The system and method can determine the condition of a plant, its equipment and facilities, at inspection sites identified by identification codes. A portable processing device with an inspection transducer can sense and store at least one measured characteristic of the plant equipment. This device can also read at least one of the identification codes of the plant equipment. A central processing system can communicate with and upload from the portable processing device at least measured characteristics and identification codes. The central processing system can, in response to at least one measured characteristic and at least one of the identification codes, produce a condition signal signifying the condition of some aspect of the plant.

Abstract: A self-destruct accessory fits on a mine whose case has a cap that can be depressed to detonate the mine. The accessory has a cover that is sized to fit on the cap. The cover has a plurality of lines for securing the cover to the mine. An explosive charge is mounted upon the cover and a detonator is located adjacent to the explosive charge. A remotely controllable device coupled to the detonator can receive a detonation signal from a remote location to detonate the explosive charge and explosively depress the cap in order to detonate and destroy the mine.

Abstract: An inlet hose feeds a tank that may be placed in a household sink which is too high above a floor for a conventional wet vacuum to lift a column of water. One or more inlet hoses each have a water pickup tube at the distal end. The hoses are connected to the tank chamber which has a vacuum created by a vacuum cleaner apparatus. An air inlet aperture in the pickup tube at the distal end of the inlet hose is kept above the water level. An air stream is drawn into the aperture of the pickup tube by the vacuum, which causes turbulence in the water stream in the pick up tube and breaks the water into droplets. This enables the vacuum of a given magnitude to lift the droplets to a higher elevation than a solid water column. Air inlet and water discharge valves are provided on the tank to control the water fill rate into the tank. An interior hose or channel stops the vacuum to the pickup hose when the fluid in the tank gets too high. A window in the tank permits observation of the fill rate.

Abstract: A wallpaper template can be used to cut wallpaper pieces in order to cover a closure such as a door, shutter or blind that may have a plurality of segments and frame elements. The wallpaper template has a plurality of indicia or apertures that are placed on a separate sheet or on a container for the closure. The indicia and apertures are arranged to define: (a) a segment pattern for outlining each of the segments; and (b) a closure pattern for outlining the closure. Thus, wallpaper can be cut by following the indicia or apertures.

Abstract: A chromatography detection system can handle the flow from a chromatography column. The chromatography detection system has an injection valve and a detector for detecting emissions from a flowing sample. The injection valve has at least one loop and is adapted to connect to the chromatography column. The valve can (a) load the at least one loop independently of the chromatography column in a first mode, and (b) serially connect the least one loop between the chromatography column and the detector in a second mode. Thus, flow from the at least one loop to the detector is driven by eluate from the chromatography column.

Abstract: A freehand writing instrument will hold a writing tip. The instrument can draw the writing tip across a writing surface in one or more strokes. The instrument has a case sized to be handheld and has a longitudinal axis extending between a distal and proximal end of the case. Also included is a motor mounted at the case. The writing instrument also has an arm mounted at the proximal end of the case. The arm is driven by the motor to move periodically about a predetermined center, reaching a maximum transverse displacement from the center. With the distal end of the case defined as a vertex, this maximum transverse displacement is sized to subtend a displacement angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The arm has a holder adapted to transversely hold the writing tip at an orientation displaced from parallel to the longitudinal axis no more than the displacement angle. The arm can produce a periodic pattern on the writing surface during the strokes.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment to the bill of a cap comprises a curved lens panel, and a pivot member to receive the lens and attach it to a frame. The pivot member includes a lens retaining member formed by a curvilinear wall that extends from the body, and the body's curved ends form receptacles that receive the lens panel's ends; the lens panel can be readily inserted and removed, enabling the user to interchange lenses, using different styles, colors, or prescriptions. The pivot member includes a hinge enabling the lens to be pivoted into several positions, and a middle member connecting the lens retaining receptacle with the hinge. The frame has curved ends which form a gripper opening for receiving the bill of a cap, and a barb which engages the bill. Screws threaded through the frame ends also aid in attaching the eyeglass assembly to the bill.

Abstract: A method for allowing at least one player to play a game of chance against a house, such as a casino. The method includes the step of allocating a predetermined number of indicia to the house and to the at least one player by chance. These indicia may be obtained by rolling dice, but other processes are contemplated. More indicia are allocated to the at least one player than to the house. The method also includes the step of applying ordinary values to the indicia allocated to the house. Another step is applying the ordinary values to the indicia allocated to the at least one player, unless one or more exceptions are invoked under a predetermined devaluation rule. Another step is declaring the at least one player a winner if the values applied to the indicia allocated to the at least one player after invoking the predetermined devaluation rule, exceed in total the ordinary values applied to the indicia allocated to the house.

Abstract: Two juxtaposed retraction reels automatically and independently retract an output power plug cable and an input power cable connected to an accessory power input plug. The cables are connected to a power converter for converting electrical power to voltage and current power levels for use in lap top computers and so on. The input plug has a second Em power plug / auto-air adapter mechanically and ohmically coupled thereto for use with other power sources such as in airplanes and so on. A slider holds the plug tip to the carrying housing in the carrying mode, the retraction reel holding the other power input plug end to the housing via its cable.

Abstract: A carrier adapted for mounting on a vehicle bed can carry cargo. The carrier has a stationary support mounted on the vehicle bed. The carrier also has an articulated support and a cargo support. The articulated support has a proximal end pivotally mounted on the stationary support. Also included is an elevation device coupled to the articulated support at an upper joint and to the stationary support at a lower joint for articulating the articulated support. The upper joint is further from the proximal end than the lower joint. The cargo support is mounted for longitudinal motion on the articulated support. The cargo support is operable to detach and reattach to the articulated support at a handoff location located at the proximal end of the articulated support. The carrier also has a motive device for moving the cargo support. This motive device includes a guide mechanism located at the handoff location for vertically translating and supporting an end of the cargo support from the handoff location.

Abstract: A folding wading pool has in an unfolded condition a floor encompassed by an annular sidewall. The floor has a plurality of lower creases diverging outwardly from a central location toward the sidewall. The sidewall has a spaced plurality of upright creases. The lower and the upright creases can be folded to: (a) contract said sidewall by folding said upright creases, and (b) collapse said floor by (i) articulating said lower creases about said central location, and (ii) swinging said sidewall toward said floor.

Abstract: A multipurpose article can provide a sleeping bag and personal cover. The article includes a planar flexible body having a peripheral fastener arranged to hold the flexible body in a folded condition to form a sleeping bag. The flexible body has an opening sized to permit passage of a person's head through the flexible body, so the flexible body can be worn on the person's shoulders. The flexible body also has a pouch arranged to be inverted in order to store the flexible body in a gathered condition.

Abstract: An upper tubular member is telescoped within a lower sleeve or sheath having a cane foot at its lowermost end. The sleeve is adjustably set along the member to set the length of the cane by a detent assembly employing a pawl and aperture arrangement. An article grasping mechanism is located at the lower end of the upper tubular member and includes a pair of toothed jaws with meshing teeth. The jaws extend from the tubular member at one end, opposite a handle attached to the tubular member at the other end. A lever is attached at the handle end and is coupled to the jaws via cables and pulleys. The jaws are biased open and are closed by the cables as the handle is squeezed closed. The sleeve encloses the jaws in the closed state when not in use. When the sleeve is removed from juxtaposition over the jaws, the jaws are biased open by torsion springs. The handle and lever are then used to close the open jaws over an article to be grasped.

Abstract: A game apparatus and method can determine flight characteristics of an object propelled by a player from a launch site toward a backstop. The foregoing can operate with a launch detector located at the launch site for producing a launch signal in response to launching of the object. A backstop sensing arrangement may be employed at the backstop having at least one spaced pair of sensors for producing a pair of arrival signals in response to arrival of the object at the backstop. A processor may be employed, which is coupled to the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement. The processor can (a) determine the relative response times of the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement, and (b) produce a characteristic signal as a function of the relative arrival times of the pair of arrival signals.

Abstract: Apparatus can cook foodstuffs with a pot and at least one support assembly adapted to rest atop the pot. The support assembly has a pair of walls. Each of the walls is dependently mounted from the support assembly. The walls are spaced apart an adjustable amount. The support assembly also has a floor hinged to and spanning the pair of walls.