Abstract: This is a method of absorbing energy that provides a seat system (100) for a vehicle (6) with a first portion (24) and a second portion (26) having a seat (12) for supporting an occupant. A plurality of energy absorbers (28) extends between the first (24) and second (26) portions for absorbing energy on the second portion (26) of the seat system. Any combination of the plurality of energy absorbers (28) provides a discrete energy profile (20). Physical parameters (42) acting on the seat system (100) are detected. The detected physical parameters (42) are used to calculate absorption energy (31). The lowest discrete energy profile (20) is selected that is greater than the calculated absorption energy (31).

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to strain reduction on a balloon system in extreme weather conditions. The strain reduction is achieved by using an elastic bungee between a balloon and the tether attached to the balloon. As wind pushes on the balloon, immediate pressure caused by the wind is cushioned on the elastic bungee rather than on the balloon or the tether, thereby reducing immediate force and tension on either the balloon or the tether. Thus, the balloon system that includes the balloon and the tether is protected from damage that can possibly be caused by tension due to pressure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an adaptable cover configured to substantially surround and encase a mattress or box spring is disclosed. The encasement is stretchable, and can be adapted for use with at least two different sizes of mattresses or box springs.

Abstract: An interior lighting system for a security safe is taught which incorporates a power supply that is located within the safe and converts alternating current power to low voltage direct current. An electrical switch is in communication with the power supply and mechanically interfaces with the safe door boltworks which energize the lighting system when the safe door is unlocked and opened. A number of LED lights are disposed within the door edge and connected to the switch. When the door is hinged open the LED lights are energized through the switch and illuminate the interior of the safe until the door is closed and bolted.

Abstract: An adjustable direction LED puck light is disclosed that incorporates an inner bowl shaped with external radial sides, an open top and a closed bottom incorporating an outwardly extending square post. A printed circuit board, including an LED cluster, is mounted in the interior of the inner bowl. A transparent lens is snapped into the open top of the inner bowl directly above the printed circuit board. An outer bowl body is, shaped inside with reversed internal radial sides in mirror image of the inner bowl. The inner bowl assembly is nested within the outer bowl body, permitting the inner bowl to be angularly reposition therebetween. A bezel is attached within an open top of the outer bowl body permitting the inner bowl to be manually repositioned at an angle to direct light emitting from the LED cluster in a desired direction. Mounting provisions permit the outer bowl body to be attached onto a fixed surface that contains a hole provided to receive the LED puck light.

Abstract: A method for making fire retardant material including fire retardant cellulosic insulation is described. The method includes an arrangement for adding one or more feedstocks and a fire retardancy chemical compound to a common blend tank prior to feedstock drying. The one or more feedstocks may include at least one virgin pulp stock feed and at least one recycled material stock feed. The amount and type of both the virgin feedstock and the recycled material feedstock is selectable. Old newsprint (ONP) may be one type of recycled material feedstock. Another suitable type of recycled material feedstock is old corrugated containers (OCC). The method further includes retaining the fiber feedstock and the chemical compound together for enough time to ensure adherence or impregnations of enough of the chemical to the fibers after the drying process. Fluffing or fiberizing of the treated fibers may be accomplished under less severe conditions than ordinarily employed when making conventional cellulose insulation.

Abstract: A method for making fire retardant material including fire retardant cellulosic insulation. The method includes an arrangement for adding one or more feedstocks and a fire retardancy chemical compound to a common blend tank prior to feedstock drying. The one or more feedstocks may include at least one virgin pulp stock feed and at least one recycled material stock feed. The amount and type of both the virgin feedstock and the recycled material feedstock is selectable. Old newsprint (ONP) may be one type of recycled material feedstock. Another suitable type of recycled material feedstock is old corrugated containers (OCC). The method further includes retaining the fiber feedstock and the chemical compound together for enough time to ensure adherence or impregnations of enough of the chemical to the fibers after the drying process. Fluffing or fiberizing of the treated fibers may be accomplished under less severe conditions than ordinarily employed when making conventional cellulose insulation.

Abstract: A method for making fire retardant material including fire retardant cellulosic insulation. The method includes an arrangement for adding one or more feedstocks and a fire retardancy chemical compound to a common blend tank prior to feedstock drying. The one or more feedstocks may include at least one virgin pulp stock feed and at least one recycled material stock feed. The amount and type of both the virgin feedstock and the recycled material feedstock is selectable. Old newsprint (ONP) may be one type of recycled material feedstock. Another suitable type of recycled material feedstock is old corrugated containers (OCC). The method further includes retaining the fiber feedstock and the chemical compound together for enough time to ensure adherence or impregnations of enough of the chemical to the fibers after the drying process. Fluffing or fiberizing of the treated fibers may be accomplished under less severe conditions than ordinarily employed when making conventional cellulose insulation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reinforcing a traffic control assembly are provided. In some embodiments, a retrofitted traffic control assembly configured to reinforce a traffic signal assembly in high wind conditions is provided, where the assembly includes a clamping assembly having clamping members that at least partially surround an existing traffic signal disconnect hanger, and bar members positioned substantially perpendicular to the clamping members. In certain embodiments, stiffening members may be placed in, on, or adjacent to a traffic signal and/or a traffic signal disconnect hanger to further reinforce the traffic signal assembly. Also provided are connection assemblies for reinforcing the portion of a traffic control assembly positioned between a traffic signal disconnect hanger and an upper span wire, for example.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fabric cover configured to substantially surround a mattress is disclosed. A zipper is coupled to the fabric cover and configured to provide an opening in the fabric cover. The zipper is further has a zipper pull and is configured to be opened and closed by movement of the zipper pull. A zipper anchor is also configured to secure the zipper pull in a position causing the zipper to be substantially closed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed having a first wedge having a first side and a second side oriented at some angle relative to the first side, and a second wedge glidably connected to the first wedge, having a first side and a second side oriented at some angle relative to the first side. The first wedge glides relative to the second wedge to stop the door before the door stop reaches a maximum length of travel.

Abstract: A firearm aluminum travel case (10) for protecting rifles during transportation consist of a rectangular lower enclosure body (20) and a rectangular upper enclosure body (34) arcuately attached together with a continuous hinge (52) along longitudinal sides. Cushions (48) and (50) are incorporated into each body respectively for retaining at least one rifle securely during transit. A resilient gasket (56) forms a seal between the lower and upper enclosure body also recessed tilt casters (62) and a handle (64) are provided for manual towing. An electrical two point locking system is housed within the enclosure bodies and includes a touch pad (70) incorporating an electronic controller (62) that electrically operates the locking system. A mechanical bypass panel cam lock (104) circumvents the electrical two point locking system providing access assurance.

Abstract: A safety relief valve provides for the equalization of backpressure across a valve spindle by providing for flow of fluid between equal sized upper and lower surfaces of the spindle in order to render the valve set point independent of backpressure, such that opening characteristics are controlled solely by the setting of the valve control spring. A seal preferably formed of TEFLON® is provided to prevent the escape of fluid from the valve body, which would otherwise adversely affect the pressure balance between the upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A collapsible barrier system that is lightweight and meets existing safety regulations is disclosed. The barrier system has support members that are hinged to form a three dimensional structure. The structure may also have handles used in deployment and transportation of the barrier and vertical posts that support a web providing both additional structure as well as a message medium. The system can be used in a variety of temporary barrier applications both indoors and outdoors and may be enhanced with audio and/or illuminated signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and conversion kits, that include all necessary components, to convert any style existing prior art fume hood into a stable vortex high performance low airflow fume hood that can accommodate varying size prior art fume hoods without altering the fume hood envelope or customizing the conversion kit. The articulating rear baffle can be lifted out for cleaning debris that collects in baffle conduit. The conversion can be accomplished without drilling mounting holes into an asbestos liner and can be applied on any size or style prior art fume hood. The present invention also provides a new fume hood incorporating the features of the method and kit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fabric cover configured to substantially surround a mattress is disclosed. A zipper is coupled to the fabric cover and configured to provide an opening in the fabric cover. The zipper is further has a zipper pull and is configured to be opened and closed by movement of the zipper pull. A zipper anchor is also configured to secure the zipper pull in a position causing the zipper to be substantially closed.

Abstract: A surge relief valve comprising a main valve body having a dome port and an inlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with a first fluid. The invention further includes a dome reservoir connected to the main valve body via the dome port and arranged to hold a second fluid, a piston located in the main valve body, the piston in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a dampening ring positioned around the circumference of the piston operatively arranged to dampen the piston, wherein the first fluid exerts an upward force on the piston, the second fluid exerts a downward force on the piston, and the piston is arranged to move in response to a differential in the upward and downward forces, wherein the first and second fluids are isolated from one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for manufacturing nutritionally balanced food compositions suitable for retort sterilization which have a low pH, extended shelf life, high antimicrobial activity, and which include protein in a stable emulsion. The primary protein source for the food composition is caseinates or milk protein concentrates and isolates comprised mostly of casein. Alternately, milk protein concentrates, milk protein isolates, milk protein hydrolystates, soy protein isolates or soy protein concentrates may also be used. The process includes two homogenization steps.

Abstract: A safety relief valve provides for the equalization of backpressure across a valve spindle by providing for flow of fluid between equal sized upper and lower surfaces of the spindle in order to render the valve set point independent of backpressure, such that opening characteristics are controlled solely by the setting of the valve control spring. A seal preferably formed of TEFLON® is provided to prevent the escape of fluid from the valve body, which would otherwise adversely affect the pressure balance between the upper and lower surfaces.