Abstract: In various embodiments, a multi-application apparatus may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The multi-application apparatus may include a sprayer configured to apply a profileable material to an area of a driving surface during a pass of the vehicle by the area to create a first marking. The multi-application apparatus may also include an applicator configured to apply the profileable material to at least a portion of the area of the driving surface during the same pass of the vehicle by the area to create a second marking. The second marking may have a more varied profile than the first marking In various embodiments, the multi-application apparatus may include controls that enable independent control of various parameters during operation.

Abstract: A sprinkler controller includes a central portion and a peripheral switch being moveable in an arcuate path relative to the central portion. The peripheral switch may be a peripheral dial that can be rotated about the central portion. The dial may be rotated to select a particular mode of the sprinkler controller. A display screen is positioned on the central portion. At least two controls are also positioned on the central portion. When a mode is selected by using the peripheral dial, the user may then employ the controls (and the display on the screen) to modify the settings for the sprinkler controller. A method of using the sprinkler controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tape applicator apparatus for applying tape to a surface. The apparatus is configured for application of parallel strips of tape, as lateral plates holding tape are adjusted laterally dependent on the width desired intermediate the tape strips. At least two oppositely disposed tape holders are attached to the lateral plates and are configured collinear to at least two spool members and at least two distal and proximal rollers. The collinear nature of the tape holders, spools, and rollers allow the tape to be applied to the surface in a parallel fashion with a specifically set intermediate distance.

Abstract: A dual-band omnidirectional antenna is provided. The antenna comprises a vertically stacked antenna array, in the following order: a first dual-band dipole which resonates at a first frequency band and a second frequency band, a first single-band dipole which resonates only at the first frequency band, a second single-band dipole which resonates only at the first frequency band, and a second dual band dipole which resonates at the first frequency band and second frequency band. The first frequency band is of a higher frequency than the second frequency band.

Abstract: This liquid applicator (10) provides a container (14) having a valve assembly (50). The valve assembly (50) includes a unitary closure (12) having a passage with a partition (28) dividing the passage into first and second portions (26) and (27) providing a valve opening. A plunger (16) provides a valve element which has an intermediate tapered portion (29) received within the partition (42) opening to provide flow of liquid from the container (14). A spring (20) overfits the plunger (16) and engages a retainer (22) at the end of the closure (12) and a nib (18) interfits the closure first passage (25) to engage the plunger (16) to provide longitudinal movement of the plunger (16) to open the valve assembly (50) to dispense liquid from the container (14) and into the nib (18) when pressure is applied to move the plunger (16) out of the valve opening.

Abstract: A utility meter has an internal antenna for transmitting data. The antenna is positioned between the radome of the utility meter and its front surface. The antenna comprises dipole radiator that is generally curved to the shape of the meter housing. The dipole radiator comprises a dielectric substrate carrying two asymmetric curved radiating metallic sheets, each forming a portion of the dipole, which combined extend about 135° of the circumference of the utility meter. A balun feed is connected to the metallic sheets and a transmission line is coupled to a transmitter.

Abstract: A body tone exercise brick includes a brick body having a receiving chamber opened upward, a bar detachably mounted in the receiving chamber of the brick body, and a pair of weight members alternatively placed in the receiving chamber of the brick body or detachably coupled to two ends of the bar when the bar is taken out from the receiving chamber of the brick body. Thus, the body tone exercise brick of the invention has a variety of exercise modes to train muscles of various portions.

Abstract: A back stretching device includes a curved cushion having an elongated slot through top and bottom sides thereof, a housing mounted on the bottom side of the curved cushion, a motor mounted in the housing, and a rotating member accommodated in the housing and eccentrically connected with an output shaft of the motor. Thus, the back stretching device of the invention can be used to effectively stretch and relax a user's back muscles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved tank structure having an outer shell of metal material with an inner surface and an outer surface, and an inner shell of a plastic resin material fused to the inner surface of the outer shell. The tank structure has at least two insert fittings mounted in corresponding openings formed in the outer shell, each insert fitting defining an opening for providing access to the interior of the tank structure. A top end of each insert fitting projects above the outer surface of the outer shell, and is formed with a peripheral flange for welding to the outer surface of the outer shell. The remaining body portion of each insert fitting extends into the interior of the tank structure and has a circumferential groove formed in the outer surface thereof which provides a gripping surface to which the inner shell is fused.

Abstract: An antenna is provided which includes a primary folded dipole element and a feed for the primary folded dipole element. The primary folded dipole element is operable to resonate at a first frequency range. A parasitic dipole element is located within the primary folded dipole element and is spaced therefrom. The parasitic dipole element is operable to resonate at a frequency range that is higher than the first frequency range. Additional parasitic dipole elements may be located within the primary folded dipole element and spaced therefrom to resonate at different frequency ranges.

Abstract: A method for transferring a dye sublimation ink image onto an elastomeric substrate which includes preheating the elastomeric substrate in which the dye sublimation ink image is to be transferred until the elastomeric substrate has thermally expanded, while the elastomeric substrate is still thermally expanded, disposing the dye sublimation ink image on top of the portion and applying at least a sufficient amount of heat onto the elastomeric substrate to effectively transfer the dye sublimation ink image onto the elastomeric substrate. Preheating of the elastomeric substrate is accomplished at temperature ranging from approximately 360 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 20 seconds.

Abstract: This liquid applicator provides a container having a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a closure having a passage with a partition dividing the passage into first and second portions and providing a valve opening. A plunger provides a valve element which has an intermediate tapered portion received within the partition opening to provide flow of liquid from the container. A spring overfits the plunger and engages a retainer at the end of the closure and a nib interfits the closure first passage to engage the plunger to provide longitudinal movement of the plunger to open the valve assembly to dispense liquid from the container and into the nib when pressure is applied to move the plunger out of the valve opening.

Abstract: A license plate frame assembly comprises a license plate frame, a seat member attached to the license plate frame, and a first antenna carried at the seat member in a position facing at an angle from the vertical. Also, multiple antennas may be carried by the license plate frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring attributes such as color, thickness and/or retro reflectivity of a road marking disposed on a road surface. The apparatus includes a vehicle that travels over the road surface. The vehicle transports a measurement system and a computer. The measurement system includes at least one subsystem, which may include a color measurement subsystem, a thickness measurement subsystem and/or a retro-reflectivity measurement subsystem. The computer receives the measurement information from the measurement system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for applying thermoplastic marking material to a pavement surface. The apparatus includes a hopper for holding a supply of particulate thermoplastic marking material in a non-molten state, a means for conveying the thermoplastic marking material from the hopper to a continuous melt processor, and a conduit from the continuous melt processor to a dispenser that directs molten thermoplastic marking material to the pavement surface. The apparatus further includes means for heating the continuous melt processor and conduit to a temperature that is higher than the melt temperature of the thermoplastic marking material. The present invention also provides a method of applying a thermoplastic marking material to a pavement surface.