Abstract: A lifting and shaping system for a bra is disclosed. The system uses lift platforms shaped to fit into the cups of the bra and formed from thin material such as plastic. The lift platforms are attached to the bra toward the center of the bra. Connectors having one end attached to the lift platform and the other end attached to a slide on the shoulder strap adjust the lift of the lift platform when the slide is moved. Flexible shaping members distribute the lift of the lift platforms and maintain the natural shape of the breasts as they are lifted. Smoothing shields ease the movement of the lift platforms and connectors within the cloth confines of the breast cups. The flexible shaping members may also perform some of the functions of a smoothing shield.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis. The spindle is seated in a retaining means with a graduated lip around the perimeter. The turning of the spindle serves to raise a portion of the spindle from the retaining means, loosening the ball bearing grip on the shaft of the tack. The electronic article surveillance tag may be used with either a smoothed or grooved tack shaft and may be operated by either mechanical probe actuation or by the use of a magnetic detachment means applied to the spindle.

Abstract: An indicator apparatus for a receptacle comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first indicator and the second indicator mounted to the receptacle in an adjacent relationship. Each one of the indicators is rotatable between an up position and a down position. At least one of the indicators comprises urging element for urging one or both of the indicators between the respective positions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to provide for the safe and effective removal and neutralization of ammonia from a stream of waste oil or other liquid. The apparatus consists of a receiving tank, a treatment tank, circulation piping, associated controls, pumping and monitoring mechanisms. The primary utility for the invention is with commercial and industrial refrigeration units. The neutralizing solution in the treatment tank is circulated through the piping which includes a venturi that is used to induce a negative gauge pressure in the receiving tank by creating a suction that draws gases from the receiving tank. The negative pressure allows the receiving tank to pull the mixture of waste oil and entrained ammonia from the drain port of the refrigeration system even when the system is below atmospheric pressure. The venturi also removes ammonia gas from the receiving tank.

Abstract: A nock or an arrow having a nock with a chemical light source allows an archer or hunter to more easily locate and retrieve an arrow that has been shot from a bow. The nock is inserted into an arrow, wherein the nock comprises a body having an end for receiving a bowstring and an insert projecting from an opposing end. The body is formed of a translucent material for transmitting the light so that the light is visible to a user or others. The nock has a recess formed in the insert and the body. A chemiluminescent lightstick is utilized as the light source, and the insert is inserted into an end of the arrow.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis. The spindle is seated in a retaining means with a graduated lip around the perimeter. The turning of the spindle serves to raise a portion of the spindle from the retaining means, loosening the ball bearing grip on the shaft of the tack. The electronic article surveillance tag may be used with either a smoothed or grooved tack shaft and may be operated by either mechanical probe actuation or by the use of a magnetic detachment means applied to the spindle.

Abstract: An improved mine roof bolt is disclosed. The mine roof bolt comprises a bolt portion having a threaded end, a slidable camming nut, a stop, and an expansion shell having a central threaded nut with wedge fingers extending from it. The camming nut is fitted into the expansion shell which is threaded onto the threaded section of the bolt. Turning the bolt while it is in a hole causes the expansion shell to move along the bolt and carry the camming nut to the stop located on the bolt, and this causes the wedge fingers to engage with the camming nut, spreading the wedge fingers into contact with the hole sides. As the turning of the bolt continues, the relative movement of the camming nut and wedge fingers increases the wedging effect within the hole until the bolt is anchored in the hole. While turning of the bolt may serve to mix a catalytic adhesive, the adhesive is not needed to activate the mechanical anchoring mechanism of the mine roof bolt.

Abstract: A deactivator for deactivating label-style EAS devices is claimed. The preferred embodiment, of which, employs a microprocessor unit to control two transceiver coils, and a deactivation coil in series with a capacitor. The two transceiver coils are essentially two flat figure eights arranged concentrically but rotated through some angle with respect to each other. The transceiver coils are operated alternatively, first transmitting an interrogation signal and then listening for a response. When an EAS device is detected, the microprocessor unit drives the capacitor and deactivation coil at the system's resonant frequency to generate a high amplitude magnetic field then shifts the frequency of the driving current away from the resonant frequency to attenuate the magnetic field. A field sensor or current sensor provides feedback to the microprocessor to determine the resonant frequency of the system during a frequency sweep.

Abstract: The present invention is a remote de-activation system for use with vehicles or other motorized equipment consisting of a remote portable RF signal generation unit which communicates with an RF receiver mounted on the vehicle to be disabled. The receiver unit features circuit interruption switching or relays and is transposed within the ignition circuit of the vehicle or equipment to be disabled. The system is further characterized as including independent power sources for the RF transmitter, receiver and alarm systems such as to prevent malfunction of the system through compromising the power sources. Alternative embodiments include the utilization of a centralized battery charger and key locks.

Abstract: A hopper for a paintboll gun is disclosed. The hopper is a gravity feed hopper and has a lower profile than those in the previous art. The hopper fits closely to the profile of the paintball gun and may have multiple chambers along with unidirectional gates to control the flow between chambers and within chambers as well. This invention may take the form of a hopper mounted onto a previous type of paintboll gun as an aftermarket add-on or it may be built into the paintball gun itself as part of its construction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus which automates the weight measurement of a payload in conjunction with a roller bed based loading/unloading station. The apparatus is designed as a retrofit for an existing loading station and consists a stationary frame mounted underneath the roller bed loading station. The apparatus includes lifters which are raised by air cylinders or the equivalent upon activation to physically remove the payload temporarily from the roller bar station while the weight is measured through load cells arranged with the lifters. The engagement and release of the lifters as well as the reading of information from the load cells is coordinated and controlled by a microprocessor. Appropriate communication means are provided for, to enable the system to be activated, and to allow the weight readings taken to be incorporated into other payload management functions such as billing, receiving, inventory control, or other functions.

Abstract: A light-emitting ceramic based panel, hereafter termed “electroceramescent” panel, and alternative methods of fabrication for the same are claimed. The electroceramescent panel is formed on a substrate providing mechanical support as well as serving as the base electrode for the device. One or more semiconductive ceramic layers directly overlay the substrate, and electrical conductivity and ionic diffusion are controlled. Light emitting regions overlay the semiconductive ceramic layers, and said regions consist sequentially of a layer of a ceramic insulation layer and an electroluminescent layer, comprised of doped phosphors or the equivalent. One or more conductive top electrode layers having optically transmissive areas overlay the light emitting regions, and a multi-layered top barrier cover comprising one or more optically transmissive non-combustible insulation layers overlay said top electrode regions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to provide for the safe and effective removal and neutralization of ammonia from a stream of waste oil or other liquid. The apparatus consists of a receiving tank, a treatment tank, transfer piping, associated controls, pumping and monitoring mechanisms. The primary utility for the invention is with commercial and industrial refrigeration units. The mixture of waste oil and entrained ammonia is removed from the drain port of the refrigeration system and placed into the receiving tank. The receiving tank includes aeration piping and nozzles and is in fluid communication with the treatment tank. The system provides for the introduction of an acid such as carbon dioxide as a neutralizing agent to be mixed with liberated ammonia as it is pumped into the treatment tank for recirculation.

Abstract: A method for providing secondary roof support in an underground mine such as to reduce the hazard of localized crumbling or deterioration of a mine roof. The apparatus generally comprises a slightly convex steel plate, crafted to cradle a roof bolt and which is supported by the base plate of the primary roof control system. The apparatus is utilized with standard primary roof bolt systems. By applying an upward pressure on the roof and effecting a larger coverage area for each roof bolt, the opportunity for drawrock separation to begin is reduced, and the exposure of the elements to drawrock strata in the vicinity of the bolt is eliminated. The method includes the step of utilizing the apparatus, with convex portion of the lateral plate facing upwards, before the placement of the base plate and roof bolt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of re-tightening or retensioning a roof bolt in an underground mine serves the purpose of enabling the operator to place tension between the head of a permanent, epoxy-secured, roof bolt and the roof plate of a standard roof bolt system used to effect primary roof support in an underground mine. The method and apparatus have particular utility in mines in which drawrock or localized crumbling of shale of soft rock material is encountered as the first layer of material in the mine roof. The apparatus consists of a slotted screw member and slotted nut combination. A second embodiment of the apparatus is comprised of a slotted nut, slotted screw member, and one or more slotted spacers to be oriented between the roof bolt head and base plate. The members are turned with the appropriate tightening tool such as to apply pressure between the base plate and roof bolt head, thereby re-tensioning the roof bolt.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method and apparatus for collecting a liquid overspray from a gaseous mist and separating the liquid from the gas stream. The invention has utility in a wide variety of chemical application processes such as to reduce the hazards and waste characterized by prior art methods and provide a mechanism for the in-line recycling of the overspray liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a hooded recovery unit which is oriented above and about a conveyor system in which a workpiece travels through a spray zone in which a chemical or other liquid is applied to the workpiece. In such a situation, the present invention provides for the recovery of overspray liquid which would otherwise be wasted as the liquid or chemical is applied to the workpiece during the period in which the workpiece passes through the recovery unit. The system includes a spray application chamber, a conditioning chamber, and an overspray collection chamber.