Abstract: A flashing lantern (11) capable of emitting light through a 360-degree arc using LEDs as a light source is disclosed. The lantern comprises an array of LEDs (15) positioned in a substantially horizontal plane. An inverted conical reflector (19) is positioned above the array of LEDs (15) such that the apex of the reflector is pointed toward the array of LEDs (15). A fresnel-type lens (17) is positioned around the array of LEDs (15) and the conical reflector (19).

Abstract: In a process for extruding a low density foam, a foamable thermoplastic elastomer such as a thermoplastic rubber is selected. The selected thermoplastic elastomer is then fed into a heated extruder barrel where it is compressed and melted by the action of a screw. A blowing agent consisting of water is introduced into the melted thermoplastic elastomer. The melted thermoplastic elastomer and the water are thoroughly mixed and then cooled to a uniform, predetermined temperature. The mixture is then forced through a die to form an extruded foam profile.

Abstract: A storage unit, in the category of a cabinet, bookcase, locker and cubby, as provided which includes a frame defining top, bottom, and side walls to the storage unit. At least one shelf member and at least one shelf supporting member are received in the frame to divide the frame into separate storage cubicles or lockers. The frame is made from two blanks. A first blank forms the top and at least a part of the sides. The second blank forms at least a part of the bottom and may form a part of the sides. Each blank, as well as the shelves and shelf supports, are made from a core having upper and lower surfaces which are covered with a coating. The coating extends beyond edges of the blanks to define a channel which receives a finishing piece. Grooves are formed in the top blank to define bending points and separate the what will be the top of the frame from the sides of the frame. Shallower grooves are formed in the first and second blanks and define one guide channels for the shelves and shelf supports.

Abstract: An improved railroad frog bolt-nut assembly is disclosed. The bolt has a square head and a shank. The shank has an unthreaded portion adjacent the head and a threaded portion at its terminal end. The threaded portion is rolled to a diameter equal to the shank's unthreaded portion to produce high fastener strength. A unitary lock nut is formed with an annular boss extending from its outside end in which indentations intersecting with some of the nut threads are pressed to provide an interference, locking fit with the bolt threads.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing an input signal related to streamed digital video data. The method is directed to an interactive media network employing a client-server architecture. The method begins with initializing a counter. The counter may represent an elapsed time or a frame number. Next, the client station receives streamed digital video data representing multimedia information. The counter is then updated and the multimedia information represented by the streamed digital video data is displayed. Next, the input signal representing a user request is received at the user station. An index based on the value of the counter is then determined, and the method concludes by transferring execution control based on the index. A system is also disclosed for processing the steps of the above-described method.

Abstract: High purity argon is produced by subjecting a two-phase liquid-vapor mixture containing up to 3 volume % of nitrogen and/or up to 5 volume % oxygen to cryogenic temperature swing adsorption in an adsorption bed containing one or more adsorbents selective for nitrogen and/or oxygen at a temperature between the bubble point and the dew point of the two-phase mixture.

Abstract: A sports racquet, e.g., a tennis racquet, has an elastomeric pallet that slides onto the racquet shaft. The pallet is formed preferably with a pair of opposed axially extending guides formed on opposed interior surfaces of the pallet. Each guide defines a pawl member. The racquet shaft includes a pair of guide grooves, to receive a respective guide and pawl member, and each groove contains a mating ratchet member. When the pallet slides on the shaft, the guides slide along the guide grooves, until the pawl members and ratchet members engage, which locks the pallet at a predetermined position on the shaft against reverse movement. Due to the fact that the pallet can be easily mounted on the shaft, without the need for adhesive or mechanical fasteners, retailers can carry separate inventories of pallets and racquets, and the customer can select the desired pallet model and handle size at the time of purchase.

Abstract: A container for a substantially solid product such as a cosmetic product includes a base and a lid. The base defines a shape for the product and has open ends which include interior rims for sandwiching an end panel and a cosmetic product between them. The lid includes an interior rim at one end. An end panel frictionally fits with the rim. The container is formed of a bio-degradable material.

Abstract: A fabric having a furry surface comprising an elongated strip of a hair-coated skin of a fur-bearing animal, said strip having a hair-free body portion and a hair-bearing portion extending the length of the strip at a lower part thereof such that the hair extends from said lower part substantially in or adjacent to a single plane; and a non-furry thread of reinforcing material sewn into and extending the length of said hair-free body portion. The invention provides a fabric having improved strength. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the fabric and sewn strips of improved strength.

Abstract: A safe and stackable molded plastic chair having a structurally reinforced molded plastic body portion comprised of an integral seat and back rest employing generally curvilinear lines. An integral molded plastic mounting boss, having a hole formed therethrough, is formed on each corner of the seat. An arch-shaped, tubular plastic leg element having two legs is attached to each side of the seat by bolts inserted through the holes in the bosses. The bolt head seats in a recess formed in the boss. The bolt engages an arcuately shaped combination brace and fastener element situated with the tubular leg adjacent each mounting boss. During assembly, the brace and fastener element is positioned within the tubular leg by a removable, elongated magnetic or threaded rod until the bolt is sufficiently tight to draw the leg against the boss. The rod is removed leaving no exposed mounting hardware. A plug is inserted in the open end of each leg and a plastic sleeve covers the plug and leg end.

Abstract: An enclosure for a gas detector including an easily removable and replaceable battery/sensor holder and a battery absence indicator. The enclosure includes a flat first panel adapted to be fastened into a ceiling, a second panel spaced from the first panel to contain the gas detecting apparatus and a sidewall closing between the edges of the panels. A specially configured opening is provided to allow sound from an audio alarm to exit the enclosure. Another opening in the second side panel is configured to receive and retain a battery holder through a cooperating bayonet type arrangement of radial protrusions on the holder and notches in the sides of the opening. A tube is contained in the opening in such a way as to permit the tube to extend when the holder is removed to signal the absence of the holder. The tube is pushed back into the enclosure when the battery/sensor holder is inserted.

Abstract: A reusable one-way shipping container. The shipping container includes a box shaped outer container of mesh material into which is received a synthetic resin inner tank. The inner tank includes an inlet fitting and a discharge fitting which are respectively positioned so that they may be accessed through a fill opening and a discharge opening in the outer container. The top wall of the outer container is defined by a pair of panels which are hingedly secured to opposing side walls of the outer container for movement between an opened position and a closed position. The open position of the panels allows the inner tank to be removed from said outer container upwardly between the side walls. The closed position of the panels retains the inner tank within said outer container.

Abstract: A hollow chair may hold an amount of weight due to a flowable material contained therein and may be joined to one or more chairs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a process flow diagram from a process model. Process models include processing nodes and process streams. User defined process models can be stored and retrieved for later use. A processor utilizes the process model to determine coordinates for each node and to determine the routing coordinates for each process stream for display. Icons are substituted for nodes for display on the output device, and lines are substituted for process streams also for display on the output device.

Abstract: A method of protecting an informational article, on which variable information is inserted, from photocopy duplication and alteration. The method comprises providing an informational article substrate having a zone for inserting the variable information and a refractive image disposed within the zone. The variable information is inserted in the zone, and transparent tape is secured over the variable information. The transparent tape has a write-resistant exposed surface. The refractive image will resist photocopy duplication of the variable information article, and the write-resistant exposed surface will resist alteration of the inserted variable information.

Abstract: An asexually reproduced variety of perennial St. Augustinegrass with a unique combination of characters including white stigmas, yellow anthers, an absence of leaf hairs, floret number per raceme, raceme length, leaf length, and internode length, having good turf performance, good winter hardiness, and a distinct DNA fingerprint.